2021 Book List & Reviews

Saying “I love books” is quite possibly an understatement for me. I have been a “bookworm” since I could read at the age of 4 years old. However, one thing I have never done, is shared publicly what I’m reading, and my thoughts/feelings on what I have read. Which is how this article has come about.

This blog post will be updated monthly, with all the books I read in that month, as well as a brief summary of what I thought about each book.

If you’ve read any inspiring, funny, quirky or page-turning books, please feel free to comment the title and author below.

Happy reading!

JANUARY

It’s OK NOT to Share… by Heather Schumaker - this book was on my list for a few years, and it was the first book I read in 2021. I made a lot of highlights (pencil underlies) throughout the book. I resonated with most of what the author shared, with many ideas being renegade (something that is definitely needed in education and parenting).

Fire Country by Victor Steffensen - as with “Dark Emu” by Bruce Pascoe, I believe that this is also a book that every single Australian needs to read. It needs to be explored at schools. Governments and politicians need to get off their high horses and listen to Aboriginal knowledge of this Country.

Teacher Tom’s Second Book by Tom Hobson - I love Teacher Tom, as his second books was just as valuable as his first. This is a book I not only highly recommend for Educators, but for parents as well. There a invaluable nuggets of wisdom spread throughout.

Early Childhood and Neuroscience by Mine Conkbayir - this is a short book of only 136 pages, but every page has crucial knowledge that can help better early childhood education. My background is in psychology, counselling and early childhood education, so I love seeing the neuroscience link to child development. Unfortunately, there is a gap in early childhood education, a gap that can be filled by learning more about psychology and neuroscience. This book is a great start for Educators wanting to learn more.

FEBRUARY

Wild Child by Patrick Barkham - I liked the premise of this book about connecting children with nature. It is set in England, where the author and his family live. It was interesting to read about their journey through the different seasons, which vary greatly to the Australian climate. I also enjoyed reading about the British forest school the author sent his children to. No matter where you are in the world, if you are interested in your children or even yourself, having a deeper connection with nature and the holistic benefits that produces, this is a book I would recommend.

Song of the Crocodile by Nardi Simpson - this is a historical fiction novel that spans a few generations following the tension and race relations of an Aboriginal family. It is heart-wrenching, sad and gives insight into how First Nation people were disgustingly treated by settlers. This book was a page turner, and I did read it in a day. It is powerful and thought-provoking and a novel I would highly recommend.

Let Them Play - An Early Learning (Un)curriculum by Jeff A. Johnson & Denita Dinger - I LOVED this book, mainly because I resonated with most of what was written in the book. I love following children’s interest and seeing where each day takes us, as opposed to having this set scheduled plan that is inauthentic and lacks meaning to everyone involved. For the early childhood educators out there, who feel stifled and over all the planning, this book offer many practical tips, as well as personal stories from the authors who are home daycare educators in the US.

MARCH

Animals Make Us Human edited by Leah Kaminsky & Meg Keneally – I really loved this book, which is a compilation of short animal experiences that changed the lives of different authors and scientists. It re-awakened my love of the animal world, and I memories of wanting to be a marine biologist or wildlife vet for most of my childhood. It is filled with beautiful photographs and is part of a fundraiser for Aussie wildlife.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv – I made a lot of underlines in this book. There was science, personal accounts and a lot of research which had gone into writing this. Our children are really struggling in today’s society, due mainly to a large shift in lifestyle. The author clearly, and beautifully redirects us back to our own nature-filled childhoods, as the solution.

Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto – this book came to my attention years ago, but I’ve only just gotten around the purchasing and reading it. It was first published nearly 30 years ago, and I believe essential now more than ever to the current education system. Gatto was a teacher for over 30 years before writing this book, and won many teaching accolades. His words are firsthand accounts of how schooling is not the same as educating, why things must change the sake of our children, and some suggestions into how. It’s a small book, that packs a powerful punch.

