Shelf Reflection is our series where we explore the bookshelves and reading habits of some of our favourite authors. In this latest instalment, singer-songwriter and children’s picture book author Emily Wurramara takes time from her tour to share the books she’s reading on the road, her favourite music memoirs and why op shops are the best place to buy books.

Images: Supplied.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick, a book about a god who falls in love with a human. It’s extremely spicy content. I really love reading fantasy and romance—anything that takes me to another world really. I found this book at a newsagency. I’ve read the author’s books before and I am just so hooked on her writing.
You’re touring around the country with your ARIA-winning album, NARA. Have you taken any books to read on the road?
Most definitely. I’m getting back into re-reading the Lord of The Rings trilogy again, so that’s the priority. I’m a bit of a Lord of the Rings fan, but other books I’ll be reading are Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin and My Place by Sally Morgan.
What are your favourite books on music?
I love jazz theory, so I have some books on that. I also have one world music theory, it’s pretty cool. The Beautiful Life by Prince is my favourite music memoir, as well as I’m Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten by Eartha Kitt.

Images: Supplied.
What does your book collection look like?
My books are all colour-coded. It’s very satisfying. It’s also the first thing you see when you walk into my house. I own all kinds of books. I tend to buy books at either op shops or my local community library. They also have a couple old fridges at the front of the shop that people swap books in, it’s fun! I especially love op shop books—sometimes I find a book where there’s writing in it from the previous owner and you get to hear their thoughts about it. Sadly, all my books were burnt in a fire but two: my lyric book from high school and a book from a tarot deck I left at my sister’s house.
What kind of reader are you?
I can read four to seven books at a time and still remember what happened where I left off. I have a couple in rotation at the moment, but usually if I get hooked on one, I’ll stay on it until I finish it. I most certainly re-read them too. I find it so hard to part with my books now that I’ve restarted my collection. I love reading on roofs or beaches—my partner bought me a transportable book light so I can read from anywhere.
You’re the co-author of the children’s picture book, Marringa Lullaby. What were your favourite stories growing up?

My favourites were the ones my mum used to tell me about the island [Groote Eylandt]—the magical creatures that lived there, mermaids, rocks that turned into fairies. My love of fantasy definitely came from my mum.
There was this book called Little Paradise by Gabrielle Wang, a love story set between Melbourne and Shanghai. I picked it up when I was in high school at the library. It really etched in my brain, and when I moved down to Tazzy, I found a copy at my op shop—it’s one of my top three books.
What book are you constantly recommending other people read?
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, a guide to artistic practice. When I read this, it affirmed a lot of things to me as a creative. It really inspired me to just be myself through my art and helped me understand on a deeper level what my art really means to me.
What’s next for you in 2025?
I’ve started the year off by doing an encore tour for my latest album NARA. I’ve also been making music for fun and honing my production skills!
Marringa Lullaby is out now via Harper Collins Australia. Tickets for the encore NARA tour can be purchased here.