Books
Recommended YA books and news for August
We have a number of exciting new releases from local authors this month, including our Book of the Month — the debut novel from author Miranda Luby, which is a contemporary story about feminism, family, and a whole lot more.
We also have the new novel from beloved author Barry Jonsberg; a novel that looks at the issue of child trafficking in Indonesia, and an LGBTQIA+ story about the challenges of being in a boy band. If those all sound…
What we're reading: Eloff, MacAskill & McAlister
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.
Clare Millar is reading Chronic Pain Couple by Karra Eloff
When I heard this title was being published, I was very excited! There’s nothing else like it – so many books on managing chronic pain, but very little acknowledging how it can impact couples and families.
Eloff – who lives with chronic pain…
Easy Book Week costume ideas
Book Week is coming and with it the tradition of finding a last-minute costume for the child to wear to school! Don’t worry – we’ve got a few easy numbers for you to whip up a last minute costume from things you probably already have around the house.
Slinky Malinki by Lynley Dodd
To create a cat you will need:
Black leggings and black long sleeved tee
A pair of opaque black tights to make a tail. Chop one leg…
Interview with Alice Pung about Laurinda
We are delighted that one of our favourite young adult novels, Laurinda, has recently been adapted for the stage by Melbourne Theatre Company. We interviewed the author, Alice Pung, about her novel, the societal issues that it raises, and her response to the play.
It’s been nearly eight years since Laurinda was first published. It even inspired a book of short stories and has been studied by countless high school students. How do you feel about it now and…
Our favourite reads of 2022 so far
We asked a few of our staff to let us know which book stands out as exceptional amongst everything they’ve read so far this year. Below are the books they’ve loved the most.
Sunbathing by Isobel Beech
As ever, I’ve already read some great fiction this year, but the outstanding candidate for my pick of the year so far is Sunbathing by Isobel Beech. Beautiful but gutsy writing about an emotional topic, with impeccable insights into modern life and friendship…
The Readings Prize: Young Adult shortlist
The Readings Young Adult Prize is presented to the best new voice in Australian young adult literature. This report is written by 2022 chair of judges Julia Jackson (Readings Carlton assistant manager), with contributions from fellow judges: Mike Shuttleworth (Readings Hawthorn) and Clodagh Robinson-Watts (Readings Carlton).
Discover the six shortlisted titles below.
The Museum of Broken Things by Lauren Draper
Reece has a great heart, full of very big, complicated feelings, and her journey as an uprooted, unmoored and alienated…
Our books of the month, August 2022
OUR FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid
Reviewed by
‘ The Last White Man opens with one of the most scintillating lines to grace a first page this year: ‘One morning Anders, a white man, woke up to find he had turned a deep and undeniable brown … Although Anders may be the first to turn, he isn’t the last. In a turn of events worthy of José Saramago, slowly every white person in…
Our top 10 bestsellers of the week
Cook by Karen Martini
The Boy From Boomerang Crescent by Eddie Betts
Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down
Around the Table by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Everything Feels Like the End of the World by Else Fitzgerald
Electric and Mad and Brave by Tom Pitts
So You Want to Live Younger Longer? by Dr Norman Swan
The Penalty is Death by Barry Jones
Big Beautiful Female Theory by Eloise Grills
Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week
The Hidden Girl by Louise Bassett
Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
Little Gem by Anna Zobel
My Brother Ben by Peter Carnavas
Floof by Heidi McKinnon
Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat by Charlie Archibold
A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr
Our top-selling title this week is the young adult novel that…
The best new crime reads in August
Our crime specialist shares 10 great crime reads to look out for this month.
CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH
Better the Blood by Michael Bennett
More than 150 years ago, on the top of Maunga Whakairoiro – or as the colonisers called it, Mount Suffolk – a picture is taken of a Māori chief, hanging from a tree, six victorious soldiers in the foreground. Despite all the inconsistent efforts of reconciliation in the intervening decades, there’s still injustice all over…
Gift ideas for Fathers who love to keep busy
Why order in when you can make it? Why replace something that can be mended? Why buy a plant when you can propagate? And why take another’s path when you can carve your own?
