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.

Mark Rubbo is reading The Successor: The High Stakes Life of Lachlan Murdoch by Paddy Manning

Given the influence of the Murdochs on both Australian society and the world through their pervasive media interests, this book is essential reading. With his lively and engaging style Paddy Manning presents his extensive research in a very readable package.

I’m also reading what I think is one of Australia’s finest digital newsletters on current affairs, Inside Story. Editor Peter Browne has a great eye for a story and has the ability to entice some of our finest writers to write for him. There’s no charge to subscribe so you really should give it a try!

 Read review

Gabrielle Williams is reading The Goodbye Year by Emily Gale

I’ve just finished reading The Goodbye Year by Emily Gale, and what a complete and utter joy it was!

There is something decidedly old-fashioned and whimsical in the kind-hearted wit and gentle philosophy of the main protagonist, Harper. As with all grade 6 children, Harper doesn’t have much agency in her own life, and this becomes amplified when Harper’s parents go off to work overseas in a war zone leaving Harper with a grandmother that she doesn’t know. And then, on top of that, a thing called Covid comes along and Harper’s ‘goodbye year’ (goodbye Grade 6, goodbye primary school, goodbye childhood) takes a distinct turn for the worse.

But Harper is one of the most charming creations that has come along in children’s literature in a very long time, and her ability to notice the good in the world acts like a balm, soothing even in the most difficult of times. This book reminds us of all that is good in the world.