Nonfiction
Nonfiction for people who love a deep dive into an issue
If you have a relative or friend who is thrilled (or thrilled to be appalled) by a political controversy, frequently regales you with analysis of the hot current affairs topics of the day, is a Quarterly Essay subscriber, is at a loss since the US election finished, or just wants to make the world a better place, these books will give them plenty to sink their teeth into and are so readable the recipient may disappear between turkey/nut roast and…
2024 art & design highlights
There are some amazing art and design books to highlight this year. From Australian art history, portraiture, still-life and First Nations art, to the most influential Australian photographer of the 20th century and Melbourne's midcentury modernists, there is a wealth of choice for the creative in your life. Below are a few books we've selected to get you started!
65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art by Marcia Langton & Judith Ryan
Long before Britain’s invasion of Australia in…
2024 cookbook highlights
Great cookbooks were plentiful this year. So to minimise the all-too-hard decision-making, we have crunched the numbers and included some of our bestsellers (alphabetical by author so that we're not taking sides!) to hopefully help with your choices too.
At Nonna's Table by Paola Bacchia
Inspired by her mamma Livia's cherished recipes, Paola Bacchia presents 60 delicious dishes that celebrate the best of Italian home cooking. From soups and appetisers through to main courses, sides, desserts and pickles and preserves…
Great gifts for people you don't know that well
Whether you got the one name in Secret Santa you were hoping not to pull, someone in your family has a new partner you know absolutely nothing about, or there's one person in your friend group that you still can't get a read on, chances are there's someone on the gift list this year that has left you stumped for ideas. So here's some inspiration to hopefully minimise the gift-buying stress, while also ensuring your giftee isn't left wondering if…
Our November 2024 bestsellers
Usurping Sally Rooney's throne at number one this month is Helen Garner's first new work in a decade The Season, a tender portrayal of the relationship between grandmother and grandson, and of that moment on the cusp of adulthood when a boy is both child and man.
Not far behind in second place is Taboo by Cheek Media co-founder and CEO, Hannah Ferguson. Part memoir and part feminist manifesto, Taboo is a vulnerable exploration of modern womanhood that weaves…
Melbourne in nonfiction
It's no secret we think Melbourne is a fabulous city! Whether you're wanting to learn more about its hidden secrets, history or just marvel at its art, architecture and laneways there are plenty of books to suit. We've selected a few favourites, new and old, to help get you started.
The Story of Melbourne's Lanes: Essential but Unplanned by Weston Bate, Richard Broome, Nicole Davis, Andrew J. May & Helen Stitt
This is a history of Melbourne's lanes over the…
Gifts for teachers (they'll actually like)
Teachers are without a doubt the MVPs in my working week. I kid you not, a good teacher can make all the difference to every aspect of a family’s life. So, this year I am stopping and thinking a little harder about my kid's teachers and what they might actually like. Here are some suggestions for all budgets that would be lovely teamed with a handmade card and a few lines on how they have helped you and your child…
Best nonfiction of 2024
Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past year. Here are the best nonfiction books of 2024, as voted by Readings' staff!
Titles are displayed in alphabetical order by author.
The Men Who Killed the News by Eric Beecher
‘[Eric] Beecher build[s] a compelling case that ever since the advent of the modern newspaper there have been unscrupulous media barons solely interested in power and money ... [Rupert] Murdoch had the foresight to anticipate the decline…
Our 2024 passive aggressive gift guide
The festive season is upon us, and so, inevitably, are the frenemies, the barely-tolerated other halves and the family members you definitely don't see eye to eye with. Grit your teeth and bear it . . . or even better, gift them one of our carefully chosen passive aggressive gifts and enjoy watching them read between the lines.
For the person who's still stalking their ex's social media platforms . . .
Great music books from 2024
2024 was another excellent year for music books. Below you'll find a selection of our favourites that include memoir, essay and nonfiction from superstar Australian and international icons . . . and more.
The Shortest History of Music by Andrew Ford
From award-winning broadcaster and composer Andrew Ford, The Shortest History of Music is a lively, authoritative tour through several thousand years of music. Packed with colourful characters and surprising details, it sets out to understand what exactly music is…
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