Our latest blog posts
The September crime review
These are the crime books which have been read and reviewed by our excellent booksellers this month – all in one place!
Ripper by Shelley Burr
Gemma Guillory has lived in Rainier her entire life. She knows the tiny town's ins and outs like the back of her hand, the people like they are her family, their quirks as if they were her own.
She knows her once-charming town is now remembered for one reason only. That three innocent people…
Literary events for food lovers
In October we have a feast of foodie events to tempt your tastebuds, including homages to Italian and Greek cuisine, vegan baking and an Australian favourite.
The Vegan Baker by Zacchary Bird
Tue 3 October 2023 at 6:30pm
Readings Carlton, Woiwurrung Country, 309 Lygon St, Carlton, Victoria, 3053
For any vegans struggling to veganize their favourite savory treats, sweets or desserts, Zacchary Bird is here to take you on a cooking experience like no other. Come and join us discuss…
The 2023 Booker Prize shortlist
The 2023 Booker Prize shortlist has been announced!
This year's shortlist features one British, one Canadian, two Irish and two American authors. Two of the shortlisted works are debuts. Although full of hope, humour and humanity, the books address many of 2023’s most pressing concerns: climate change, immigration, financial hardship, the persecution of minorities, political extremism and the erosion of personal freedoms. They feature characters in search of peace and belonging or lamenting lost loves. There are books that are…
Q&A with Lauren Groff
Enjoy this special Q&A with Lauren Groff to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, The Vaster Wilds.
You have described The Vaster Wilds as a retelling of Robinson Crusoe – can you tell us about your relationship with that book? And how and why you decided to write this book in that vein?
Oh, I absolutely adore Robinson Crusoe, not only because it's an adventure story, but also because it's a dazzling view into the mindset of…
Thoughts on translated fiction from a member of our Teen Advisory Board
by Scarlett, Teen Advisory Board memberScarlett from our Teen Advisory Board discusses (and recommends!) fiction in translation.
One of my favourite genres is translated literature! It provides fresh perspectives, from all around the world, on issues individuals and society are facing. This gives readers like me a more holistic view of the world they live in and expands our perspective of humanity.
As a child, I grew up learning from my Mum the struggles she had to endure from escaping an unsafe home country, but…
Winners of the 2023 James Cropper Wainwright Prize
The James Cropper Wainwright Prize is awarded annually to the books which most successfully inspire readers to explore the outdoors and to nurture a respect for the natural world. Marking its 10th Anniversary, this year’s winning books cast a spotlight on remarkable habitats – wild rivers, lost rainforests and the wonderous Arctic – inspiring advocacy for, and reconnection with, nature for readers of all ages.
Here are the winners for each category:
Nature Writing
The Flow by Amy-Jane Beer
On…
Mark's brilliant career: A tribute to Mark Rubbo
As some of you may know already, Readings’ long-serving managing director, Mark Rubbo, has recently retired from his position. This idea of retirement has been floating around for some years now, although I wasn’t sure it would ever eventuate. My incredulity came from observing Dad’s unwavering obsession with Readings over the entirety of my lifetime. It was something to behold, often fanatical in its intensity. Mark Rubbo and Readings became so enmeshed it has sometimes been difficult to tell where…
What we're reading: Atkinson, Skinner & Batrouney
Each week our amazing staff bring you a sample of the books or music they're immersed in.
Lian Hingee is reading Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson
I've been listening to Kate Atkinson's marvellous new book Normal Rules Don't Apply on Libro.fm this week. This excellent collection of short stories is a little bit funny, a little bit sad, a little bit spooky, and all brilliant. From a Stephen King-esque dystopia about the end of the world, to an…
Q&A with Sebastian Faulks
Enjoy this special Q&A to mark the release of Sebastian Faulks' latest novel, The Seventh Son.
How different would Seth’s life be if he was raised knowing he was the product of an experiment?
I suppose it would have posed very interesting questions of self-awareness. He’d have been asking himself how he was different from everyone else he met. He would have become very analytical, though whether he is temperamentally or genetically well suited for such self-examination is hard…
Top picks for book clubs this month
Australian fiction | Burn by Melanie Saward
When a tragic bushfire puts two kids in hospital, Indigenous teenager Andrew knows the police will come after him first. But Andrew almost wants to be caught, because at least it might make his dad come and rescue him from suburban Brisbane and his neglectful mother.
Growing up in small-town Tasmania, Andrew struggled at home, at school, at everything. The only thing that distracted or excited him was starting little fires. Flames boosted…
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