For a unique Australian novel, try…

Dolores by Lauren Aimee Curtis

A young girl – sixteen, dehydrated, pregnant – collapses on the doorstep of a convent in the hills. Taking the runaway in, the nuns rename her ‘Dolores’. This novel, which our reviewer described as having ‘an otherworldly sheen’, is short, but rich. Dolores’ narrative, which oscillates between her new life at the convent and the prior events that took her there, is evocative and detailed. Watch out for Lauren Aimee Curtis’ expertly drawn depictions of the nuns, and her sublimely skilful balance of exposition and ambiguity. It’s a debut that firmly cements Curtis as an Australian author to watch. Read our full review here.

For a novel of dark desires and moral grey areas, try…

The Pillars by Peter Polites

Peter Polites was shortlisted for a NSW Premier’s Literary Award in 2018, for his first novel, Down the Hume. Now, in The Pillars, Polites cements himself as one of Australia’s most exciting contemporary literature voices. The Pillars follows Panos, a writer disappointed in the lack of financial success the profession gives him. To pass the time, he lobbies against the mosque being built across the road, takes part in the odd meth-fuelled orgy, and ghostwrites for a wealthy property developer – a pay cheque that allows him to turn a blind eye to the dodgy dealings. Can he escape his lot in life? Read our rave review here.

For a book that explores the eccentricities of humanity, try…

The Returns by Philip Salom

Trevor – a quiet, elderly bookseller with a failed marriage. Elizabeth – an editor working on a novel. When Elizabeth posts a ‘room for rent’ sign in Trevor’s bookshop window, she doesn’t expect Trevor himself to answer it. He wants the room because of the empty shed in Elizabeth’s backyard, the perfect space for Trevor to revive the artistic career he abandoned years earlier. Elizabeth accepts Trevor’s application – on probation. Our reviewer says that Salom has a ‘charming way of capturing the romance and the nuance in the stories that are happening all around us in real life’. Read the full review here.

For crime fans who like a riveting slow burn, try…

The Other Mrs Miller by Allison Dickson

Phoebe Miller is unhappily married. She spends her days lurking inside her beautiful home, drinking by the pool, miserably and lonely. And who is in the car that keeps showing up outside their house? Dickson’s exquisitely paced novel positively drips with suspense, and the plot is, literally, to die for. The Other Mrs Miller is one of our crime columnist’s top picks for the month. Check out the full list for August here.

For a stirring non-fiction and fiction collection from the author of Dark Emu, try…

Salt: Selected Stories and Essays by Bruce Pascoe (Available 6 August)

It would be surprising to not be familiar with the name Bruce Pascoe by now. His essential true history of this country, Dark Emu, has dominated bestseller lists around the country for months, as has his young readers’ edition, Young Dark Emu. Now, in Salt: Selected Stories and Essays, Pascoe (oft described as ‘a living national treasure’) showcases new and previously unpublished fiction alongside his most revered and thought-provoking nonfiction.

For a rich and varied exploration of cultural experiences in Australia, try…

Arab, Australian, Other: Stories on Race and Identity edited by Randa Abdel-Fattah and Sara Saleh

Award-winning author and academic Randa Abdel-Fattah and activist and poet Sara Saleh have joined forces with a range of contributors, including (Miles Franklin-shortlisted author) Michael Mohammed Ahmad, Ruby Hamad and Paula Abood, to create a collection exploring the variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences of Arab Australians in order to counteract the homogenising (at best) to racist pop-culture caricatures currently in circulation.

For an irresistible, unexpected memoir, try…

Poster Boy by Peter Drew (Available 6 August)

You’ve undoubtedly seen his posters – the famous ones, with slogans like ‘Aussie’ and ‘Real Australians Say Welcome’ – plastered across towns all over Australia. The posters took on a life of their own, going viral and sparking conversation and debate all over. But who is the artist behind them? Packed full of Peter Drew’s memorable images, Poster Boy is an intelligent, funny and brutally honest dive into the stew of individual, family and national identity.

For stories of coming of age and growing up to move you, try…

Growing Up Queer in Australia, edited by Benjamin Law (Available 6 August)

Hear from voices across the spectrum of LGBTIQA+ identity in this stunning collection compiled by celebrated author, Benjamin Law. To celebrate the release of Growing Up Queer in Australia, Readings will be donating $2 from every sale of this book to Minus 18, an organisation that champions rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer youth Australia-wide. Find out more here.