THE BEST BOOKS, MUSIC, FILM & TV OF THE YEAR

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Here are the 10 best Australian fiction books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Readings’ Here are the 10 best international fiction books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. head book buyer Alison Huber shares why these books made it to the top of our list. Readings’ head book buyer Alison Huber explains why these books made such an impression.

The White Girl Bruny Lanny Where the Tony Birch Heather Rose Max Porter Crawdads Sing UQP. PB. $29.95 A&U. PB. Was $32.99 Faber. HB. $27.99 Delia Owens The White Girl is local $29.99 So many of us at Readings Corsair. PB. $29.99 legend Tony Birch’s best Heather Rose takes fell head over heels for Where the Crawdads Sing novel to date. With his no prisoners in this Max Porter’s very special is an exquisite character historian’s eye for detail, hugely entertaining second novel, Lanny, study and the story of and knack for character satirical novel. Set in a early in the year. This an unusual childhood. and dialogue, Birch tells fictional insular world beautifully rendered Kya lives an isolated life, a story of the Stolen Generations through the of Tasmanian politics, and centring on literary work is brimming with ideas, growing up in the 1950s and 60s, and eking unforgettable characters of Odette Brown a controversial project to build a bridge mystery and myth, centring on characters out her survival in a shack on the edge of and her granddaughter, Sissy. It is a work of to the island of Bruny, Rose critiques the that are so alive on the page that they civilisation. She is an outsider who finds her love and respect for family and survival. parochialism of Australian politics. There remain in the reader’s imagination. An way in nature, and her story of segregation are twists and turns you won’t see coming in extraordinary reading experience. can be read as a metaphor for our times. The Glad Shout this literary thriller. Alice Robinson The Eighth Life The Friend Affirm Press. HB. Damascus (for Brilka) Sigrid Nunez Was $32.99 Christos Tsiolkas Nino Haratischvili; Virago. PB. $22.99 $24.99 A&U. PB. Was $32.99 Charlotte Collins & When a woman loses her This novel of climate $29.99 Ruth Martin (trans.) close friend unexpectedly, emergency fiction won Damascus is a knockout Scribe. PB. Was $35 she discovers he has left Alice Robinson the novel that has been five $29.99 her in charge of his dog, 2019 Readings Prize for years in the making. Epic in every sense, a Great Dane. And so New Australian Fiction. A gripping story Ruminating on the life of this nine hundred-plus unfolds Sigrid Nunez’s of a family’s survival during a flooding Saul of Tarsus, known as page novel is a multi-generational, sprawling elegant story about grieving and friendship disaster, the experience of motherhood as it Paul in the New Testament, this exploration narrative that takes readers on an immersive (human–human and human–canine), told is articulated in crisis draws the focus here. of faith, power, compassion, and hope is as journey through the histories of Georgia with humour and an eye for the absurd. This Full of tension and with a heartstopping contemporary as it is ancient. A stunning and Russia across the twentieth century. book is a gift for readers and writers alike, ending, Robinson’s writing skill excels. piece of work from one of Australia’s Surprisingly addictive and incredibly readable, with so much to delight the literary-minded. boldest literary voices. this all-consuming book is a reminder of the This Taste for fulfillment to be found in the act of reading. On Earth We’re Silence Invented Lives Briefly Gorgeous Amanda Andrea Goldsmith Fleishman Is in Ocean Vuong O’Callaghan Scribe. PB. $32.99 Trouble Jonathan Cape. HB. $29.99 UQP. PB. $22.95 Andrea Goldsmith’s Taffy Brodesser- Ocean Vuong is an Amanda O’Callaghan’s eighth novel is the work Akner acclaimed poet, and has Readings Prize- of a writer at the top Wildfire. PB. $32.99 written a show-stopping shortlisted debut of her game. Set in the This debut novel is an debut novel. Written as collection of stories is mid 1980s as the Cold addictive comedy of a letter from a son to his testament to the power of the short form. War rages and the crisis manners. When recent mother, this book pays homage to Vuong’s Written with both precision and grand of AIDS is unfolding, this is a family saga divorcé Toby Fleishman family history, and is at heart a coming- imagination, O’Callaghan explores a range that explores themes of exile, identity, and finds his newly single life in New York rudely of-age story that explores masculinity and of scenarios, many of them designed to inheritance. Goldsmith excels at rendering interrupted by the mysterious disappearance cultural identity. The sheer beauty of the unsettle the reader’s sense of comfort, the domestic sphere as her characters of his ex-wife, his recently acquired freedoms author’s prose shines. with impressive psychological acuity and navigate their ways through history. go out the window as author Taffy Brodesser- emotional scope. Akner mercilessly dissects relationship norms. The Man Who The Weekend Saw Everything The Yield Charlotte Wood The Nickel Boys Deborah Levy Tara June Winch A&U. PB. $29.99 Colson Whitehead Hamish Hamilton. HB. Hamish Hamilton. PB. Set over a weekend as Fleet. PB. $32.99 $32.99 $32.99 three women in their This short but devastating A perennial favourite To read The Yield is to seventies meet to clear novel by Pulitzer Prize- author of Readings relish words, and to out the beachside house winning author Colson staff, Deborah Levy has understand the centrality of their late friend, The Whitehead is based delighted us again with of Indigenous languages Weekend is an expertly on the history of a real this novel of ideas. A consummate stylist, to culture. Using a crafted novel about the complexities of long- ‘reform’ school in 1960s Levy tells the story of Saul Adler, who is hit multilayered narrative, Tara June Winch term female friendships. It is also Charlotte Florida, where the systematic abuse of its by a car crossing Abbey Road twice. As time carefully excavates the story of a mission Wood’s love letter to the importance of these African American students is masked by the and reflection become fluid across these town and a family. This is a moving literary families that we choose, cut through with school’s claims to provide moral training. accounts, Levy masterfully interrogates work about home, belonging, and the her brilliantly acerbic wit. Exposing the institutionalised mechanisms notions of history, autobiography, and the ongoing violence of colonisation, written in of racism, this book is timely and crucial. veracity of storytelling. gorgeous prose by one of our rising stars. There Was Still Love Rules for Visiting The Topeka Here Until August Favel Parrett Jessica Francis School Josephine Rowe Hachette. PB. $29.99 Kane Ben Lerner Black Inc. PB. $29.99 Favel Parrett’s third Granta. PB. $29.99 Granta. PB. $29.99 Josephine Rowe’s Here novel is a small book This lovely novel is a The Topeka School is so Until August is an with huge emotional reflection on friendship many things: a family outstanding collection of impact. Set between that defies sentimentality. saga; a psychodrama; short stories, showcasing Prague and , Finding herself adrift at a campus novel; an her enviable talent. the story begins during World War II, and mid-life, May decides to exploration of toxic Ranging from North moves back and forth in time and space. reconnect with old acquaintances. Meditating masculinity; a reflection on parenthood; a tale America to Australia, and the wilderness to Parrett shows how familial love transcends on loneliness, the meaning of friendship in our of competitive debating; an experiment in the city, these stories sparkle with insight, the horrors of exile and separation, and age of connectivity, and the power of simply form. But the whole is greater than the sum of giving the reader countless moments of acknowledges the unique relationships that being present in the lives of others, this is a its parts. A truly innovative work of fiction by a pleasure in the words on the page. bond children and their grandparents. slyly moving book that feels like real life. writer of huge vision and technical brilliance. READINGS MONTHLY 3 Best of 2019

