August is one of my favourite months; the anticipation of warmer days and the smell of jasmine heavy in our streets tells us that Spring is close. I understand the joy of staying in your pyjamas and snuggling with a good book on the couch, but I am not the kind of person who can stay inside for long. I feel twitchy if I do not get out of the house every day! To inspire you through these last cold days of winter, Readings has developed a wonderfully enticing program of events that will help you leave your homes.

Recently, I had the pleasure of talking with Annie Smithers (you can read some of our chat here). As you know, Annie Smithers is one of Australia’s most highly regarded chefs and one of the first chefs to truly epitomise the paddock-to-plate ethos. Her new book, Recipe for a Kinder Life, encouraged me to live more quietly and sustainably. I am delighted that Annie has kindly agreed to cook for our Readings community at her divine Trentham restaurant, du Fermier. At du Fermier, Annie does all the cooking, starting with baking her own bread each morning. The menu du jour features vegetables picked that day from her kitchen garden and meats and poultry from the surrounding area. She carefully sources all produce to ensure their environmental and animal husbandry credentials. The restaurant seats only 28 people, so book quickly if you would like to join us.

If you are more a reader than a foodie, I am delighted to invite you to overhear two friends talking about the artistry of writing. Readings’ own Mark Rubbo will be in conversation with crime writer Robert Gott to discuss his latest novel The Orchard Murders. This novel is about revenge, obsession and the dangerous gullibility of religious fanatics. Although set in 1944, the issues are sadly pertinent to how we live now.

Conversely if you still feel a little unsure about leaving your home, we continue to offer some brilliant online events. We are delighted to have crime writer Michael Robotham with us, for one night only, talking about his latest novel When You Are Mine. I am equally pleased to be offer you the chance to hear Narrelle M. Harris in conversation with L.J.M. Owen talking about the new book, The Only One in the World: A Sherlock Holmes Anthology, in which 14 writers reimagine the iconic Holmes and Watson in new cultural contexts, from 17th century England to Ancient Egypt to Viking Iceland.

Do have a look at our full Readings events page here for reasons to get off that couch and venture into laneways filled with blooms and bookshops overflowing with new revelations.

Chris Gordon is is the programming and events manager for Readings.