Our latest blog posts
An interview with a teen reader
by Joe MurrayOver the next few weeks we’re participating in a work experience program with students from high schools across Melbourne. Today, Joe Murray from University High School tells us what book he would love to see adapted for the screen, and why creating good characters is the most important element of creating good stories.
How would you describe your taste in books?
I mostly enjoy reading fantasy and science fiction stories, and especially those that don’t put too much focus on…
What we're reading: Jennifer Scoullar, Jaclyn Moriarty & Jessica Townsend
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.
Chris Gordon is reading this month’s edition of The Monthly
There is a truly excellent article in the latest edition of The Monthly from editor Nick Feik, in which he tackles the immense global power of Facebook. This is a thought-provoking essay that clearly illustrates the changing landscape of information dissemination across the world. Reading…
Recommended new YA books in July
This month we follow three resilient French girls on a cycling road trip, dive into Zana Fraillon’s thought-provoking new novel, and take a fresh look at modern 80s Kiwi classic, The Changeover.
(Find our best recommendations for kids’ books this month here.)
LOVEOZYA PICKS
Following on from the success of her first YA novel, The Bone Sparrow, Zana Fraillon has crafted another story that explores the strength and resilience of children. The Ones that Disappeared follows three…
Recommended new kids' books in July
This month sees a slew of sweet, gentle and imaginative kids’ books about dog-walking, nurturing new and old friendships, teeny-tiny angels and mythical sea-rocks. Plus one very excellent book about evil magician rabbits.
(Find our best recommendations for teen books this month here.)
NEW PICTURE BOOKS
Mini Grey’s picture books are always something to look forward to and The Bad Bunnies’ Magic Show is sure to be one of my favourites of the year. When magician Hypno is unable…
Our top 10 bestselling books of 2017, so far
Here are our top 10 bestselling books of the year – so far. And we’re thrilled to see that all 10 of the books listed here are from Australian writers.
1. The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
2. Lion by Saroo Brierley (including sales from the young reader’s edition)
3. Fighting Hislam by Susan Carland
4. Fight Like a Girl by Clementine Ford
5. The Dry by Jane Harper
6. The White Queen (Quarterly Essay 65) by David…
National Biography Award shortlist 2017
The State Library of New South Wales (SLNSW) has announced the shortlist for the $25,000 National Biography Award.
This Award is presented annually to a published work of biographical or autobiographical writing aiming to promote public interest in these genres.
The six shortlisted titles for 2017 include:
The Unknown Judith Wright by Georgina Arnott
Mick by Suzanne Falkiner
Position Doubtful by Kim Mahood
Evatt by John Murphy
The Long Goodbye by P.J. Parker
Before Rupert by Tom D C Roberts
…
Three delicious new Australian cookbooks
Tuck In by Ross Dobson
Dobson is famous for his wonderful cookbooks about the virtues of the humble barbecue. Here, in this easy-to-read, easy-to-follow collection of recipes, he includes methods made delicious by the humble fire, but also brings a new range of treats to his collection. Taking inspiration from all over the world, here is the guide to making friends and family happy over and over again. Tuck In provides a dish for every occasion, from Tuesday-night meals to…
Win an original print by Judy Horacek
Random Life is the ninth book from much-loved Australian cartoonist Judy Horacek. Offering some of her best commentaries on contemporary society, this collection of cartoons is both hilarious and thought-provoking.
‘Judy Horacek is an alternative fact of the most engaging and necessary kind.’ – John Clarke
All customers who purchase a copy of Random Life from the Readings website before 5pm on Wednesday 12 July will go into the draw to win a signed and numbered original print featuring artwork…
Let's hear it for the girl in crime fiction
by Megan GoldinCrime author Megan Goldin defends the use of the word girl in crime fiction titles.
When I wrote my psychological thriller, The Girl In Kellers Way, I chose the title because it encapsulated the key themes of my story of four women whose fates are connected by a remote forest road where a series of tragedies take place. Little did I realise that by choosing a title with the word girl in it, I was stepping into a minefield…
This month's recommendations for classical music fans
Suite Cubed: Bach and Beyond by Umberto Clerici
‘Cellist Umberto Clerici wondered how eighteenth-century audiences listened to J.S. Bach’s cello suites, and what they heard and recognised in the music. Although Bach’s solo cello suites are variations of dance forms, he did not write them for dancing. Audiences perhaps experienced an emotional connection to the ‘stylisations’ of each dance, and (perhaps) therefore a physical connection. Contemporary audiences hear, experience and feel that music in a different way – our familiarity…