Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should note that this post may contain the names and images of deceased persons.

Welcome to July, which is Black History Month here in Australia. I have a bunch of books on my TBR this month that I’m really excited to get to. I’m looking forward to the #24in48 Readathon on the weekend of July 21 – 22 to help me get through this stack. (Don’t forget to sign up for the Readathon! There are prizes and everything!)

Before I get to the books there are a couple of things I would suggest you do if you’re not familiar with the Australian Black History Month. This year is the 10th anniversary and the focus is on amazing Aboriginal women.

• Check out the Blak History Month official site which has resources and information.
• Check out your local council website to find out what is going on locally and go get involved! If you’re in Brisbane, you can find more information here.
• Follow @IndigenousX on Twitter. Founded by Luke Pearson, the IndigenousX twitter handle is run by a different and amazing member of the Aboriginal community each week. This week Ngarra Murray has the wheel, and is posting about remarkable Aboriginal women.
• Please consider signing this petition – VicRoads is due to desecrate the site of the Djapwurrung Birthing Trees and cut them down. If you are close by, please also consider adding your voice to the protests.

Okay, let’s get down to business. Here is my main stack.

The Kadaitcha Sung was gifted to me by a friend in the US as it’s basically impossible to find here. I’ve seen the words “confronting” and “aggressive” used in reviews. One of the things the white majority seems to expect from Aboriginal people is a lack of aggression and anger when talking about the atrocities of the past, which seems completely unreasonable.

Up From the Mission is a collection of essays from Noel Pearson, lawyer and activist.

Taboo by Kim Scott has been on my TBR since it came out. It is currently shortlisted for the Miles Franklin.

Tracker by Alexis Wright won this year’s Stella Prize. It’s chunky and I expect this is where my readathon hours will go.

I’m also hoping to devour as much of this stack as I can.

I also have Alexis Wright’s The Swan Book on audio for my commute.

This is a great opportunity to get stuck into your Aussies Rule Challenge reading goals. We’re halfway through the year – how are you doing?

Do you have reading goals for Black History Month? Let me know!

Cheers,