April Reading Guide | Page 2

Welcome to the April reading guide ! With lots of highly anticipated new books set to hit the shelves , you ’ re sure to find something to love . If you ’ re looking for inspiration , check out our Books of the Month !

For our April Fiction Book of the Month , we wanted to highlight a fresh voice and story . Winnie Dunn ’ s Dirt Poor Islanders is a beautifully drawn book about a Tongan-Australian girl growing up and finding her own way . On page 3 , the debut novelist talks about the underrepresentation of the Tongan people in Australia and her mission to challenge stereotypes and authentically represent the people and culture she knows so well . Dunn also discusses the work of the Sweatshop Literacy Movement and shares some fantastic book recommendations .

Mothering Heights by Rachael Mogan McIntosh is the Non-Fiction Book of the Month . Many of you will be familiar with her candid voice from Pardon My French . In her typical hilarious style , the author answers our questions about the pressures of modern parenthood , the perils of social media , and the challenges inherent in autobiographical writing . She also shares her exciting plans for future books . See page 7 for all the details .

The Kid ’ s Book of the Month is A Dream for Every Night , written by Angela Casabene and gorgeously illustrated by Camille Manley . A treasure-trove of short stories and poems , the book is designed to inspire sweet dreams every night . On page 12 , the author tells us about the lovely family ritual that inspired the book , how she developed the dream glossary , and what she hopes families will take from the book .

This month ’ s Stella Selection , Edenglassie by Melissa Lucashenko , is one of the recently released longlist titles for the 2024 Stella Prize . Stella is an organisation promoting gender equality and cultural change in literature and the Stella Prize is an annual celebration of Australian women and non-binary writers . See page 4 for more information .

We ’ re also proud to support the important work of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation . For every copy sold of our First Nations Feature book each month , Collins Booksellers will donate $ 1 to the Foundation . This month , we ’ re featuring the delightful children ’ s adventure story

Wurrtoo by Tylissa Elisara . Hachette Australia , the publisher of Wurrtoo , has also generously agreed to match our donations during April .

In addition to our featured titles , April offers a lot of new books to get excited about . For crime aficionados , we recommend Sanctuary , a thrilling new standalone story set in regional Australia from one of Australia ’ s most loved crime writers , Gary Disher . We ’ re also excited about Bri Lee ’ s fiction debut The Work , a novel about love , politics , and power . Set in the art world , The Work is intelligently written and hard to put down .

Our stunning cover art this month comes from The Glass House , the superb new novel by Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist . Interspersed with vignettes about patient mental health crises , the story delves into the challenges of balancing relationships , identity , and a difficult work environment . The Glass House is an unflinching portrayal of the mental health system , and the kinds of people struggling to make it work for the greater good .

In non-fiction , we can ’ t wait to read Bruce Pascoe ’ s new book Black Duck : A Year at Yumburra written with Lyn Harwood . Over six seasons on the farm , the book explores the aftermath of publishing his seminal work Dark Emu and the personal toll it took , while asking us to reimagine agriculture in Australia . In Hope , Rosie Batty shares her experience of grief and finding hope after unimaginable tragedy and Dr Michael Mosely wants to improve our sleep with 4 Weeks to Better Sleep .

Beyond those featured in this guide , each Collins Booksellers store thoughtfully curates a selection of titles for you to enjoy . Every store is independently owned and operated by passionate people who love books and their communities , so you ’ ll always find something to suit your tastes .

Remember to collect a reading guide from your local Collins Booksellers store each month and , as always , reach out to your local bookseller for more recommendations .

Happy reading ! Laura from Head Office

Collins Booksellers acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the unceded lands on which we work and trade . We pay respect to Elders past , present and future , and acknowledge the importance of First Nations stories to our culture and communities .

Collins Booksellers do not price books above the publishers recommended retail price ( RRP ). Stock subject to availability . While every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of price and availability , these may be subject to change without notice . Major credit cards accepted . Prices valid until 30 April 2024 .

The views expressed by interviewees in our Q & As are the personal views of the interviewee only and should not be taken to reflect the views of Collins Booksellers , its franchisees or any of their respective staff . legend

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