Here are the 10 best crime books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Author and Readings Here are the 10 best nonfiction books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Readings’ head Monthly crime-book reviewer Fiona Hardy drops clues about why these books will keep you up late. book buyer Alison Huber offers insight into why these books have kept us talking.

Heaven, My Two Girls Down Three Women Penny Wong Home Louisa Luna Lisa Taddeo Margaret Simons Attica Locke Text. PB. $29.99 Bloomsbury Circus. PB. Black Inc. PB. $34.99 Serpent’s Tail. PB. $29.99 After two young girls $32.99 Margaret Simons is one of Texas Ranger Darren vanish from a Kmart Three Women is an Australia’s most respected Matthews has barely parking lot, bounty incredibly accomplished journalists, and here she pieced his life back hunter Alice Vega is piece of writing, and a tells the life story of one of together when a new case hired to find them. With unique exploration of Australia’s most respected threatens everything, the help of frustrated some of the ways in which politicians. Based on taking him from the wife he’s recently ex-cop Max Caplan, the two tear the town women’s inner lives have become obscured exhaustive research and many hours of reconnected with and the blackmail he’s apart looking for the girls. This is gritty by public discourses of sexuality. Revealing interviews conducted with friends, family, paying, right to a town where a white and tight, with characters you wish could and intimate, and told with a deep respect and colleagues from across the political supremacist’s young son has vanished. Will hunt you down. for its three subjects, Lisa Taddeo writes a spectrum, this book is a fascinating study of they let an African American Ranger find the new language of female desire. an Australian political powerhouse. boy – and can Darren keep himself alive? This Poison Will Remain Sand Talk Year of the The Wife and the Fred Vargas & Sian Tyson Yunkaporta Monkey Text. PB. $32.99 Widow Reynolds (trans.) Patti Smith At a time of crisis Christian White Harvill Secker. PB. $32.99 Bloomsbury. HB. $29.99 around the world, Tyson Affirm Press. PB. When three elderly men Musician, songwriter, Yunkaporta’s Sand Was $32.99 die from recluse spider poet, and author, Patti Talk is a provocation to $27.99 bites, it seems too much Smith is one of the true recognise the unique On a tourist island off of a coincidence to artists of our age, and perspectives that are the Victorian coast, two Commissaire Adamsberg’s team, who split Year of the Monkey is offered by Indigenous modes of thinking. women come to slow ranks to investigate what may or may not her account of a difficult year. Written as It comes with a further provocation: that realisations about the men they love. Kate’s be a crime. When it appears the men were a reflection on mortality, loss and aging, Indigenous knowledge be used to find our husband has vanished; a body is found on all from the same orphanage, a vast and against the backdrop of 2016’s political ways towards a sustainable future. A timely the island; Abby suspects her husband might terrible background unfolds. A fabulous, turmoil, the narrative moves between and long-overdue recalibration. be involved – while the truth is a blistering quirky procedural. everyday experiences, memory and dreams. twist that will knock you right out. This is Patti Smith at her poetic finest. See What You Metropolis Made Me Do The Nancys White Tears, Philip Kerr Jess Hill Brown Scars R.W.R. McDonald Quercus. PB. $32.99 Black Inc. PB. $32.99 Ruby Hamad A&U. PB. $29.99 Philip Kerr’s final book Award-winning writer MUP. PB. $34.99 In a poky New Zealand sees the endlessly Jess Hill’s meticulously White Tears, Brown town, eleven-year-old readable Bernie researched account of Scars is Ruby Hamad’s Tippy Chan starts a Gunther back in the national shame that challenge to mainstream/ detective club with her in 1928, heading up is domestic violence in white Western feminism. uncle and his boyfriend. an investigation into Australia, this book is a compelling rallying Referring to the way that The Nancys need to solve a series of killings. The Nazi uprising is call for change. Taking in personal stories white women’s performance of victimhood – a real-life brutal murder and an attempt on well underway, and it seems somebody is told in social context, alongside dissections and refusal to acknowledge their part in racial Tippy’s best friend’s life, while dragging determined to get rid of anyone deemed of bureaucratic systems that fail time and oppression – continues to silence women of an uptight small town out of the closet and an imperfect addition to Berlin’s streets. A again, this is long-form journalism at its colour, this book exposes unresolved issues at avoiding Tippy’s mother. A delight. brilliant farewell to a beloved character. absolute best. the intersection of race and gender. The Scholar The Five The Finding the Dervla McTiernan Hallie Rubenhold Uninhabitable Heart of the HarperCollins. PB. $24.99 Doubleday. HB. $35 Earth Nation Ned Kelly Award winner Jack the Ripper is David Wallace- Thomas Mayor Dervla McTiernan notorious, but what of Wells Hardie Grant. HB. returns with a sequel the women he killed? Allen Lane. PB. $29.99 $39.99 to her bestselling The Hallie Rubenhold Just when you thought This gorgeously Ruín, which finds investigates the lives you were sufficiently live illustrated book is a Detective Cormac Reilly of the five women who to the environmental celebration of the Uluru Statement from the investigating the hit-and-run death of a died in 1888 in this sobering look into the crisis humanity faces or is already enduring, Heart, the result of an historic meeting of university student with connections to a underclasses of the nineteenth century along comes David Wallace-Wells to put more than two hundred and fifty Indigenous pharmaceutical company – and to Reilly’s and the lies told about Polly, Annie, the very real prospect of an uninhabitable leaders in 2017 which outlines a pathway own partner. McTiernan is a brilliant all- Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary-Jane, real planet into your consciousness. This to constitutional recognition, treaty, and rounder who has written another excellent women whose stories deserve to be heard. book is designed to shock readers out of acknowledgement of Australia’s First procedural crime thriller. complacency and incite action, as we enter a Peoples. Thomas Mayor’s account is an She Said new era for humanity and the Earth. important record of that achievement. Peace Jodi Kantor & Garry Disher Megan Twohey Guest House for Trick Mirror Text. PB. Was $29.99 Bloomsbury Circus. PB. Young Widows Jia Tolentino $25.99 $32.99 Azadeh Moaveni Fourth Estate. PB. In Garry Disher’s follow- When reporters Jodi Scribe. PB. $32.99 $27.99 up to the incredible Bitter Kantor and Megan Guest House for Young An accomplished Wash Road, Constable Twohey started their Widows is Azadeh collection of essays Paul Hirschhausen is Pulitzer Prize-winning Moaveni’s brilliant from a rising star of still navigating his way investigation into Harvey Weinstein, they did account of the lives of her generation, Trick through the huge farming country and not know that tearing Hollywood’s secrets thirteen women who Mirror is an excursion accompanying small town he’s been posted wide open would lead to so much more. From travelled to join ISIS in Syria. It is also an in contemporary cultural critique. From to, but Christmas is looking jolly enough – #MeToo to Supreme Court nominees accused authoritative political history of what has reality TV and the internet, to the status until two gruesome discoveries change of assault, and all the women who helped been going on in the Middle East over the of identity, feminism, and womanhood in everything. Disher is a master, and this rural bring light to this darkness, this story is huge, last decade. An exceptional piece of narrative this political moment, Jia Tolentino writes thriller burns slow and bright. important, and deserving. nonfiction, told with great empathy. with the aplomb of the best essayists. READINGS MONTHLY 4 Best of 2019