The Last Bookshop by Emma Young – my novel for the month, and I devoured it in a day. Set in Perth Australia and centring around a young woman who owns the last bookshop, and last independent small business on Perth’s main strip, as she fights to keep her bookshop. There is romance, heartbreak, loss and difficult decisions. I always shed tears when inspiring and compassionate acts occur, and this book has the sweetest section that brought some tears. A definite one to add to your list whether you’re a bookworm or not.

APRIL

Play by Stuart Brow MD with Christopher Vaughan - I really enjoyed this book (yes, I know I’ve said that about pretty much every book I’ve read this year, but it’s true). In a world where play has taken a backseat, and deemed as unimportant, it is crucial, now more than ever to listen to the research of the extensive benefits of play. This books discusses play in childhood, but also how significant play is to life satisfaction and happiness in adulthood. It outlines the different types of play personalities and gives the research to back of why play is the missing link in most of our lives. I read this as and Educator and parent, however, I believe everyone will benefit from reading this.

Beautiful Failures by Lucy Clark - this book focuses on the Australian education system, but does refer to the various education systems around the world. I believe this book is so crucial to all parents. Extensive research and hard work went into this book. The school system is so focused on academics and intelligence that anxiety and depression, and suicide are running rampant through our school. As parents and teachers we do have the power to make changes, and it all starts with a conversation.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles - so a little known fact about me, is that I love reading novels set during WWII. It may be because my grandfather was forced into the last year of the war, and held prisoner for 3 years, and my grandmother had to the roof of her childhood house blown off. I guess it’s a way to understand what they went through. This novel is based on a true story, detailing the American library in Paris and the brave staff who made sure that everyone still had access to books during these dark times. At 420 pages, I read this book in a day, which should give you an idea about how I felt about it.

Truth-Telling by Henry Reynolds - this book is written by a renowned and well-respected historian. He sheds a lot of light into the history of the Australia most want to forget. However, since I was 8 year old, it’s the history I’ve always wanted to read; the truth. No matter how gruesome, horrendous and heartbreaking, this is the true history of Australia and a book that needs to be embedded into the Australian curriculum. Ignorance is prolonging issues that started over 200 years ago. We say “Lest we Forget” for our white soldiers on ANZAC Day. How about we include that to include the thousands of men, women and children who lost their lives during the Frontier Wars of Australia, defending their home, their land and their sovereignty against a foreign invader, who went against international law and treaty.

MAY

Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Dr Barry M. Prizant - I love strength-based approaches, and this book definitely has that. In a world filled with labels, stigmas and stereotypes - most of them negative - this book was wonderful at shining the strengths of autism through all the muck of society. I remember when I first started my Family Day Care almost 7 years ago, and one of the first children in my care was a 5 year old boy with ASD. His Mum asked me if that would be a problem, and I replied “why would it be a problem?” I felt sad that she felt the need to justify her son. I saw a boy with a beautiful heart, curious nature and a sense of defiance that demonstrated he marched to the beat of his own drum - a quality I share myself and love seeing in those around me. I highly recommend this book to parents and educators because it’s high time we start seeing the whole of each and every individual child for the unique and beautiful beings that they already are.

The White Girl by Tony Birch - this book has been on my reading list for a year, and when my beautiful Mum sent me her copy to borrow in the mail, I dove right in. In fact, I read this book in a couple of hours. It’s a page-turner and draws you in from the very first page. Like other novels I’ve read centering around the horrific history of Aboriginal Australia, this one was no different. Filled with the atrocities committed by white “authority figures” during the Stolen Generations, you see the strength, perseverance and determination of an Aboriginal grandmother as she seeks to protect her granddaughter. Another must read.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn - another WWII novel (yes, I love historical fiction, although this one is actually based on real events with a few real life characters thrown in). I have read 2 of Kate’s other books, “The Alice Network” and “The Huntress” both of which I highly recommend. These books are extremely well written, the words come easily to life and the characters are engaging. In all honesty, one of the reasons I liked this books and Kate’s other books is because she presents strong female characters. During the World Wars, it can be easy to forget the sacrifices and roles that women played. And when I say the roles women played, I mean many of them turned the course of the wars through their intelligence, critical thinking, ability to analyse and just get shit done without whinging. If you haven’t gathered my stance on this book; let me spell it out. It too is a must read.

Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Home Schooling by John Holt & Pat Farenga - John Holt was a man well beyond his time (1923-1985). In fact, I would even go so far as to say he is above our time write now. John Holt wrote most of his books (which have sold in the millions) in the 1960s - 1980s. He saw the detrimental effect the school system has on children, and put forth arguments, research and stories from parents to show that you don’t need a degree to teach, and the best “teachers” can be a child’s own parents. The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that it is centered around America, however, many of the points can easily be transferred to other countries. Here is a quote which summarises most of the argument in this book “What is important and valuable about the home as a base for children’s growth into the world is not that it is a better school than schools but that it isn’t a school at all. It is not an artificial place, set up to make ‘learning’ happen and in which nothing except ‘learning’ ever happens. [The home] is a natural, organic, central, fundamental human institution, one might easily and rightly say the foundation of all other institutions.” I have at least 100 reasons NOT to send my own children to school, I haven’t found a single reason why I should. John Holt is known as the father of ‘unschooling’ and for very good reason. His passion, commitment and dedication to children and learning seeps through every word he has every written.

JUNE & JULY

Due to our move in June, and family visiting in July, I didn’t read as much as I usually do. So I’ve combined both months.

Our Wild Calling: How Connecting With Animals Can Transform Our Lives - and Save Theirs by Richard Louv - I actually started this book back in April, but found some parts of it a bit of a drudgery to get through. The main premise, research and information that went into this book was well worth the times I felt like putting it down. From hearing accounts of the many people over the world who have experienced something profound, something beyond themselves with their unplanned encounters with various wild animals is something I’ve experienced myself. Focusing on the power only animals seems to have on mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, this book seeks to explain the human-animal relationship and how it can transform our lives. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book, however, I found the writing style less than desirable.

Fully Human: A New Way of Using Your Mind by Steve Biddulph - I’m constantly drawn to books that explore our mind, brain and emotions. This book delves into all these things in a very easy-to-read and concise manner. Steve talks about our “supersense,” where therapy meets neuroscience. Using our supersense, trusting our “gut” and recognising our feelings beneath our feelings, means we can live happier and more connected lives. This is a book I would recommend to everyone, whether you are interested in neuroscience or not. We all have feelings, intuition and trauma in one form or another, and this book can greatly understand the science behind, as well as offering practical tips.

You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing & Why It Matters by Kate Murphy - ok, so I loved this book, and think that everyone needs to get their hands on it and read it ASAP. As a natural born listener, I could definitely relate to all of the research, studies and personal accounts in this book. This book also challenges those of us, who think we are good listeners, by saying, in actual fact we may not be as crash hot as we think. There is a tone of practical tips and techniques. I highly recommend this book, it’s now on my favourite list, and I went crazy with the pencil as I underlined all the things I want to remember.

Small Acts of Defiance by Michelle Wright - my current favourite genre, WWII historical fiction (although based on real events, people and circumstances). This book features a young Australian girl who travels for the first time to France, with her French mother at the beginning of WWII. She is naive, but at the same time courageous in her effects to make a difference, and hit back against tyranny, both by the Germans and the French government. It’s about trusting your intuition, knowing what is right, even when authority tells you otherwise, and having the courage to stand your ground. “I learned a long time ago that giving up never solves anything…Giving up means the absence of hope. And if we don’t hold on to hope, we become complicit, we enable them…Their soldiers can occupy our city and our country, but only we can decide if we’ll let them occupy our minds.” (page 140).

The German Midwife by Mandy Robotham - normally I spread out my novels, but I was in the mood to read another WWII story. This one (as with the one listed above), I read in less than a day, so you know it’s gotta be good. Like Small Acts of Defiance, this book is also very much about knowing what is right, even if the majority say something else. It’s about trusting yourself, your morals, courage, resilience, perseverance, critical thinking and determination. The main character in this book is German, and because she disagreed with the government, she was forced into a camp, wearing a red star, where she bravely helped pregnant women no matter their race, religion or political position. A beautiful, heartbreaking, eye-opening novel that really does need to be read by all, so that history does not repeat itself.

