21 Must-Read Books From Australian Authors

Add these beauties to your reading list!

We recently asked book lovers of the BuzzFeed Community to spill who their favourite Australian authors are. Here's your next reading list for a rainy day!

1. Obernewtyn Chronicles, Isobelle Carmody

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What it's about: The book series so far contains six novels, with a seventh on the way. It's set in a post apocalyptic setting, depicting a world long after its destruction by a nuclear holocaust.

Why you should read it: "The writing style and quality really transports you into the book setting. The characters are rich and varied and I have never come across another book with a similar storyline." – Rebecca Jean Bennett, Facebook

2. The Tomorrow Series, John Marsden

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What it's about: The Tomorrow series captures a world where a small band of teenagers wage a guerrilla war on the enemy base after they find their home town in ruins. A movie adaption was released in 2010.

Why you should read it: "The Tomorrow when the War began series by John Marsden, His writing, as usual shows the perfect understanding of both the difficulties of being a teenager, a teenage girl, and puts it in this amazing backdrop. How he manages to so fluidly develop the characters throughout the series is a wonder." – Jess O'Toole, Facebook

3. Came Back to Show You I Could Fly, Robin Klein

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What it's about: The novel explores a complex and unlikely friendship between a lonely 11-year-old boy and a drug-addicted, pregnant young woman.

Why you should read it: "A story of an unconventional friendship and learning about life the hard way." – debsw2

4. Jessica, Bryce Courtenay

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What it's about: A historical novel, Jessica explores the life of tomboy Jessica Bergman over several years. Warning: you may need tissues.

Why you should read it: "I remember I picked it up from my nan’s bookshelf when I was like 13 and I loved it so much I think I finished it within two days. It was truly an amazing book I even remember bawling my eyes out in class when reading it! Rather embarrassing but a credit to his skill as a writer! I recently found it again in a second hand book store - can’t wait to read it again!" – brittanys40a66c30c

5. On the Jellicoe Road, Melina Marchetta

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What it's about: 17-year-old Taylor Markham was abandoned by her mother when she was 11, and barely has memories of her father. Her mentor and guardian Hannah has suddenly vanished into thing air at the time Taylor needs her the most.

Why you should read it: "If you’re looking for angst, this is the (at first confusing, but stick with it) book for you." – reijiliew

6. Sun on the Stubble, Colin Thiele

New Holland Publishers

What it's about: Bruno lives on a farm and is constantly up to all sorts of mischief. He is trying to cope with his strict family and a rather alert new teacher in town.

Why you should read it: "Colin Thiele - pretty much any of his books are great, but I can’t tell you how many times I read, and re-read Sun on the Stubble…Now I totally feel the need to go read it yet again." – michellel42fca9b19

7. Sing and Don't Cry, Cate Kennedy

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What it's about: A travel memoir, Sing and Don't Cry follows Aussie author Cate Kennedy on her journey in small town Mexico, from the hilarious times to the moments of grief and loss.

Why you should read it: "So many talented Australian authors already mentioned. I’ll go with Cate Kennedy Sing and Don’t Cry is still a particular favourite." – Catmirfitt

8. Picnic at Hanging Rock, Joan Lindsay

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What it's about: The novel focuses on a group of female students who vanish without a trace at the site of a rock formation while on a Valentine's Day picnic.

Why you should read it: "Haunting and unsettling, it lingers long after you've finished it."– buffotenor

9. Big Little Lies , Liane Moriarty

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What it's about: From school bullying to domestic violence and other family relationships, Big Little Lies tackles many societal issues - and predominantly the dangerous lies we tell ourselves in order to survive.

Why you should read it: "Liane Moriarty is my favourite Australian author. All her books are captivating, but Big Little Lies was a book I couldn't put down - I read it in a day." – Kate Johnston, Facebook

10. Somewhere Around The Corner, Jackie French

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What it's about: Somewhere Around The Corner was Jackie French's first historical novel, and follows the adventures of a homeless girl who travels to another time - the Great Depression.

Why you should read it: "Not well known but a great read about life during the depression in NSW." – Bec Pascoe, Facebook

11. The Harp in the South, Ruth Park

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What it's about: Published in 1948 by New Zealand born, but Australian raised author Ruth Park, The Harp in the South portrays the life of a Catholic Irish family living in the Sydney suburb of Surry Hills.

