Welcome to Western Downs Libraries
Online Bookclub
Are you passionate about literature and eager to connect with fellow book enthusiasts?
Our virtual bookclub offers the perfect platform for you to indulge in your love for reading, no matter how busy your schedule may be.
March Theme:
“The Letter W”
This month’s theme, ‘Decoding the World through the Letter “W”’, celebrates stories that begin with the letter “W”—offering a wide variety of genres, themes, and unforgettable characters.
From the emotional depth of Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing, where a young woman’s struggle for survival and connection in the wild marshes is intertwined with a gripping mystery, to the darker, whimsical magic of Gregory Maguire’s Wicked, which reimagines the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, there’s a world of adventure waiting. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, modern romance, Rebecca Heath’s The Wedding Party offers a delightful, emotional journey where love, family, and second chances collide in unexpected ways.
These books and more will lead you on journeys through wild landscapes, magical realms, and heartfelt romances. Whether you’re in the mood for mystery, magic, or lighthearted romance, March’s collection of “W” books has something to offer every reader.
Here are March’s book recommendations, available at our branches or digitally on BorrowBox or Hoopla. If you are part of our Goodreads Group, you can find and add your chosen book to your ‘reading list’.
The discussion board for March’s theme is open and ready for your thoughts on these amazing “W” reads!
Author Spotlight
Welcome to Author Spotlight, where each month we will shine a light on the authors that have captivated our minds here in Western Downs Libraries. Join us as we explore the diverse worlds they create and celebrate the magic of storytelling in all its forms.
February Author:
Matthew Condon
This month, our spotlight is on Matthew Condon.
Matthew Condon is a prize-winning Australian novelist and journalist with a distinguished career in both fields. He began his journalism journey with the Gold Coast Bulletin in 1984 and went on to contribute to leading newspapers and journals, including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Sun-Herald, Melbourne’s Sunday Age, and the Courier Mail.
Condon is the author of ten books of fiction, including the epic The Trout Opera, and is widely known for his bestselling true-crime trilogy about Queensland crime and corruption: Three Crooked Kings (2013), Jacks and Jokers (2014), All Fall Down (2015), and Little Fish are Sweet (2016). His most recent novel, The Night Dragon (2019), further solidifies his reputation as a master storyteller.
In addition to his novels, Condon has made a significant mark in the world of podcasting with two highly praised true-crime series: Ghost Gate Road and Dig: Sirens Are Coming. These podcasts dive deep into Queensland’s criminal history, continuing Condon’s exploration of the darker aspects of Australia’s past.
Condon’s work has garnered numerous accolades, and his books have earned critical acclaim for their sharp insights, compelling narratives, and rich storytelling. His ability to merge journalistic rigor with literary fiction makes him one of Australia’s finest writers.
Book Review: The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
Wow! This is undoubtedly one of the most thought-provoking blends of sci-fi and fantasy I’ve read this year! I absolutely adored it! (And it’s not just the kind of admiration where you casually raise your glass to the book. No, it’s more like standing on top of a mountain, shouting your love for it to the stars.)
The Midnight Library isn’t merely the story of Nora Seed, a woman stuck in a life she perceives as a failure, where she feels insignificant and hopeless. It’s a profound exploration of regret, unfulfilled potential, and the endless “what ifs” that haunt us. This novel delves into themes of pursuing the dreams of others, dealing with self-criticism, overcoming insecurities, and navigating love, passion, and loss.
When Nora attempts to end her life, she unexpectedly finds herself in a surreal library that exists between life and death. Here, shelves upon shelves of books offer her the chance to witness alternate versions of her life—if only she can discover the right one. To be saved, Nora must find the life where she feels truly happy and fulfilled.
Guided by Mrs. Elm, a reassuring figure from her past, Nora embarks on a journey where she can explore how different choices might have altered her life. She could have been a competitive swimmer, a famous rock star, a thoughtful philosopher, a loving wife, an adventurous traveler, or even a glaciologist. Perhaps she could have said yes to a life with Ash, the kind-hearted doctor, or chosen to pursue a quiet existence running a pub with her ex. She could have even reached for the stars, winning Olympic medals or performing her music on global stages.
Yet, after experiencing countless variations of her life, Nora faces the ultimate question: which life truly brings her the peace and happiness she craves?
This book challenges Nora to confront her past mistakes, urging her to see that while it’s easy to be weighed down by what might have been, she must also acknowledge the person she’s become. No matter how much she yearns for a fresh start, her regrets will always pull her back. Can she rise above them and embrace her true potential, or will she be forever tethered to her past choices?
The Midnight Library is a strikingly emotional and beautifully written exploration of life’s most profound questions. It’s both heart-wrenching and inspiring, leaving readers to reflect on their own paths. Haig’s words offer a poignant reminder that regret can hold us back, but it is only through living, fully and truly, that we can find our way. This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone searching for a story that’s as deeply moving as it is enlightening.
December Theme
January Theme
February Theme
