Summer Chill List

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

“I have just finished The Dictionary of Lost Words by Australian author Pip Williams – a fictional story centred around how the Oxford English Dictionary was made in the mid-to-late 1800s.”

– Caroline, Senior Policy & Project Officer, Teaching & School Leadership

Ordinary Gods and Monsters by Chris Womersley

Electric and Mad and Brave by Tom Pitts

The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks

"My favourite reads this year by authors based in Naarm."

– Di, General Manager, Corporate

Would that be Funny? Growing up with John Clarke by Lorin Clarke

“I went to university with Lorin and worked on one of her plays. She is a brilliant writer, delivering a warm and humorous account of her family life.”

– Beth, Policy & Project Officer, Teaching & School Leadership   

“For summer reading I love anything by Sally Hepworth.”

– Sally, Principal, Policy & Projects, Teaching & School Leadership

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

“I own multiple copies and have read it 4 times since it was released last year.”

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

“For the sci-fi lovers. It’s so welcoming and kind, and wonderfully LGBTQ+.”

– Laura, Research Officer

Bright Shining by Julia Baird

“I’m currently reading Julia Baird’s new book Bright Shining – it’s a stunning read along the lines of her previous book, Phosphorescence.”

– Paula, Project & Policy Officer, People & Culture

Strong Female Character by Fern Brady

“If you can get your mitts on the audiobook (Spotify has it!) the author’s accent and inflections add an extra layer to what’s already a fascinating and funny read.”

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

“Everyone was raving about this, so I decided not to read it out of spite, which is always a silly move. Loved this and devoured in a day.”

Bianca by Eugenia Leigh

“I didn’t think I even liked poetry, but this book about new motherhood and mental illness was so affecting I read it immediately again after finishing it.”

– Kate, Senior Advisor, Brand, Comms & Digital

Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Ourselves by James Nestor

“Just finished this wild ride on free diving, our connection to water, understanding marine life, fringe science and the spirit of adventure.”

– Lisa, General Counsel & Company Secretary

Articulating Design Decisions: Communicate with Stakeholders, Keep Your Sanity, and Deliver the Best User Experience by Tom Greever

"While focused specifically on life as a UX designer, I found this book to be really helpful for developing general communication skills. And also, a very easy read!"

– Ben, Digital Designer, Brand, Comms & Digital

Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle by Daniel L Everett

This book is a fascinating blend of adventure, linguistics and cultural revelation, unravelling the mysteries of the Amazonian Pirahã tribe and their language.

– Ryan, Digital Principal, Brand, Comms & Digital

Dr Dog by Babette Cole

“You cannot rule out this book – it remains one of the funniest children's books ever written for adults!”

– Janine, Senior In-House Lawyer

Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy

“Get 'em started young!”

Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth by Melissa Greenwood

“I absolutely love the beautiful images and so does my son. A great reminder to look after Mother Earth.”

From Little Things Big Things Grow by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody

“This is an important story that deserves to be retold, with artwork by Gurindji children and the catchy anthem by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody.”

– Melanie, Policy & Project Officer, Teaching & School Leadership

The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson

“A sweet story about tolerance, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity told through the charming tale of two alien families with different backgrounds.”

– Ryan, Digital Principal, Brand, Comms & Digital

Purpose Buzz hosted by Matt Romania

“My favourite podcast is from our very own ex-AITSL comms team member, Matt Romania. A thought-provoking conversation series with people leading a life of purpose.”

– Di, General Manager, Corporate

Films to Be Buried With hosted by Brett Goldstein

“You probably know Brett Goldstein as the hard-nosed Roy Kent from Ted Lasso. In this feel-good pod about films (and death) he is joined by an interesting celebrity guest to talk about their life through the films they love.”

– Michael, Senior Policy & Project Officer, Teaching & School Leadership

Witch from BBC Radio 4

“This is an engaging look at the history, trauma and legacy of the European witch trials.”

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

“Julia interviews a range of talented women, breaking down an ageist cultural practice of ignoring older female voices.”

– Beth, Policy & Project Officer, Teaching & School Leadership

The Retrievals from The New York Times

“A short mini-series about shocking events at a fertility clinic – very intense and affecting.”

Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

“Hilarious hosts and great format of asking celebs what their ideal meal would be. My ideal meal changes each time I listen!”

You’re Wrong About by Sarah Marshall

“Specifically, any episodes with Blair Braverman guest-hosting and talking about survivalist stories (niche!).”

– Kate, Senior Advisor, Brand, Comms & Digital

Cunk on Earth directed by Christian Watt

“A laugh-out-loud funny mockumentary.”

Barbie directed by Great Gerwig

“Because the script, acting and direction are all brilliant.”

– Beth, Policy & Project Officer, Teaching & School Leadership

Aftersun by Charlotte Wells

“A poignant, stylistically shot directorial debut that hauntingly lingers in your thoughts.”

– Ryan, Digital Principal, Brand, Comms & Digital    

Apfelkuchen mit Streusel (German apple cake with crumble)

“Keeping the German heritage alive in our house, last weekend the kids and I cooked Apfelkuchen mit Streusel, German apple cake with crumble. It went down a treat with icecream!”

– Caroline, Senior Policy & Project Officer, Teaching & School Leadership

Nagi’s Chinese rice soup

“Nagi says you need to separate the rice to save leftovers for later, but I never bother, and it’s still great. So delicious and feels like it’d cure the common cold all on its own.”

– Kate, Senior Advisor, Brand, Comms & Digital

Lemon Icebox Pie by Adam Liaw

“Sitting somewhere between a cheesecake and a lemon meringue pie, the lemon icebox may not be the prettiest, but is super simple and ridiculously delicious. A great one to bring to your next family gathering!”

– Michael, Senior Policy & Project Officer, Teaching & School Leadership