Love Your Library

RUOK? Here are some helpful book recommendations

As Health Week shines a light on wellbeing, and with R U OK? Day reminding us that ‘any day is the day to ask R U OK?’, the Laurence Library turns the spotlight on some books in our collection that help us name tricky feelings, start conversations and look out for our mates. A good story and immersion in the pages of a great book can steady our breathing, widen our perspective, and show that support is close at hand.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps is an empowering verse novel, intended for young teens, about body image, boundaries, and finding your voice. Its short, resonant poems make it easy to pick up and hard to forget.

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness suits young to mid-teens and follows ordinary friends managing anxiety and family life while the epic ‘chosen-one’ drama happens elsewhere. This one’s warm, witty, and reassuring about the value of everyday courage.

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim is a thoughtful read for older teens, exploring caring for a parent with mental illness alongside cultural identity, friendship, and food; compassionate, honest, and ultimately hopeful. It can be quite direct at times when discussing mental health but this one resonated with me personally.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman also targets older teens, speaking frankly about academic pressure, identity, and creative expression through a strong platonic friendship at its heart. Note that there’s references to familial conflict and abuse in this read, but also some thoughtful and wonderfully written LGBTQ+ representation without focusing on romance.

I hope these suggestions come at a time that may help you, as these books could make thoughtful companions and great conversation starters when you ask a mate, RU OK? If you’d like a quiet corner to begin, come join us in the Laurence Library at recess or lunch and let a chapter or two steady your day.

Mr Alex Hanssen

Head of Library, Technologies and 

Research Services