0–6 years 5–9 years

Here are the 10 best picture books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Alexa Dretzke, one of Here are the 10 best junior grade books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Athina Clarke, one our children’s book specialists from Readings Hawthorn, shares why kids will love these books. of our children’s book specialists from Readings Malvern, shares why kids will love these books.

All of the Don’t Worry, Zanzibar Wombat, Mudlark Factors of Why Little Crab Catharina Valckx & Other Stories I Love Tractors Chris Haughton & Antony Shugaar Helen Milroy Davina Bell & Walker. HB. $24.99 (trans.) Fremantle Press. PB. $14.99 Jenny Løvlie Chris Haughton’s Gecko. PB. $16.99 Eight beautifully told (illus.) books are stylistically When renowned lizard adventures of animal heroes Little Hare. HB. $24.99 gorgeous with delicious journalist Achille in a natural world alive Frankie can’t be deterred from his love of colours and a simple, visual eloquence. Little arrives seeking amazing with a magical animism, tractors and he patiently explains to his Crab lives in a small rock pool but excitedly characters to write about, Zanzibar the crow these timeless Indigenous stories celebrate exasperated mother the shining practicality ventures with Very Big Crab to the sea. Little tries to fit the profile by attempting to lift a the importance of imagination, optimism, of this magnificent machinery. The gleeful Crab’s bravado takes a dive when they reach camel in the air using just one wing, only loyalty, courage and cooperation. Enrich your verse zips along accompanied by equally the edge, but after a big wave finally sends to discover the value of simple things and children by sharing the wonder, compassion joyful illustrations. Tractors have never them to the bottom of a varied and colourful the importance of friends. A quirky little and optimism in these gentle stories – seemed more desirable and, of course, their sea, timidity is cast aside by wonder. Perfect gem with delightful language, humour and wonderful reading aloud for ages 5+. usefulness can’t be denied! For ages 2+. for 18 months+. simple, childlike illustrations – also an ideal family read aloud. For ages 7+. The Search for the Baby Business Fashionista Silver Witch (Polly Jasmine Seymour Maxine Beneba Ask Hercules and Buster, Book 3) Magabala. HB. $24.99 Clarke Quick Sally Rippin Celebrating a Lothian Children’s. HB. Ursula Dubosarsky H.G. Egmont. HB. $19.99 $19.99 traditional welcome & Andrew Joyner This much-anticipated for new babies in Fashionista bursts (illus.) conclusion to the beloved Darug culture, Baby energetically from the A&U. HB. $19.99 Polly and Buster trilogy is exhilarating and Business follows the women of a family as pages, it hums with When enterprising not to be missed! Fizzing with excitement they envelop a newborn with love. With movement, colour and Hercules hatches a plan and magic, these highly entertaining stories gentle words from ancestral songs, the rhythm. The diversity of people, clothes and to save money and buy his dream box of offer real-life lessons about the challenges of women invoke the laws of their land and lives celebrates individuality and passion for magic, he couldn’t have foreseen he’d be hired communities and friendships. In this final offer wisdom for living and dreaming. life. A wonderful combination of collage and for unusual jobs and paid in surprising ways book, Polly and Buster transform fear and Imbued with serenity, Baby Business is like a watercolour contribute to the originality of or that he’d discover that real magic is life hate within the community into kindness and lovely lullaby. For ages 0+. Fashionista and the verse complements the itself! Imaginative and quirky, brimming with fairness. For ages 7+. artwork perfectly. For ages 3+. outlandish, colourful characters and exuberant Lottie and illustrations that children will love. For ages 7+. Sherlock Bones Walter Madame and the Natural Anna Walker Badobedah The Adventures History Mystery Puffin. HB. $24.99 Sophie Dahl & of Anders Renée Treml Sometimes life can Lauren O’Hara Gregory Mackay A&U. PB. $14.99 be scary; sometimes (illus.) A&U. PB. $19.99 Sherlock Bones, a you need a walrus Walker. HB. $26.99 Three wonderful frogmouth skeleton, called Walter to Madame Badobedah adventures about the and his trusty sidekick help you feel safe! If you are a shark in the imperiously arrives at irrepressible Anders (the stuffed parrot Watts), investigate water, watch out, Walter is there. Scared of Mabel’s family hotel and his (almost) fearless the State Natural History Museum where the