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    Recommended reading – July 2025 

    Date:


    Everyday Permaculture – Sustainable Living for Every Space 

    By Anna Matilda ‘The Urban Nana’

    I recently had the pleasure of meeting Anna Matilda, also known as ‘The Urban Nanna’, at a book event at Altona Library. She introduced her new book, Everyday Permaculture: Sustainable Living for Every Space, and I was truly inspired by her warmth and practical approach to sustainable living.

    Anna’s book is a friendly guide for anyone looking to live more sustainably, no matter what their living situation, whether a house, apartment, or rental. She breaks down permaculture principles into simple, actionable steps that are easy to incorporate into daily life. Topics like composting, foraging, and ‘scraptastic’ cooking are presented in a way that’s both accessible and engaging.

    What sets this book apart are the delightful illustrations by Brenna Quinlan, which add a joyful touch to the practical advice. Additionally, the inclusion of QR codes linking to uplifting eco-funk songs makes the learning experience even more enjoyable.

    Meeting Anna in person made reading her book even more special. Her passion for sustainability and community connection is evident, and she has a unique ability to make everyone feel capable of making positive changes. Everyday Permaculture is not just a book; it’s a companion for anyone on the journey to a more sustainable lifestyle.

    Review by Aryani Siti


    Gunnawah

    By Ronni Salt

    Set in 1974 in a small Australian town, Gunnawah is an exciting crime story about secrets, danger, and a young woman searching for the truth. Nineteen-year-old Adelaide wants a bigger life, so she takes a job at the local newspaper. Her boss, Valdene, believes in her and puts her straight to work.

    What starts as a simple news story about an irrigation project leads Adelaide into something more dangerous. Her questions make powerful people nervous, and she realises the town is hiding dark secrets. As she uncovers lies, crime, and corruption, Adelaide finds herself in danger.

    Gunnawah is a fast-moving thriller full of mystery, tension, and a brave young journalist who won’t give up.

    Review by Aryani Siti


    ALWAYS HOME, ALWAYS HOMESICK

    By Hannah Kent
    $36.99

    From the author of Burial Rites comes an incredible memoir of falling in love with a home abroad. Always Home, Always Homesick is Hannah Kent’s story of living in Iceland at 17, and the culture shock that sparked a deep love affair with the country. The physical and emotional journey Hannah takes us on is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Not only does the book detail her struggles and experiences adapting to Iceland, but also how she came to research the story that eventually became Burial Rites.

    Hannah shows us the nuances and beauty of Icelandic culture and history, cuisine and language. Through these insights, we feel her longing for home just as much as her fascination as an outsider to a new place. What becomes one of the most beautiful moments of the memoir is the way Iceland embraces Hannah as one of their own, along with her novel. Always Home, Always Homesick offers a wonderful story of across-cultural travel, appreciation and love.

    An atmospheric novel steeped in the Australian landscape which acutely renders how we live now. 

    Review from the Sun Bookshop – sunbookshop.com


    DETECTIVE BEANS: ADVENTURES IN CAT TOWN 

    By Li Chen
    $17.99

    Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town marks the fabulous return of Detective Beans with a collection of short detective stories. Framed in the style of a documentary directed and produced by Detective Beans and BFF Biscuits who both interject occasionally to crack jokes, muse on detective cases and debate the intention of the documentary. Each case has new loveable characters and different graphic styles (all in bright, full colour) to delight young readers. Some of the stories are told in quick bursts while others run over a few pages and are reoccurring sagas. Memorable cases include: beans solves maths, beans and the burgled duck, beans makes eggy bread and beans gets an accountant. There is also a hilarious story on Detective Beans’ attempt to start a detective school with limited recruits. Can’t wait for the next instalment! 

    Review from the Sun Bookshop – sunbookshop.com

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