Read on for our top Father’s Day recommendations for the the busy souls who relish a project or outing.
For the dedicated home cook:
COOK by Karen Martini
In COOK, acclaimed chef Karen Martini shares a lifetime of cooking, eating and learning about food. This…
The Melbourne Writers Festival events we can't wait for
We are patiently waiting until this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival begins in just under a month. In the interim, we’ve been planning where we’ll be and who we’ll see from the programme! Running from September 8–11, this year’s theme is ‘Ambition’ and will host over 250 of the world’s most talented storytellers. Guests include Sarah Moss, Robert Dessaix, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Alice Oseman, Jennifer Down, Evelyn Araluen, Helen Garner, and many more.
Below, our staff chat about an…
The Readings Prize: Children's shortlist
The Readings Children’s Fiction Prize is presented to the best new contribution to Australian children’s literature. This report is written by 2022 chair of judges Lucie Dess (marketing assistant), with contributions from fellow judges: Lian Hingee (digital marketing manager), Janine Larson (Readings Kids) and Clare McCann-McCall (Readings Hawthorn).
Discover the six shortlisted titles below.
A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr
Meixing has just arrived at a new house in a new country with her family. Faced with a new…
Books so good we wish we could read them again, for the first time
by Bonnie-Mai SmithAs book lovers, we all know the feeling of finishing a new favourite and realising it is now over and feeling devastated. While revisiting a beloved novel is a treat in itself, discovering a new favourite for the first time is unmatched. The Teen Advisory Board has compiled the books we’d give anything to relive it again as if it’s the first time!
The Museum of Broken Things by Lauren Draper
With lots of laughter and tears, this debut perfectly…
Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Floof by Heidi McKinnon
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Crash Course: Wolf Girl 7 by Anh Do
Bluey: Barky Boats by Bluey
We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
My People by Eddie Betts
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
August & Jones by Pip Harry
What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say by Davina Bell
Our top-selling title this week is once again the first book…
Our top 10 bestsellers of the week
The Boy From Boomerang Crescent by Eddie Betts
Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down
Around the Table by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Hydra by Adriane Howell
Salt and Skin by Eliza Henry-Jones
Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
So You Want to Live Younger Longer? by Dr Norman Swan
Beatrix Bakes by Natalie Paull
Our best-seller from the past week is The Boy From Boomerang Crescent, the new memoir from football…
The best food & gardening books of the month
Around the Table: Delicious Food for Every Day by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Hands up if you have not fallen in love with the delightful Melbourne- based Julia Busuttil Nishimura yet? Her latest cookbook will soon fix that. Julia has received considerable and worthy praise for her practical and delicious recipes, designed for easy family meals and for occasions when all your friends visit. It all works a treat because Julia has pulled together influences from all over: recipes from her…
Dear Reader, August 2022
I am one of those annoying people who revel in the Melbourne winter. It’s not a time to bunker down so much as get out and really feel the weather of the world. Happily, the city’s creative people have been staging events like there’s no tomorrow to get us out and about again. Indeed, August is synonymous with MIFF for many of us, so what could be a better Nonfiction Book of the Month than Melbourne on Film, a…
On Events, with Chris Gordon
Here is my advice for this crazy ramshackle time (with a little help from some of the books in our events calendar). In this Electric and Mad and Brave year, where Everything Feels Like the End of the World, let authors’ words swim over you. It is after all the Desire of The Unbelieved and the Women I Know. The Map of Night has changed, with new political leaders and new means of understanding The Matter of Everything…
Mark's Say: August, 2022
One of the organisations the Readings Foundation is proud to partner with is Western Chances, a non-profit that supports young students in Melbourne’s west with educational scholarships and life-changing opportunities. Western Chances provides hope, encouragement and essential financial support to over 852 scholarship recipients to ensure their continuing education. The work that Western Chances does really aligns with the Readings Foundation’s aim to support organisations responding to the needs of marginalised communities, with a focus on literacy and education.
Many…
The 2022 Age Book of the Year shortlists
The 2022 Age Book of the Year Shortlists have been announced! This year the award will once again include a prize for works of nonfiction as well as for fiction.
