May Reading Guide | Page 2

Welcome to the May reading guide ! May is a big month of new releases , and , of course , we can ’ t forget Mother ’ s Day on the 12th . Read on for recommendations for mum !

Why Do Horses Run ? by Cameron Stewart is the Fiction Book of the Month . Deeply rooted in the Australian landscape , this book delves into the subjects of grief and self-imposed isolation . Ultimately , however , readers are reminded of our capacity for resilience and the power of unexpected connections . In his Q & A on page 3 , the author describes his inspiration for the themes he grapples with in his writing , and how his own childhood informed the book .

The Non-Fiction Book of the Month is Because I Love Him by Ashlee Donohue . Candid and confronting , Donohue ’ s story of surviving an abusive relationship is ultimately a testament to the strength of the human spirit . In her Q & A on page 7 , the author talks about the challenging writing process and what it took to translate her trauma onto the page . For every copy sold of Because I Love Him in May , Collins Booksellers will donate $ 1 to Mudgin- Gal , the author ’ s chosen charity , which is a family violence prevention and support service run by Aboriginal women .

The Kid ’ s Book of the Month is The Truck Cat , written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell . The story follows the journey of Yacoub and his cat Tinka as they search for home . This is a heart-warming migrant tale about the importance of connection and kindness . On page 12 , the author tells us about what inspired her and what she hopes young readers will take away from the story .

The Hummingbird Effect , written by Kate Mildenhall , is one of the recently released longlist titles for the 2024 Stella Prize and this month ’ s Stella Selection . See page 4 for more details on the book .

Our First Nations Feature book this month is Country by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson . This beautiful picture book features illustrations by the artist Cheryl Davison , and aims to introduce young readers to the idea of Country in all its forms . For every copy sold during May , Collins Booksellers will donate $ 1 to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation . Wild Dog , the publisher of

Country , has also generously agreed to match our donations this month .

Colm Tóibín ’ s highly anticipated Long Island , the follow-up to his bestselling novel Brooklyn , comes out this month . In his critically acclaimed style , Tóibín masterfully tells a story of marriage , loneliness , and longing . A poignant and heartbreaking novel you won ’ t be able to resist adoring .

If you ’ re looking for books for mum this Mother ’ s Day , we ’ ve got plenty of great recommendations . Victoria Purman ’ s The Radio Hour is historical fiction at its finest , introducing us to the extraordinary unseen women of the golden years of radio broadcasting in post-war Australia . Safe Haven is the new novel by Shankari Chandran , the Miles Franklin award-winning author of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens . This well-crafted story is about searching for refuge and finding home , and the strength required to do so . Of course , don ’ t forget Mothering Heights by Rachael Mogan McIntosh , which was featured in our April guide .

In non-fiction , Magic Pill by Johann Hari is an investigation of the Ozempic revolution ( touted as the magic pill for weight loss ). Hari ’ s discoveries are shared alongside his personal experience of taking the drug . Renowned social psychologist Hugh Mackay asks us to consider what kind of society we want to become in The Way We Are . A wide-ranging series of observations , this book will inspire you to reflect on who we are and the way we live .

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 love .

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 31 May 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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