The best authors are those who read extensively. Here is what I’ve been reading lately.

If you're interested in learning more about the non-fiction books I've read and the insights gained from them, be sure to listen to the Two Booked Up podcast.

October was a full month with school holidays, my eldest boy sitting his final school exams, the anniversary of our second son’s stillbirth, a week of me having a cold/flu, and a whole lot more!

Most of the books I read this month were audiobooks, and I listened to them as I drove or walked the dog. I’m deep in editing and finalising mode for No More Simon Says, the next book in the Single in Sydney Series, and was busy re-reading that when I’d usually read an ebook or printed book. All that said, I read some terrific books, many of which I’ve already been recommending to others.

Fiction Reads

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

The premise of this book was enthralling, and as with all the reviews I’ve seen, I also loved it. In the near future, a disaffected civil servant is offered a lucrative job in a mysterious new government ministry gathering ‘expats’ from across history to test the limits of time-travel. Not just that, but in her role as a ‘bridge’, she will live with one of these, Commander Gore, who died in 1847 but now finds himself alive and well in 21st-century London. Highly recommend!

Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

I’d wanted to read this book since it came out and, despite not having read his first book, enjoyed it for the most part. When the Australian Mystery Writers' Society invited Ernest to their crime-writing festival aboard the Ghan, the famous train between Darwin and Adelaide, he hoped for inspiration for his second book. However, when one is murdered, the six authors quickly turn into five detectives. Together, they should know how to solve a crime. Or commit one. A fun read, with lots of author and publishing jokes and barbs and a heap of red herrings to keep the mind guessing!

The Library Of Lost And Found by Phaedra Patrick

A book containing many of my favourite things - books, libraries, a little mystery and enough references to cake and coffee to make me want to snack while reading it! Middle-aged librarian Martha Storm has always felt more comfortable with books than with people. That changes when she finds a mysterious book containing a dedication from her grandmother, Zelda, who died thirty years previously. Discovering a clue that suggests Zelda might still be alive, Martha becomes determined to uncover the truth and unearths family secrets along the way.

That Time I Got Kidnapped by Tom Mitchell

I listened to the audiobook version of this book with my fourteen-year-old son on our road trip! Which seemed apt, as this book is about a fourteen-year-old boy taking a road trip. In the book, fourteen-year-old Somerset native Jacob wins the chance to star in a Hollywood Marvel movie. After missing his connecting flight, he meets Jennifer, a teenager on the run with a mysterious package. Together, they embark on a thrilling road trip, pursued by an enigmatic figure known as 'the Cowboy'. With plenty of action and age-appropriate humour, this was a fun listen that my son and I both enjoyed - and helped make our six-hour drive more enjoyable!

Non-Fiction Reads

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink

We discussed this book on the Two Booked Up podcast (listen here), and my co-host Shelley admitted it was probably one of her favourite books. So, of course, that gave me two very good reasons to read it! Daniel Pink challenges traditional views on motivation, asserting that true satisfaction and high performance stem from our inherent human needs: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He highlights innovative companies and introduces thought leaders who are embracing new methods to inspire and motivate people effectively. An interesting and informative read.

The Book of Burnout by Bev Aisbett

This was the second Bev Aisbett book I’ve read, and it was a quick read covering an important topic. Burnout happens when we take on too much or think we can do the impossible at the cost of our well-being, health, and even quality of life. Although the term is often casually tossed about, burnout is no joke—it can impact every area of your life and leave you depleted in every way. Bev Aisbett is Australia's bestselling anxiety and mental health expert, and it’s easy to see why, as her books are written with straightforward language and humour.

Nobody Wants Your Sh*t by Messie Condo

I wanted something different, and this book fit the bill! Tough love combined with a potty mouth, this book is definitely not for everyone, but I enjoyed it. Humourous, entertaining, yet practical and hard-hitting, it was a quick read. Inspired by The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (which I have also read and enjoyed), this book is the ruder, more blunt version for getting your house, life, and stuff organised.

Life Is Tough (But So Are You) by Briony Benjamin

October is always a tough month, and that's why this book resonated with me. It offers wise guidance on navigating difficult times and is a funny, warm, and practical guide to help you gain perspective on what's truly important in life. It's written by a 31-year-old young woman who never expected to survive cancer. An uplifting read.

What have you been reading lately? Do you have a recommendation for a book you read and loved?

*Please note that while I enjoy supporting local bookstores and libraries, I also recognise and appreciate the convenience of purchasing books online. This post may include affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase using one of these links.