13/11/2024
With the days getting longer and the thermometer slowly but surely creeping upwards, now is the perfect time to think about what to pack in your beach bag alongside the bathers, towel and umbrella. But finding the perfect summer book can be as challenging as choosing just one flavour from the display cabinet at Gelatissimo (our tip: try the limited edition Mango Sticky Rice while it lasts during November). That’s where Dillons Bookshop comes in. Whether you’re looking for dreamy escapism, quirky cat-lit or action-packed thrillers, the friendly and well-read staff at this neighbourhood bookshop have you covered. Here are long-time employee Connie Giurastante’s picks for the top books of the summer.
The One That Everyone’s Talking About
Sally Rooney – Intermezzo
Hailed as the “Salinger of the Snapchat generation,” Sally Rooney is one of the most gifted writers currently working. The Normal People and Conversations With Friends author has a gift for capturing love in all of its messy, complicated glory and her latest release is one of the most anticipated books of the year. At turns tender and laugh out loud funny, Intermezzo channels the effortless prose of James Joyce as it explores the dense inner worlds and complicated romantic lives of two Irish brothers.
The Surprise Hit
Syou Ishida -We’ll Prescribe You A Cat
“Anything with animals in the title is going to do well,” laughs Connie. “And this is a Japanese book with a really cute cover, so it’s going gangbusters.” The story revolves around Kokoro Clinic for the Soul, a mysterious establishment that can only be found by people suffering from great emotional distress. Once inside, patients are prescribed a cat that helps them to solve their problems in a range of delightfully unexpected ways. Add in a dash of magical realism, plenty of whimsy and some heart-warming animal-patient interactions, and you have a sweet, quirky gem of a book.
The Unputdownable Page Turner
Richard Osman – We Solve Murders
Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books have broken sales records around the world since they debuted in 2020, and this is the first entry in his brand new series. We Solve Murders sees the action move far beyond the leafy countryside of Kent, as a retired police officer and a bodyguard for a bestselling novelist find themselves entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a shadowy international organisation. Fans of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim will recognise the gentle humour and lovably eccentric characters, while this jet-setting page-turner raises the stakes even further with a typically twisty plot.
The Moving Memoir
Gina Chick – We Are The Stars
“Gina just came in for a signing and a chat as part of a national tour,” says Connie, who describes her as “adorable, engaging and funny as a fit.” It’s no surprise that this powerful memoir sees the inaugural winner of Alone Australia detailing her strong connection with the natural world, but the life story of Australia’s most famous survivalist also contains plenty of unexpected revelations. Grief, wonder and resilience are constant themes, and Chick proves to be as captivating a presence on the page as she was onscreen. Even better, Dillons still has several signed copies in stock.
The Feelgood Children’s Book
Craig Silvey – Runt
“The movie based on this book just came out and it’s a beautiful Aussie story; the outback family coming to the big smoke and the literal underdog winning the day.” The latest offering from the author of Jasper Jones follows the adventures of 11-year-old Annie Shearer and her best friend, a mongrel sheepdog named Runt who will only obey commands when nobody is watching. Together, they set out to save the family sheep farm by winning the prize money at a lucrative dog show in London. At once hilarious and heart-warming, this tale of friendship is beautifully told and will have young readers racing through the pages to find out if this loveable duo can save the day.
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Location: 160/166 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067
