Readings

'With its beautifully developed characters and rich storytelling, it is a story that is sure to linger in any reader’s mind.' – Nicole Vasilev Readings bookseller

Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers I now realise what a grave mistake I made by never having read Clare Chambers previously. After finishing Shy Creatures, I am now eager to devour all her other works – as soon as possible. This novel captured my attention from the very start. With its beautifully developed characters and…

Looking for something to keep the kids occupied these school holidays? With the chance to win a school visit from beloved children's author Sally Rippin, our special in-store scavenger hunt will run until 6 October at all of our shops (except Readings Carlton)

(Plus! Our special entry form does double duty as an origami pop-up!)

Find more details here: https://www.readings.com.au/news/win-a-visit-from-sally-rippin-to-your-school

Intermezzo, the fourth novel from internationally bestselling author Sally Rooney, has finally arrived! One of the most anticipated books of 2024, Intermezzo is an exquisitely moving story about two very different brothers in the wake of their father’s death.

While stock lasts we have first edition hardback copies of Intermezzo available to buy online and in our shops at the special price of $34.99 (was $39.99)

https://www.readings.com.au/product/9780571393374/intermezzo-special-hardback-edition--sally-rooney--9780571393374

'A beguiling exploration of privilege, societal expectations and personal responsibility.' – Pierre Sutcliffe, Readings bookseller

Entitlement by Rumaan Alam Rumaan Alam’s Entitlement is a beguiling exploration of privilege, societal expectations and personal responsibility. The novel delves into the lives of its characters with a keen eye for the intricacies of social dynamics, capturing the tension between self-perception and societal judgment. Brook...

'A book doused in intrigue, erotic fascination and honest humanity.' – Ruby Grinter, Readings bookseller

Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi New Lagos, Nigeria. The books opens with the parting of a couple, Kalu and Aima, who are filled with love and grief in equal parts. Their move back to Nigeria from Texas, along with societal pressures, has put pressures on the lovers’ happiness and communication. Now, Aima is set to…

On the most recent episode of the Readings Podcast, a conversation with Jordan Prosser, author of Big Time

Jordan Prosser in conversation In this episode, Jordan Prosser, author of Big Time, in conversation. The book is set in a not-too distant future Australia, where the eastern states have become the world's newest autocracy – a pla

'Unlike some authors, who deliver the past with the enthusiasm of a bored Year 8 teacher, Smee brings events to life vividly, with remarkable energy and insight ... This raucous, layered and engrossing read left me reminded of the inseparable bond between politics and art.' – Holly Mortlock, Readings bookseller

Paris in Ruins: Love, War and the Birth of Impressionism by Sebastian Smee Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Sebastian Smee is renowned for his vibrant portrayal of art history. Unlike some authors, who deliver the past with the enthusiasm of a bored Year 8 teacher, Smee brings events to life vividly, with remarkable energy and insight. His latest book, Paris in Ruins, tells t...

‘With Kenwood’s signature wit and humour, a cast of perfectly believable characters and whip-smart dialogue, The Wedding Forecast is a charming, diverting novel with lots of heart and laughs to match.’ – Lian Hingee, Readings bookseller

The Wedding Forecast by Nina Kenwood When I heard that award-winning YA author Nina Kenwood was releasing her first book for adult readers, I could barely contain my glee. Kenwood’s first two books – It Sounded Better in My Head and Unnecessary Drama – were two of the funniest, most relatable, most engaging books I’d read…

The winners of this year's Wainwright Prize highlight the exploration of nature on a global scale through journeys of migration, finding beauty in the everyday, and celebrating the deep connections between humanity and nature through powerful storytelling.

