Our latest blog posts
Fiction inspired by real women's lives
One way of acknowledging women whose lives have had little or no recognition in the history books is to write about them in a fictional setting – imagining, and in some cases, reimagining, what their lives might have been like. We've chosen some wonderful books inspired by the lives of a few famous, and many less so, female figures.
✒️ Studious women
Rapture by Emily Maguire
The motherless child of an English priest living in ninth-century Mainz, Agnes is a…
Short scares: more recommended horror reads for Halloween
During the month of October our Readings bookseller and resident horror aficionado, Joe Murray, is sharing his picks for the very best horror short fiction to get you in the mood for Halloween. You might have seen his recommendations on our socials during the month, but here's part two of his in-depth round up of why you need to read these masterful works of horror.
Read part one here!
Horror has always been a genre of experimentation and marginality. Consigned…
What's your blood type? Vampire reads to suit every taste
After a bit of post-Twilight cultural fatigue, it's safe to say that vampires are now back with a vengance. In movies, TV and books, the number of vampires have been steadily growing; but if you're not sure where to start, or need help separating the romantic from the gory, I am here to help! Whether you prefer your vampires to be murderous, plotting for power, or secretly kind of sweet, I've got a book recommendation that will hit the…
Fabulous fashion books to inspire your style
Get off Pinterest, put away the magazines and forget the influencers. These fashion books will give you all the inspiration you need to see your wardrobe in a new light and curate a personal style that will put the runways to shame.
For the maximalists
Colourful by Iris Apfel
In the summer of 2023, as Iris Apfel welcomed her 102nd birthday, she put pen to paper to write this very special project: what Iris called her legacy book.
Comprising of…
Short scares: recommended reads to get you in the mood for Halloween
During the month of October our Readings bookseller and resident horror fiction aficionado, Joe Murray, is sharing his picks for the very best horror short fiction to get you in the mood for Halloween. You might have seen his recommendations on our socials during the month, but here's part one of his in-depth round up of why you need to read these masterful works of horror.
In these tales, horror comes from the strange, frayed edges of the normal world…
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious recipes
There's a slew of new cookbooks coming out at the moment, with enough baked goods and tasy treats to stock a patisserie! So here's a handy guide to find the right book to satisfy all your cravings, and help you take your desserts to the next level.
Experience the romance of baking
Love Crumbs by Nadine Ingram
Nadine Ingram’s latest book features 50 utterly original, natural and romantic cakes that belong at the heart of every celebration.
To be a…
Books to help explain sustainability to kids
In this day and age, it's hard to teach kids about the natural world without coming up against the tricky topic of climate change and the importance of sustainability. Fortunately, these incredible picture books are designed to make explaining the state of our world a little easier, and to help inspire little ones to do what they can to care for the planet. 🌱
Now for the Good News by Planet Ark
Showcasing fantastically positive environmental advances, initiatives and inventions…
What we're reading: Blaine, Carr
Each week our wonderful staff share the books that they've been enjoying.
Rosalind is reading Australian Gospel by Lech Blaine
Australian Gospel is outstanding. Blaine paints such a vivid picture of place, situation and character that it is difficult to believe that he wasn't present for each scene of this book. With an assured and charmingly ocker voice, Blaine takes us through his noteworthy family history. The genetic child of Tom and Lenore Blaine, he has four permanent foster siblings…
Q&A with Gary Lonesborough, winner of The Readings Young Adult Prize 2024
We are proud and excited to announce Gary Lonesborough as the winner of The Readings Young Adult Prize 2024 for his coming-of-age novel, We Didn't Think It Through, about a sixteen-year-old boy finding his future and navigating the challenges of racism, family and friendship in a small Australian town.
We asked Gary about the inspiration for his work, the creative process, his perfect reader, favourite writing advice, and what he hopes readers take away from his book.
What was…
ARA Historical Novel Prize 2024 winners announced
The winners of the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize have been announced! The annual prize recognise the outstanding literary talents of Australian novelists who explore stories of the past, to illuminate our present and future.
The prize is one of the richest literary prizes in Australia, with a prize pool of $150,000 split between the winners and shortlisted authors in the two categories. Read more about the winning books and the judges' comments below.
Adult category winner
Edenglassie by Melissa…