Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films we’re watching, the television shows we’re hooked on, or the music we’re loving.

Lian Hingee is reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

I first heard about Lessons in Chemistry way back before the book was published and thought to myself 'ooh, that sounds right up my alley!'. But the thing about working in books is that there's always a million and one books to read, and runaway bestsellers often end up at the bottom of the list because they don't need any help to sell. With the adaptation of Bonnie Garmus's debut about to hit our screen I knew time was ticking (I'm a book-before-movie person) so I dusted off my old copy, and started reading.

Set in an alternate version of 1960s America, Lessons in Chemistry is the story of an accomplished chemist, Elizabeth Zott, who runs up against the sexist and patriarchal world of scientific academia, and ends up scoring a victory for feminism when she becomes a TV celebrity for her grounded-in-science cooking show. A charming and thoroughly enjoyable read, I can see how this novel has managed to capture such a huge chunk of the reading market. It's full of wit and heart, is quirkily endearing, and remarkably smart (but accessible). Much like Elizabeth Zott herself.

Plus, I'm tickled that Garmus was sixty-four when she published her debut, and it's gone on to sell so many squillions of copies. Publishing – and literary awards in particular – love to focus on young emerging writers, so it's quite nice to see someone coming to writing later in life and smashing it out of the park.

Lucie Dess is reading Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

I just finished a pretty heavy book and knew the next book I picked had to be something fluffy and easy to read. I’ve had Garlic and the Vampire on my shelves for a while and knew it would be the perfect palate cleanser.

This is a delightful graphic novel about fruits and vegetables who have been brought to life by Witch Agatha to help tend her garden. The story centers around Garlic, a sweet but anxious garlic bulb who just wants to do well. When a vampire moves into a nearby castle, Garlic is sent to scare him away. Afterall, vampires are afraid of garlic, right?

I devoured this book! The illustrations are beautiful and the content is truly wholesome. Garlic is just the sweetest little thing and I was cheering her on the whole time. It is the perfect cosy read for the season and I recommend you read it under a blanket, with a cup of tea in hand.

Kim Gruschow is reading How to Cook a Wolf by M.F.K. Fisher

I've been spending a lot of time lately with the works of M.F.K Fisher, one of the greatest food writers to ever do it.

Now feels like a perfect time to discover or re-visit her book How to Cook a Wolf, a cost-of-living classic that was written in 1942 to encourage cooks and to celebrate the delights of eating while facing tough times and shortages. Admittedly a few of the included recipes might sound a little dicey for our 2023 palettes but the sentiments are strikingly relevant.