Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films and TV shows we’re watching, and the music we’re listening to.

Mark Rubbo is reading On the Java Ridge by Jock Serong

I’m reading an advance copy of Jock Serong’s third novel. Set in the near future, an asylum seeker boat capsizes and sinks near a remote island, coincidentally where an Australian tourist boat is safely anchored. It’s three days from a tight Federal election and…

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Identity and memory are themes that run through a number of books in this issue. Our Nonfiction Book of the Month is Roxane Gay’s Hunger. It lays bare, in the most generously open way, Gay’s life as lived in her own body, the histories that body contains, and the non-normative identities she inhabits. This book is a vital contribution to the discourse of body politics as it intersects with lived experience.

Melanie Cheng skilfully addresses the vexed question of…

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The world moves in mysterious ways sometimes. Some time ago, we received a complaint from the Anti Defamation Commission (ADC) about some wrapping paper on sale in our St Kilda shop. Produced and designed in the UK, the paper featured a series of ‘quaint’ illustrations of characters from history and contemporary popular culture. At a glance, it seemed just the ticket to wrap a gift in. But if you looked more closely, wedged between Star Wars’ 3-CPO and Madonna, was…

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The latest statistics from the United Nations Refugee Agency state that, globally, one in every 113 people is either an asylum-seeker, internally displaced or a refugee. It can be difficult to imagine or understand the experiences faced by the 21.3 million refugees, but there are an increasing number of books written by, or about refugees. Here are some of our recommendations.

REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS IN FICTION

The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen

Pulitzer Prize-winner Viet Thanh Nguyen’s collection of…

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Over the next few weeks we’re participating in a work experience program with students from high schools across Melbourne. Today, Ella Harris from Viewbank College tells us about one of her favourite books, and the mistakes adults can make in recommending a book to a teenager.

How would you describe your taste in books?

I enjoy fiction far more than non-fiction, however I enjoy most genres. I prefer to read realistic fiction mostly as I like relationships and characters more…

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The Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize is awarded annually to the book which most successfully reflects the ethos of renowned nature writer Alfred Wainwright’s work, to inspire readers to explore the outdoors and to nurture a respect for the natural world. Congratulations to the authors shortlisted for this year:

Chair of judges, Julia Bradbury comments: ‘The judges are delighted to have settled on such a strong shortlist and what an honour it is to sing the praises of these terrific…

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Mark Brandi’s debut novel is more than atmospheric: this is visceral Australian noir. Jock Serong introduces us to the next big thing in Australian crime fiction.

Brandi is a writer who pays close attention to the physical; to the shapes and smells and sensations of the human body, set in vivid contrast to the torpor of a dead-end town. Wimmera is the story of two best friends, Ben and Fab, growing up in north-west Victoria in the late eighties. Alongside…

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Stop by our St Kilda shop this month to enjoy two FREE in-store performances from some of our favourite musicians.

On Saturday 8 July, local talent Dave Graney and Clare Moore will be joined by Stu Thomas to play songs from their new album, Let’s Get Tight.

Let’s Get Tight was recorded and mixed at Graney and Moore’s studio in the hills of Melbourne, the Ponderosa. Graney sings, plays electric and acoustic guitars, bass and some keys. Moore plays…

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Brodie Lancaster shares her top five pop culture moments of 2017, so far…

The case of the wrong envelope at the Oscars

I don’t want Moonlight to forever be defined by what happened at the Oscars this year (even though it was one of the year’s greatest moments in pop culture) because it was such an incredible, tender, relevant piece of art. Other films I’ve loved this year are Raw, 20th Century Women and Get Out. OJ: Made…

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Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

The World’s Worst Children 2 by David Walliams and Tony Ross

The Wayward Witch and the Feelings Monster (Polly and Buster Book 1) by Sally Rippin

A Most Magical Girl by Karen Foxlee

Family, Friends and Furry Creatures (Tom Gates Book 12) by Liz Pichon

Party Time (Hot Dog Book 2) by Anh Do and Dan McGuiness

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

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