Australian creatives share the books that have impacted them the most
Words by Daisy Henry
The power of the written word.
Sometimes, all you need in a book is a fun, feel-good romance with a good dose of smut. Other times, you might be itching for a clever and suspenseful murder mystery that’ll have you up until the early hours of the morning, desperate to know whodunnit. But every now and then, you come across a book so profoundly life-changing that you can’t quite remember how you got by without it.
Perhaps that’s because it provided you with a much-needed dose of inspiration, broadened your perspective, taught you something new about yourself or because it made you feel seen and validated. Whatever the reason, books like this can be incredibly transformative.
Looking for more thought-provoking reads? Try our Life section.
For me, Sue Lloyd Robert’s The War on Women inspired my decision to study journalism and gender, while Deborah Levy’s The Cost of Living provided solace and comfort while I was travelling alone overseas. Curious to see what books other people have found monumental and life-changing, I asked six Australian creatives to share their most impactful reads.
Blue Nights by Joan Didion
Recommended by: Olivia Henning, content creator
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One of the most impactful novels I’ve ever read is Joan Didion’s Blue Nights. Didion’s poignant prose reminds us to hold onto what is precious and to savour the time we have with the people we love. I loved Blue Nights specifically because it was such a deeply personal and honest reflection on grief and loss that was relatable in the worst ways and deeply affected me emotionally.
The fragmented and nonlinear style of Blue Nights captures the complexity of memory and the ways in which our past selves continue to shape us in the present. I’ve always thought Didion’s unique style of blending personal narrative with larger cultural observations is so unique and her ability to distill complex ideas into concise and powerful statements is unmatched.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Recommended by: Diana Reid, writer and author
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Tartt’s awe-inspiring debut is the ultimate literary page-turner, so propulsive that I’m envious of people who are yet to read it for the first time. It follows a charismatic and eccentric clique of Ancient Greek students at an elite university as they plot, execute and live with the consequences of murder. And I’m not spoiling it by saying so (the murder is revealed on the very first page).
The Secret History has been particularly impactful in my life because it inspired an interest in campus novels, which lead eventually to writing my own Australian contribution to the genre. I honestly don’t think I would have written my debut novel Love & Virtue if it weren’t for The Secret History.
Unmasking Autism by Dr Devon Price
Recommended by: Natalie Jurrjens, photographer
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Reading Unmasking Autism by Dr Devon Price has had the most profound impact on my life. At 29, I discovered that I’m autistic. Last year, my knowledge of autism was limited and I lived unaware of this invisible disability. That was until I shared a deep connection with someone in Europe with a similar neurospicy brain, sparking a six-month journey of intensive research, leading to self-diagnosis and then official confirmation.
Among the books I’ve read, this one stands out as a catalyst for personal growth. It has provided valuable insights, helping me recognise moments of masking – a subconscious behaviour I engage in. Empowered by the book, I’ve learnt to embrace my unique identity now without apology. Unmasking Autism serves as an invaluable resource for understanding autism, fostering compassion and promoting inclusivity. It’s played a significant role in my journey to discovering my true self and I highly recommend it to others seeking a deeper understanding of themselves or of autism.
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
Recommended by: Zara Wong, content strategist and writer
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I admit it, I picked up this book because it had an eye-catching cover, but it was also highly recommended at my local bookstore. (Oh, and casually, Barack Obama once listed it as one of his favourite reads.) This helped me reframe that doing nothing – an anathema to me previously as I thought I always needed to be busy and efficient – was, actually, good for you.
Odell writes that yes, one must be privileged to entirely do nothing i.e. you can’t do nothing if you have a career or livelihood which depends on being busy. But it’s an intriguing premise, and reading this book has always reminded me that it’s important to let your mind be bored and wander sometimes – and that’s how you sometimes can become even more creative.
The Gift: Poems by Hafiz the Great Sufi Master translated by Daniel Ladinsky, Anam Cara by John O’Donohue and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Recommended by: Olivia Cummings, Founder and Creative Director of Cleopatra’s Bling
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I have been incredibly influenced by Sufi poetry as mysticism inspires me and makes me feel both small and potent in the universe. My favourite compilation of poetry is called The Gift by Hafiz. Mary Oliver is the other poet who has greatly emboldened me in moments of despair or lack of creativity.
Anam Cara by John O’Donohue is another one of my favourite books as O’Donohue focuses on the power of our landscapes and nature. It’s an important reminder to look around us and a great reminder of where we come from. Finally, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert really helped me to uncomplicate my creative process.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
Recommended by: Annabelle Lee, Host and Producer at Shameless Media
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I was pretty late on the bandwagon reading this book, but I absolutely understood the hype after devouring it in a day. After a breakup years ago, I set out on a mission to read anything that could potentially help me move forward. A classic sad girl cliché, I know. Without a doubt, Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love was the book that had the greatest impact.
By Dolly so poignantly laying out her experiences of love in all forms, I was able to put that failed relationship of mine into perspective. And properly appreciate my friends for being brilliant. Another cliché! But a happy girl one this time.
For more life-changing novels, head here.
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