dark? No worries. Lottie is inhibited by with a menagerie of pets and many trunks friends are available for the first time in one they uncover amazing facts while solving imagined and real challenges and this sweet, bursting with what Mabel believes is the glorious full-colour bind-up. So much fun – a mystery in this most ingenious book. quiet book follows her as she blossoms, with cache of a supervillain. Naturally, fanciful an outstanding graphic novel experience Remarkable illustrations and a clever, help from Walter. For ages 2+. storyteller Mabel turns her talents to being guaranteed to entice. I agree with Terry original story are guaranteed to keep a spy and a friendship grows where secrets Denton, ‘These are the stories I wished I children reading. For ages 7+ . Wilam: are respected and eccentricities admired. had as a kid’! For ages 6+. A Birrarung I loved this gorgeously illustrated longer- Lemonade Jones Story form story. For ages 4+. Where Dani and the Great Aunty Joy Goes, Happy School Fete Murphy, Andrew The Tiny Star Follows (Lemonade Kelly & Lisa Mem Fox & Freya Rose Lagercrantz, Jones, Book 2) Kennedy (illus.) Blackwood (illus.) Eva Eriksson (illus.) Davina Bell & Black Dog. HB. $24.99 Puffin. HB. $24.99 & Julia Marshall Karen Blair (illus.) ‘Wilam’ means home in Woiwurrung The passage of life is (trans.) A&U. HB. $19.99 language and this superb book shimmers lovingly portrayed by Gecko. PB. $15.99 The delightfully forthright and feisty with beautifully evoked landscapes as it two of our masters Another marvellous misadventure in the Lemonade Jones is back, full of big ideas as follows the passage of Birrarung (the Yarra of the picture book. life of the lovable Dani! This time, a plan to she volunteers her mum as lead singer in River) from the mountains to the sea. The The preciousness of family and community surprise her dearest friend goes awry. Young the Year One Mum Band at the School Fete. animals and natural world are named in is honoured, along with the narrative of a readers love Dani’s stories: the excitement of A joyful romp with delightful illustrations, Woiwurrung throughout, so readers can life well lived and truly appreciated. The new experiences, the challenge of mishaps laughs, escapades, family and friends, it’s guess and learn (there’s a glossary). This will words and pictures integrate into an organic and the importance of family and friendship. perfect for junior readers and a fun family become an Australian classic. For ages 3+. whole – it’s perfection. For ages 3+. A great addition to the wonderful Dani read-aloud. For ages 5+. series, not to be missed! For ages 5+. Charles Darwin’s Our Little Wild Honey from On the Origin of Inventor Douglas the Moon Species Sher Rill Ng Randy Cecil Kenneth Kraegel Sabina Radeva A&U. HB. $24.99 Candlewick. HB. $24.99 Candlewick. HB. $24.99 Puffin. HB. $27.99 The endpapers say it all Follow the daring Seven most beguiling This is a terrific for this story in which adventures of an and glorious chapters introduction to Charles a polluted city finds a enterprising little follow determined Darwin and his theories saviour in a young girl mouse in four beautiful Mother Shrew in a flight on the origin of species, evolution and who has invented a machine to alleviate the acts. With engrossing, to the moon for honey to cure her sick natural selection. Complex scientific ideas problem. Atmospheric pictures provide an visually striking illustrations, Douglas is child, Hugo. Children will revel in the are distilled into easily understood text that ominous setting as intrepid Nell confronts a joy to read, a story that will capture the story’s inventiveness and pore over the is facilitated by superb illustrations. This is those in power only to be mocked and sent minds and hearts of children (and adults) beautifully detailed illustrations time and wonderful nonfiction for inspiring children’s away, yet her persistence wins the day and everywhere! Also look out for its companion, again – it’s a wonderful flight of fantasy to natural curiosity. For ages 4+. is ultimately championed. For ages 3+. Lucy, by the same author. For ages 7+. read aloud at bedtime! For ages 5+. READINGS MONTHLY 5 Best of 2019

9–12 years 12+ years

Here are the 10 best middle grade books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Dani Solomon, Here are the 10 best young adult fiction books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Author one of our children’s book specialists from Readings Kids, shares why kids will love these books. and children’s book specialist Leanne Hall shares why young adults will love these books.

How to Make a The Dog Runner It Sounded Better I Am Still Alive Movie in 12 Days Bren MacDibble in My Head Kate Alice Marshall Fiona Hardy A&U. PB. $16.99 Nina Kenwood Penguin. PB. $17.99 Affirm Press. PB. $16.99 With global food Text. PB. $19.99 Jess is pitted against the After a year of shortages causing a This warm and intelligent Canadian wilderness and preparation, Hayley world-wide famine, novel depicts an her father’s murderers finally has everything she Ella and Emery live in Australian teen teetering in this taut thriller that needs and only twelve desperate times. When on the cusp of adulthood shifts deftly between days to film and edit her things get really bad, the and new experiences that two timelines to create much-anticipated movie with her friends. two siblings and their dogs set off alone are both attractive and terrifying. Narrated unbearable tension. Kate Alice Marshall’s But before she can even get started, sabotage through the wild lands to find their mum. by the vulnerable and very funny Natalie, ability to immerse the reader in the detailed is afoot. This hilarious, heartwarming story A great introduction to dystopian climate debut author Nina Kenwood demonstrates reality of an extreme survival situation about friendship, family and fake blood fiction with a strong emphasis on hope and great empathy for her young characters and makes for an utterly gripping story of makes for an absolutely perfect summer kindness. For ages 10+. a real knack for tragi-comedy. For ages 13+. youthful endurance. For ages 12+. holiday read. For ages 10+. On the Come Up Angel Mage As Happy as Here Angie Thomas Garth Nix Sick Bay Jane Godwin Walker. PB. $17.99 A&U. PB. $24.99 Nova Weetman Lothian Children’s. PB. UQP. PB. $16.95 $16.99 The compelling second Fantasy master Garth Nix Two girls find themselves Three very different novel from The Hate U has created a stunningly confined in the sick teenage girls witness a Give author Angie Thomas realised alternate bay at school – Riley crime from the shared demonstrates once more seventeenth century world reluctantly and Meg confines of their hospital her clarion voice and deep in Angel Mage, a universe by choice. Over time a ward. As they reluctantly insight into the lives of where select humans use friendship develops as work together to solve the mystery they contemporary teens. Young rapper Brianna’s icons to summon and control angels. With a the two girls learn about each other and, have become embroiled in, they learn struggles for creative and personal freedoms nod to Dumas’s classic The Three Musketeers, more importantly, about themselves. This about identity, class, fairness, justice are given full focus and respect, while Thomas this masterful story presents a diverse and emotionally intelligent novel will resonate and kindness. A beautiful book, deeply highlights larger frameworks of racism, sexism complex range of characters grappling with a powerfully with the hearts and minds of its empathetic to young people and at times an and structural inequality. For ages 13+. unique magic system. For ages 13+. readers. For ages 10+. intense and thrilling read. For ages 11+. Aurora Rising This is How We (The Aurora Change the Goblins Guts Cycle, Book 1) Ending Philip Reeve Raina Telgemeier Amie Kaufman & Vikki Wakefield Scholastic. PB. $15.99 Scholastic. PB. $16.99 Jay Kristoff Text. PB. $19.99 After proving himself Raina wakes up one A&U. PB. $19.99 After a violent incident too smart (by reading night with a stomach A dazzling, entertaining at the local youth centre, books instead of wiping ache. At first she thinks and highly skilful space his only haven from his bum on them!), it’s a stomach bug, but adventure from co- a stressful home life, Skarper finds himself when it persists her authors Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, sixteen-year-old Nate does battle with his hurled out of his goblin mum takes her to a Aurora Rising takes a diverse cast of loveable own apathy. Vikki Wakefield has captured tower and on an unlikely quest with an therapist who helps Raina overcome her rogues and puts them in a series of impossibly the vulnerability and potential of youth even more unlikely party. This delightfully gut problems. An inspiring and funny dangerous situations. With whip-smart with an authentic and witty first-person funny, irreverent and surprisingly poetic graphic novel from someone who is dialogue, high-stakes action and moments of narration, and a deep commitment to book celebrates the ultimate underdog ... deservedly one of the bestselling authors heartrending friendship, this is science fiction exploring violence, toxic masculinity and goblins! Perfect for all kids with a good in the US. For ages 7+. of the highest quality. For ages 13+. class disparity. For ages 15+. heart aged 9+. Insignificant Promise Me The Surprising The Good Thieves Events in the Happy Power of a Good Katherine Rundell Life of a Cactus Robert Newton Dumpling Bloomsbury Children’s. Penguin. PB. $17.99 Wai Chim PB. $14.99 Dusti Bowling Sterling. HB. Was $22.99 Robert Newton conjures A&U. PB. $19.99 Vita and her new landscape and character This sensitive portrayal friends (a pickpocket $19.99 with economy and beauty of a loving immigrant and two circus kids) are Aven, a new girl in in this story about a Chinese-Australian family determined to pull off town who was born young man recently struggling to manage the a daring heist to win without arms, and released from juvenile detention finding mother’s untreated mental illness is crafted her grandfather his crumbling old castle Connor, a boy with Tourette syndrome who hope and a new sense of family in a small with sophistication and empathy. Wai Chim back after a local gangster cheats him out is one of Aven’s new classmates, team up coastal town. Promise Me Happy packs a immerses the reader in the fraught everyday of it. Set in Prohibition era New York, this for an investigation after they uncover a gentle and insistent power, and its quietly life of sixteen-year-old Anna and her siblings exciting and twisty tale will keep you on mysterious secret at the local theme park, observational tone is full of humour and to explore the unspoken truths within the edge of your seat until the very end. which is also Aven’s new home! This is a understanding. For ages 13+. families, trust, cross-cultural relationships, For ages 9+. great mystery novel for readers aged 8+. first love and forgiveness. For ages 13+. Monuments Pie in the Sky Young Dark Will Kostakis Sadie Remy Lai Emu Lothian. PB. $19.99 Courtney Summers Walker. PB. $18.99 Bruce Pascoe Ancient gods and Wednesday Books. PB. Jingwen is new to Magabala. HB. $24.99 contemporary $18.99 Australia, he can’t Young Dark Emu teens collide in this A grieving teen embarks on speak English and shows how for fast-paced and highly a road trip of vengeance, misses his dad badly. To millennia, despite entertaining fantasy looking to destroy the man fight off the loneliness, being primarily recorded as solely hunter adventure. Will Kostakis who has murdered her he turns to secret cake gatherers, Australia’s First Peoples made has tailored an original mythology and sister. Braiding together baking with his little brother. A clever, ingenious agricultural use of their Country. effortlessly married it to a cast of well- first-person narrative and a true-crime partly graphic book full of profound This book will give children a thirst for developed characters. Romance, one-liners podcast transcript, Sadie is an intense thriller moments balanced by hilarious ones that greater understanding of Indigenous and intrigue round out this unforgettable imbued with a raw emotional power. Courtney will inspire empathy for recent immigrants culture and knowledge, and I can’t think of fantasy novel firmly located in recognisable Summers is one of YA’s finest and most and a keen interest in baking! For ages 9+. a better reason to buy a book. For ages 9+. Australian urban locations. For ages 12+. uncompromising voices. For ages 14+. READINGS MONTHLY 6 Best of 2019

Here are the 10 best art and design books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Readings Here are the 10 best cookbooks and gardening books of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Doncaster manager Kara McQueen introduces these gorgeous books. Chris Gordon, our Readings Monthly food and gardening columnist, gives you a taste.

