Teachers, what would we do without them? They are nothing short of amazing. Anyone who can not only corral a room of 20+ excitable children, but also teach them day in, day out, deserves something a little thoughtful. The following are some suggestions for all budgets that would be lovely teamed with a handmade card and a few lines on how they have helped you/your child this year.

For the teacher who loves to cook.

Low cost: We stopped for…

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2023 was a wonderful year for Australian fiction. If you’re looking for a new writer to fall in love with, excellent local fiction to gift, or just want to catch up on some of the most talked-about new Australian fiction of the year, here are just a few highlights. And don’t forget to stay tuned for part two of our debut spotlight, where we focus on international fiction. 

Green Dot by Madeleine Gray

Hera Stephen is clawing through her mid-twenties…

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Our staff have voted and the results are in! We are delighted to reveal our best books of 2023, as chosen by Readings' experienced booksellers.

Best of Australian fiction

Best of international fiction

Best of nonfiction

Best of picture books

Best of junior and middle grade

Best of young adult fiction

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Each week our amazing staff bring you a sample of the books or music they're immersed in.

Chris Gordon is reading Question 7 by Richard Flanagan

I'm at that time of the year when I reflect on the year that has been. I'm looking at all the pathways I could have, should have, would have taken if I had stopped to take some time to think a little longer.

Reading Richard Flanagan's Question 7 can be blamed for this newly…

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Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best junior and middle grade books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Leaf-light by Trace Balla

Have you ever had a special place that was just yours? 12-year-old Miri has one, it's high up among the dappled leaf light. When she's on the ground though, she spends time with her neighbour Wingo, two joeys…

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Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the nonfiction books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Art Monsters by Lauren Elkin

Who are Art Monsters? Lauren Elkin characterises them as women who break the social norms of behaviour and appearance. They are women who redefine the truth of their own bodies, not by how they are perceived through the traditional male lens.

…

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Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best international fiction books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Imagine a Squid Game-style gladiator program that combines elements of the ‘reality’ TV show and the ancient ‘sport’, but is run as a fight-to-the-death competition for freedom in the, near future, US prison system – and is…

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Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best young adult books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black

Jump back into the world of Elfhame in The Stolen Heir. It’s been eight years since the Battle of the Serpent and we are now following Jude’s brother Oak and the changeling queen, Suren. The two were…

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Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best Australian fiction books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Women & Children by Tony Birch

In Women & Children, beloved local writer Tony Birch takes us to 1965 and, in his inimitable style, introduces us to Joe Cluny and his sister Ruby, who are growing up in a working-class suburb with their…

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Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best picture books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Pasta! by Felice Arena & Beatrice Cerocchi (illus.)

Who doesn’t love Pasta? Not only does it taste delicious, but pasta names are also fun to say. Felice Arena has created a rhyming feast with his new picture book, Pasta! Paired with bold and beautiful illustrations…

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