Our latest blog posts
What we're reading: Bernadette Brennan, Zoe Whittall and John Darnielle
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.
Stella Charls is reading Universal Harvester by John Darnielle
I recently inhaled John Darnielle’s creepy and wonderful second novel. As I wrote in my review, Universal Harvester is a remarkable psychological thriller, as original as it is ambitious. The narrative starts out as a suspenseful page-turner, then evolves into a unsettling study of family and…
Exciting new releases in April
In international fiction, there was almost a bookseller stampede for John Darnielle’s much-anticipated second novel, Universal Harvester. Our marketing and events coordinator Stella Charls describes it as ‘a wonderfully strange and moving reading experience’. American journalist Omar El Akkad’s American War, a dystopian novel set in a near-future where a second Civil War rages, is reviewed with relish by Bronte Coates, our digital content coordinator. Locally, there’s Elizabeth Tan’s Rubik, a novel in stories that’s as tantalising…
Upcoming changes to Readings at the State Library Victoria
The State Library Victoria has announced plans for an $88.1 million redevelopment of the iconic Melbourne institution, commencing in July 2017 and due for completion by 2020. We are delighted that the plans will involve our State Library bookshop moving to a new, larger space within the building.
Managing director Mark Rubbo says: ‘We are very excited to be part of this wonderful project that will transform the iconic institution.’
The new designs, created by internationally acclaimed firms Architectus and…
Feminist texts, old and new
Our events manager Chris Gordon reflects on the echoes that linger between the feminist texts she read growing up, and the feminists texts being released today.
It feels important I state that I’m a white, educated, middle-aged, middle class woman living in inner-North Melbourne together with two healthy and wonderful children, and a bloke that loves and supports me. I’m aware that I’m privileged in these ways, and many others. I was lucky to have access to feminist texts and…
Novels that reflect current world events
Salman Rushdie’s upcoming novel Golden House takes place in the rise of the Trump era, tackling issues like love, terrorism, hatred and politics head on. If art is a mirror held up to nature, then here are some of the best examples of novels that reflect current issues shaping the world.
Autumn by Ali Smith
The first book in Ali Smith’s seasonal quartet takes place in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote and describes a country divided. In the…
The International Dylan Thomas Prize shortlist 2017
The 2017 shortlist for the International Dylan Thomas Prize has been announced.
The six shortlisted titles for this year are…
The Story of a Brief Marriage by Anuk Arudpragasam
Pigeon by Alys Conran
Cain by Luke Kennard
The High Places by Fiona McFarlane
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
Dog Run Moon by Callan Wink
Chair of Judges, Professor Dai Smith CBE, says: ‘From a deeply impressive long list of 12 works of literature from across the globe, the judges…
The Walter Scott Prize shortlist 2017
The shortlist for the 2017 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction has been announced – and includes seven books instead of the usual six. Congratulations to all the authors and publishers.
The Judges commented: ‘Our shortlist was achieved by the judges’ instinctive reaction to each book. The seven shortlisted novels, a mix of old hands and new voices, offer readers joy in the discovery of unusual subjects and times; appreciation of historical research and insight worn lightly and applied skilfully…
Five reasons we love Elizabeth and Zenobia by Jessica Miller
Elizabeth and Zenobia by Jessica Miller is one of the six books shortlisted for this year’s Readings Children’s Book Prize. Here are five reasons why we think it’s brilliant.
1. Avid readers (and teachers!) will delight in the clever ways this book pays tribute to other classic children’s stories.
Elizabeth and Zenobia is a multi-layered story that nods to a range of classic tales, including fairytales, mythology and beloved favourites such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Secret Garden…
The CBCA Book of the Year Awards shortlists 2017
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) have announced their Book of the Year Awards shortlists for 2017. Congratulations to all the authors, illustrators, editors and publishers!
Here are the shortlists for each category.
Older Readers
Waer by Meg Caddy
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon
Yellow by Megan Jacobson
Frankie by Shivaun Plozza
One Would Think the Deep by Claire Zorn
Younger Readers
Rockhopping by Trace Balla
Within These Walls by Robyn…
Our children's and YA top ten bestsellers of the week
Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
Frankie Fish and the Sonic Suitcase by Peter Helliar and Lesley Vamo
Florette by Anna Walker
Really Weird! (WeirDo Book 8) by Anh Do and Jules Faber
Grover Finds a Home (Grover McBane, Rescue Dog Book 1) by Claire Garth and Johannes Leak
A Most Magical Girl by Karen Foxlee
In My Heart by Jo Witek…
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