Book Recommendations for Australian Reading Hour - 96five Family Radio

Book Recommendations for Australian Reading Hour

Australia Reads is demonstrating the power of reading with Australian Reading Hour. The 96five team share some of their book recommendations.

By Steff WillisThursday 9 Mar 2023BooksReading Time: 2 minutes

Australian Reading Hour on Thursday 9 March 2023 encourages Aussies to take an hour out of their day to read, share and enjoy good books.

According to McGill University taking time out to read is really beneficial. Reading for just 30 minutes reduces stress, blood pressure and heart rate. Research shows that reading increases self-esteem and supports mental wellbeing, with readers 21% less likely to report feelings of depression (University of Liverpool).

Reading for pleasure is more important than ever. Around 44% of Australians struggle with the literacy skills needed for everyday life, 2022 NAPLAN results revealed a new low in literacy rates for teenage boys, and in the 2021 National Reading Survey, a survey of 3,000 Australians revealed that 1 in 5 had not read or listened to a single book in a year.

Australia Reads is encouraging you to pick up a new book or revisit a favourite for Australian Reading Hour. Take some time out to unwind and escape into a book, and you can take part at any time on the day.

The 96five team love to read and if you’re not sure what to read next, take a look at list below and see if anything sparks your interest.

Here’s what our announcers will be digging into for Australian Reading Hour!

L-R Steff, Nicky, Jess, Ken & Tim B

Steff – All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Nicky – The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Jess – The Way of a Pilgrim by Anonymous

Ken – I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist by Frank Turek & Norman L. Geisler

Tim B – No Second Chance by Harlan Coben and Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty by Gregory A. Boyd

Need some more inspiration for Australian Reading Hour? We asked the 96five team what they’re currently reading.

Sha – Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers and Atomic Habits by James Clear

Arthur – Day’s End by Gary Disher

Day's End by Garry Disher

Mick – Lyonesse Series by Jack Vance

John – Don’t Waste Your Sorrows: New Insight Into God’s Eternal Purpose for Each Christian in the Midst of Life’s Greatest Adversities by Paul E. Billheimer

Georgia – Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

Iris – The Pursuit of God by A W. Tozer

Debora – Why Revival Tarries: A Classic on Revival by Leonard Ravenhill

Jill – Wake by Shelley Burr

Iain – Discovering the Mind of a Woman by Ken Nair

Lynne – This Present Darkness by Frank E. Perreti

Tim H – The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

To learn more about Australian Reading Hour, visit the Australia Reads website.