While being a book lover is not a formal requirement to work at Storyfest, it's almost impossible not to stumble into a good read when you're surrounded by a plethora of great titles. Here's what the team loved reading in 2025.
Andrea Lewis
17 Years Later by J.P. Pomare
I love a good crime story, and I was introduced to J.P. Pomare at the inaugural Currumbin Crime Writers Festival. 17 Years Later is a story of tragedy, racial profiling and as with any good crime novel, a twist you don’t see coming.
Pictures of You by Emma Grey
This book took me by surprise; I wasn’t expecting to be so moved by this story. At first, I was shouting at the pages and then of course, the reality sets in as you are confronted with the realisation that our protagonist is the victim of coercive control.
My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart
My grandson Rip (19m), is fascinated by Mirabel from Encanto. Rip loves his Mirabel dress and enjoys exploring the colours in My Shadow is Purple.
I don’t Want to Go to School by Christine Harris
As my granddaughter Navy (4yo) readies for her adventure into ‘big’ school next year, this gorgeous book, which was her mother’s, explores the anxieties of heading into the unknown. A wonderful reassuring story for young ones.
Gabbi Lennon
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
Gabbi is in her podcast era… Top podcast recommendation from the year is Inherited – interview with Toni Lodge
Narelle Higgs
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Sleeping with a Psychopath: a real-life psychological crime thriller by Carolyn Woods
Not Just the Wife of the General Manager by Sally Warriner
Teraze Burke
Normal People by Sally Rooney
I heard a lot of buzz around this, and it did not disappoint. An effortless, easy read. The story follows two people from high school into early adulthood, tracing the awkward, emotion driven intertwining of their lives. It leaves you, as the reader, reminiscent of your first love and how treacherous vulnerability can feel, all while you’re trying to pursue your dreams. I couldn’t put it down!
Wicked by Greggory Maguire
As a theatre girl, you best believe that I have been listening to the Wicked soundtrack since I was a teenager and seen the musical more times than I should admit. So naturally, when the first movie was released in 2024, I had been counting the days for the second part, Wicked: For Good. To make the time go faster, I picked up Gregory Maguire’s novel that the musical was inspired by. A beautiful piece of escapism, with darker and more mature tones. The story leaves you with the inevitable question of what does it truly mean to be wicked…
The Last Victim by Tracy Hall
When you hear a story about someone being scammed, I think it is fair to say, most people would say to themselves, ‘but that would never happen to me’. When reading The Last Victim, Tracy depicts a loving relationship that anyone could get lost in. A story of love, loss, determination and resilience.
Lili Bannerman
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
This is an absolute classic! This Novel is a uniquely gripping story, that displays complex characters and explores the power of love across generations.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
The housemaid follows the story of a young woman who takes up a job with a wealthy family, only to uncover the dark secrets of their past. This fast-paced psychological novel is addictive to read and keeps you hooked from start to finish
Sweetpea by C.J. Skuse
Where crime meets comedy.A shy, introverted woman with a murderess secret. This book had me laughing at every page, it was funny, thrilling and extremely entertaining.
Liv Lorkin
Book Lovers by Emily Henry.
I love the warm, casual tone of Emily’s writing and this has all the trimmings of a great beach holiday read. Passionate writers, interesting characters and simmering island romance.
Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery.
A classic in every sense of the word and I finally skipped by TBR pile to indulge in the nostalgia of Prince Edward Island. A fiery red-headed orphan sweeps through the hearts of Green Gables, and I found a kindred spirit in Anne.
The House That Joy Built by Holly Ringland.
As an emerging author and illustrator, this book was immensely enjoyable and challenged my perception of creativity. Holly holds your hand and provides a space to thoughtfully explore how fear, self-sabotage and perfectionism (guilty!) can hold us back from tapping into the true joy of flowing with creativity.