AUGUST

Fathoms: the world in the whale by Rebecca Gibbs - for as long as I can remember my favourite animals have always been whales and dolphins. So, when I saw this book, written by an Australian author, all about whales, of course I had to read it. I liked how the author told of her own encounters with whales - both alive and dead, as well as detailed the research behind all aspects of whales, from why humans are so intrigued by them, to how different cultures view whales and how their presences is needed on our planet. The author has a very poetic way of presenting her stories and ideas. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing more about whales, their history and their place in in this world.

Biohack Your Brain: how to boost cognitive health, performance and power by Kristen Willeumier - it’s no secret that I love reading about the brain and neuroscience (part of the reason why I went and got myself a degree in psychology). I loved this book. It was so easy to read and understand, especially for those who want to know more about the brain, but don’t necessarily like all the anatomical terms and medical jargon. Kristen has a detailed, yet simple approach on how anyone can improve their brain and cognitive function. She has worked with many different types of brain injuries and disorders. Her approach is holistic and involves sleep, diet, exercise and she gives options for each depending on your personal situation and finances. A book I would highly recommend for everyone to read.

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams - after reading this book, I can see why it has received so many awards, accolades and positive feedback. This novel is historical fiction, however, it has real people, real events and a story based on real life in the early 1900s, England. I loved the way the story was told, the strong imagery, and the characters were very likeable. This novel hits all the feels, with heartbreak, sadness, grief, joy, perseverance, determination, loyalty, friendship, family. If you’re a lover of historical fiction, or even if you’re not, this book is definitely one to add to your book list.

Furiously Happy: a funny book about horrible things by Jenny Lawson - my Mum randomly gifted me this book a couple of weeks ago (thanks Mum!). I felt like a light, funny read to end this month. There are definitely parts of this book that are hilarious. However, there were also parts I found were a bit “rambly” (yes, I know that’s not a word, but new words are invented all the time right?). I found myself skim reading these sections of the book. I mean other people might have found them funny. But my sense of humour is more geared towards, straight to the point wittiness, and I’ll never turn away a good pun (which thankfully were present in this book). So when things were taking too long to get to the punchline, I didn’t find the story as engaging. I did like how the author doesn’t take life seriously, and uses humour to address different mental illnesses. It’s one of those books where you have to read it to determine whether it suits you or not. As a side note, my younger son was thrilled when I finished reading it because he found the racoon on the cover terrifying.

SPRING (September to December)

Life and my business got quite busy after August, so while I did keep reading books, I didn’t keep up to date with reviewing them. I have decided to place all books read from September to now into one big list, which will also wrap up my book reviews for 2021.

Love, in Theory by Elodie Cheesman – so I will admit, one of the novel types I like reading, is light, quirky and romantic. I know many people call these types of books their “guilty pleasure,” but I feel no guilt whatsoever reading sappy novels, because they make me smile – and no one should be made to feel guilty for smiling. So, back this this novel. I enjoyed the angle of trying to make love into some mathematical equation, and the journey of the main character. Love is something that cannot be defined, a lesson the main character eventually learns. If you are after a light, easy and relaxing read, then this is a book I would recommend.

The Secret Messenger by Mandy Robotham – this is the second book by Mandy I have read this year (she also wrote The German Midwife, and my review can be found under June & July above). If you’ve followed along this far, it’s no secret that I love WWII historical novels. I love the resistance, the defiance, the courage, and the connection I feel to my own grandfather who fought in WWII. Like her first book, this is a book I would highly recommend for anyone liking this era historical fiction. This book flicks back and forth between 2 story lines which are interconnected through family and a typewriter. I loved the flow and the steady suspense throughout the novel, and I easily read it in a few hours.