Fiction
In Moonland by Miles Allinson
Cold Enough for Snow by Jessica Au
After Story by Larissa Behrendt
The Signal Line by Brendan Colley
Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down
Love & Virtue by Diana Reid
Nonfiction
Whole Notes by Ed Ayres
Leaping Into Waterfalls by Bernadette Brennan
Our top 10 bestsellers of the week
Around the Table by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down
Beatrix Bakes by Natalie Paull
Raised by Wolves by Jess Ho
The Diplomat by Chris Womersley
The Consul by Ian Kemish
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
So You Want to Live Younger Longer? by Dr Norman Swan
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
The Uncaged Sky by Kylie Moore-Gilbert
Debuting at number one this week is Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s glorious new cookbook. Readings staff had a…
Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say by Davina Bell
Pig the Rebel by Aaron Blabey
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Floof by Heidi McKinnon
We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
Look Inside Building Sites by Usborne
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
The Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
Heartstopper: Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
Our top-selling title this week…
What we're reading: Gentill, Kennedy & Jasinska
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.
Joanna Di Mattia is reading Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
Sometimes you pick up a book, think it looks okay, and it turns out to be so much more than that. Trespasses by Louise Kennedy is one of those books. It arrived at the store with little fanfare, but I found myself drawn to…
We test recipes from Around the Table
Recently we tested a selection of recipes from Around the Table, the latest cookbook from beloved local chef Julia Busuttil Nishimura.
We were of course thrilled to then have Julia herself stop by to taste test our attempts and judge the best replication.
Rosalind McClintock made ‘Leek and Feta Tart’
This recipe was so easy! The pastry didn’t take long at all, didn’t require much care beyond getting the quantities vaguely right and the fact that I cut the…
Debut fiction to read this month
The Dawnhounds by Sascha Stronach
A queer, Maori-inspired debut fantasy about a police officer who is murdered, brought back to life with a mysterious new power, and tasked with protecting her city from an insidious evil threatening to destroy it.
Basin by Scott McCulloch
A nomad swallows poison and drowns himself. Resuscitated by a paramilitary bandit named Aslan, Figure is nursed back into a world of violence, sexuality and dementia. Together, Figure and Aslan traverse a coastline erupting…
The 2022 Booker Prize longlist
The longlist for the 2022 Booker Prize has been announced! The Booker Prize has brought recognition, reward and readership to outstanding fiction for over 50 years. It is awarded annually to the best novel of the year written in English and published in the UK or Ireland.
Below are the 13 longlisted titles:
The Colony by Audrey Magee
After Sappho by Selby Wynn Schwartz
Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
Maps…
Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week
Crash Course: Wolf Girl 7 by Anh Do
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
The Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
Cop & Robber by Tristan Bancks
Pig the Rebel by Aaron Blabey
Floof by Heidi McKinnon
Peep Inside the Sea by Usborne
What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say by Davina Bell
Kissed by the Moon by Alison Lester
Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
Once again, our…
Our top 10 bestsellers of the week
Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down
Sundressed by Lucianne Tonti
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham
Stone Town by Margaret Hickey
Quarterly Essay 86: Sleepwalk to War: Australia’s Unthinking Alliance with America by Hugh White
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh
Bootstrap by Georgina Young
Sunbathing by Isobel Beech
Chinese-ish by Rosheen Kaul & Joanna Hu
Our best-seller from the past week is recent Miles Franklin Literary Award winner, Bodies of Light. Our head book buyer Alison…
What we're reading: Fallada, Turton & Lizzo
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 Lilly and Her Slave by Hans Fallada
Lilly and Her Slave is a recently discovered collection of stories by the German writer Hans Fallada.
Best known for his novel Alone in Berlin, Fallada died just after war and struggled with mental illness and drug addiction throughout his life…
Australian fiction titles to pick up this month
The Diplomat by Chris Womersley
1991, Fresh out of detox and five years after his involvement in the theft of Picasso’s masterpiece The Weeping Woman from the NGV, Edward Degraves - art forger and drug addict - returns to Melbourne for a new start. All he needs to do is make one last visit to The Diplomat, a seedy motel renowned for its drug dealers and eccentrics.
