This week, Jeff Popple reviews three interesting and thoughtful books for Australia Day. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Remember When by Bob Byrne

Newsouth, $39.99

Remember Dennis Lillee charging down to bowl a bouncer? Or the regular Sunday roast? Or “shaggin’ wagons” and protest marches? If you do, you will greatly enjoy Bob Byrne’s nostalgic trip through the second half of the twentieth century. Packed with over 180 photographs, Remember When is a sugar hit of Australian nostalgia that brings back lots of memories, both good and bad. From sporting moments to disasters to simpler school days and great achievements, such as the appointment of Neville Bonner as the first elected Indigenous Member of Parliament, it is a glorious reminder of how things were. A fun read for Australia Day.

Panic by Catherine Jinks

Text, $34.99

Catherine Jinks’ novels are noted for their exploration of pressing social issues while engaging the reader in an interesting story. In Panic, Catherine tackles the rise of the sovereign citizen movement in Australia. After a drunken rant that went horrifically viral, Bronte is forced to lie low. She heads bush and agrees to look after a dementia sufferer on an isolated homestead. The manager of the property, Veda, rejects the state’s authority over her and has gathered around her a small, devoted collection of followers who think the same. Bronte thinks that they are harmless, but she might be wrong. A tense, slow-burn thriller.

Enchantment by Birds by Russell McGregor

Scribe, $39.99

Australia is gifted with a marvellous array of birdlife that enchants both casual observers and dedicated birdwatchers. In Enchantment by Birds, Russell McGregor explores the world of birdwatching and the primal desire to connect with nature. Framed around stories about 22 Australian birds, Russell takes the reader on an entertaining and informative journey into the past and present worlds of bird watching. From the early pioneers to the evolution of citizen science and the growth of birding tourism, this is a fascinating and lovingly produced book with terrific illustrations and lively prose. A must-read for anyone interested in Australian wildlife and its watchers.