Our latest blog posts
Which book should I read from the Stella Prize shortlist?
This year’s shortlist for the Stella Prize features some brilliant books from Australian women, including two story collections, one essay collection, and three novels. Here’s a guide to help you decide which one to read first.
Read this book if…
You love ‘time capsule’ fiction that provides a glimpse into history
Now in her 80s, Elizabeth Harrower is one of Australia’s most celebrated and interesting authors. She published four novels to critical acclaim, and then gave up writing up entirely…
New editions of prize books
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
$14.99
Northern Iceland, 1829. A woman condemned to death for murdering her lover. A family forced to take her in. A priest tasked with absolving her. But all is not as it seems, and time is running out: winter is coming, and with it the execution date. Only she can know the truth. This is Agnes’s story.
Shortlisted, Stella Prize, 2014
Shortlisted, Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction, 2016
Our children's and YA top ten bestsellers of the week
The Cat with the Coloured Tail by Gillian Mears and Dinalie Dabarera
The Bad Guys: Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek and Christine Roussey
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
Samurai vs Ninja: The Battle for the Golden Egg by Nick Falk and Tony Flowers
Pig The Winner by Aaron Blabey
The Bolds by Julian Clary
Iris and the Tiger by Leanne Hall
Illuminae: The Illuminae Files 01 by Amie Kaufman and…
Our top ten bestsellers of the week
The Road to Ruin by Niki Savva
Balancing Act – Australia Between Recession and Renewal (Quarterly Essay 61) by George Megalogenis
Talking to My Country by Stan Grant
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (translated by Ann Goldstein)
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet by Michael Mosley
Political Amnesia – How We Forgot How To Govern (Quarterly Essay 60) by Laura Tingle
10 fantastic books at bargain prices
Cairo Kitchen by Suzanne Zeidy
$15.95 ()
In Cairo Kitchen, Suzanne Zeidy shares a combination of authentic street food and delicious home-style cooking – all set against the vibrant backdrop of Cairo. Illustrated throughout with pictures by award-winning photographer Jonathan Gregson, this cookbook is a celebration of this stunning city and its wonderful food.
Dorothea Lange by Elizabeth Partridge
$24.95 ()
This beautiful volume celebrates the life and work of one of the 20th century’s most important photographers, Dorothea…
Inside a teen reader's head
by Andras KerekesIt’s not every day we get to hear about young adult books from young adults themselves, so we jumped at the chance to question fifteen-year-old work experience student Andras Kerekes on his reading habits.
How would you describe your taste in books?
Given enough time I’ll read just about anything as long as it’s not pure smut, but there does actually have to be a plot for me to consider it worth reading. Some people believe the only good books…
What we're reading: Daniel Clowes, Aoife Clifford and Paul Kalanithi
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.
Annie Condon is reading When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
I’ve just finished this memoir from neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi. This book was published posthumously – Kalanithi was diagnosed with cancer, and died at the age of 37. The memoir was started when Kalanithi knew his diagnosis was terminal, and describes his life…
The Inky Award longlists 2016
The Centre for Youth Literature has just announced the two longlists for the Inky Awards.
The Inky Awards recognise high-quality young adult literature. There are two awards: the Gold Inky Award for an Australian book, and the Silver Inky Award for an international book. The shortlist is selected by young adults, and the winners are voted for online by the teen readers of InsideaDog.com.au.
Teens who love reading, love talking about books, and love debating about what makes a…
Our top picks of the month for book clubs
For a lunchtime gossip and wine…
The Odd Woman and the City by Vivian Gornick
The Odd Woman and the City is an ode to New York City. Writer, feminist and critic Vivian Gornick uses Gotham as both her mirror and muse as she examines her fiercely independent life, and explores the interplay between the city and self.
For a heated debate à la The Slap…
The Light on the Water by Olga Lorenzo
Anne Baxter, recently divorced and…
Carnegie medal and Kate Greenaway shortlists 2016
The shortlists for this year CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals have been announced.
The Carnegie Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.
Sioned Jacques, chair of the judging panel for both awards, said: ‘These exceptionally strong shortlists reflect the huge range of writing and illustrating talent…