‘What is most remarkable about The Diplomat is the prose. It is beautiful…
New and noteworthy biography + memoir
This month we have a complete – and compelling – gamut of both local and international memoir. Blurring the lines between cultural studies, memoir, and graphic novel or visual diary - July releases offer unforgettable insight into another’s experiences of the world.
Big Beautiful Female Theory by Eloise Grills
big beautiful female theory is an anarchic and vital memoir unlike anything you’ve read before. Part feminist manifesto, part comic book, it is a carnivalesque exploration of the ways identity is…
Compelling friendships in fiction
by ClementineClementine recently joined us on work experience at Readings. As part of her placement, she put together this excellent piece on 5 great books that centre friendship.
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
Conversations with Friends is the debut novel of a most celebrated author of recent times, Sally Rooney. In her book, Rooney’s honest and raw writing style is found within the intersecting lives of the four main characters. Conversations with Friends illustrates the restricting and destructive nature of…
Jennifer Down wins the 2022 Miles Franklin Literary Award
Jennifer Down has been named the winner of this year’s Miles Franklin Literary Award for her novel Bodies of Light. The Miles Franklin Literary Award recognises a novel of the highest literary merit that presents Australian life in any of its phases.
A profound book about the effect childhood trauma can have on a life, Bodies of Light cements Down as one of the most accomplished writers of her generation.
Bookseller Bec Kavanagh says of the work: ‘Down has…
Interview with Jess Ho
We were thrilled to have the chance to chat with author Jess Ho about their recently published memoir, Raised by Wolves. They talk to us about where the work began, the writing process, advice for their younger self, and the future of food writing.
Congratulations on the publication of Raised by Wolves! Can you tell us in your own words a bit about the book? Where did it originate for you and what made you want to write…
Spotlight on recent children's books in translation
A number of wonderful, quirky (and often hilarious) children’s books in translation have been released recently. Here are some of our recent favourites:
It’s My Rubber Band by Shinsuke Yoshitake
Translated from Japanese by Sofiane Kohen
Have you ever wanted something that was just yours? It’s My Rubber Band explores how a cherished everyday object can become a catalyst for curiosity, play and a profound sense of connection. With a special object of one’s very own, the possibilities are as…
Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week
Crash Course: Wolf Girl 7 by Anh Do
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Floof by Heidi McKinnon
Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James
The Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
Pig the Rebel by Aaron Blabey
Trains (See Inside) by Usborne
World of Dinosaurs (See Inside) by Usborne
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
Heartstopper 4 by Alice Oseman
Our top-selling title this week is the latest book in the bestselling…
The National Biography Award shortlist 2022
The State Library of New South Wales (SLNSW) has announced this year’s shortlist for the National Biography Award! This Award is presented annually to a published work of biographical or autobiographical writing aiming to promote public interest in these genres.
Each shortlisted author will receive $2000 while the winner will receive $25, 000.
The shortlisted works are:
Car Crash by Lech Blaine
Leaping Into Waterfalls by Bernadette Brennan
One Day I’ll Remember This: Diaries 1987-1995 by Helen Garner
Our top 10 bestsellers of the week
The Registrar by Neela Janakiramanan
Chinese-ish by Rosheen Kaul & Joanna Hu
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Raised by Wolves by Jess Ho
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Out of Breath by Anna Snoekstra
Quarterly Essay 86: Sleepwalk to War: Australia’s Unthinking Alliance with America by Hugh White
I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee (translated by Anton Hur)
The Diplomat by Chris Womersley
Our best-seller from the past…
What we're reading: Rennex, Shamsie & Sehee
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.
Gabrielle Williams is reading Life With Birds by Bronwyn Rennex
I’ve just finished reading Life With Birds by Bronwyn Rennex, an unexpected delight that Dan from Readings Carlton recommended to me.
