Recs if you like The Thorn Birds...

stories about the things we carry through the generations of a family.

as always welcome to suggestions !

epics or sagas around the family, intergenerational or otherwise. think complex, layered relationships, conflict spanning decades, familial trauma, and great love stories

Sentimental Garbage is a podcast by Caroline O'Donoghue. Often the topic is a particular title/book, so this list is slowly curating the different books that are discussed. For those who enjoy reading and podcasts! NB: it doesn't include books of film media discussed unless they've also done an episode on the book.

This is based on a lot of best list researching and only some of my own opinions. It is mostly a wish to read list. Please add your best lady writer picks so we can all have an army of lady writers to recommend to each other and celebrate!

In April 2003 the BBC's Big Read began the search for the nation's best-loved novel, and we asked you to nominate your favourite books.

Announced on ABC Radio National 18 October 2026

Alphabet list of books from A to Z

Looking to escape to the past, and also have your heart ripped out? Need a good, hard cry? Get comfy... and make sure tissues are nearby.

A list of 70 books by Commonwealth authors, 10 from each decade of Elizabeth II's reign, was selected by a panel of experts and announced by the BBC and The Reading Agency on 18 April 2022.

All books referenced in Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone.