Our latest blog posts

Sex in young adult literature

by Bronte Coates

Digital content coordinator Bronte Coates reflects on why sex in YA books matters, and shares some recommendations for books that handle the topic thoughtfully and honestly.

The first time I came across a sex scene in a book was in the second book of John Marsden’s Tomorrow series when Ellie decides to ‘go all the way’ with her boyfriend Lee. Both of them have complicated feelings about this decision. They also have multiple conversations about these complicated feelings (in book…

Read more ›

Paul Beatty wins the 2016 Man Booker Prize

The Sellout has been named the winner of this year’s Man Booker Prize for Fiction, making Paul Beatty the first American writer to win this prestigious Prize.

A laugh-out-loud, blistering satire on race relations in contemporary America, The Sellout sits comfortably alongside works by Mark Twain and Jonathan Swift.

Chair of the 2016 judges, Amanda Foreman, says: ‘ The Sellout is a novel for our times. A tirelessly inventive modern satire, its humour disguises a radical seriousness. Paul Beatty slays…

Read more ›

Eight terrific free events at our St Kilda shop

Our St Kilda shop has a jam-packed event program for the rest of 2016. Come down to 112 Acland Street and join in the fun.

Jacinta Halloran on her new novel

Jacinta Halloran will discuss her new novel, The Science of Appearances, which explores an era of social constraint and profound scientific discovery, with fellow author Leah Kaminsky.

When? 6.30pm, Thursday 3 November
Bookings? Free, but please book here.

A bookshop gig with Harry Howard and the NDE

Read more ›

Australian picture books for international friends

by Leanne Hall

If you have family or friends living overseas you’re likely already thinking of what to get them for this Christmas this year so you’ll have time to send them via the slow post. And an Australian picture book is a wonderful gift to send to little friends who have homes in other countries.

I’ve put together some of our children specialists’ favourite recommendations for books that feature Australian animals, landscapes, classic stories, Indigenous culture, and cities.

I was feeling spoilt…

Read more ›

Our top picks of the month for book clubs

For a conversation about art vs. parenthood…

Transit by Rachel Cusk

Rachel Cusk’s follow-up to her critically-acclaimed 2014 novel, Outline, is equally astonishing and bold as she delves deeper into the themes raised in the first book. In the wake of family collapse, a writer and her two young sons move to London. Here, they attempt to construct a new reality for themselves. Transit captures the human longing to both inhabit and flee one’s life with remarkable restraint and…

Read more ›

Our children's and YA top ten bestsellers of the week

Artie and the Grime Wave by Richard Roxburgh

Apocalypse Meow (The Bad Guys Book 4) by Aaron Blabey

Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee and Heath McKenzie

We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen

Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Book 2) by Rick Riordan

Library of Souls (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Book 3) by Ransom Riggs

Girl Stuff for Girls Aged 8-12: Your Real

Read more ›

What we're reading: Hannah Kent, Rainbow Rowell and Ali Smith

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.

Amy Vuleta is reading Autumn by Ali Smith

I’ve just picked up this latest novel from Ali Smith. I read and loved How to be Both last year, and had a number of full, very rich discussions about the book with two of the book club groups I host at our St Kilda…

Read more ›

We test out recipes from Grown & Gathered

Earlier this week we roadtested six different recipes from Grown & Gathered – a gorgeous new how-to book from Matt and Lentil Pubrick all about growing, gathering, nurturing and cooking your own food. Matt and Lentil came by to share our dishes with us, and select the best one. Here are the results…

Stella Charls made Caponata (pg. 284):

I love chopping fresh tomatoes. It makes me feel like I’m part of an extended Italian family because as I chop…

Read more ›

Beloved classics, continued posthumously

by Lian Hingee

Gone are the days when the death of a favourite author meant that readers had to farewell beloved characters and resign themselves to a future of re-reading. Here is a collection of lost manuscripts and authorised sequels that continue the stories of much-loved literary characters after the author’s death.

The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots by Beatrix Potter with illustrations by Quentin Blake

Discovered in the archives at the Victoria and Albert Museum more than a century after it was written, Beatrix…

Read more ›