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom by Kerry McDonald – this book has been on my reading list since it was released 2 years ago. I finally managed to get myself a copy, and I dove right in. There were many things I already knew, based on other books and articles I have read in the past. However, it was nice to have it all in one place. This book is packed full of research and studies about why the education system is failing out children, and why an unschooling approach can lead not only our kids, but us as parents back to a love of learning. I highly recommend this book to any parent who is even remotely interested in unschooling, as well as teachers who are feeling disillusioned at the education system.

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku – this is another book my beautiful Mum sent me in the mail. The messages in this book are so powerful. The last 2 years have been hard on most people. Our emotional and mental wellbeing has been thrown around like a rag doll, our financial security has been pulled from under us, the constant threat and fear that seems to be everywhere we look is like an ever-present storm cloud. In these times, it is important to remember, that while we can’t necessarily change the circumstances going on in the world, we can change our perception and how we choose to feel. Even in the darkest places there is light and hope. If you are needing reminding of that, then this book may be calling your name.

The Weed Forager’s Handbook: A Guide to Edible and Medicinal Weeds in Australia by Adam Grubb & Annie Raser-Rowland – I love “weeds”, I’ve never actually understood why people don’t, and why they are sprayed. To me, I’ve always seen weeds as having an important role in the ecosystem – they show you where imbalances are, and then they go about fixing them. Many “weeds” also have powerful medicinal qualities. One of the more common weeds, the dandelion has many benefits for the body, and assists with many different medical conditions. This book is focused on Australian weeds, and my own kids and I have loved identifying the weeds we see on our own property. This is a book I highly recommend everyone have in their possession.

I also highly recommend the children’s version of this book called Let’s Eat Weeds!

Wild by Kristin Hannah – I have read several books by Kristin in the past, and felt drawn to reading this one. Kristin is not shy about putting the hard emotions and life situations into a beautiful and compelling novel. This book really pulls at all your heart strings. There is loss, grief, tragedy, trauma, and there is also love, compassion, kindness and joy. To experience all of humanity, we need to embrace all of the emotions, working through and releasing each feeling as it arises. This is a novel I would read again; the characters are rich, the storyline is well-developed and it hits you in all the feels.

The Traitor by V. S. Alexander – another WWII historical fiction novel, and the last one I will be reviewing for 2021. The thing I loved about this book, is that it is set in Germany, and explores the German resistance to Hitler and the Nazis. It is based on true events and real people – specifically the White Rose, as led by real life sibling Hans and Sophie Scholl. Resilience, defiance, courage and the right for freedom, are the central themes in this book. The German perspective is something I loved about this book, as there aren’t many WWII novels written from this point of view. There are many lessons evident throughout this book, and some that need re-iterating, so history does not repeat.

Take Risks by John Marsden – some of you may know John Marsden for the Tomorrow When the War Began series. I read these books during my childhood, and after hearing about John’s newly released book which details his own experience in the Australian education system, I pushed this book up my reading list. There are definitely some insightful points and discussions in this book. However, there were entire chapters that I thought would be best left out of this book, as I didn’t feel they were entirely relevant to main messages in this book. This is probably a book I wouldn’t recommend unless you are a fan of John Marsden or you would like to know more about the alternative schools he created in Victoria, Australia.

Love Stories by Trent Dalton – I began Spring with a novel about love, and I will end with real-life stories about love. This book is unique, and I love how Trent not only came up with this idea in the middle of a pandemic, but also how he initiated it – by setting up a small table in Brisbane and collecting love stories from passers-by. Love is universal, and at the same time, means something different to each and every one of us. This book is a heart-warming hug wrapped in a pink and gold cover. In a world currently consumed by fear perpetuated by the media on every channel, website and newspaper, this book serves as a reality check that love, compassion, kindness and joy are everywhere we go. You can choose to see and live in fear, or you can choose to see and live in love. No matter what is happening in the world, you always have that choice.

That concludes my Book Reviews for 2021 – 37 books.

If you chose to read any of these books, I’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.

If you have any book recommendations for 2022 feel free to leave a comment, so myself and others can add it to our reading lists.

Much gratitude,

Steph xx