Read more here:
https://www.readings.com.au/news/winners-of-the-2024-wainwright-prize

A gothic masterpiece perfect for Halloween and a an elegant novel for readers who need a break from conflict. Here's what we've been reading over the past week:
https://www.readings.com.au/news/what-were-reading-sager-savas

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) has announced the shortlist for the 2024 Barbara Jefferis Award

https://www.readings.com.au/news/the-barbara-jefferis-award-2024-shortlist

‘We’ll Prescribe You a Cat is sure to leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy, just like the comforting presence of a beloved pet.’ – Jennifer Varela, Readings bookseller

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida & E. Madison Shimoda (trans.) Nestled in an old and rundown building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul (which conveniently is next to a veterinarian’s office) is a mysterious place somewhere in between East of Takoyakushi Street, south of Tominokoji Street, west of Rokkaku Street, north…

The team at our Emporium shop love translated fiction, and with everything from heart-wrenching explorations of grief, to a cosy story about finding the perfect book at the library, to a classic crime series, this round-up of their favourites will have something to appeal to all readers:

https://www.readings.com.au/news/emporium-recommends-translated-fiction

if you're ready to dive into compelling conflict, distract yourself from your own drama or live vicariously through the dysfunction of others, these books will fit the bill:

https://www.readings.com.au/news/family-stories-as-gripping-as-they-are-dysfunctional

The longlists for the 2024 National Book Awards have been announced! Discover the longlists for Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry here:

https://www.readings.com.au/news/national-book-awards-longlist-part-ii

Here are the best crime reads to discover in September

https://www.readings.com.au/news/the-september-crime-review---1

The highly anticipated new novel from Sally Rooney is almost here, and to help you get your hands on it as soon as possible, we're opening the doors at our Carlton shop early for a special celebration.

Join us from 8:00am on Tuesday 24 September for a cup of Barry's tea and a slice of freshly baked soda bread served with lashings of butter and your choice of jam or marmalade.

We'll have first edition hardback copies of Intermezzo available to buy at the special price of $34.99 (was $39.99). Plus, the first 40 people who purchase a copy from our Carlton shop will receive a free collector's pin.

https://www.readings.com.au/events/sally-rooney-day

Combining heart and humour with a puzzling international mystery, We Solve Murders is the first in a brand-new series by Richard Osman, bestselling author of The Thursday Murder Club.

We have We Solve Murders available to buy online and in our shops for the special price of $27.99 (was $34.99)

https://www.readings.com.au/product/9780241608371/we-solve-murders--richard-osman--2024--9780241608371

'Reading this book felt deeply personal and intimate, like being told a story by a close friend – emotional, funny, and serious all at once. It’s a perfect read for dog lovers, fans of his work, and everyone else as well.' – Ellie Dean, Readings bookseller

Review: Three Wild Dogs and the Truth by Markus Zusak There are plenty of writers out there who have made their living from detailing stories of the connection between dogs and their owners, but few – if any – possess the same prowess in portraying complexity, tenderness, and beauty as Markus Zusak. Three Wild Dogs and the Truth is a…

If you love dogs as much as we do, then this blog is for you! whether you're young or old, whether you read fiction or nonfiction or just want to be closer with your four-legged friend, there's something for every dog lover.

https://www.readings.com.au/news/dog-lovers-book-guide

The shortlist for the 2024 Booker Prize has been announced! The shortlist features five women authors – the largest number in the Booker's 55-year history – including Charlotte Wood, the first Australian to be shortlisted in 10 years.

Learn more about the six shortlisted books here: https://www.readings.com.au/news/the-booker-prize-2024-shortlist

This month we're reading fiction translated from: Japanese, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, Danish and Russian!

https://www.readings.com.au/news/a-spotlight-on-new-translated-fiction

For young readers wanting to jump into a world of monsters, magic, gods and heroes, Readings bookseller Alicia is sharing her complete guide to the works of author Rick Riordan:

https://www.readings.com.au/news/a-beginners-guide-to-rick-riordan

The Teen Advisory Board on why you need to read this highly-anticipated YA dark academia fantasy novel

https://www.readings.com.au/news/the-teen-advisory-board-on-why-you-need-to-read-immortal-dark

Our Young Adult Book of the Month is a wonderful coming-of-age q***r romance from Readings Young Adult Prize-shortlistee, Gary Lonesborough.

https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761180767/im-not-really-here--gary-lonesborough--2024--9781761180767