(Australian/NZ edition. See other editions below)
Shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 2009
Shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards 2009
Shortlisted for the Western Australian Premier’s Literary Awards 2009
Shortlisted for the NZ Post Book Awards 2010
Days after his mother is killed in a sudden, senseless accident, Will Ellis begins to write a list of questions in his notebook, driven by a desire to crack the whole world open, find the answers he craves. His search for meaning leads him to the great philosophers – Seneca, Plato, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche – and to Taryn, the beautiful girl he meets at his mother’s wake. Overwhelmed with grief and simultaneously intoxicated with first love, Will is desperate to find, however he can, something authentic, something so true he would live or die for it. But as his quest intensifies, it leads him down a dangerous path. Is he willing to risk losing Taryn – lose everything – to seek the answers he craves?
The Beginner’s Guide to Living is a book about grief, ideas and experience, about those moments in your life that change you forever.
Reviews of The Beginner’s Guide to Living:
‘This is an inspiring debut novel and I highly recommend it to readers of all ages, to those interested in the mystery of what it means to live, and who wish to find their own ‘fragment of truth’.’ Jostein Gaarder, author of Sophie’s World
‘…acutely insightful…Although this novel begins with a death, it is a celebration of life, companionship, and love.’ Publishers Weekly (starred review)
‘Hills’s rich imagery and masterful storytelling come together to create a tale that is both poetic and compelling.’ Kirkus (starred review)
‘…this impressive debut…transcends its demographic restrictions entirely – even well balanced adults should swallow their pride and take a look.’ – Dominion Post (NZ)
‘beautifully crafted…a truly engaging read.’ – The Age‘
‘Hills endows her character with a poetic sensibility.’ – Australian Book Review
US/Canada edition (Farrar, Straus & Giroux):
German editions, also available in Austria and Switzerland:
Teacher’s handbook in German:
Swedish edition (X Publishing):
Greek edition:
