September is one of the busiest months of the year for booksellers – there were so many amazing new books coming out that we barely had time to even glance at the books on our TBR piles, let alone read them! Nevertheless, the Booktopia team managed to get quality reading time in with some absolutely cracking books this month.
Read on to see all the best books we read in September!
Mark Harding – Brand and Content Manager
Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness
Why I loved it: The breakout star of Netflix’s Queer Eye reboot shares his life story in this brutally honest memoir. His story is hugely inspirational, and the journey he has gone through has really been one of learning to love every part of himself. He’s extremely brave in the parts that he chooses to share here, and he uses his platform for good, especially in de-stigmatising HIV.
Buy it here.
Olivia Fricot – Senior Content Producer
Educated by Tara Westover
Why I loved it: Educated is a book that left me speechless. Raised in a family of Mormon survivalists in Ohio, Tara Westover stunned me with her eloquence and compassion in the telling of her story – of how she pursued an education despite the objections of her father and the sinister attentions of her violent brother. It’s as much an account of how familial love can leave the deepest scars as it is of how intellectual curiosity can thrive in the darkest places.
Buy it here.
Bronwyn Eley – Social Media Coordinator
Angel Mage by Garth Nix
Why I loved it: There’s a reason why Garth Nix is known as an Australian fantasy powerhouse… his books are undeniably fantastic! Angel Mage is a rich, fascinating and inventive read. The world, the characters and the magic-centric plot prove, once again, why Garth Nix is a must for any fantasy lover.
Buy it here.
Ben Hunter – Fiction Category Manager
Maybe the Horse Will Talk by Elliot Perlman
Why I loved it: Uncomfortable, clever and wickedly funny, Elliot Perlman is back with a literary novel that hooks into the reader like a cold-blooded thriller. Maybe the Horse Will Talk is an unflinching examination of sexual harassment, toxic workplace culture and the unrelenting state of corporate doom that seems to permeate and perpetuate it all. Perlman is daring, erudite and full of an obsessive compassion for his characters. You’ll love this book.
Buy it here.
Sarah McDuling – Kids & YA Category Manager
Curse of the Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen
Why I loved it: I’m such a fan of this series, I have thoroughly enjoyed each book and this one is no exception. Full of zany humour, smart quips and supernatural horror with a dash of cute romance, the Evil Librarian series is perfect for anyone who likes Sarah Rees Brennan and Kiersten White (and a sure winner for Buffy fans!).
Buy it here.
Joel Naoum – Non-Fiction Category Manager
How Powerful We Are by Sally Rugg
Why I loved it: This is a retelling of the marriage quality movement in Australia, from the earliest days to the triumphant finish. This is an important book for a few reasons – it corrects the record on a number of crucial points during the campaign that some powerful people would like us to forget. More importantly, it provides a fantastic grounding in how to make your own voice heard.
Buy it here.
Shanulisa Prasad – Lifestyle Category Manager
Relic by Bronwyn Eley
Why I loved it: The worldbuilding was on point, the heroine kickass but still relatable and it had a killer ending that makes me so excited to read the next book in the series. Also – many adorable dogs feature!
Buy it here.
Cassandra Sharpe – Merchandising Coordinator
So You Want to Start a Podcast by Kristen Meinzer
Why I loved it: Have you ever thought about making a podcast yourself? Started and not sure where to go? Or even where to start? (I know I have.) Kristen Meinzer, host of the hit podcast By The Book, has quite literally written the book you need. With years of radio, podcasting and production experience, she guides you from finding your passion to a solid elevator pitch, recording, editing and creating a community of listeners. Meinzer’s trademark optimism and positivity, plus a practical guide to the world of podcasts, will help you get your idea out of your head and into the feed.
Buy it here.
Rob O’Hearn – Academic & Professional Category Manager
The Cherry Picker’s Daughter by Kerry Reed-Gilbert
Why I loved it: This memoir beautifully captures the life of the marginalised and dispossessed, giving a child’s view of an unfair and violent life. Telling of an extended and blended indigenous family caught in poverty, the narrative is full of uncertainty; fear of the ‘Welfare Man’ (who will take you away), fear of being different, fear of the loss of more relatives to early deaths. Balancing this is the pure wonder of life, and the unbounded love of an innocent child for her siblings and mob. If you were touched by Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia, you’ll treasure this book.
Buy it here.
Jane Opie – Account Consultant
The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band by Tommy Lee
Why I loved it: It’s an older book now, but the story of Motley Crue reads like the most far-fetched, whisky-soaked, deplorable, insane, hilarious and shocking rock ‘n roll story ever. I didn’t like the band or their music, but this book was the most fun, the most brutal, and the most compelling I’ve read all year. Just wait until you read about the bit with the notorious heart kick-start. I can’t believe these people are still alive. Read it!
Buy it here.
REVIEW: Relic by Bronwyn Eley 
‘Relic’ author Bronwyn Eley on strong female characters: “Each of the women in my trilogy represents a different kind of strength.” 
LISTEN: Bronwyn Eley on Relic
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