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2023 translated fiction highlights
We've been spoiled for choice with translated fiction in 2023, so choosing highlights to spotlight was a near impossible task, but we managed it. Below explore what we consider to be some of the standout works of translated fiction for the year, including books from Japan, Spain, France and more.
Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck (translated from German by Michael Hofmann)
Berlin. 11 July 1986. They meet by chance on a bus. She is a young student, he is older and…
Young adult debut highlights of 2023
There is nothing more exciting than discovering an author at the beginning of their career. We are extremely fortunate that this year has been really strong for debut authors in young adult fiction. Here are a selection of our favourite debut young adult titles for 2023, many of which come from very talented Australian authors.
Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong
Sam Khoo has one goal in life: create cool indie games. She's willing to do anything to…
Middle grade fantasy that captured our imagination this year
This year we've enjoyed a plethora of brilliant fantasy and science fiction stories for readers aged 8-13. Below is a selection of our favourite books for young readers published this year. These stories are packed with adventure, friendship, magic, questing and, of course, at least one anthropomorphic cat.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Christopher is visiting his reclusive grandfather when he witnesses an avalanche of mythical creatures come tearing down the hill. This is how Christopher learns that his grandfather…
10 booksellers share their personal favourite reads of 2023
Below 10 booksellers share which books stand out as exceptional amongst everything they’ve read this year.
Art Monsters by Lauren Elkin
Art Monsters is the highlight book for me this year – energising, fresh, and entirely well researched this book combines visual and performance art with a series of powerful essays on the body in feminist art and practice by Laura Elkin. For art lovers, feminists and anyone grappling with where and how their body fits.
– Bec Kavanagh
12 art and design highlights to gift this season
We consulted our most knowledgable art & design specialists to find out exactly what the art afficionado in your life may enjoy in their stocking this year! Below are 12 recommendations that include books on art, design, architecture and fashion.
The Japanese House Since 1945 by Naomi Pollock
Imagine a terraced house whose courtyard separates the kitchen from the bedroom. Or a tiny, triangular tower of rooms stacked one above another. Quirky, experimental and utterly fascinating, the houses produced in…
Have yourself a homemade Christmas
Christmas is a time to come together and spread love and good cheer. And what better way to do that than with freshly baked gingerbread and some handmade presents? This is a helpful guide of books to keep your Christmas homemade this year, from petite paper decorations to hand-poured candles.
Advent by Anja Dunk
If you're like me and love to show off your baking skills, then Advent is the cookbook you need this Christmas. It's filled to the brim…
Our 2023 guide to best books of the year
We’re sharing what we consider to be the best books of the year as well as a range of curated gift guides featuring hand-picked recommendations from our booksellers and online team. Keep an eye on this page as we’ll be adding to our list throughout the coming weeks.
Adult
Must-read Australian debut fiction from 2023
Festive fiction
These five festive reads are perfect for anyone who wants to bring a little bit of Christmas to their reading list.
Mistletoe Malice by Kathleen Farrell
The fire is going, sherry poured, presents wrapped, and claws are being sharpened. In a seaside cottage perched on a cliff, one family reunites for Christmas.
While snow falls, a tyrannical widowed matriarch presides over her unruly brood. Her niece tends to her whims, but fantasises about eloping; and as more guests arrive, each…
Our November 2023 children's and young adult bestsellers
Artichoke to Zucchini by Alice Oehr
No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 18) by Jeff Kinney
If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang
No Words by Maryam Master
Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography by Wendy Loggia & Elisa Chavarri (illus.)
Kimmi: Queen of the Dingoes by Favel Parrett
The Blunders by David Walliams & Adam Stower (illus.)
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass
Our November 2023 bestsellers
Question 7 by Richard Flanagan
The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Women & Children by Tony Birch
So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan
Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life by Anna Funder
Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton
Bright Shining: How Grace Changes Everything by Julia Baird
Killing for Country: A Family Story by David Marr
All That's Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien
Quarterly Essay 92: The Great Divide: Australia’s Housing Mess and How…