Why you should read it: "It really was an enormously important piece of Australian literature." Melissa Mitchell, Facebook

12. An Open Swimmer, Tim Winton

Penguin Books / Via penguinbooks.com.au

What it's about: Set in three parts, the book is a coming of age novel, detailing the life of a young man named Jerra Nilsam and a camping trip that changed his life.

Why you should read it: "An Open Swimmer by Tim Winton really resonated with me. I love all of his works (grew up in the coastal areas he writes about too so they are very personal for me). I had the privilege of attending a writers workshop held by him when I was in high school, and even after 30-odd years I still remember what I learned there and it still influences the way I write. So many good Australian authors but Tim Winton will always be my favourite." – danielm13

13. Lexicon, Max Barry

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What it's about: One thread of the book follows Emily, a young woman who has been talent-spotted by "the poets" for her ability to influence others. The other thread follows Wil, a young man who awakes with two men threatening him and he can't remember why.

Why you should read it: "I just finished it and it's become one of the best books I’ve read in a really long time. The characters are incredible and up until the very end of the book you don’t know which characters are truly the bad guy or the good guys." – jordynt4b55fc4c4

14. The Old Kingdom Chronicles, Garth Nix

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What it's about: Unofficially known as The Abhorsen Series, the series starts with first book Sabriel , a fantasy novel set in two neighbouring fictional countries.

Why you should read it: "I re-read these every year because the storytelling is so rich you want these characters and these places to exist in real life so badly." – Jasmine Rockwell, Facebook

15. Thunderwith, Libby Hathorn

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What it's about: Laura has just lost her mother and moved to the outback. Her friendship with a strange and beautiful dog helps her adjust to her new life with an unfamiliar father and stepfamily.

Why you should read it: "Libby Hathorn's Thunderwith was also my go to Australian coming-of-age story growing up." – Michelle Lohmeyer

16. The Book Thief, Mark Zusack

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What it's about: The Book Thief follows nine-year-old Liesel, who is living in Germany during World War ||. Her experiences are narrated by Death. The hit book was also made into a movie in 2013.

Why you should read it: "This book's personification of Death as a character struck such a chord with me. I love that this novel has the power to make you feel sympathy for Death and the terrible job he is responsible for performing." – Emma Hodgson, Facebook

17. The King Arthur trilogy, M.K. Hume

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What it's about: The King Arthur trilogy starts with Dragon's Child, which opens with the King of Britain who is dying. The series as a whole deals with the historical version of the tale of King Arthur.

Why you should read it: "This is my second favourite book series ever (first being Harry Potter) and I loved it far more than I expected to. I developed a surprisingly strong attachment to most of the main/supporting characters (again, more than expected to) and love the connection they share with each other. Just the simple thought of specific emotional scenes still makes me cry." – Stephanie Pucinischi, Facebook

18. The Green Wind, Thurley Fowler

Puffin Books

What it's about: Set on a soldier settlement farm in 1948, the story tells the lives of the family of a returned serviceman, who is affected by the war.

Why you should read it: "The Green Wind and it's sequel The Wind is Silver are some great YA fiction about early Australia. I still cry when I read them." – Jane Quick, Facebook

19. Rowan of Rin series, Emily Rodda

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What it's about: Consisting of five novels, the fantasy series follows a shy young boy named Rowan who is a bit of an oddity in his village.

Why you should read it: "The Rowan of Rin series by Emily Rodda. Such a classic adventure tale with riddles, magic, dragons, exploring, danger and bravery. We read it in year six and it still has my heart." – karlar8

20. Sea Hearts, Margo Lanagan

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What it's about: From award winning author Margo Lanagan comes a tale of desire, revenge, loyalty and human weakness as a sea-witch discovers the extent of her powers and how it can impact everyone's lives.

Why you should read it: "Sea Hearts was an unexpected treasure to me, just such a beautiful, whimsical and emotional story." – Jenna Guillaume

21. Walking Naked, Alyssa Brugman

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What it's about: Walking Naked delicately tackles the notion of high school cliques and bullying and what happens when a popular girl becomes friends with an outcast.

Why you should read it: "It's the best novel about bullying." – Emily Rose, Facebook

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