A good book and a quality cup of tea is one of life’s greatest and simplest pleasures. It’s also the winning combination to escape the winter chill. At Madura, we’re celebrating both with Part 2 of our ‘Winter Reads’ series. We like to think of it as the great Australian novel meets the great Australian tea! Last month we gave you a multi-genre selection from homegrown female authors, and this month it’s the fella’s turn to help keep the pages turning when the temperature drops. So, pour yourself a cuppa, curl up on the couch, and discover some great new reads and some great new brews. We’ve got something to suit every taste…
Here are 5 winter reads by Australian male authors you’ll want to put the kettle on for:
1. The Shepherd’s Hut by Tim Winton (Penguin Books)
Tim Winton delivers another bestselling masterpiece in his trademark literary style. Jaxie Clackton is a character you won’t ever forget in this tale of redemption, hope and survival grounded in another distinctly Australian setting we’ve come to know and love from Winton.
Companion brew: One Aussie legend deserves another. Try Madura’s herbal infusion
Australian Lemon Myrtle, one of country’s greatest natural flavours.
2. Monash’s Masterpiece by Peter FitzSimons (Hachette Australia)
Fans of military history will enjoy FitzSimon’s latest offering: an account of the Battle of Le Hamel – the 93 minutes that changed the world. The 1918 Allied triumph, masterminded by Australian commander Sir John Monash, whose strategies became the blueprint for modern warfare is a remarkable story. FitzSimon’s passion to tell stories of stirring events in Australian history shines through.
Companion brew: Brew a pot of Madura’s
Premium Blend Tea to add to the atmosphere! This fortifying tea is robust in body and flavour and will keep you turning pages day or night.
3. Lifelike by Jay Kristoff (Allen & Unwin)
The first book in a new series from much-loved YA author, Kristoff, is described as “part Romeo and Juliet, part Terminator, and all adrenaline.” This science fiction adventure revolves around seventeen-year-old Eve, and is set on an island junkyard beneath a sky that glows with radiation, where a deadly secret lies buried in the scrap!
Companion brew: A fast-paced story needs a stimulating tea! Madura’s new
Organic Strong Brew will certainly deliver!
4. Wimmera by Mark Brandi (Hachette Australia)
If you love small towns and big secrets, you’ll be completely absorbed in Brandi’s award-winning literary crime debut. Set in rural Australia, its dark and atmospheric murder mystery plot doubles as a coming-of-age story with a splash of eighties nostalgia.
Companion brew: Balance Wimmera’s tension with Madura’s
Seven Spice Chai. It’s a warm hug on a cold winter’s day, and will fill your home with an exotic aroma that delivers a sense of escapism to rival a good book.
5. The 104-Storey Treehouse by Terry Denton and Andy Griffiths (Pan MacMillan)
The Treehouse Series hardly needs any introduction – especially if you’ve got kids in the house. The magic combination of Denton and Griffiths is back with the next instalment, taking their much-loved treehouse to an impressive 104 storeys. A great family fun read, with laugh-out-loud inclusions such as the money (or honey) making machine, a burp bank, and the tangled-up level.
Companion brew: An exciting read needs a stimulating tea that all the family can enjoy! Madura’s
Peppermint Tea will give your energy levels a natural boost while delivering a refreshing burst of flavour and vitality. We hope you enjoyed our ‘Winter Reads’ series, and our suggestions keep you entertained and putting on the kettle throughout winter and beyond. Author Bill Watterson once said, “Rainy days should be spent at home with a cup of tea and a good book.” We couldn’t agree more.
Books cited: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-shepherds-hut-9780143786115 https://www.hachette.com.au/peter-fitzsimons/monashs-masterpiece-the-battle-of-le-hamel-and-the-93-minutes-that-changed-the-world https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/childrens/young-adult-fiction/Lifel1k3-Lifelike-Jay-Kristoff-9781760295691 https://www.hachette.com.au/mark-brandi/wimmera https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781760554170/