Your summer reading sorted

From the iconic Hottest 100 countdown to compelling true tales of resilience and hope, these books are sure to captivate, inspire, and even transport you back to your own days at UOW. With settings that span rural NSW, the Blue Mountains and Shellharbour, you’ll find heartwarming novels exploring love and self-discovery, gripping thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and powerful accounts that spark action and change.

Shoulda Been Higher: A Celebration of 30 Years of triple j's Hottest 100  – Tom Clarke 

Are you the reigning music master at trivia nights, or just someone who loves a good summer soundtrack? Then Shoulda Been Higher: A Celebration of 30 years of triple j’s Hottest 100 by Tom Clarke is your perfect summer companion.

Packed with jaw-dropping stats, fun trivia, and nostalgic tales, this vibrant look at 30 years of triple j’s iconic countdown will have you debating, laughing, and rediscovering forgotten tracks. This isn’t just any ordinary book  -  it’s a love letter to “the world’s greatest musical democracy.” 

For UOW grads, it might even bring back memories of your own UniBar glory days. Tom remembers his time at UOW as a whirlwind of running to classes, hanging by the duck pond, and, best of all, catching phenomenal gigs on campus. From The Rubens to British India, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard to Something For Kate. “Those UniBar nights were legendary,” says Tom.

With Christmas around the corner, this book makes the perfect gift for music lovers. Plus, use the code UOW20 for 20% off a signed and personalised copy of the book. Be sure to buy your copy today so that you can nerd out on music trivia this summer! 

Himalayan Dreams: How a Child Slave Moved Mountains to Save a Generation in Nepal – Kirsty Nancarrow 

Love a true story?  Make sure to read Kirsty Nancarrow’s Himalayan Dreams. This book tells the extraordinary true story of Som Tamang, a man who overcame unimaginable  hardship  - poverty, child slavery, civil war, and natural disasters  - to transform his rural Nepalese village. Through resilience and compassion, Som has saved countless children from child marriage and sex trafficking, creating safe spaces and educational opportunities for an entire generation.  

The book is a deeply personal project for Kirsty, who first met Som in Cairns while covering the 2015 Nepal earthquake for ABC News. After witnessing his life-changing work firsthand at Batase School, she felt compelled to share his story with the world. Drawing on her passion for storytelling honed at UOW , where she created her first documentary under the guidance of David Blackall, Kirsty brings this narrative to life with authenticity and heart.  

^{Kirsty and Som at the ABC office. Picture: supplied}

As you head into 2025, let Himalayan Dreams inspire you to set bold goals, take action, and embrace the knowledge that all it takes is one person to make a meaningful difference. Buy your copy online via Kirsty's website.

My Heart is a Little Wild Thing – Nigel Featherstone 

If you’re looking for a novel that immerses you in its world and lets you deeply connect with its characters, My Heart is a Little Wild Thing by Nigel Featherstone is a must-read. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Monaro region in rural New South Wales, this tender and poetic story explores themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and the search for intimacy. 

At its heart is Patrick, a middle-aged man tethered to an overbearing mother, a monotonous job, and long-ignored truths about his identity. Returning to a childhood sanctuary becomes the turning point in Patrick’s life  - a place of solace that sparks a transformative journey of awakening. Nigel masterfully delivers a refreshing take on the coming-of-age story, proving it’s never too late to rediscover yourself. 

Written during a time of personal loss and environmental upheaval, the novel resonates with reflections on grief, climate challenges, and our planet’s fragility. It invites readers to question whether true flourishing is possible in a world under strain. 

Emotionally rich and introspective, My Heart is a Little Wild Thing is an ideal pick for book clubs in 2025, sparking meaningful discussions on love, identity, and reinvention at 50. Set against the rugged beauty of the Monaro, it’s also a tribute to Australia’s landscapes and a reminder of how they shape us  - just as the memories of UOW days remain an enduring part of who we are. 

My Heart is a Little Wild Thing is available for purchase via Ultimo Press.

Girl Falling – Hayley Scrivenor 

Bestselling author Hayley Scrivenor has delivered yet another masterful tale with her second novel, Girl Falling. This psychological thriller captures the raw, turbulent energy of adolescence and early adulthood—a time of self-discovery, intense emotions, and the often-questionable decisions that shape who we become. 

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Blue Mountains, the story follows Finn, a young woman who takes her best friend and girlfriend rock climbing. But only two women return. This gripping narrative delves into themes of loss, survival, and the stories we tell ourselves to endure life’s darkest moments. 

Hayley’s connection to UOW runs deep, and her time at the university profoundly shaped this novel. While at UOW, Hayley joined the Allsorts Queer Collective (now the UOW Pride Network) on campus and was introduced to a group of climbers who inspired Finn’s love of the outdoors and fearless spirit. Reflecting on evenings at Hangdog Uni Nights and unforgettable adventures with friends, Hayley infuses the novel with the spirit of exploration that defined her university years. 

Girl Falling is a must-add to your 2025 reading list or book club. With its compelling storyline and vivid characters, it’s destined to become another Australian fan favourite, available via Pan Macmillan.

Our Shellharbour – Karen Hendriks 

For the little ones this summer we don’t think you can go past Our Shellharbour, written by Karen Hendriks. Our Shellharbour, brings to life the beauty of Shellharbour, which is located only minutes away from the University of Wollongong’s main campus.  

Karen is a primary school teacher, literacy advocate, and children's author, who writes stories that celebrate Australian culture, history, and nature. Published under her imprint, Little Shell Books, Our Shellharbour blends engaging storytelling with rich educational content, aligning with the Australian School Curriculum. Through the eyes of Lani and Oli, readers are invited to explore Shellharbour’s natural wonders, fostering a love for the outdoors and a connection to local heritage. 

In late 2024, Our Shellharbour received a Commended Award in the Children’s and Young Adult category at the annual Society of Women Writers NSW Awards, recognising its impact and appeal. We think that Our Shellharbour would make the perfect gift for children and for the young-at-heart who have fond memories of their time in the Illawarra. Our Shellharbour is available locally at the Shellharbour Visitor Information Centre and on Karen's website.