Heather, Dymocks Albury
"The Other Side of Beautiful is the story of Mercy Blain and her ‘break through’ from a nervous breakdown. Although Kim Lock leaves no doubt in the reader’s mind as to how difficult it is to cope in such a situation, she also demonstrates the joy in being able to re-engage in life. Whilst the reader is taken on a journey from Adelaide to Darwin with Mercy and her sausage dog, Wasabi, the author also cleverly takes the reader on the journey from Mercy’s ‘break down’ to her ‘break through’."
Heather, Dymocks Waurn Ponds
"In the tradition of Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, this is a coming-of-age story about Bridget, a 12-year-old navigating year 7, first periods and boys. Written in a lyrical verse style, this book will appeal to girls looking for a compassionate glimpse of what’s to come. With competitive swimming and mean girls thrown in, Bridget is a fine role model of a girl learning to stand her ground."
Jess, Dymocks Joondalup
"With a science fiction thriller framework, Girl One explores the fascinating theory of virgin birth and the implications of such. Will these children be miracles or monsters? Alderman's The Power meets Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale in this powerful acclamation of feminism, empowerment, and ambition. A book that will spark your curiosity and your imagination."
Clare, Dymocks Ellenbrook
"Lizzie March is looking for Mr Right. When she meets Jake Wheeler, her supervisor at work, she convinces herself he is "The One", and after one romantic evening together Lizzie thinks they're in a permanent relationship. When Lizzie finds out she is unexpectedly pregnant, she must convince bad boy Jake that she is "The One" for him. A funny rom-com that I couldn't put down, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Loving Lizzie March!"
Georgia, Dymocks Wollongong
"Move! encourages the reader to think of movement, not as an inconvenience, but as an opportunity to boost their mood, outlook on life and mental well-being. Recent research captured in this book outlines the intimate connection between the body and mind. You do not have to spend hours doing physically intense workouts to reap the numerous benefits of simple, everyday movement. This book explores a number of enjoyable activities, backed by science, that will help you feel better, think clearer, and get more out of your day and life."
Mathew, Dymocks Waurn Ponds
"It's hard to believe She Is Haunted is Paige Clark's debut novel. The first 20 pages will have you thinking she is a veteran in the literary world, and that's what makes this book so special. Each story flows with ease and is masterfully interwoven to create an intriguing reading experience, that takes you on a journey through real world scenarios which the characters face. There's never been a better time to read Australian!"
Tanaya, Dymocks Marketing Coordinator
"She's On the Money is the money guide I never knew I needed. Filled with practical advice from financial advisor Victoria Devine, and stories from listeners of the She's On the Money podcast, this book has empowered me to be better with my money. Fans of the podcast will love this book, but so will those who haven't listened and want a realistic guide catered to the needs of a millenial woman. I'll be gifting copies of this book to all my friends; it's a must-read!"
Gina, Dymocks Neutral Bay
"From the author who brought us the brilliant The Beekeeper of Aleppo, comes the equally brilliant Songbirds, about the disappearance of a Sri Lankan nanny and how the most vulnerable people find their voices. Christy Lefteri has expertly delivered a thought-provoking novel of sacrifice, love and loss. This novel follows the story of Nisha, a Sri Lankan lady with striking amber “mango eyes” who moved to Cyprus to work as a house maid for Petra, a heavily pregnant lady whose husband had very recently passed away. Until one day after nine years of excellent service, when Nisha disappears without a trace. This is the perfect choice for readers who are looking to expand their understanding of the world around us."
Sharyn, Dymocks Merchandise Manager
"The Mother Wound is Amani Haydar's beautifully told story of resilience and coming to terms with the loss of her mother to an incredibly brutal act of domestic violence. Such a powerful and important memoir - one you won't be able to put down."
Jess, Dymocks Joondalup
"The murder of a young woman on an island off the coast of NSW sends the reader down the rabbit hole of the victim's life, and her dysfunctional family situation. Paulina runs away to the island to begin a new life, but she cannot run from herself, her bad behaviour and her choices in men. To be honest she is not a likeable person, but the reasons she was the way she was kept you fully immersed in the story. The other major theme explored in The Newcomer is the mother's grief, and the regrets she had to deal with in their lives both leading up to the murder, and in the aftermath, where she is determined to find out who killed her daughter. Inspired by true events, The Newcomer is a dark and discomforting cautionary tale."
Emma, Dymocks Karrinyup
"This debut novel is an absolute knockout. There are plenty of books that revolve around fractured families, and the flawed people that populate them, but Quade's exploration of the formidable weight of familial love and how it can be tested is just sublime. Vivid, tender, funny, frustrating, heartbreaking - I haven't fallen so hard for a cast of characters in a while. Once I finished the book, I missed their company. A firm new favourite!"
Gina, Dymocks Neutral Bay
"Nothing is stronger than a small hope that doesn’t give up, and that is exactly what this book does, it provides the reader with real and firm hope. To read The Comfort Book is an honest privilege. Haig's many fans (as evidenced by the success of The Midnight Library) will appreciate this small volume of essays and vignettes. One excerpt includes a list of ten books that the author quotes as those which helped his mind; I for one will definitely include this book in my own personal list. The Comfort Book is everything you want in a book with that title. I thoroughly enjoyed Haig's soothing and thoughtful words."
Jess, Dymocks Joondalup
"Full of elegant prose and hidden wisdoms, The Shut Ins is an intriguing story of duty and tradition as each character feels trapped by their expected societal moulds, desiring a way of escape. The novel is slithered with the author’s anecdotes on her exploration and understanding of hikikomori and achiragawa - a skilful inclusion that compliments the narrative."
For more books we love in July, check out our Books of the Month.