BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
An enthusiastic group of readers meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss a set book by an Australian author. Books chosen for discussion are generally YA titles although the occasional book for Younger Readers is included. In the past a book by an overseas author has also made the list for discussion.
There are two special events throughout the year.
The first is a lunch at the UWA University Club, followed by a book discussion in the members’ meeting room.
The second is an ‘in conversation’ event during Love to Read Local Month in August at Roderick House at which WA authors and illustrators talk about their shortlisted books in the Book of the Year Awards ahead of the announcement of the winning books.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Book Discussion Group meetings to improve their knowledge of Australian young adult and children’s literature.
Contact Gail Spiers
There are two special events throughout the year.
The first is a lunch at the UWA University Club, followed by a book discussion in the members’ meeting room.
The second is an ‘in conversation’ event during Love to Read Local Month in August at Roderick House at which WA authors and illustrators talk about their shortlisted books in the Book of the Year Awards ahead of the announcement of the winning books.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Book Discussion Group meetings to improve their knowledge of Australian young adult and children’s literature.
Contact Gail Spiers
2026 Meeting Dates and Books to be Discussed
Wednesday April 22 2026 (6.30 Contact Gail for venue information)
The Belly of a Wolf by Julianne Negri (UWA Publishing)
The Belly of a Wolf is a moving verse novel exploring the devastating impact of youth suicide. Unflinching, emotional and darkly funny.
“I loved this book. I devoured it. It sucked me under. I felt what it is to be a grieving, messy teenager.” Nova Weetman
The Belly of a Wolf by Julianne Negri (UWA Publishing)
The Belly of a Wolf is a moving verse novel exploring the devastating impact of youth suicide. Unflinching, emotional and darkly funny.
“I loved this book. I devoured it. It sucked me under. I felt what it is to be a grieving, messy teenager.” Nova Weetman
Wednesday May 27 2026 (6.30 Contact Gail for venue information)
Forever and Ever by Allanah Hunt (Text Publishing)
Forever & Ever is a gritty, heart-wrenching love story set in a Murray–Darling, river town simmering with deep-seated prejudice and long-buried secrets. Allanah Hunt works as a lecturer at the University of Queensland and this is her first novel.
Forever and Ever by Allanah Hunt (Text Publishing)
Forever & Ever is a gritty, heart-wrenching love story set in a Murray–Darling, river town simmering with deep-seated prejudice and long-buried secrets. Allanah Hunt works as a lecturer at the University of Queensland and this is her first novel.
Wednesday June 24 2026 (6.30 Contact Gail for venue information)
Good Young Men by Gary Lonesborough (Allen & Unwin)
Good Young Men is the 4th novel from award-winning Yuin author Gary Lonesborough. It is a contemporary coming-of-age novel told from the point of view of three small-town Aboriginal friends finding their way towards adulthood.
Good Young Men by Gary Lonesborough (Allen & Unwin)
Good Young Men is the 4th novel from award-winning Yuin author Gary Lonesborough. It is a contemporary coming-of-age novel told from the point of view of three small-town Aboriginal friends finding their way towards adulthood.
Wednesday July 22 2026 (6.30 Contact Gail for venue information)
Don’t Let Them Leave by Mike Lucas (Penguin)
Don’t Let Them Leave is a spooky thriller by South Australian author, Mike Lucas.
‘A treacherous tale of revenge and repair, and a true Gothic masterpiece that draws deep from the well of Cornish folklore. Sinister, shocking and utterly terrifying.’ – Margot McGovern, author of This Stays Between Us
Don’t Let Them Leave by Mike Lucas (Penguin)
Don’t Let Them Leave is a spooky thriller by South Australian author, Mike Lucas.
‘A treacherous tale of revenge and repair, and a true Gothic masterpiece that draws deep from the well of Cornish folklore. Sinister, shocking and utterly terrifying.’ – Margot McGovern, author of This Stays Between Us
Wednesday August 26 2026 (6.30 Contact Gail for venue information)
Once Upon Tomorrow by Karen Comer (Lothian)
'Comer weaves an ambitious, luminous feminist fable about what matters most - family, agency, creativity and hope' PIP HARRY
Once Upon Tomorrow by Karen Comer (Lothian)
'Comer weaves an ambitious, luminous feminist fable about what matters most - family, agency, creativity and hope' PIP HARRY
Wednesday September 23 2026 (6.30 Contact Gail for venue information)
The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss (Penguin)
A murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.
The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss (Penguin)
A murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.
The Book Discussion Group – 2026 | Jen MCCracken, Sue Wyche, Kris Williams, Anette Ainsworth, Trish Montgomery, Bronwen Channon, Lucy Ward-Dickson, Gay Tierney, Karen Cunningham, Louise Burlinson, Sue Stopher, Karen Goddard
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP - ARCHIVE OF BOOK TITLES
Interested to find out which books have previously been read in the Book Discussion Group...? See below:
Wednesday January 28 2026
Maisy Hayes is Not For Sale by Allayne L. Webster (Text Publishing)
Maisy Hayes Is Not For Sale is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about hardship, coping with anger and frustration, and being true to yourself.
‘A warm, reassuring hug. Allayne Webster is Australia’s answer to Judy Blume.’ Pip Harry.
Maisy Hayes is Not For Sale by Allayne L. Webster (Text Publishing)
Maisy Hayes Is Not For Sale is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about hardship, coping with anger and frustration, and being true to yourself.
‘A warm, reassuring hug. Allayne Webster is Australia’s answer to Judy Blume.’ Pip Harry.
Wednesday February 25 2026 (6.30 Contact Gail for venue information)
Moonlight and Dust by Jasmin Mc Gaughey (Allen & Unwin)
'A powerful new voice in Australian YA, Jasmin McGaughey skilfully weaves threads of family, secrets and magic into something vivid and utterly unputdownable.' - LILI WILKINSON, award-winning author of A Hunger of Thorns
Moonlight and Dust by Jasmin Mc Gaughey (Allen & Unwin)
'A powerful new voice in Australian YA, Jasmin McGaughey skilfully weaves threads of family, secrets and magic into something vivid and utterly unputdownable.' - LILI WILKINSON, award-winning author of A Hunger of Thorns
Wednesday March 25 2026 (6.30 Contact Gail for venue information)
The Pull of the Moon by Pip Smith (UWA Publishing)
“In rendering Christmas Island in all its beauty and tragedy, Pip Smith has given us a new way of exploring how this place represents all of our histories and a way to talk about how the future could be better.” Felicity Castagna, author of Girls in Boys' Cars
The Pull of the Moon by Pip Smith (UWA Publishing)
“In rendering Christmas Island in all its beauty and tragedy, Pip Smith has given us a new way of exploring how this place represents all of our histories and a way to talk about how the future could be better.” Felicity Castagna, author of Girls in Boys' Cars
