Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films and TV shows we’re watching, and the music we’re listening to.

Ellen Cregan is reading Old School by Tobias Wolff

This novel was recommended to me by a trusted source after I’d been complaining about being on a rare reading streak of mediocre books. Old School is not something I’d typically read, but I’m glad I did.

Wolff’s humour is fantastic – his portrayal of certain literary heavyweights had me laughing out loud. I found the seriousness of his teenage boy protagonists to be hilarious, but Wolff still treats them with an odd sort of tenderness. The literary goings-on at the school are of such great significance to its students, and seem to follow them past graduation and on into their lives as alumni. Wolff pokes fun at this, but the gravity of literature to these boys is depicted as being sweet rather than just pretentious.

Beyond the great characterisation and sharp sense of humour, this is book worth reading purely for the quality of its prose. I am prone to burning through books in a few sittings, but with this one I had to take my time – I kept going back to re-read particular sentences and passages. I enjoyed reading this book immensely, and it was a great cure for my bad book blues.

George Delaney is reading Torpor by Chris Kraus

I’ve been reading Torpor by Chris Kraus, who’s been prominent on shelves since the adaptation of I Love Dick has been airing on TV. Torpor takes place before I Love Dick, though it was written after, with the same characters under different names.

A lot of people I’ve spoken to about the show (I haven’t watched it myself) were frustrated or repulsed by the discomforting way misogyny is emphasised and performed by the characters, including the heroine of the auto-fiction classic. I think Torpor is a much easier read because it focuses more on global politics and philosophy after the fall of the Berlin Wall than on the grey areas of sexual liberation versus abuse. The narration leaves out letters and therefore has a more meaningful intimacy outside of that manipulative correspondence. It is empathetic, complicated, and really, really funny. I recommend it if you’re interested in some hard-hitting feminism but don’t want to feel compromised by a string of manipulative protagonists.

Kim Gruschow is reading The Sand Warrior by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, Matt Rockefeller and Boya Sun

Lots of new and exciting graphic novels have arrived in our children’s sections lately and I’ve started working my way through a handful of them. The Sand Warrior is the first in a new magical sci-fi/fantasy series. This book brought to mind Steven Universe. There’s a real sweet edge and kindness triumphs despite ominous themes. The unlikely friendships and heroics of the three main characters are balanced so nicely with the dangers and destruction they encounter and the artwork is very warm and imaginative. This is a perfect choice for readers who have enjoyed the Amulet series.

Chris Gordon is reading Backyard Bounty by Organic Gardener Magazine

Despite the frost and chill in the air I’m very motivated to spruce up my veggie patch and plan for the future warmer months. I’ve been terribly inspired by Backyard Bounty.

This handy how-to guide features top advice from the ABC Organic Gardener magazine, including wisdom from horticultural editor Penny Woodward. The book features a month-to-month plan as to what to do and grow, and – equally important – what not to do and grow. I love it because this book is like a trillion magazines all in one. It has made me want to grow all my favourites, plus also start a potato patch (super easy) and find room in my wee courtyard for one or two chickens (not so easy).