Joanna Di Mattia is a bookseller at Readings Carlton.

I made an early declaration this year that Jenny Erpenbeck’s Kairos would be the best novel I’d read in 2023, and as the year now comes to a close, that declaration still stands. For me, no other book has touched it – I love its emotional and psychological complexity, and the way it recreates the last days of life in a divided Germany so vividly and sensually. I think about it…

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These zany and engaging works explore history, nature, art, the future and even the mischief of magic! We've included them in this list because each offers something we find uniquely compelling, that we think kids will too! So read on to discover imaginative ways to save the planet, clues to some of our greatest unsolved mysteries, how illusions work, how to break a code, and even why your backyard is the perfect place to begin studying nature.

A Miscellany of…

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It is such a brilliant and exciting adventure to discover novels as a teen. After growing up on Tove Jansson, Enid Blyton and Harry Potter, I keenly await, as I get older, further broadening my tastes and knowledge, grappling with my mountainous to-read pile, and figuring out how on earth I’ll fit them on my bookshelf afterwards. I might have to resort to extreme measures, such as stacking them in great piles which intimidate visitors. Most of all, I’m…

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It’s KK time again! It feels as though we all like each other a bit more this year? Or perhaps we are getting better at hiding our indifference. Either way, we are moving away from bread bags and sustainable picnic items towards the fun, the practical and the indulgent, and all for under $20! Inflation doesn’t exist in the land of magic that is the office KK.

6 in 1 Pen Tool in a Tin – $14.99

We all know…

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It’s been a stellar year for First Nations publishing in Australia. Here are some of our favourite 2023 picture books by First Nations authors and illustrators that would make wonderful gifts or summer reading in your home.

Ask Aunty: Seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews & Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (illus.)

Have you ever been excited for the first day of summer, only to be disappointed when it arrives cold and rainy? For First Nations People, the seasons don't change when the calendar…

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It's been a gargantuan year for debuts, both local and international. Below is a list of some of our favourite international debut fiction, published during 2023, to read this summer. You can explore must-read local debuts here.

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Welcome to Chain-Gang All-Stars – the highly popular, highly controversial profit-raising program inside America's private prison system. Harkening back to the time of gladiators, but watched by millions of live-stream subscribers, prisoners compete for the ultimate…

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Are you vegan and dreading another Christmas of a few wilted lettuce leaves and some turkey-tainted roast veg on your plate? Or perhaps you're not vegan, but you need to cater for some this festive season and aren't sure where to begin! Well, feast your eyes on this line-up of vegan cookbooks that will have vegan and non-vegan tastebuds singing this Christmas!

For those who like a traditional Christmas...

A Very Vegan Christmas by Sam Dixon

Do you miss iconic…

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Teachers, what would we do without them? They are nothing short of amazing. Anyone who can not only corral a room of 20+ excitable children, but also teach them day in, day out, deserves something a little thoughtful. The following are some suggestions for all budgets that would be lovely teamed with a handmade card and a few lines on how they have helped you/your child this year.

For the teacher who loves to cook.

Low cost: We stopped for…

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2023 was a wonderful year for Australian fiction. If you’re looking for a new writer to fall in love with, excellent local fiction to gift, or just want to catch up on some of the most talked-about new Australian fiction of the year, here are just a few highlights. And don’t forget to stay tuned for part two of our debut spotlight, where we focus on international fiction. 

Green Dot by Madeleine Gray

Hera Stephen is clawing through her mid-twenties…

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Our staff have voted and the results are in! We are delighted to reveal our best books of 2023, as chosen by Readings' experienced booksellers.

Best of Australian fiction

Best of international fiction

Best of nonfiction

Best of picture books

Best of junior and middle grade

Best of young adult fiction

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