Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

[by video link] Australian Reading Hour is in its 10th year and this year, more than ever, we've needed our books to transport us from the daily reality of viruses, vaccines, homeschooling, travel restrictions and lockdowns. The magic of books has kept us sane and transported us to places we can't physically travel to. Books are an escape from the worries of everyday life and reduce stress by 68 per cent. Reading makes your world bigger, even if you're confined to a hotel room in quarantine, because books can make the impossible possible. This year especially, when we're more disconnected from each other than we've ever been, reading other people's stories allows you to walk in their shoes for a mile. Books build empathy and connection and help you feel less lonely.

On Tuesday 14 September we celebrate the joy of reading with Australian Reading Hour, where we ask everyone to read for one hour. You can read anything you like, but the theme for this year is 'stories that matter', which has made me think about Australian stories that matter most to me. My top 10 in order are: Cloudstreet, by Tim Winton; My Brilliant Career, by Miles Franklin; A Kindness Cup, by Thea Astley; Boy Swallows Universe, by Trent Dalton; Such is Life, by Joseph Furphy; Charades, by Janette Turner Hospital; Bring Larks and Heroes, by Thomas Keneally; Praise, by Andrew McGahan; The Narrow Road to the Deep North, by Richard Flanagan; and My Brother Jack, by George Johnston. Happy reading, everybody.