Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films we’re watching, the television shows we’re hooked on or the music we’re loving.

Mark Rubbo is reading Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson

I’m reading the latest book by popular historian Erik Larson. His previous book, In the Garden of Beasts, was about Roosevelt’s Ambassador to Hitler’s Germany, William Dodd – a fascinating story; a fascinating, horrible time. His new book, Dead Wake, is about the tragic crossing of the giant liner the Lusitania from New York to London and the political intrigues that lead to its sinking by a German U Boat in 1915, one hundred years ago. Larson is the master of historical narrative and this one is a cracker! I’m not surprised it went straight to the top of the US bestseller charts immediately upon publication.

Emily Gale is reading Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I was really excited to get my hands on this book following a presentation of 2015 YA novels back in January (you can see some of the other titles previewed on the night here) but a third of the way in I was on the verge of giving up.

The experience of reading those early chapters felt like sitting behind a group of teenagers on a bus, overhearing their conversation and really not getting all of it. And thinking about it now, that’s okay for a young adult book, is it not? Seeing as I am definitely not a young adult. But I did so want to understand the hype this book was getting, so I persevered. And as the sharp observations piled up about being a gay teenager who hasn’t yet come out to friends or family, I felt myself getting more and more involved in the story, and more and more fond of Simon, the main character. Thank goodness I decided to hang in there, because by the end I was genuinely moved by the romance and ready to rave about this story to fellow young adult readers.

Although my problems with the execution of the blackmail element of the story didn’t change, they faded into the background as Simon – funny, brave and flawed as he is – won me over. This novel, and its two gay characters conducting a romance-via-email, is adorable.

Alan Vaarwerk is listening to Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit by Courtney Barnett

I’ve been looking forward to Courtney Barnett’s full-length debut for a while now and it’s everything this fan of the Melbourne singer-songwriter could hope for. Sometimes is full of Barnett’s trademark wordplay and stark observations, from the angular, anxiety-riddled ‘Pedestrian At Best’ to a hilarious poolside vignette in ‘Aqua Profunda!’. ‘Depreston’, with its laid-back accompaniment and quietly-sung observations about a house with handrails in the shower and pressed-metal ceilings, is just sublime in its encapsulation of suburban despair. The rest of the world is fast cottoning on to Barnett’s skills, and learning a great deal about the quirks of Melbourne living in the process.

Isobel Moore is reading Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner

Leaving the Atocha Station is compelling, dreamy and interesting. I’ve heard several people describe it as funny and, to be honest, I haven’t really found it to be. There are humorous aspects to the story, and it’s certainly an easy, enthusiastic read – not sad in the least, even if the protagonist does get himself into frequent trouble – but I’m finding it engaging rather than a laugh riot. The backdrop of Madrid is beautifully and tangibly drawn so I think that it’s a great novel for those of us daydreaming about being elsewhere. The style reminds me of Tabucci’s Pereira Maintains – a book where not a ton happens but it’s still absolutely thrilling. I will add that Pereira Maintains is one of the greatest books ever written, so high praise indeed.