Whether you've made a New Year's resolution or you're just looking to start the year off on the right foot, here are some recommendations to help you on the path to a fulfilling 2025.

You want to travel ...

Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2025

Finally start planning that big trip in 2025 with Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025. The bestselling guide to the best countries, regions, and cities is full of amazing photography and insider tips. From…

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If you wish you could avoid having to make a decision about what to read next and recreate the experience of a waiter telling you what wine to drink with your meal, then this is your lucky day! And if that's not a thought you've had before, then ... well, this post still has lots of great suggestions for what books you should pick up, and what (I think) is the best way to read them.

Read All I Ever…

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If the new year has you feeling motivated to set goals or turn over a new leaf then checkout these insightful books for the guidance and encouragement you need.

To start a journey of self-love and authenticity

I Decided to Live as Me

by Kim Suhyun, translated by Anton Hur

As soon as Kim Suhyun graduated into the adult world, she faced a harsh reality. Everywhere she looked people stepped on each other to get ahead, obsessed over money, and…

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Our lovely bookseller Elke has shared some great nonfiction recommendations that provide incredible insight into big news issues. But if you're looking for a different kind of read (that will make you a bit less furious about the state of the world) try one of these fascinating books that cover topics across science, history, economics and philosophy.

2024 isn't over just yet, so it's not too late to change the way you look at the world and into the new…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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