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There are so many books waiting to be read. I always have a few put aside, as there is a kind of comfort in knowing that there’s another book lined up and ready to go. It can make it easier to finish one of those books that you wish would never end, or at the very least, last a little longer.

I’ve just started reading The Angry Women’s Choir by Meg Bignell, which was an impulse buy, and I’m enjoying it so far. After listening to a podcast interview with Darryl Jones, I ordered a copy of Getting to Know the Birds in Your Neighbourhood. It is a great reference guide, with key information about birds in an accessible format and with stunning photos. It contains over 100 birds that are found in all major Australian cities and towns, and is a great way to learn something new about birds that may seem familiar.

The First Dismissal by Luke Slattery is on loan from my Mum. It is about Lachlan Macquarie’s time as Governor in New South Wales, and his collaboration with convict architect, Francis Greenway. I recently finished a fictional story based on the life of Mary, wife of Francis. I’m excited to learn more about Greenway in this short book.

The second volume of autobiography by Ruth Park is Fishing in the Styx. Over the years, I’ve read a few of Park’s books, and look forward to learning more about her life and her literary partnership with husband D’arcy Niland.

The bottom four books in the stack were picked up at the local library last week. Atlas of Abandoned Places by Oliver Smith appealed as I have a quiet fascination with places that once had purpose but which now are left to return to the earth. What the Trees See by Dave Witty offers a wander through the natural history of Australia. It will be interesting to dip into, and has chapters on Sidmouth Valley and the Pilliga, which I’ve been to and read about.

The Bird Way by Jennifer Ackerman will be another book to dip into to learn more about bird behaviour. And finally, Mirror Sydney by Vanessa Berry. This offers themed essays and maps about historical and nostalgic observations in Sydney and suburbs. It reminds me of childhood in suburbia, and the maps and drawings are great.

What’s on your reading list?

I’m participating in this blogging challenge for the month of January, which supports starting the year on the “write” track. You can find other posts with #bloganuary and join in the challenge.

Photo: stack of books to read