Welcome to Litsy!

In 2011 I judged the Children‘s Book Council of Australia‘s awards. I read over 350 books, and The Dead I Know won the Older Reader category. Scot Gardner is a stalwart of Oz YA and this book truly reflects his themes - identity and self reflection, not romantic love. Family, not necessarily by blood, and what it means to be a man (spoiler: many things, not just one). #tenbooksonedecade #loveozya #contemporary #2011

With hints of Six Feet Under for the YA crowd, this book was tense, a little disturbing but equally heartfelt. The relationship between Aaron and John unfolded with such unspoken understanding it was incredibly engaging. An unusual but highly recommended Australian young adult novel.

I'm reading this YA novel as another potential school text for my year 10 English class. There is so much tension in these pages!! I'm torn between rushing through it as fast as possible to get to the resolution (I NEED to know Aaron will be okay!) and slowing to savour the amazing characters and the unusual setting - takes place in a funeral parlour. If you're into YA and want something a bit different, this one is definitely worth picking up.

On tap for soon. Set in the sphere of the funeral business. Humor, respect, plus a little mystery & suspense. I loved Six Feet Under and I'm hoping this has the same feel. I'm curious.