Step into Paradise: Vitamin T Jackfruit and Lunch at 10 Jenny Kee & Linda Phaidon Editors & Blue Ginger Pomegranate Jackson Jenelle Porter Sasha Gill Street Georgina Safe, Phaidon. HB. $100 Murdoch. HB. $39.99 Felicita Sala Glynis Jones & The ‘Vitamin’ range When Sasha Gill Scribble. HB. $27.99 Penelope Tree has always been the turned vegan, she This gorgeously T&H. HB. $80 go-to series for the latest didn’t want to miss illustrated cookbook Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson are arguably information on visual artists. This vibrant out on the flavours of takes you on a tour the most influential, iconic and creative survey is no different. Vitamin T is a her favourite Asian of an apartment partnership in the history of Australian beautiful object (sewn spine, die-cut cover) dishes; so she got to work ‘veganising’ them. block where in each dwelling someone is fashion. In this first in-depth survey, we see and an informative celebration of tapestry, This family cookbook is spot-on for those preparing a special dish to share. This is more than four decades of the influences, embroidery, stitching, textiles, knitting that want to feast on delicious meat-free a glorious celebration of other people’s inspirations and compelling stories behind and knotting. vibrant Asian flavours with complete ease. lives. It is filled with recipes from all over the duo’s work. Featuring many unseen the world with simple instructions perfect photographs, textiles and artworks from Ian Fairweather for young chefs. the designers’ personal archives, Step into Claire Roberts & John The Whole Fish Cookbook Paradise is a must-have for fashion fans. Thompson (eds) Moss Josh Niland Text. HB. $59.99 Ulrica Nordström Australia Modern Ian Fairweather was a Hardie Grant. HB. Was $55 Michael Joseph. HB. Hannah Lewi & prodigious and idiosyncratic $29.99 $49.99 Philip Goad letter writer who documented Moss can be found in Josh Niland’s skill is T&H. HB. $80 his travels, his struggles the most unexpected to show you how easy Australia Modern is the with painting, literature and world affairs. places, from deserts it is to cook a huge essential text on Australian More than 700 of his letters are known to be to Antarctica. This variety of sustainable fish in super, new, Modernism, featuring in existence and here – for the first time – is a book is a celebration exciting ways. He will show you how to one hundred significant sites by Australia’s definitive collection of these letters, making and reconnoitre of its unassuming beauty. fillet, marinate and fry as well as give you most revered architects and designers. this the closest thing to an autobiography we There are tips on growing the world’s perfect meal ideas. This collection is ideal Including illustrated archival images and have of one of Australia’s greatest painters. most ancient plant as well tours of truly for seafood lovers. newly commissioned photographs alongside magnificent gardens. essays exploring modernism’s influence Mirka Mora on Australian life as well as the ongoing Sabine Cotte The Scentual challenges facing preservation. T&H. HB. $49.99 Only in Tokyo Michael Ryan & Garden With privileged access to Ken Druse & The Touch Mirka Mora and her studio, Luke Burgess Hardie Grant. HB. Ellen Hoverkamp Kinfolk, Norm Sabine Cotte provides $39.99 (photog.) Architects & Gestalten unique insight into the Intrepid chefs Abrams. HB. $80 Die Gestalten Verlag. HB. work of one of Melbourne’s Michael Ryan and In an extensive survey $99.95 most beloved artists. Exploring the materials Luke Burgess sprint of fragrances in the This incredibly visual and and practice in Mora’s work, Cotte reveals around one of the garden, familiar tactile book is a delight to the complex and truly innovative techniques greatest culinary cities in the world taking and unusual garden plants, shrubs, and both hold and peruse. Focusing on materiality, used, which, until now, have never been you to the very best places to eat and trees are put into twelve categories. These light, colour, nature and community, this studied before. sharing the recipes. This book is as much classifications give us an opportunity stunning book reveals some of the world’s for people travelling to this fabulous city to explore amazing garden designs and, most incredible architecture and interiors and The Art of as it is for those with an appreciation of its most importantly, learn to create a sweetly will appeal to architecture lovers, history buffs Feminism absolutely delicious food. scented garden. and design appreciators alike. Helena Reckitt (ed.), Lucinda Gosling, The Edible Magnum Hilary Robinson & East Garden Streetwise Amy Tobin Meera Sodha Paul West Stephen McLaren Tate. HB. $59.99 Fig Tree. HB. $45 Plum. PB. Was $39.99 (ed.) The fast-paced change in women’s rights Meera Sodha, writer T&H. HB. $55 $34.99 in recent times has been staggering and of the ‘New Vegan’ Paul West shows Magnum Streetwise profound. We have a long way to go, but column in The you how easy it is examines the photographs here – in over 350 incredible artworks, Guardian, knows to grow and cook and practices that have helped define what political posters and graphics ranging exactly how to create some of your own street photography is and can be. This from the Suffrage Atelier in the nineteenth imaginative and food, no matter how much space you have. ambitious tome delves into the Magnum century to the ‘birth’ of feminism in the delicious dishes from Asia. This collection This book is a celebration of real food and archives and presents unparalleled works 1960s – we witness the monumental shifts takes you firmly by the hand from India all of being part of a vibrant community. It by photographers including Henri Cartier- society has seen so far. the way to Vietnam and illustrates how easy will inspire you to grow, cook and eat with Bresson, Bruce Gilden, Martin Parr, Richard it is to pack a meat-free flavour punch. Kalvar, Christopher Anderson and many more. Colony those you love. Cathy Leahy, Judith Concrete Houses Ryan, Dr Isobel Warndu Mai The Land Joe Rollo Crombie, Megan (Good Food) Gardeners T&H. HB. Was $75 Patty & Myles- Rebecca Bridget Elworthy $69.99 Russell Cook (eds) Sullivan & Henrietta Concrete has a conviction, NGV. HB. $80 & Damien Courtauld strength and directness James Cook’s landing and colonisation of Coulthard T&H. HB. $80 unlike many other Australia marked the beginning of a history Hachette. HB. $45 This volume is for materials. The possibilities for form-making that still has repercussions today, a history This beautifully serious gardeners are almost endless and it’s the material of that both unites and divides Australia illustrated and fans of cut choice in landmark contemporary houses and highlights the continuing need for cookbook will show you how easy it is to flowers. The authors are The Land across Australia, Brazil, Portugal, Japan, reconciliation. Exploring the impact of create food and drinks with foods native to Gardeners, creators of productive gardens. Sweden, the Netherlands and the USA. British colonisation through more than 1000 Australia. With a few small adjustments, Here they share their beliefs on the Showcasing exceptional illustrations, essential pieces of our cultural heritage, this your diet can be better for the Australian importance of soil health and will inspire photography, plans and drawings, this book highlights the complex and confronting environment, become more sustainable you to create your own cutting garden book explores the sculptural possibilities of perspectives of the shared history of First and celebrate these amazing and truly through sharing expert knowledge on how concrete in architecture. Peoples and European settlers. local ingredients. to grow and gather seasonally. READINGS MONTHLY 7 Best of 2019

