Best Australian Biographies Books of 2025

This book is a perfect gift for those who want to travel back in time and celebrate the year 1953. With over 200 iconic images and 20 vintage ads, this book covers everything from politics, leading events, crimes, movies, music, sports, fashion, technological advancements to popular cars, and iconic advertisements of that year. The book beautifully presents the perfect balance between serious and popular events, making it a comprehensive yet digestible time travel. Overall, it's an unforgettable journey that will rekindle emotions of a remarkable time and place in history, making it a unique read for history lovers.

This book is a perfect gift for those who want to relive the year 1983. With over 200 iconic images and 25 vintage ads, it covers politics, leading events, crimes, movies, TV shows, music, sports, pop culture, fashion, technological advancements, and popular cars. The book offers a comprehensive yet digestible review of the year that shaped the world as we know it today. The beautiful presentation of photos on every page makes it a delightful read. Overall, it is a unique and unforgettable time travel experience that readers will enjoy.

My Dark Brother is a captivating biography that tells the story of Leandro Illin and his family, who migrated to Australia in 1910 and faced opposition when he married a Ngadjon Aboriginal woman. After her death, Leandro raised their six children alone in Queensland's outback. Elena Gover's writing style is a mix of history, biography, and detective story, making the book a fascinating read. NewSouth Publishing has done an impressive job of presenting this unique story, making it a valuable addition to any Australian biographies book collection.

Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is an inspiring real-life story of three Aboriginal girls who escaped the repressive life of Moore River Native Settlement and journeyed back to their homelands. The book highlights the assimilationist policy of taking children from their families to make them white. The girls' journey along the rabbit-proof fence speaks volumes about their courage and resilience. Author Doris Pilkington, who herself was taken from her home and committed to Moore River Native Settlement, tells this heartwarming story with great skill. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is a must-read for anyone interested in Australian history and the resilience of the human spirit.

My Recipes: The XXL do-it-yourself cookbook is the perfect book for anyone who loves to cook and wants to keep track of their favorite recipes. With 120 pages, this letter format book provides ample space to note down all your cooking secrets and recipes. The book also includes extra space for notes, making it a great tool for keeping track of your culinary experiments. The attractive design and table of contents make it easy to navigate through your recipes. This cookbook is an excellent gift for any cooking enthusiast looking to preserve their favorite recipes.

The "New Zealand Travel Guide 2023" is a comprehensive book that provides readers with insider tips, itineraries, and must-see sights to help them make the most of their trip to New Zealand. The book covers everything from what to pack for the trip to how to plan a budget for New Zealand, and it also includes information on the top 10 activities and must-see attractions. The guide is a low-cost option that covers all the essentials for a perfect trip to New Zealand, making it a must-have for anyone planning a visit to this beautiful island country.

The book "Neither-Nor: A Young Australian's Experience with Deafness" is the fifth volume in the Deaf Lives series. The author, Paul Jacobs, shares his journey of coming to terms with being neither Deaf nor hearing and how it affected his social identity. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, he excelled in sports, academics, and eventually entered the Deaf world. However, he never learned sign language and struggled to find adult role models. Through his experiences, Jacobs learned that power comes from within and having a disability can lead to personal growth and richer experiences. This book is a unique and inspiring memoir that sheds light on the experiences of individuals who are neither Deaf nor hearing.

If I Survive: Nazi Germany and the Jews is a gripping tale of Holocaust survival. The book tells the story of Lena Goldstein, a 100-year-old survivor who lost her loved ones in the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland and narrowly escaped Treblinka Death Camp. The author, Barbara Miller, skillfully weaves Lena's diary and interviews with her research to bring this inspiring biography to life. Lena's story of survival against all odds, her humor, and compassion will inspire readers to persevere in the darkest of times. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II and the Holocaust.

"Unstoppable Confidence" is a book that aims to empower Black women to overcome adversity and boost their confidence. With over 300 affirmations tailored specifically to Black women, this book serves as a daily reminder of their worth and capabilities. It helps readers overcome self-doubt, negative self-talk, and cultivate a positive mindset to attract success into their lives. The author acknowledges the challenges that Black women face in society and wrote this book to uplift and empower them. Overall, "Unstoppable Confidence" is a powerful tool that can help Black women embrace their inner strength and achieve their goals.

Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory is an emotional memoir by David A. Robertson. The book tells the story of a son who takes his Cree father back to the family trapline, where he reconnects with his Indigenous roots and history. Robertson's journey of self-discovery and healing sheds light on the intergenerational trauma faced by Indigenous people in Canada. The book is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and identity. Overall, Black Water is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexity of the Indigenous experience in Canada.