So, Theresa from Theresa Smith Writes decided since this was the end of a decade, (something that didn’t really compute until that conversation) that on top of doing the regular top 10 or 15 books read this year that she would do a post on the top reads of the decade. I decided to have a go at this too, my records only go back about 7 years, so it’s not really the whole decade, but most of the decade lol. This was incredibly hard and just like my top 10 or 15 reads of the year, I’ve picked them for a couple of reasons. Also I may have cheated slightly, (you’ll see why).

1. Because they are stories that I loved
2. Because they are stories that stayed with me due to the subject matter
3. They pulled at my heartstrings

So in no particular order my choices are…

The first two straight up are by New Zealand author Carole Brungar, these had me completely absorbed in the lives of these characters and taught me a lot about the Vietnam war.

My reviews:   The Nam Legacy     The Nam Shadow

Next is a book I read about 8 years ago that I think should be read by everyone, people need to educate themselves that not everything is as the media says it is. I recommended this for the bookclub I belonged to back then and it gave everyone some insight and something to think about.   My review

(Now this one may be cheating, just a little) The Matilda Saga by Jackie French, this is a fabulous series that I got both my mum and my sister reading, I have learnt so much about history and particularly Australia’s part in historical events through this series.

The next book is a book that has stayed with me since I read it two years ago.

Next is a story that needed to be told, about a place and event that has been covered up to a large degree. My Review

Next is a novel about a subject matter that I’m pretty passionate about, refugees. My review

It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time by Kylie Scott was one that, no pun intended, it seemed like a good idea at the time to pick it up before bed (big mistake if you actually want to get some sleep that night). This was chosen just because it was one I loved My review

Next is The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie My review

Next are two books by an author whose books are an automatic MUST READ for me. I tried to pick just one, but I couldn’t make up my mind out of these two, so thought what the hell, they both need to go on the list.

My review: Black Diamonds        This Red Earth

                               

Last up are two books that are also on my top 10 or 15 (I haven’t quite decided) books for 2019.

Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard My review  and A Lifetime of Impossible Days by Tabitha Bird  My review

 

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed some of these books (or not) or are inspired to pick up some of them. Stay tuned next week for my top reads of 2019 and a giveaway to celebrate my blogs 1st birthday.