If you’re looking for a good book recommendation, check out what your peers have been enjoying! All reviews by library patrons.

Want to review/recommend a book, DVD or LP record? Email us at msa-library@monash.edu – all reviews will go into the draw for a $20 MSA voucher each month!

SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

Goldenhand by Garth Nix

Complete series available in our Sci-Fi collection, and as an audiobook

“This book was amazing! A great addition to the Old Kingdom Series. Or if you haven’t read the series and like high fantasy, strong female characters & great magic systems, start with Sabriel.”

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The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Complete series available in our Sci-Fi Collection; 2nd book also on vinyl

”I really enjoyed this book. The style of writing is very entertaining and the subject matter is wonderfully weird. Would recommend. ”

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The 3-body Problem by Cixin Liu

Available in the original Chinese, translated in our Sci-Fi collection, and as an audiobook

”A sci-fi novel with an emphasis on the science, this is a book to read with your full attention. Do that and the universe opens up.” – Recommended by Laura

FICTION

When God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman

Available in our Fiction collection

”Do you like to laugh? Do you like to cry? Do you like to be lead on an emotional rollercoaster by a fabulously witty author? If so, read this bonza book! You will not regret it. ”

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A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara

Available in our Fiction collection

”It takes the ‘following a group of friends in their twenties / existential crises’ trope and runs with it – eschewing cutesy messages re: the meaning of life, it delivers a beautiful and shockingly suspenseful story of life and friendships. A must read. ” – Recommended by Lauren

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Complete series available in our Fiction collection; film adaptation also available on DVD

”Absolutely thrilling with unique characters and a powerful stance against sexism/racism. Lisbeth Salander is a kick-ass heroine like nobody else. Even if you’ve already seen the movie it’s worth reading the novels. ”

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The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

Available in our Fiction collection, and as an audiobook

”Provocative humour coupled with criticisms of Indian society make for an entertaining read. You both love and hate the protagonist, ensuring that you won’t put this book down! ”- Recommended by Aleks

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Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Available in our Fiction collection, and as an audiobook

”A really sweet story about self-discovery and leaning how to grow with someone. ” – Recommended by Ellena

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Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson

Available in our Fiction collection

”Extremely well-written, very engaging story-line. Like lesbians, muchly. ”- Recommended by Betsy

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Animal Farm by George Orwell

Available in our Fiction collection, and as an e-book

”A thinking book.” – Recommended by Ellena

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Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

Available in our Fiction collection

”AMAZING! Best historical fiction book I have ever read! ” – Recommended by Elly

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Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Available as e-book and audiobook

”This book is a classic for a reason! Read it ☺ Favourite aspect: quirky, memorable characters. 4.5/5 stars. ” – Recommended by Gemma

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Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Available in our Fiction collection

”My first thoughts were this is so cheesy, then the character development goes so deep and uncharted that you find yourself gripped at the book. ” – Recommended by Javier

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Room by Emma Donoghue

Available in our Fiction collection, and as an audiobook; film adaptation also available on DVD

”Moving, thrilling, unlike anything I’ve read before. Picks up in the second half after a gripping setup. Don’t read the blurb! ”

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The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Available in our Fiction collection

”I want to write a really witty review but it’s too early. This book is great. You should definitely read it. ” – Recommended by Louis

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Available in our Fiction collection; film adaptation also available on DVD

”Good book with a twist! ”

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Wolf of the Plains by Conn Iggulden

Available in our Fiction collection, and as an e-book

”Well-crafted historical fiction. Well-researched and engaging. ”

NON-FICTION AND BIOGRAPHY

The Hospital by the River by Catherine Hamlin

Available in our Biography collection

“So so inspirational for me as a med student. “

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Is it Just Me? by Miranda Hart

Available in our Biography collection

”Ridiculously funny, completely relatable, Hart opens up about awkward moments with genuine and heartfelt advice. MUST READ. ” – Recommended by Annie

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A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Available in our Non-Fiction collection

”Bryson is a really good author for those who enjoy travel writing while also getting a good laugh. ” – Recommended by Laura

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Depends What You Mean by Extremist by John Safran

Available in our Non-Fiction collection

”Very funny, insightful view into the extremist fringe groups in Australia. ”

GRAPHIC NOVELS

Habibi by Craig Thompson

Available in our Graphic Novels section under ‘general’.

”I loved this book. I am Arabic myself & this story was fkn beautiful. Like crying the entire time.”

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Captain Marvel by Kelly Sue DeConnick

Several volumes available in our Graphic Novels collection under ‘Marvel’

“She likes Star Wars and punching things, and takes her cat to space. Enough said.”

ROMANCE

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Available in our Romance collection, and as an audiobook; film adaptation also available on DVD

“A witty fast-paced book. Romantic to the core, it is both heart-warming and slightly devastating. Great if you want a little cry.” – Recommended by Annie