Boy Swallow Universe by Trent Dalton
A new Aussie classic. Set in 1983 in one of Brisbane’s violent working-class suburbs, this is a heart-warming story of love, brotherhood and the most unlikely of friendships. Eli has a lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. He’s just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life just keeps throwing obstacles in the way. A joyous page-turner.