Books

These incredible Australian memoirs showcase the diverse stories which make up the spirit of our sunburnt nation

These unique works of non-fiction will make you laugh, cry, and learn more about our collective story.
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Sprawling across Australia’s terrain are valleys, cliffs, and deserts, marked by the footprints of stories that tell the journeys of our unique humanity.

Our diverse island nation doesn’t always represent our voices equally in popular culture, politics, and the workforce. But within our literary sphere, there is a beautiful nook that uncovers the voices of all Australians.

Memoirs and autobiographies are platforms that allow readers and authors to meet for a discussion about the human experience through the lens of their trials, successes, and observations.

On our bookshop shelves sitting within the rows of books, are stories that will show you unique worlds within your backyard or even provide you with a 200 plus paged companion that helps you and your journey feel seen.

As our First Nations people know well, stories provide humans with an ability to connect, and sometimes all we need is a helping hand in the form of an author’s prose to guide us through to a newfound level of empathy for our family, friends, and neighbours.

Add these incredible Australian memoirs to your reading list to expand your understanding of our identity as a nation.

(Credit: Booktopia)

01

Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia edited by Anita Heiss

The anthology, which features accounts from authors and high-profile individuals, tells stories of diverse voices and experiences to understand what it’s like for First Nations people growing up in Australia. It’s a must-read for all Australians!

Pick up a copy here.

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02

Bachar Houli: Faith, Football and Family by Bachar Houli and Waleed Aly

Australia’s most high-profile Muslim AFL player Bachar Houli has shared his experiences and success as a footballer. Within a sport that famously lacks diversity, he has spearheaded meaningful conversations for community inclusion and tolerance, which have changed the institution for the better.

Pick up a copy here.

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03

The Mother Wound by Amani Haydar

Amani Haydar’s story is one of race, victimhood, and womanhood, as she unpacks the consequences of losing her mother to domestic violence. The devastating accounts analyse motherhood and female resilience as Amani reckons with her past.

Pick up a copy here.

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04

Daring to Fly by Lisa Millar

Acclaimed journalist Lisa Miller tells her story of growing up in country Queensland with big dreams. The foreign correspondent talks about hurdles she faced within a career that exposed the worst of humanity and how she faced her future threatening fear of flying head-on.

Pick up a copy here.

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05

Sex, Lies and Question Time by Kate Ellis

Former minister Kate Ellis writes about her 15 years in parliament with a frank and unique angle on life as a woman in Australian politics. She extends her story to include intriguing descriptions of Julia Gillard, Penny Wong, Julie Bishop, Linda Burney, and Pauline Hanson, to name a few.

Pick up a copy here.

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06

Truths From an Unreliable Witness by Fiona O’Loughlin

The Australian comedian is as hilarious as ever in her memoir about her complicated life, which travels through her experiences of marriage, motherhood, divorce, homelessness, alcoholism, a two week-coma, plus plenty more raw and brave stories from her life.

Pick up a copy here.

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07

The Happiest Refugee by Anh Doh

Beloved comedian Anh Doh tells his unique story as a refugee in Australia with his natural wit as he guides readers through instances of tragedy, heartache, and inspiring determination.

Pick up a copy here.

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08

Jimmy Barnes Working Class Boy

Singer Jimmy Barnes rips open the wounds of his past to tell his story, from a rough kid growing up in Adelaide’s north to becoming a massive rock star and overcoming his addictions. It’s a raw and honest account about his life, and some stories are so wild you won’t believe they’re real.

Pick up a copy here.

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09

The Shape of Sound by Fiona Murphy

Ableism in Australia is one of the last topics to be thoroughly discussed by mainstream media. But with memoirs about Fiona and her deafness, which she kept secret for over 25 years, this will hopefully start to change. The book explores her experiences and how disabilities are dictated by economics, medicine, society, and expectations.

Pick up a copy here.

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10

Last Shot by Jock Zonfrillo

The MasterChef judge candidly discusses his tough past within the trenches of intense Michelin star kitchens. He also opens up about his drug addiction and other shocking stories from his life.

Pick up a copy here.

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11

Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington and Nugi Garimara

Many Australians have seen the iconic movie, but its memoir offers another opportunity to explore the extraordinary story based on the actual events of three girls who fled from the Moore River Native Settlement via a rabbit-proof fence.

Pick up a copy here.

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12

Growing Up Asian in Australia by Alice Pung

Asian-Australian stories aren’t told enough within our pop culture, but Alice’s beautiful piece of work explores their stories with vigour and a dose of well-infused humour.

Pick up a copy here.

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13

Penguin Bloom by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive

It’s unsurprisingly that the incredible tale of Penguin Bloom became a movie starring Naomi Watts. The story follows the Bloom family’s journey to healing following Cameron Bloom’s wife, Sam’s near-fatal fall when they decide to raise an injured baby bird brought home by their sons, which they eventually view as another family member.

Pick up a copy here.

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