Each week our wonderful staff share the books that they've been enjoying.

Chris is reading Sandwich by Catherine Newman

I have been seen.  

Reading about a 54 year old woman dealing with parents, adult children, her partner and menopause while on an annual holiday was utterly, wonderfully cathartic. I laughed out loud. I cried. Sandwich needs to be read by everyone. It explains the physical and emotional turmoil of getting older; it shows the inner dialogue of resentment and love…

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If you've encountered the term 'dark academia' online or in bookshops and wondered what on earth it means, wonder no more! This guide is hear to give you a crash course on the increasingly popular subgenre and help you find the right book to get you started.

Dark academia, like 'cottage core' is often used to describe a particular aesthetic – picture sweater vests, classical statues and handwritten notes stained with black coffee – but it's also a term for…

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this blog contains the names and images of deceased people. Readings apologises for any distress this may cause.

Into the Hollow Mountains was originally published in 1974 and featured a collection of Robert Ashton’s photographs, accompanied by writing from various local creatives, including Helen Garner.

Fitzroy 1974 is a new edition of this iconic work with additional written contributions, edited by Gregory Day, which celebrate Ashton’s rare observational talents and reflect…

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With Spring in the air and blossoms starting to emerge across Melbourne's streets, I've developed a new hyperfixation: trees! From their towering beauty to the diverse foliage, flowers and fruits they grow, to how pivotal trees and wood have been to Western civilisation, once you take a moment to think about the trees you're walking past every day, you're bound to have the same realisation I have – that they're incredibly interesting, beautiful, and politically charged.

If any of this…

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The August edition of Readings Monthly is available online and in our shops, but if you haven't picked up a copy yet, below you can read Chris Gordon's column from the latest issue. And check the blog for more updates and recommended new releases throughout the month!

Chae: Korean Slow Food for a Better Life by Jung Eun Chae

You may have tried to get a reservation at the six-seater restaurant Chae, situated on the outskirts of Melbourne, and…

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Do you miss getting a sticker every time you go to the dentist? Do you wish you could walk around with a sticker on your collar (or phone case)? Why should children have all the fun? Here are some great books full to the brim with stickers, for sticker lovers of all ages!

For the bibliophiles...

The Antiquarian Sticker Book: Bibliophilia

Luxuriate in the pages of The Antiquarian Sticker Book: Bibliophilia, a compendium of thousands of gorgeous stickers for…

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We are proud to announce the six shortlisted titles for The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize 2024! The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize is presented for the best new contribution to Australian fiction.

Our staff judges for the 2024 Prize are Melinda Houston (chair of judges, Readings Carlton), Yasmin Baker (Readings Doncaster), Aurelia Orr (Readings Kids) and Louise Ryan (Readings Carlton).

Thanks for Having Me by Emma Darragh

This novel, written in interlocking stories, follows Mary Anne, Vivien and Evie…

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Celebrate Father's Day with these adorable books, filled with dads that are all uniquely great, in their own way! From emotional picture books about unconditional love, to hilarious chapter books where even catastophe can't keep a good dad down, these books are the perfect addition to any Father's Day celebration.

For a dad who'll go to the ends of the earth for their kids . . .

If You Run Out of Words by Felicita Sala

Seeking reassurance of her…

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It's hard to believe we're already in August and publishers have finalised (mostly!) their lists for Summer 2024. It will be difficult to eclipse what has already been a very strong year, but we think you'll agree from the preview selection below that there's much to look forward to in the coming months. Many of our favourite authors are releasing books and we hope to see you as they begin to grace our shelves and online collections.

📚 BIOGRAPHY &…

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This month we're reading fiction translated from: Japanese, French & Italian!

Mina's Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa (translated from Japanese by Stephen Snyder)

After the death of her father, twelve-year-old Tomoko is sent to live for a year with her uncle in a coastal town. It is a year that will change her life. The 1970s are bringing changes to Japan and her uncle's colonial mansion opens up a new and unfamiliar world for Tomoko. Her growing friendship with her cousin…

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