This year, Flinders University Library launched a series of themed Book Club events — a new staff-focused initiative that brought the community together through the joy of leisure reading.
The three-part series invited staff to explore different genres, share reflections, and discover new favourites from our Read and Return collection, all while building connection through conversation and storytelling.
💪 Session One: “Powerful Girls!” with Lisa Bennett
We began the series with award-winning author and Flinders academic Lisa Bennett, who led a vibrant discussion on the theme Powerful Girls! Together, we explored fierce protagonists and unforgettable journeys across genres, celebrating the strength and complexity of female characters in literature. Staff brought along their favourite books, shared personal reflections, and connected over stories that empower and energise.
This session also spotlighted our Read and Return collection, offering a curated selection of titles that staff could borrow and share freely — sparking even more literary discovery.
Recommended titles included:
- You Should See Me in a Crown – Leah Johnson
- The Taming of the Queen – Philippa Gregory
- Fire & Hemlock – Diana Wynne Jones
- The Immortals series – Tamora Pierce
- The Gilded Ones – Namina Forna
Thank you, Lisa, for launching the series with such insight and energy!
✨ Session Two: Memoirs with Marina Deller
During Book Week, we welcomed writer and academic Marina Deller for a deeply reflective session on memoirs. Marina guided us through stories of resilience and identity, showing how personal narratives can help us navigate challenges and inspire meaningful change. Attendees gathered in small circles to share the books that stayed with them, creating a kind and supportive space that held heavy topics with care and curiosity.
One attendee summed it up beautifully:
“Loved this. I am currently working in a building where some days I never see anyone; this is what campus life could be, should be.”
Recommended titles included:
- The Outrun – Amy Liptrot
- The Cost of Living – Deborah Levy
- I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy
- Somebody’s Daughter – Ashley C. Ford
- Aftershocks – Nadia Owusu
Thank you, Marina, for creating such a thoughtful and inclusive space.
💘 Session Three: Romance with Amy Matthews and the Amy& Podcast Team
Our final event featured award-winning novelist and Flinders academic Amy Matthews, joined by her co-hosts from the popular Amy& podcast — Justina Ashman, Abby Guy, Payton Hogan, and Harry Stewart. Together, they explored the romance genre in all its forms: from romantasy and rom-coms to historical epics and queer love stories. Attendees also got a behind-the-scenes look at podcasting, with live Q&A and audience interaction.
Recommended titles included:
- Can’t Spell Tea Without Treason – Rebecca Thorne
- Legends and Lattes – Travis Baldree
- Seven Brides for Beau McBride – Amy Barry
- Feast While You Can – Mikaella Clements
- How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates – Shailee Thompson
Thank you, Amy and team, for closing out the series with such warmth and wit!
💬 Why Book Club Matters
Across all three events, our Book Club series brought staff together for reading, reflection, and connection. It created space for meaningful conversations, new friendships, and plenty of great book recommendations. Whether diving into fierce fiction, personal memoirs, or romantic tales, each session reminded us of the power stories have to build community and spark imagination.
A heartfelt thank you to Lisa Bennett, Marina Deller, Amy Matthews, and the Amy& podcast team — and to everyone who joined us throughout the year. Your enthusiasm made the series a huge success.
This was our last event for 2025 — but not the end of the story! We’re exploring possibilities for the series in 2026 and look forward to sharing more soon.