Here are 2 books that Glasgow Boys fans have personally recommended if you like Glasgow Boys. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Boy Swallows Universe

Julia Stone Author Of The Accident

From Julia's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Psychologist and psychotherapist Artist with aphantasia Duckling raiser Recycler of rusty stuff Psychological suspense author

Julia's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Julia Stone Why Julia loves this book

A witty story of a boy coming of age in a dysfunctional Australian family, made up of his absent mother, drunk father, and mute brother. Even in the darkest moments the book has a warmth and my heart was moved by both boys trying their best in a broken world. Loved this book (and the later film) and - like all the best books – I was disappointed to leave it behind when I reached the end. My only wish was that I understood more of the Australian cultural references which would no doubt have deepened my appreciation even more.

By Trent Dalton ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Boy Swallows Universe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'The most extraordinary writer - a rare talent' Nikki Gemmell

An utterly wonderful novel of love, crime, magic, fate and coming of age from one of Australia's most exciting new writers.

Brisbane, 1983: A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious criminal for a babysitter. It's not as if Eli's life isn't complicated enough already. He's just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life just keeps throwing obstacles in the way - not least of which is Tytus Broz, legendary…


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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Stick

Kate Larkindale Author Of Standing Too Close

From Kate's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author YA author Film buff Reader Coffee lover Well-known kook

Kate's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Kate Larkindale Why Kate loves this book

I loved this book. Stick was such an endearing character and the relationship between him and Bosten was beautifully realized. It was clear that the pair of them had stuck together through all kinds of indignities and horrors meted out by their parents.

The contrasts between their home with its rules and petty demands and the homes of their friends and most particularly their aunt were well drawn, and Stick's amazement as the differences felt very real.

There are some very obvious parallels between this book and my own Standing Too Close, so that may be why I responded so much to it (and hello, new comp title!)

But that aside, this is a powerfully emotional story with a spunky central character with a raw, real voice. I definitely recommend it.

By Andrew Smith ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stick as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Fourteen-year-old Stark McClellan (nicknamed Stick because he's tall and thin) is bullied for being "deformed" - he was born with only one ear. His older brother Bosten is always there to defend Stick. But the boys can't defend one another from their abusive parents.

When Stick realizes Bosten is gay, he knows that to survive his father's anger, Bosten must leave home. Stick has to find his brother, or he will never feel whole again. In his search, he will encounter good people, bad people, and people who are simply indifferent to kids from the wrong side of the tracks.…


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Book cover of Boy Swallows Universe
Book cover of Stick

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