It’s been twenty years since her mother was photographed, blood-soaked, outside the family home. A famous TV food personality, she fled the country. Since that time, the girl has grown up. She’s bought an apartment, learned her own cooking style, fallen in love. She lives a quiet life, working as a copywriter for a health insurance company. She’s found happiness, finally.

But strange things are in the air. Her easygoing boyfriend has started sleeping with men. Her mother is selling the infamous family home. And a glamorous, pregnant neighbour has moved into the apartment downstairs, calling into question everything the girl believes about her own desires.

Among conspiracies, dubious loyalties, and mercenary impulses, how do we work out who is worthy of our devotion and who is just a fan? Shirley charts a search for meaning in a world where the fracturing of ambitions – work and purpose, real estate and home, family and love – has left us uncertain how to recognise ourselves.

Popularised by the Dunbar Number, which suggests that our cognitive limit for maintaining stable social relationships is around 150 people, this book is a fascinating if highly cerebral and scientific take on friendship, trust, loneliness and social cohesion. Its academic exploration provides a practical guide  and homage to human connection for anyone looking to understand the nuances of friendship groups.

This is a practical, realistic and very honest approach to relationships based on Matthew being devastated by his own divorce which he really didn’t see coming as he thought he was a ‘good guy’. With a strong emphasis on active listening and practicing gratitude for your partner to build emotional connection, this book has something that all relationships, married or not, can get some good take away messages and practises from.

Many people think you can get the gist of this book by reading Gemma’s article featured in Harper’s Bazaar in 2017, however, her follow up book to the article is well worth the read. There are many fantastic quotes to reflect on, but the biggest take away is making the invisible, visible. The domestic labour divide is visible and correctable, emotional labour, not so easily defined, until now. “Emotional labour is emotional management and life management combined. It is the unpaid, invisible work we do to keep those around us comfortable and happy.” If the well thumbed copy from the library is anything to go by, this book resonates!

This book invites us to question the way we have been taught to think of value. It is well researched and sheds a timely light on the hidden toll of emotional labour. It clearly articulates the gender bias and misogyny underlying what the author calls “extractive emotional capitalism.” The book investigates the roots of gender inequality but also provides answers to the concern.

This highly approachable book is empathetic, accessible and filled with real life scenarios. Its non-judgemental tone encourages readers to be open about approaching common fears and taboos surrounding sex. The relatable tone helps to explore and articulate sexual desires and boundaries, as well as understanding a partner’s needs.

An honest and insightful look into families, parenting and gender identity. This novel is emotional, thought-provoking and heartwarming. The complex, beautiful and genuine characters will stay with you long after this book is finished.

A sequel to the gripping It Ends with Us, this novel explores how Lily is able to reconnect with herself, her sense of worth and belonging after being a victim of domestic violence. Whilst fictional, it depicts in words a great consent scene whilst also discussing contraception. The novel shows how with the right support, one can learn to love again after an experience of trauma.

This book hits hard and reflects on the seemingly loving connections one can make, yet be hurt most by the one’s who “love” them. Through a fictional exploration of domestic and family violence, generational survival and tales of hope, Lily never loses her sense of self, worth or what matters most, protecting her daughter from being another witness of family and domestic violence.

It Ends with Us is Lily’s boundary and she firmly sticks to it after realising the truth of her experiences with husband Ryle and what she had also witnessed from her father’s behaviour in the past. Gripping and gets you in, you may need tissues!

A beautiful hardcover book set out as an illustrated guide to feelings and relationships. This tender hearted and inclusive book opens the conversation in friendships and romantic relationships by inviting readers in to reflect and consider in this is a sweet, comforting and engaging book.

A raw, honest, contemporary memoir and debut. The narrative is engaging, blending personal anecdotes with broader reflections on cultural and societal norms. Tobi’s journey of self-discovery and exploration of their sexuality and gender identity is both humorous and candid.

In true Tsiolkas literary form, this book is an entertaining (sometimes raunchy), easy read. When two men, who have both suffered incredible heartbreak from their previous relationships, disclose their loneliness to each other, a modern love story evolves. Tsiolkas explores the complexities of the heart and what we hide from ourselves and others. A great exploration of relationships, friendships, connections and emotions.

Combining expertise in clinical psychology with holistic health, this book reflects the idea that cultivating self-love and self-compassion can transform your relationships with others. Key concepts are understanding and healing your past, cultivating self-love and developing self-awareness. Huge on Instagram Nicole, aka the Holistic Psychologist provides in depth insight into living a more authentic life.

A super clear, truthful, liberating and accessible book. Accesses our why and how to truly embody pleasure. Introduces a radical paradigm called sexual intelligence which is classified into five pillars—embodiment, health, collaboration, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance.

A touching nuanced love letter to the bustling city of New York. Alongside these beautiful touching moments with NYC strangers, Bill Hayes shares intricate personal stories of his relationship with an aging Oliver Sacks. A novel that is bringing a community together, reminding us of the beauty in everyday human interactions.

An emotional exploration through the depths of grief, identity and the search for an authentic meaningful life. This living autobiography employs readers to reflect on their own worldly knowledge and lived experiences of societies rituals and rules.

Healing, validating & cautionary

Practical, insightful & objective

Adventurous, endearing and connected

Eye opening, challenging & bias confronting