Our latest blog posts

At Home with Chris Gordon, the best lifestyle books of the month

by Chris Gordon

The August edition of Readings Monthly is available online and in our shops, but if you haven't picked up a copy yet, below you can read Chris Gordon's column from the latest issue. And check the blog for more updates and recommended new releases throughout the month!

Chae: Korean Slow Food for a Better Life by Jung Eun Chae

You may have tried to get a reservation at the six-seater restaurant Chae, situated on the outskirts of Melbourne, and…

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Stickers, stickers, stickers!

by Lucie Dess

Do you miss getting a sticker every time you go to the dentist? Do you wish you could walk around with a sticker on your collar (or phone case)? Why should children have all the fun? Here are some great books full to the brim with stickers, for sticker lovers of all ages!

For the bibliophiles...

The Antiquarian Sticker Book: Bibliophilia

Luxuriate in the pages of The Antiquarian Sticker Book: Bibliophilia, a compendium of thousands of gorgeous stickers for…

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The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize 2024 shortlist

We are proud to announce the six shortlisted titles for The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize 2024! The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize is presented for the best new contribution to Australian fiction.

Our staff judges for the 2024 Prize are Melinda Houston (chair of judges, Readings Carlton), Yasmin Baker (Readings Doncaster), Aurelia Orr (Readings Kids) and Louise Ryan (Readings Carlton).

Thanks for Having Me by Emma Darragh

This novel, written in interlocking stories, follows Mary Anne, Vivien and Evie…

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Great dads in Kids books

Celebrate Father's Day with these adorable books, filled with dads that are all uniquely great, in their own way! From emotional picture books about unconditional love, to hilarious chapter books where even catastophe can't keep a good dad down, these books are the perfect addition to any Father's Day celebration.

For a dad who'll go to the ends of the earth for their kids . . .

If You Run Out of Words by Felicita Sala

Seeking reassurance of her…

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Most anticipated nonfiction books for the second half of the year

It's hard to believe we're already in August and publishers have finalised (mostly!) their lists for Summer 2024. It will be difficult to eclipse what has already been a very strong year, but we think you'll agree from the preview selection below that there's much to look forward to in the coming months. Many of our favourite authors are releasing books and we hope to see you as they begin to grace our shelves and online collections.

📚 BIOGRAPHY &

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A spotlight on new translated fiction

This month we're reading fiction translated from: Japanese, French & Italian!

Mina's Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa (translated from Japanese by Stephen Snyder)

After the death of her father, twelve-year-old Tomoko is sent to live for a year with her uncle in a coastal town. It is a year that will change her life. The 1970s are bringing changes to Japan and her uncle's colonial mansion opens up a new and unfamiliar world for Tomoko. Her growing friendship with her cousin…

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What we're reading: Symes-Smith, Christie

Each week our wonderful staff share the books that they've been enjoying.

Bella is reading Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith

As someone who grew up with a fierce love for Tamora Pierce’s The Song of the Lioness series, a cover with a young red-head with a sword instantly drew me to Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston. But the appeal of this book isn’t pure nostalgia – this is an incredible adventure story…

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CBCA Book of the Year Award 2024 Winners

The Winners and Honours of the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year Awards have been announced! The awards include categories for picture books, junior, middle grade, and young adult fiction. As well as a winner and two Honour Books in each category, CBCA have also invited young readers to participate and act as Shadow Judges through the Sun Project.

Established in 1946, the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards aim to promote quality literature for young Australians by…

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Most anticipated fiction books for the second half of the year

It's hard to believe we're already in August and publishers have finalised (mostly!) their lists for Summer 2024. It's difficult To eclipse what has already been a very strong year, but we think you'll agree from the preview below that there's much to look forward to in the coming months! Many of our favourite authors are releasing books and we hope to see you as they begin to grace our shelves and online collections.

📚 AUSTRALIAN FICTION

Juice by Tim…

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The 2024 Prime Minister's Literary Awards shortlist

Creative Australia has announced the shortlists for the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the richest literary prize in the nation. The awards celebrate the exceptional talents of emerging and established Australian writers, illustrators, poets, and historians.

In a statement, Creative Australia said 533 entries were received across the six award categories. The winners and shortlisted authors will share in a tax-free prize pool of $600,000. Each shortlisted author will receive $5000, with the winner of each category receiving $80,000.

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