Here are the 10 best popular-music albums of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Musician Here are the 10 best classical music recordings of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Ellen Cregan, Readings’ marketing and events coordinator, explains why you’ll be hitting repeat. Readings Carlton’s Alexandra Mathew, a mezzo soprano and musicologist, sings their praises.

Designer Love Hate MARI Florence Aldous Jess Ribeiro Mari Samuelsen Beatrice Price: Harding CD $19.95 DG. 4835869. 2CDs. Symphonies CD $22.95 $34.95 $26.95 Nos. 1 & 4 $39.95 Like Jess Ribeiro’s MARI – Norwegian Fort Smith At first glance, previous work, violinist Mari Symphony & this could be Love Hate makes Samuelsen’s first solo John Jeter labelled an album good use of recording for Deutsche Grammophon – is Naxos. 8559827. $12.95 of background music, but it’s so much more musical elements from the 1960s – strong an ‘urge to live slow … to keep yourself, your Florence Price, the first African American than that. The songs of Designer are relaxed, guitar lines, organs and psychedelic, echoey life and your mind in balance’. This beautiful woman to gain recognition as a symphonic but complex too. Harding’s songwriting vocals – think Jefferson Airplane playing recording consistently moves our Readings composer, was remarkable. As this recent Naxos is satisfying and full of pleasant musical a Johnston Street rock ‘n’ roll dive bar in customers, some lingering in store just to recording of the first and fourth symphonies surprises. Her voice is breezy and ethereal, 2019. This is the perfect album for all your listen to Samuelsen’s extraordinary playing attests, her relative obscurity certainly isn’t the sonic cherry on top of these already long summer road trip needs. and ambient repertoire choices. because of the quality of her music: Price was without doubt an exceptional symphonist. very accomplished tracks. Rise The Return Ghosteen Jess Gillam J.S. Bach: Cello Sampa the Decca. 4834862. Nick Cave & Suite (arranged Great $29.95 for violin) the Bad Seeds CD $19.95 At only twenty years of CD $24.95 Rachel Podger $44.95 age, Jess Gillam was the Channel Classics. $49.95 Sampa Tembo first ever saxophonist CCSSA41119. 2CDs. Penned in the continues the to reach the final of the BBC Young Musician $39.95 years following meteoric rise of of the Year award. Rise – Gillam’s solo debut Rachel Podger, a master of baroque violin the tragic death her career with The Return. This album album for Decca – traverses a wide range of with an impressive discography, has added a of Nick Cave’s teenage son in 2015, Ghosteen proves that Sampa the Great is an artist who repertoire from Dowland to Kate Bush, and new string to her bow: she has made perhaps is an astonishing achievement. Here Cave’s is able to capture all of the electricity of her is testament to her award-winning brilliance the first violin transcription and recording of iconic, gothic vocals are lifted up by choral live performances in record form. Filled with and fine musicianship. Bach’s cello suites. After taking a moment to arrangements, and gentle, sometimes delightful Afro-funk grooves and Sampa’s adjust to the higher sound world, Podger’s Bach singular, instrumental parts. Settle in and amazing flow, this album is addictive. Maddalena and arrangements make for enjoyable listening. make sure you take the time to properly soak the Prince up this pared back, quietly beautiful album. Cuz I Love Maddalena Del Terry Riley: Sun You Gobbo Rings Remind Me DG. 4818034. $24.95 Kronos Quartet Tomorrow Maddalena and the Nonesuch. CD $19.95 Sharon Van Prince is the second of 7559792586. $24.95 $39.95 Etten Maddalena del Gobbo’s concept albums for To mark the fiftieth CD $19.95 Deutsche Grammophon, following on from anniversary of the first has lived at the $44.95 Henriette: The Princess of the Viol. Moving moon landing, Kronos Quartet has released top of the charts Sharon Van forward in time and shifting from France to their recording of Terry Riley’s unusual since its release in April, and Lizzo has Etten’s voice Germany, the repertoire includes baryton composition Sun Rings. Sun Rings incorporates been touring the world with her catchy, is powerfully emotive in this nostalgic, music by lesser-known composers Andreas pre-recorded space sounds, provided by none sunny brand of hip-hop to sold-out shows pensive album, and each of its ten tracks are Lidl, Franz Hammer, and Luigi Tommasini. other than NASA, the commissioning body everywhere. And best of all, every song masterfully built up to take full advantage An exquisite recording. behind this groundbreaking work. The result is on this album, banger or ballad, has an of this. Remind Me Tomorrow is the kind of beautiful, and, dare I say, otherworldly. underlying message of self-love. album made to sing along to at the top of Mozart: Le your lungs like no one is listening. Testament Women of Anima Symphonique Note: A All Mirrors Thom Yorke Le Concert des Century of Australian Angel Olsen CD $22.95 Nations & Jordi Composers CD $19.95 $54.95 Savall Thom Yorke’s Alia Vox. Various Artists $42.95 AVSA9934. 2CDs. $29.95 Anima will take ABC Classics. This is a different Jordi Savall – gambist, musical director 4817995. 2CDs. $26.95 kind of record your ears on a strange and and prolific recording artist – leads his To coincide with International Women’s Day for Angel Olsen. orchestra Le Concerts des Nations in a 2019, ABC Classics released Women of Note While her previous beautiful journey. This album is inspired by Yorke’s obsession with dreams, and pits his dazzling performance of Mozart’s last – a 2CD collection of music by Australian records have centred on stripped-back three symphonies, alongside ‘Maurerische women. Some music here will be familiar to vocals and reverb-drenched guitar, in All delicately piercing vocals against echoey synths and looping, pulsing rhythms. Be Trauermusik’ (‘Masonic Funeral Music’). Under listeners, and some will be less so. Regardless, Mirrors Olsen adds synths and orchestral Savall’s direction the orchestra is magnificent, all of it has merit, and the collection arrangements to her repertoire. The tracks sure to also check out the short film created to accompany this album. producing a luscious sound that one might not highlights the sheer inventiveness and genius range from epic and sweeping ballads to usually associate with period instruments. of Australian female composers. sweeter, more upbeat compositions. This is a perfectly dreamy soundtrack for summer. When I Get Mendelssohn: Beethoven: Home Piano Concertos Piano Sonatas Western Solange and Works for Opp. 54 & 78 & Stars only. Solo Piano Rachmaninoff: Bruce Was $54.95 Jan Lisiecki & Piano Sonata Springsteen $44.95 Orpheus Chamber No. 2 Op. 36 CD $19.95 This record is Orchestra Ivo Pogorelich $54.95 more abstract DG. 4836471. $24.95 Sony Classical. 19075956602. $29.95 The Boss is than 2016’s A Seat at the Table, and will Young pianist Jan Lisiecki proves his musical After a twenty-year recording hiatus, back with this take you on an exploratory musical journey chops in this recording of Mendelssohn legendary Croatian pianist Ivo Pogorelich magical album full of country and folk through the artist’s hometown of , piano concertos, for which he is both soloist is back with an album of Beethoven and influences. With a healthy dose of lapsteels, Texas. Solange is not just the ‘other’ and conductor. And young is the operative Rachmaninoff sonatas. And it was well worth a string arrangement or two, and of course Knowles – with When I Get Home she word here, considering Mendelssohn himself the wait – Pogorelich, as always, creates a stir Springsteen’s powerful, swaggering demonstrates the best way to be musically was only twenty one when he composed his with unusual tempo choices, and plays with crooning, this album is sure to become playful with jazz, R&B, funk, trap and first piano concerto. Lisiecki plays with the the compelling combination of virtuosity, another classic for the legendary artist. many more genres. requisite lightness of touch. power and fire for which he is renowned. READINGS MONTHLY 8 Best of 2019

