Another year, another twelve-months’ worth of opportunities to get lost in the pages. And that’s exactly what we did at Storyfest! Here our team members share their favourite reads from the year that was – from Colleen Hoover to Poo in the Zoo!
Working for a literary organisation certainly has its perks! It means that there are always books within arm’s reach, and for a bunch of bookworms like us, that’s simply heaven. However, we often don’t have the time to indulge in words outside of work too, when that’s all we do day in and out. But as we worked tirelessly to promote the books of our wonderful authors, we snuck in a couple of exciting, thought-provoking, fun and funny reads ourselves.
Here are our 2024 favourite reads.
Andrea Lewis
CEO and Festival Director
Andrea gravitated towards thought-provoking adult fiction and non-fiction, and returned to some crowd favourites when it came time for children’s books.
Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor
I had the absolute pleasure of hosting an in conversation with Hayley at Storyfest Out West. Girl Falling follows a wonderful journey of love and loss through the eyes of a young woman set in the Blue Mountains.
Crow's Nest by Nikki Mottram
I saw Nikki present at the inaugural Sunshine Coast Hinterland Festival. Crow's Nest is set in the Queensland town of Toowoomba and follows the journey of child protection worker Dana Gibson. A heart-wrenching, crime loving, story woven with intrigue that keeps you guessing until the end.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
I needed to read the book before venturing to the movie as a staff outing. Not my usual read but as always, the book was far more enjoyable than the movie!
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
I've definitely fallen into the trap of being a Gladwellian! Talking to Strangers is another thought provoking narrative questioning the assumptions and mistakes we make when liaising with people unknown.
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom is my favourite author, and this is yet another book that challenges your beliefs, makes you question your morals and assures me that, should I be in a lifeboat, your actions on how you respond and work with others is a testament to your character.
Parachute by Danny Parker and Matt Ottley
Just one in a series of picture books that the very talented Matt Ottley has illustrated but also written the musical score for. The Sound of Picture Books series is a must for young children!
Jelly-Boy by Nicole Godwin
This book will always hold a special place in my heart, my granddaughter decided her very first book character day costume should be a jellyfish. A'Ma's skills were certainly tested!
Kevin the Sheep & Kevin Saves the Show by Jacqueline Harvey
Navy loves these books, I have lost count of the number of times we have read them. There's a special connection with these books as Navy tells me her 'friend' Jacqueline Harvey wrote them for her.
Poo in the Zoo by Steve Smallman
Something about poo, the children love - this book has made our most read book list for a second year!
Tayla Haynes
Marketing Coordinator
Tayla was definitely on the Colleen Hoover train this year, with all four of the author’s most popular books making her list:
Verity by Colleen Hoover
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
It Begins with Us by Colleen Hoover
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Emma Monaghan
Festival Administrator
Emma’s list also included some Colleen Hoover, thanks to the influence of the office, as well as an upper-middle-grade fantasy series and the fascinating story of Australia's first children's author.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
It Begins with Us by Colleen Hoover
Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger
Searching for Charlotte by Belinda Murrell and Kate Forsyth
Gabriella Lennon
Events Coordinator
Gabriella took to some backlist titles this year, ticking off some popular bookstagram favourites and some more niche finds.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
I Don’t Need Therapy (and other lies I’ve told myself) by Toni Lodge
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
