Nicole Freeman's literary odyssey transcends the ordinary, offering a captivating glimpse into a realm where imagination reigns supreme and wisdom takes centre stage.
As the director of clients and programs at Noble Ambition and a board member at The Stella Prize, Freeman's profound connection with books extends far beyond mere hobby; they are cherished gifts that illuminate her path.
The Stella Prize – a voice for gender equality and cultural transformation in Australian literature – annually celebrates Australian women's writing through its prestigious literary award.
Driven by her passion for literature and commitment to social change, Freeman's literary universe beckons us to embark on a journey toward enlightenment, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. From Viktor Frankl's memoir Man's Search for Meaning to timeless classics such as Alice in Wonderland, her bookshelf stands as a treasure trove of wisdom and wonder, inviting exploration.
Below, we caught up with Nicole Freeman to dissect her bookshelf, explore the worlds that ignite her, and discover the literary heroines who inspire her fight for a more equitable future.
The last book I read …
I just finished working my way through (and was blown away by!) the Stella Prize shortlist:
The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel; Body Friend by Katherine Brabon; Feast by Emily O’Grady; Hospital by Sanya Rushdi; and Abandon Every Hope: Essays for the Dead by Hayley Singer.
On my bedside table ...
I am currently reading this year’s Stella Prize winner, Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright.
My favourite book of all time ...
From The Little Prince and Pride and Prejudice to Don Quixote and The Woman Destroyed – there have been different favourites at different times.
The literary character I most identify with is ...
Nora Ephron.
The book that changed my life is ...
Mortality by Christopher Hitchens.
The best book I ever received is …
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, given to me by my grandfather, who survived Auschwitz and never gave up his belief in humanity.
The book I would give as a gift is …
Walk Through Walls by Marina Abramović, or for someone really special, a rare edition of their favourite.
Growing up, the best book on my bookshelf was …
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol.
The Australian writer I admire the most is ...
Melissa Lucashenko.
My favourite living author is …
Margaret Atwood for the worlds she imagines, and AC Grayling for the sense he makes of the world.
A book everyone should read at least once is…
Ulysses. If you finish it, let me know how.
