Sydney author Mary-Anne O'Connor's first novel, Gallipoli Street, was a bestseller in 2015. Her new novel, Worth Fighting For (Harlequin), is inspired by the World War II experiences of her mother and uncles, and is the story of a young woman who marries to save the family farm while her brothers are away fighting and the Pacific war threatens Australia.
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
I read this book so many times as a girl I could practically recite it at one stage. Jo March's great love of writing resonated with me strongly and I loved her feminist spirit, her loyalty and her love of adventure. It still has the ability to make me cry.
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte
She may have been poor and plain but oh what a beautiful spirit resided in Miss Jane Eyre. Some of my favourite lines in fiction live in this book, including: "Do you think that because I am poor, plain, obscure, and little that I am soulless and heartless? I have as much soul as you and full as much heart." Sublime.
Big Little Lies
Liane Moriarty
Difficult to pick a favourite from Liane Moriarty's novels but this was so clever I found myself shaking my head in admiration at times. The characterisation is artfully done and the divinity of her sequencing gave me author envy. Wonderful to see her growing success. Bravo.
Jasper Jones
Craig Silvey
From the first page I knew I would find this almost impossible to put down and so it was. Hilariously funny, achingly sad, tender and thoughtful, Jasper Jones stole my breath. A truly inspiring piece of Australian fiction.
