Huon Wren a Top 100 Read

You read that headline correctly: The Secrets of the Huon Wren has been voted as a Better Reading Top 100 Book for 2024. Honestly, I’m still in shock!

What does this actually mean? How does it work?

Each year, Better Reading (Australia’s biggest reading community) asks Australian readers to vote for their favourite books. Books published decades ago, and books published last year. Books by local authors, and books by international authors. Then, the list is announced, and Big W will continue to stock the list for the next 12 months. That’s a big deal for any author!

This year, Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton took the top spot (he also made #4 with Boy Swallows Universe – massive congrats, Trent!). There are so many incredible books and authors in the list, and my Huon Wren is sitting pretty at #82!

Take a look at the 2024 list here.

Download a printable list here.

Here are some noteworthy observations Better Reading made from the 2024 list:

• Australian readers love female authors.
• In total, a whopping 74 of the Top 100 books were written by women.
• There are six great reads by female authors in the Top 10.
• Aussie authors once again dominate.
• 54% of books are written by Australians.

Better Reading Director Cheryl Akle says:

“The Top 100 list continues to provide an unparalleled insight into the Australian book industry. For the past few years, it has been a celebration of female authors, and a reminder of how loved Australian authors are. This shift first took place in 2017 and shows no sign of changing. The 2024 list is stronger than ever, with more local voices, with authors such as Trent Dalton, Jane Harper, Liane Moriarty, Chris Hammer and Pip Williams each featuring multiple titles on the list.”

If you voted for Huon Wren, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And thank you my dear readers for the way you have championed my first book so that it is receiving this kind of attention. Without you, it wouldn’t be possible, nor worth it!

— Claire
xxx