With Christmas and holidays just around the corner, many of us may be lucky enough to have a short break. A great way to relax and unwind at the end of the year is to turn off the technology and kick back with a book. Easily popped in to a bag or suitcase, a book is portable - the couch, the deck, the car and even the beach - wherever your holiday destination a book is a welcome addition. As they also make fabulous Christmas presents, MiniJumbuk decided it was the perfect time to share a few of our favourite all-Aussie summer reads.

'The Thorn Birds' Colleen McCullough

My recommendation is a golden oldie - 'The Thorn Birds', an intergenerational Australian saga. Set predominantly in the Australian outback, it is a tale of family secrets, feuds, religion and illicit love. You will fall in love with Meggie, Ralph and Australia as McCullough's words weave their spell. Ali

'The Barefoot Investor' Scott Pape

An easy to read and common sense financial guide, I would recommend this book to everyone - singles, families and teenagers. Even if you think you think you are doing banks, saving and super well, this book will show you how to do it better. I wish I had read it when I was 17. Tara

'The Potato Factory' Bryce Courtenay

Intertwined with historical facts, 'The Potato Factory' follows the highs and lows that are the life of Mary Abacus. From Dickensian England to Van Diemen's Land the twists and turns of her life will entertain until the last page and then . . . there are two more in the series! Recommended for lovers of Australian historical fiction. Susan

'A Fortunate Life' A B Facey

A fantastic autobiographical account of an incredibly tough life told with humour. Born in 1894 and orphaned at eight, Bert Facey grew up in rural Western Australia with a simple, positive attitude and an ability see the bright side no matter what. Despite the harshest of living conditions and witnessing the horrors of wars and depression, Bert considers himself to have lived 'A Fortunate Life'. It's in my top 10! Victoria

'Possum Magic' Mem Fox

I still love this book, everyone should read it and it has the best illustrations! Children will love Grandma Poss and her magical efforts to keep little Hush safe from the dangers of the Australian bush. Tilly