Friends, what a year! This will be my final Sally Recommends for 2022… thank you so much for being on the journey with me this year. It’s been so fun sharing what I’m loving, and hearing your recommendations in return. This issue will be ‘lighter’ than usual because I’m STILL deep in the writing of next year’s book. From bed. With the curtains drawn. Crumbs of toast across the bedspread. It’s all very glamorous, this writers’ life!

Also, I haven’t read or watched much lately, so I’ve also put together a little list of what I plan to indulge in over the holidays.

I’m wishing you a restful and fabulous festive season.

Much love, Sally xx

PS big congratulations to everyone who won a prize in my 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways on Instagram! And especially congrats to newsletter subscriber “knedwich” who won a $250 book voucher, just for receiving my newsletters each month.

Five Bush Weddings by Clare Fletcher

The adorable Clare Fletcher came to my Sydney event for The Soulmate and gifted me a copy of her book, and THANK GOODNESS! It’s a lovely rural romance (and you know me… I’m not into rom-coms!) that made me smile. Stevie is a wedding photographer who loves love stories, but her own isn’t anything to write home about. Enter charming Charlie, and her old uni mate Johnno, and things start to change for her. Buy here.

Denizen by James McKenzie Watson

Holy moly, this book. If you think you like a twist at the end of a compelling read, you haven’t seen anything until you’ve read Denizen. James McKenzie Watson is a debut author, who won the Penguin Literary Prize last year, and this book absolutely blew me away. It’s a rural, gothic thriller that explores the darkness of mental health in the outback, where access to resources is limited and stoicism is celebrated. A must read. Buy here.

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

I recently listened to Matthew Perry’s autobiography and by golly it is heartwrenching. I’ve seen some commentary along the lines of ‘oh poor rich white famous guy tells his sob story’, but honestly, it is a fascinating, vulnerable, horrible insight into what addiction truly looks like, and how it doesn’t discriminate between those who have $6 million to pay for therapy and rehab (as he admits to doing, still not ‘cured’!) and those who don’t. Not as much Friends goss as I would’ve liked but there’s a cute Julia Roberts storyline I wasn’t expecting and it’s truly a great read. Buy here.

Under the Banner of Heaven (Disney)

I haven’t watched much lately, but here’s one show I did see this year and haven’t told you about yet! Under the Banner of Heaven is based on the true crime book by Jon Krakauer (who also wrote Into the Wild and Into Thin Air). It stars Andrew Garfield as a Mormon detective in a small and fundamental LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) community in Utah. A mother and baby are murdered and the investigation ties closely with uncovering religious extremism and dark secrets in the town.

Uncoupled (Netflix)

On a completely different vibe, I also loved Uncoupled earlier this year! Starring Neil Patrick Harris as a NYC real estate broker, the show is about the aftermath of his break-up with his longtime boyfriend, who moves out unexpectedly. People have called it ‘the gay Sex and the City’ show (it’s by the same producers) and I can see what they mean… it has the same fun energy, and I love anything set in New York City. It’s a quick, light watch for hot summer days when the kids are napping.

The One and Only Dolly Jamieson by Lisa Ireland

My buddy Lisa Ireland has a new book coming out in January 2023 and it’s called The One and Only Dolly Jamieson. A 78-year-old homeless woman used to be a big star in the 1960s… so what the heck happened to Dolly? It's bloody delightful and I’m going to read it again over the summer break. A book hasn’t made me feel this way in a long time, it’s just so compelling and feel-good and exactly what our souls all need right now I think. Pre-order your copy here!

Tell Me Again by Amy Thunig

I have heard such great things about Amy Thunig’s memoir and I can’t wait to read it. Amy is a Gomeroi/Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi yinarr (woman) who narrates her childhood and adolescence growing up with parents who experienced addiction and incarceration. It’s being called the most important and inspirational memoir of the year. Buy here.

Spare by Prince Harry

You better believe I’ve already pre-order Prince Harry’s memoir and I’m so excited to listen to the audiobook in January. Who’s with me?! Pre-order here.

White Lotus (Binge)

I’ve been so deep in writing this book that I haven’t even watched the new season of White Lotus yet! I know, I know. Luckily, I am genuinely living under a rock (the rock being my breakfast-stained bedsheets) at the moment so I’ve managed not to see any spoilers. But I know I’m going to love it.

Colin From Accounts (Binge)

I have heard so much about this Aussie show! Two single people are brought together by a car accident and a dog. Sounds like the perfect show for summer.

Have you read The Soulmate? I’d absolutely love you to leave a review on Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, or wherever you like to talk about books.

I’m funny on Instagram.