Picks of the month
Book of the Month: February 2026
The Watervale Ladies’ Writing & Firefighting Society by Mette Menzies
After being pulled from a deal in London that was days from being finalised, lawyer Tilly unexpectedly finds herself forced to stay for a month as the town solicitor in a South Australian country town, joining a local writing group and training with the country fire service. Slowly, friendships form, long-held secrets surface, and the rhythms of country life begin to change her in ways she didn't anticipate.
The Watervale Ladies' Writing and Firefighting Society is a story of friendship, second chances, and the bravery it takes to begin again. For anyone who has ever felt stuck, adrift, or quietly wondered, 'Could there be more to life for me?', this novel will feel like an open door.
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Featured Event
On Tuesday 11 February, meet best friends and authors Viktoriya Butler and Steven Reynolds at our next Watsons Bay Sunset Session.
Writing under a shared pen name, 'Matte Menzies' will talk about their feel-good novel The Watervale Ladies' Writing and Firefighting Society on the lawn of Watsons Bay Library from 6.00pm.
$5, Light refreshments included.
Book your place
Spotlight: Health and Wellbeing
Learning from Silence: Lessons from more than 100 retreats by Pico Iyer
From the bestselling author of The Art of Stillness, a revelatory exploration of the abiding clarity and calm to be found in quiet retreat. Radiant, intimate and gripping, Learning from Silence offers ageless counsel about the power of silence and what it can teach us about how to live, how to love and, ultimately, how to die.
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Habits of High Performers: essential principles to thrive in life and work by James Laughlin
In Habits of High Performers, renowned strategist, mental skills coach, and award-winning podcaster James Laughlin uncovers the seven musts of a high-performing life. This collection of principles is a game-changer for anyone wanting to earn more, be healthier, grow, or the best at what they do.
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Sun & Ssukgat: the Korean art of self-care, wellness & longevity by Michelle Jungmin Bang
Sun & Ssukgat is filled with lessons gleaned from centuries of Korean wisdom and tradition. Blending together original research, case studies, recipes, ideas, field notes and vignette, Sun & Ssukgat will provide readers with the age-old advice needed to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
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The Zen Guide to Opening Your Heart: practical advice from a Buddhist monk by Gensho Taigu
In this clear and life-changing guide, Zen Buddhist monk Gensho Taigu shares how a handful of timeless Buddhist principles can help us ease anxiety, quiet restless desires, and open our hearts to joy. The Zen Guide to Opening Your Heart is a gentle but powerful invitation to reshape your mind, lighten your heart, and live with greater ease.
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A User's Guide to the Mind: strategies for a better you by Prof Ian Hickie and James O'Loghlin
Drawing from the wide array of topics covered in their popular mental health podcast Minding Your Mind, psychiatrist Ian Hickie and broadcaster and author James O'Loghlin bring their signature compassion and curiosity, intelligence and humour, to this practical 'user's guide' to our evolving mind and selves. It takes an empowering, holistic approach to mental health, acknowledging that every season of life brings its own ups and downs, unique challenges and breakthroughs.
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