Surprisingly funny and gentle and quirky, Bronwyn Rennex is an artist and writer whose dad was a Vietnam veteran who died when…
Recipe extract from Chinese-ish
Chongqing Hot and Sour Noodles
A punchy, simple and deliciously warming noodle recipe from Chinese-ish, the new cookbook by Rosheen Kaul, head chef at Melbourne northside favourite Etta, and illustrator Joanna Hu.
Also known as suan la fen (酸辣粉), this sichuan street food dish of bouncy potato noodles in a sour and numbing broth is flavourful, textural, bright, fresh and packed fullof toppings. All you need are some basic Chinese pantry ingredients to build this bowl of seriously good…
Our top picks of the month for book clubs
For book clubs who love dining out…
Raised by Wolves by Jess Ho
Growing up Cantonese in the racist outer suburbs was hard enough for Jess Ho, but add in a dysfunctional family who only ever made peace over food (and then only until the bill arrived), and it was clear that a normal life was never on the menu. She emerged from her childhood with two important traits: a major psychological complex, and a kick-arse palate. Both would help…
Angela's five go-to horse books for all ages
As a self-confessed horse girl, since the age of five I read every single book I could get my hands on that featured horses. I talked of nothing else, and begged and harrassed my parents until the age of 11, when they finally relented and bought me a pony. These days, I can’t afford to own horses, but I still practically gallop towards any book that features the noble steed. I can definitely recognise a writer who lives with horses…
Recommended children's books and news for July
Our Book of the Month in July is a beautiful story about a unique friendship from award-winning author, Pip Harry. We are also featuring a story about two sisters adjusting to a new life in Australia, a picture book that gives a guide to some of life’s challenging moments, as well as one about a very special unicorn. We have two adventure stories from Eddie Woo that feature (of course!) exciting maths challenges, and a beloved classic story set in…
Recommended YA books and news for July
So many exciting books this month to dive into! Our Book of the Month is a funny, queer romance about an aspiring comedian. We have a new Meg Rosoff, set in New York during a languid, steamy summer - just what we need to warm up! We also have a novel featuring a complicated love triangle, the first in a new dystopian trilogy, a feminist novel set in an alternate 1950s with dragons, and a non-fiction title on financial literacy…
The best food & gardening books of the month
Chinese-ish: Home Cooking, Not Quite Authentic, 100% Delicious by Rosheen Kaul & Joanna Hu
I’m calling it. If you only buy one cookbook this year, make it Chinese-ish. Here are my reasons:
It is filled with utterly delicious recipes but is also a joy to read.
It celebrates the blending of cultures and identity through food, with a bounty of Chinese- influenced dishes from all over South-East Asia.
It is divided into different sections under the banners of: Chinese…
Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week
Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Crash Course: Wolf Girl 7 by Anh Do
What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say by Davina Bell
The Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
Floof by Heidi McKinnon
Look Inside a Hospital by Katie Daynes
Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
Bluey and Bingo’s Fancy Restaurant Cookbook by Bluey
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
Our…
Our top 10 bestsellers of the week
The Diplomat by Chris Womersley
Marrul: Aboriginal Identity & the Fight for Rights by Inala Cooper
Mezcla by Ixta Belfrage
Big Beautiful Female Theory by Eloise Grills
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (translated by Geoffrey Trousselot)
Raised by Wolves by Jess Ho
Chinese-ish by Rosheen Kaul & Joanna Hu
How Veganism Can Save Us by Emma Hakansson
Our best-seller for another week is Chris Womersley’s latest novel, The Diplomat…
Win a dinner for two at Etta
This month we’re offering the chance to win a dinner for two at Etta!
Simply purchase a copy of
A random draw will be held on 5 August, and only the winner will be contacted. This offer ends 31 July 2022 and is not available online. The voucher is valid for 36 months and must be redeemed in one single transaction. The voucher is not redeemable for cash nor transferrable.
celebrates the confident blending of culture and identity through…
What we're reading: Zambra, Heti & McCulloch
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.
Ruth McHugh-Dillon is reading Chilean Poet by Alejandro Zambra (translated by Megan McDowell)
Alejandro Zambra is a big name in Latin America and I’ve been meaning to read him for a while. Chilean Poet is his latest work and comes with glowing reviews from lots of other trustworthy writers - but, when I…
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