Our latest reviews

The Encyclopedia of My Immaturity

Reviewed by Holly Harper, Childrens' Book Specialist

All you ever hear these days is that kids grow up too fast. Well, the Klutz Encyclopedia of My Immaturity is working hard to combat this problem. Ever get sick of the question ‘What do you want to be when…

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Playground by Nadia Wheatley

Reviewed by Alexa Dretzke, Children's Book Specialist, Readings Hawthorn

The Australian outback was the indigenous kids’ playground. They listened and learned about country, they lived in a big home without walls and they had the most amazing extended family for warmth, protection and nurture; that’s if they weren’t removed…

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Silvermay by James Moloney

Reviewed by Daniela Perinac, Readings Malvern

Sixteen-year-old Silvermay Hawker is drawn to the newcomer in her village, the good-looking Tamlyn. But he is committed to Nerigold and her baby, Lucien. Tamlyn learns that Coyle Strongbow and his men are searching for Nerigold and her child and…

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Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Reviewed by Angela Crocombe

London has an unusual condition where she can’t remember the past but can see events from the future. She knows she and her best friend Jamie will make up from their current argument because she can see them hanging out…

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The Midnight Palace by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Reviewed by Angela Crocombe

The latest novel by the author of the international bestseller The Shadow of the Wind is pitched at a young adult audience, but will also be enjoyed by adults.

Set in the streets of Calcutta, it is a fast-paced tale…

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Star League Book 1: Lights, Camera, Action Hero! by H.J. Harper

Reviewed by Kathy Kozlowski

This is the first book in a series lots of boys are going to love. Though that’s being a bit sexist really. Better to say a lot of young readers who prefer a slimmish novel, well illustrated, action packed and…

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Rock & Roll Submarine by Urge Overkill

Reviewed by Declan Murphy, Music Specialist, Readings St Kilda

It’s been a while between drinks – 16 years to be precise – for this Chicago outfit that produced one of the seminal rock records of the 90s, the near perfect Saturation, an album that should have made them…

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The Head and the Heart Self-Titled

Reviewed by Miranda La Fleur, Readings St Kilda

Formed in Seattle in 2009, The Head and the Heart are an indie folk band who initially self-released this debut album and, based on word-of-mouth alone, managed to sell 10,000 copies after a tour of the Pacific Northwest.

After supporting…

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Hot Sauce Committee Part II by Beastie Boys

Reviewed by Declan Murphy, Music Specialist, Readings St Kilda

Originally intended for release in 2009 but postponed and retitled Part II due to MCA’s successful battle with cancer, Hot Sauce represents in many ways a summation of everything the Beasties are about, and that ain’t a bad thing.

It’s…

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Give Till It's Gone by Ben Harper

Reviewed by Lou Fulco, Readings Carlton

This, Ben Harper’s first solo album since 2006, is inspired by events over the last year and a half of his life. He regards it as a timeline for that period. The album’s message is one of finding meaning and…

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