YILKARI
By Nicolas Rothwell & Alison Nampitjinpa Anderson
$34.99
Yilkari is a slow, thoughtful novel of conversations which asks the reader for patience, but pays off in a truly original way. Structured into four parts, the novel follows an unnamed narrator who journeys through the Western Desert connecting and reconnecting with various Indigenous and non-Indigenous characters. Through the conversations that occur across different points in the narrator’s life, he is forced to reflect upon and challenge his understanding of his relationship to Indigenous lands as a non-Indigenous person.
The co-authors of the book feature as characterisations within the book, blending reality and fiction. With Thomas Rothwell being a non-Indigenous, and Alison Nampitjinpa Anderson being a Luritja-Pintupi woman from the Western Desert community of Papunya, Yilkari is truly unique in its dual perspectives conversing with one another, drawing the reader into the philosophical discussions of the book. With excellent characterisations and dialogue, the authors expertly interrogate the limits of a non-Indigenous relationship to and understanding of land and Country.
Mega Rich Guinea Pigs
By Kate and Jol Temple
$16.99
Parents can get on your nerves, so dreaming that you’re the great-great-great *breath* long-lost grandchild of a wealthy benefactor is pretty appealing sometimes. In Mega Rich Guinea Pigs, this dream is brought to life!
The world’s richest man, Magnus McAloon, has tragically died in a rocket experiment gone wrong. The sole heirs to his estate are his four beloved pet guinea pigs: Hot Head, Lunk, G-Chip and Big Pig (who is actually a capybara, but don’t tell him that). Not everyone is happy – especially the members of the McAloon family, who are determined to get back the fortune that they feel belongs to them, and not the newly mega rich guinea pigs.
With unforgettable characters, kooky illustrations and story that’ll have you crying with laughter, this book is perfect for fans of Dogman, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the other beloved middle-grade comedy. Appropriate for ages 8+.
Reviews from the Sun Bookshop – sunbookshop.com
The Life Experiment
By Jess Kitching
This book made me think a lot about life and choices. The story follows Layla and Angus, two very different people who join an experiment to find meaning. What they don’t expect is to be told when they will die.
I liked how the author showed both characters’ struggles – Layla with her busy career and Angus with family pressure. Their meeting feels natural, and the way they connect makes you wonder what really matters in life: success, family, or love.
The book is emotional, makes you think, and feels real. It made me reflect on how short life can be and how important it is to spend time with the people we care about. I enjoyed reading this. It was full of feelings, simple to follow, and kept me thinking after the last page.
What Did I Miss?
By Holly Brunnbauer
This story was funny, light, and touching. I loved following Makayla as she tried to find herself after her divorce and before turning thirty.
The book mixes humour, romance, and real feelings in a way that’s easy to read. The side characters were great, and the one-night stand twist kept things fun and interesting.
This rom-com is warm, cheeky, and exciting – a lovely story about second chances and finding yourself.
I really enjoyed it – it was fun and heartfelt, with moments that surprised me. Some parts made me stop, close the book, and just sit with my feelings (in the best way!). Such an engaging read.
Reviews by Aryani Siti
