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.

Robbie is listening to Ocean From Above

I’m listening to Melbourne band Seagull’s new album Ocean From Above, a haunting mix of classical guitars and distinct high pitched vocals, and a slow and intense listen that rewards patience as the music is subtly layered and devoid of obvious pop tropes. A mesmeric work that puts me in mind of late nights, this album is perfect for putting your feet up with that last glass of red wine when you might just make it through to the crepuscular dawn.

Nina is reading The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls

I’ve been planning to read the debut novel The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls since it came out earlier this year. It’s set in 1930, in the American South. Fifteen-year-old Thea has done a bad, bad thing, and so her parents have sent her away to a fancy equestrienne boarding school.

The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls has all the right ingredients: Horses! Secrets! Horses! Boarding school! Horses! Teenage girl coming of age! And did I mention HORSES? (I was your stereotypical horse-crazy girl when I was younger.) I’m over halfway through and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it so far. Thea is an interesting character, and the novel expertly weaves issues of wealth, class and the great Depression into the narrative.

Chris is reading the latest issue of The Monthly

Oh dear, Christmas good cheer is with me, which has meant that I’ve only had time to read on short bursts late at night. Luckily I have the terrific summer issue of The Monthly handy. I just finished Tim Winton’s essay on class. Here he talks about the fall of the term ‘working class’, reflecting on new terms like ‘cashed up bogans’. It’s a good reminder of how far we still need to go to ensure our nation is at all times fair and kind. And these are important thoughts to have in mind pre-Christmas.

By the by, if you still haven’t read Tsiolkas’ article in the October edition of The Monthly – jump to it!