My Essential Kindle Reads.
There is something magical about getting lost in a good book, whether an old classic, a gripping memoir, or a wild tale of adventure. I’ve spent countless hours flipping through pages (or, more accurately, tapping on my Kindle) and wanted to share some of my all-time favourite reads.
These are the books that have stuck with me long after I turned the last page. Some are old favourites I revisit yearly, while others have left a lasting impact on my perspective on life.
From gothic horror to Aussie queer lit, debaucherous fiction to insightful guides on relationships, this list has a little bit of everything. So, if you are looking for your next great read, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and check out my current must-reads available on Kindle.
1. He Died With a Felafel in His Hand – John Birmingham
This book will resonate if you’ve ever lived in a sharehouse. Birmingham’s hilarious, sometimes cringe-inducing tales of living with bizarre housemates capture the highs and lows of renting in Australia. It’s a book that will either make you nostalgic for your chaotic living situations or remind you why you never want to share a house again.
I first read Felafel years ago and immediately felt like I’d lived some version of these stories. It is raw, unapologetically Australian, and filled with moments of, yep, been there. This one is for you if you are after something funny, relatable, and a little gross at times.
2. Holding the Man – Timothy Conigrave
This book is an emotional gut punch in the best way possible. A true story of love, identity, and resilience, Holding the Man follows Timothy Conigrave’s relationship with his partner, John Caleo, from their school days in the 1970s to the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis.
It is one of those books that stays with you. It is beautiful, heartbreaking, and an essential read in Australian queer literature. You should have some tissues handy if you haven’t read it yet.
3. Invisible Boys – Holden Sheppard
Ever wished there was a queer Looking for Alibrandi when you were younger? Well, here it is. Invisible Boys tells the story of three teenagers growing up in a small town in Western Australia, struggling with identity, masculinity, and acceptance.
Sheppard’s writing is raw, authentic, and profoundly moving. It perfectly captures the struggles of growing up queer in a conservative town. With a TV adaptation on the way, now is the perfect time to pick this one up.
4. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft – Stephen King
If you are a writer or have ever considered writing, you need this book in your life. Part memoir, part guide, On Writing is Stephen King at his most honest and insightful. It’s filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and some hard truths about what it takes to be a writer. King doesn’t sugarcoat the process but makes it feel accessible.
This book has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Even if you’re not a writer, it is worth reading for the fascinating look into King’s journey and his creative process.
5. Peter and Wendy – J.M. Barrie
You might think you know Peter Pan from the countless film adaptations, but there is something special about reading the original. Barrie’s writing is whimsical, poetic, and much darker than expected.
This childhood favourite is a must-read at least once. It’s a tale of adventure, growing up, and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. Even as an adult, it holds a certain kind of magic.
6. Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
It’s one of my all-time favourites, and for good reason. Frankenstein isn’t just a horror story. It’s a profoundly philosophical exploration of creation, ambition, and what it means to be human.
Shelley’s novel was groundbreaking when it was published in 1818 and is still just as powerful today. If you love gothic literature, you can’t go past this classic.
It’s the OG vampire novel. There’s a reason I come back to Dracula almost every year. It’s an absolute masterpiece. Stoker’s use of journal entries and letters to tell the story makes it a surprisingly modern-feeling read, and the atmosphere is unmatched.
If you only know Dracula from pop culture references, do yourself a favour and read the original. It is creepy, suspenseful, and still one of the best horror novels ever written.
Have you ever dreamed of forgetting your worries, packing a bag, and travelling the world? The Beach captures that wanderlust while delving into paradise’s darker side.
Garland’s novel is a gripping adventure that explores the dangers of utopian ideals and the lengths people will go to for a taste of paradise. If you have only seen the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio, the book is far superior (and has a very different ending).
9. The Ethical Slut – Janet W. Hardy & Dossie Easton
This book is a game-changer regarding discussions on relationships, sex, and love. Even if polyamory or open relationships aren’t your thing, The Ethical Slut offers incredible insight into communication, trust, and breaking down societal norms around intimacy.
It’s one of those books that makes you rethink what you know about love, relationships, and intimacy. Whether or not you agree with everything within its pages, it is an eye-opening read.
10. The Rules of Attraction – Bret Easton Ellis
Ellis’ books are always a wild ride, and The Rules of Attraction is no exception. It is chaotic, darkly funny, and overflowing in debauchery.
Set in a college full of reckless, self-absorbed students, it is a brutally honest look at youth, love, and excess. It is one of those books I find myself returning to, even if the characters are all a hot mess. There is just something about Ellis’ writing that is hard to resist.
11. Fellow Travelers – Thomas Mallon
I do love a bit of history. Starting in 1950s Washington, Fellow Travelers follows Timothy Laughlin, an ambitious young man who falls for Hawkins Fuller, a State Department official. But in the shadow of McCarthyism and the Lavender Scare, their love is dangerous. Something to be hidden or sacrificed.
Mallon masterfully blends authentic history with a deeply personal story, capturing the fear, secrecy, and quiet moments of joy that defined LGBTQ+ lives in an era of persecution. A poignant, beautifully written novel that reminds us how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go.
This has been a favourite on my list for as long as I can remember. I probably read this book at an earlier age than I should have as a kid, but I have no regrets here.
It is so much more than a story about a supernatural clown tormenting kids. It’s about fear. How it shapes us, and how it never really goes away. It’s a nostalgic coming-of story about friendship, trauma, and the childhood scars we carry into adulthood. The master of horror delivers the stuff of nightmares while contrasting it with emotional depth, making it a must-read for all horror fans.
So, there you have it. These are some of my all-time favourite reads, each bringing something unique. Whether you are in the mood for gothic horror, queer coming-of-age, travel fiction, or a deep dive into human relationships, there is a book on this list for you.
If you want to check out any of these titles, you can find them on my Amazon List. Let me know if you’ve read any of these or if you have your own recommendations. I’m always looking for my next great read!
Happy reading, peeps.
My Essential Kindle Reads – Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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