January is the time of New Year's Resolutions, of self-improvement and trying new things.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
'Reading more books' is one of the top 10 most common new years resolutions, but it can be hard to know where to start. Three weeks in to January, Australian Community Media is making fulfilling your reading resolution easy thanks to the staff at Moruya Books
Books are back in fashion: An English study of more than 860 participants found during COVID-19 lockdowns, more people are reading, and they're reading more books.
"Covid and isolation has allowed people more time to read," the staff at Moruya Books said. "People are tending to stock up in case of lockdowns, isolating and illness. We're selling lots of well-balanced piles, with something for everyone in the family."
They endorse stockpiling of books.
"No one wants to be caught out!" they said. "[Books are] More important than toilet paper if you ask us."
They said Moruya Books had seen an increase in demand for fiction, fantasy and travel writing as forms of escapism from COVID reality.
"Health books have also been popular," the staff said; "especially everyone's favourite COVID-guru and great re-assurer, Norman Swan's 'What's Good For You'.
If you've resolved to read more books in 2022, Moruya Books has recommended five books you simply must read this year:
- 'House in the Cerulean Sea' and 'Under the Whispering Door', both by T.J. Klune. Thee staff describe it as "Humorous and touching, with beautiful characters - they are books that open your heart".
- 'Muster Dogs' by Aticia Grey. Moruya Books regulars will know the Kelpie is their store mascot. Dogs are always welcome in store, and owner Janice is known as 'the dog whisperer',
- 'Still Life' by Sarah Winman. They recommend this book as the perfect combination of armchair travel and historical fiction, satisfying a whole range of tastes in one book.
- 'The Last Woman in the World' by Inga Simpson. Written by a local, this theme is close to home for all Eurobodalla residents. Simpson combines experiences of bushfires and Covid, turning them into a thrilling fast-paced and thought provoking read you can't put down.
- 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' by Charlie Mackesy. A book for all ages and stages and a keepsake to help with all of the tough times we've had to face lately.
We asked Moruya Books for five books they're excited about being released in 2022.
"It's an action packed year of new releases," they said. "So many big names to get excited about, five is just the tip of the ice berg.....so we've given you six!"
Their six books to look forward to in 2022 are:
- Dervla McTiernan's latest standalone novel 'The Murder Rule' (to be released in May)
- James Patterson & Dolly Parton have co-written a book! 'Run Rose, Run' We're intrigued! (March)
- Marian Keyes, a favourite light hearted and humorous author, perfect for distraction, 'Again, Rachel' (February)
- Norman Swan's second offering 'So You Want to Live Younger Longer?' Yes please Norman! (July)
- For kids, there is a shiny new #5 to the Wings of Fire Graphic Novel series, 'The Brightest Night', by Tui Sutherland (February)
- Geraldine Brooks: A Moruya Books staff favourite author - 'Horse' (June)
Think you need a little more motivation to get reading? Moruya Books have recommendations from local authors, or set in the local landscape. You can read about the places in the Eurobodalla that you love, from the pen of authors who live locally.
If you're after content close to home, Moruya Books recommends:
- Anything written by Inga Simpson (they love her so much they've recommended her twice!) including her most recent 'The Last Woman in the World' or the more meditative 'Mr Wigg'.
- '71/2' by Christos Tsiolkas, based around the beautiful coastline of Narooma.
- Local Eurobodalla author Julie Janson's novel 'Benevolence' - which provides an important Aboriginal perspective on first contact along the Hawkesbury river from the perspective of a Durag women narrator.
- 'The Dhurga Dictionary' which provides an opportunity to learn the local language!
James Tugwell
James Tugwell is a reporter for Australian Community Media in Batemans Bay. james.tugwell@austcommunitymedia.com.au 0447 189 738
James Tugwell is a reporter for Australian Community Media in Batemans Bay. james.tugwell@austcommunitymedia.com.au 0447 189 738