Here are the 10 best film and TV DVDs of 2019, as voted by the Readings team. Readings Carlton’s Joanna Di Mattia (a film critic here and elsewhere) gives you the run-down.

Chernobyl 2040 $29.95 Was $29.95 HBO’s chilling $17.95 dramatisation of the Damon Gameau’s April 1986 Ukraine documentary looks nuclear power plant closely at the solutions disaster is both an already at our historical time capsule fingertips to regenerate and a warning for our sick planet and the future. Jared Harris is brilliant as stem the effects of global warming. Both a Valery Legasov, the chief scientist leading practical manifesto and a moving dialogue the clean up. Chernobyl is a haunting between a father and his child, in a time reminder that the price of silence is the when things feel mostly futile and dark, sacrifice of human life. 2040 is inspiring.

Killing Eve: Deadwood: Season 2 The Movie $34.95 $19.95 The cat-and-mouse It’s 1899 in Deadwood game between MI5 and past and present agent Eve Polastri residents reunite and deadly assassin to celebrate South Villanelle continues, in Dakota’s entry into the ever more glamorous Union. Old grievances locations, in this second season of the resurface. Ian McShane’s performance as Al addictive, subversive spy drama. Eve and Swearengen is as lively and profane as ever. Villanelle become further entwined; their A bloody and poetic end to this revisionist escapades producing dark twists aplenty. Western, thirteen years after the original Performing shrewd acts of genre subversion, series was abruptly cancelled. this is breathlessly compulsive viewing. Pick of the Litter Cold War Was $29.95 Was $29.95 $19.95 $19.95 A dogumentary of unprecedented History is the biggest cuteness, Pick of the heartbreaker of all. Litter follows five Beginning in Poland sibling Labrador at the end of Word puppies bred in War II and spanning California by the Guide Dogs for the Blind. fifteen years, this Will they or won’t they be chosen to assist exquisite love story follows the tumultuous the visually impaired? The deep emotional relationship between Wiktor and Zula – bonds between the puppies and their who can’t live together and can’t endure trainers will warm your heart. being apart. Pawel Pawlikowski uses black- and-white images to stunning effect. Top End Wedding Can You Ever $19.95 Forgive Me? Top End Wedding is $19.95 a romantic comedy This perfect time set in the magnificent capsule of early ’90s landscapes of New York recounts Australia’s north that’s biographer Lee Israel’s also a road-trip movie fall from literary favour about belonging. -based Lauren into infamy as a forger (Miranda Tapsell) wants to marry Ned in of personal letters from dead writers and her hometown of Darwin, but when she actors. Melissa McCarthy is witty and dry as arrives days before the wedding, her mum Lee; Richard E. Grant hilarious and tragic as is not there. Wayne Blair has crafted an her drinking buddy/accomplice Jack. entertaining film that also creates a new visual space for Indigenous stories. Succession: Season 1 Spider-Man: Into $29.95 the Spider-Verse This razor sharp look $19.95 at the machinations Winner of this year’s of power through Academy Award for Best the dysfunctional, Animated Feature Film, mega-rich Roy family this film introduces deserves all its critical Miles Morales (voiced plaudits. Ageing, ailing patriarch Logan by Shameik Moore) into (Brian Cox), heads a media empire he’s the franchise – a Brooklyn teen bitten by the Browse our full not willing to loosen his grip on just yet. mythic radioactive spider. But he’s just one range in-store and online at Satirical and tragic, Succession illuminates of multiple spider heroes. A daring concept the horrors of privilege and the poisoned meets a visual style that truly pushes the readings.com.au/collection/gift-items chalice of a toxic legacy. animation envelope. Dazzling fun. Available while stocks last.