Welcome to Litsy!

My final post of the #tenbooksonedecade series. Thanks for staying with me. 2019 was a tough year. I had health issues, my wonderful dad died and I returned to school fun time AND tried to keep all my other roles going. #sillywoman I love this confronting gritty book a lot, much as I have her previous 4, all released this decade, making Vikki Wakefield the perfect person with which to conclude. I have put this all on my blog too. And I‘m done. Yay

2018 was a great year for me. I worked part time in a school library, got a semi regular gig on ABC radio and was invited to judge the YA category for the Qld Premier‘s Literary Awards. My pick today might be a bit strange given two very critically acclaimed books were also published. Lenny‘s Book of Everything and Between Us scooped all the awards. But Vanessa really spoke to me and I loved her braveness & intelligence. #tenbooksonedecade #2018

2017 is an even tougher year to choose. I could have picked any one of 10 books. I read 45 #loveozya novels this year. Here is something I wrote about Because of You back then: Harry‘s inclusive cast of characters carry a subtle message about judging others. The tone is warm and gentle, but the subject matter is harsh and uncomfortable. However, we aren‘t made to feel pity. Instead we‘re inspired to rise up to help others… #tenbooksonedecade #2017

2016 saw the start of my association with Riverbend Books Standing Orders. Pauline and I read across four categories to provide 4 quality books in 4 categories once a month to schools. I am grateful to her for giving me back my sense of purpose. I finished my MEd and I read 36 #loveozya novels. Words in Deep Blue is my pick because it explores grief and uses books! And Bookshops! And the power of words! It‘s wonderful. #tenbooksonedecade #2016

2015 was a difficult year professionally. I found myself unemployed and at 50 ish, it seemed impossible I would work full time again. Cloudwish by Fiona Wood is an astonishing book and my 2015 pick. Van Uoc shows 2 distinct lives - an external one of obedience and passivity, and an inner one which is bold, snarky and rebellious. She‘s brilliant. Other highlights include A Single Stone Meg MacKinlay & The Flywheel by Erin Gough #tenbooksonedecade

In 2014, I returned to complete my masters, my second son finished yr 12 at the same school as me, and both made the time difficult. I only read about 24 #loveozya novels and The Protected was my highlight. A story of grief and overcoming guilt, and the blue mountains of NSW setting was vivid and memorable. Hannah is an astonishing depiction of vulnerability. Another fav is Intruder by Chris Bongers. #tenbooksonedecade #2014

I didn‘t even read this 2013 release until 2017, and all I can say to myself is ‘what the hell?‘ It‘s the perfect blend of emotion and humour, of authenticity and sense of identity. I love Will, call him a friend and can‘t wait to see how he develops as a writer. #tenbooksonedecade #loveozya #2013

My book for 2012 is this amazing first book in The Colours of Madeleine series. Love it‘s quirkiness and originality. Love everything Jaclyn Moriarty writes. #tenbooksonedecade #loveozya #panmacmillanaus

In 2011 I judged the Children‘s Book Council of Australia‘s awards. I read over 350 books, and The Dead I Know won the Older Reader category. Scot Gardner is a stalwart of Oz YA and this book truly reflects his themes - identity and self reflection, not romantic love. Family, not necessarily by blood, and what it means to be a man (spoiler: many things, not just one). #tenbooksonedecade #loveozya #contemporary #2011

I plan to do a series of posts called #tenbooksonedecade. I am going to highlight a book from 2010 - 2019. They are all #loveozya. In 2010 I was working in a secondary boys‘ library and had already been there for 4 years. Enough to feel comfortable. Melina Marchetta‘s return to the world of Francesca and her buddies completely bowled me over—emotional nuance, messy family, and the story of Tom. Shockingly real...