ABC Radio National countdown to focus on Australian books

This year, ABC Radio National’s annual Top 100 Books Countdown will focus on the theme “Australian books”, both fiction and nonfiction.

The ABC said the countdown’s definition of Australian was “deliberately broad”, celebrating “books that reflect Australia and Australian life in all its richness”. A book is eligible if the author, illustrator, translator or named editor “has a meaningful relationship with Australia (through citizenship, residency, or cultural connection)”, or if “the editorial process occurred in Australia”. Eligible books must have been published before voting opens, and there are no genre restrictions.

Listeners will be able to vote for their favourite 10 books, from an inspiration list of 1000 titles or their own added selections. Voting opens on 31 August 2026 and will last for 5 weeks, closing on 1 October 2026.

Radio National will broadcast results on the weekend of 17 and 18 October 2026, with additional special programming and events in the lead-up.

More information is available on the ABC website.

Category: Local news