FREE BEST OF 2017

THE BEST BOOKS, MUSIC, FILM & TV OF THE YEAR 2 READINGS MONTHLY BEST OF 2017

Fiction Non-fiction

Here are the 10 best fiction books of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. We invited our Below are the 10 best non-fiction books of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. We invited staff to wax lyrical on why these books are among their personal favourites. our staff to wax lyrical on why these books are among their personal favourites.

PACHINKO GOODBYE, THE TRAUMA KILLERS OF THE Min Jin Lee VITAMIN CLEANER FLOWER MOON Head of Zeus. PB. $22.99 Rachel Khong Sarah Krasnostein David Grann Family and history come Scribner. PB. $29.99 Text. PB. Was $32.99 S&S. PB. $32.99 together in this captivating A sharply observed, wry $29.99 This incredible literary saga that spans nearly 100 account of a woman who Sarah Krasnostein does a true-crime tells the entwined years. Pachinko follows the comes home to care for her marvellous job of illuminating stories of the serial murders multi-generational story of father with Alzheimer's disease, Sandra Pankhurst the person, of the members of one oil-rich a Korean family and their personal struggles as Goodbye, Vitamin pulls off the difficult trick of and the world of a trauma cleaner (possibly one of Osage Indian family in the 1920s, the birth of immigrants in Japan. Lee captures the subtlety being a funny book about sad things. Told in short the most interesting jobs around). As fascinating as the FBI’s homicide unit (under a young J. Edgar of human emotion with a masterful eye and and well-crafted scenes that build together to make her work is, it’s the vignettes of Pankhurst’s early Hoover), and shocking, large-scale truths about raises important questions of identity and something incredibly heartfelt by the end. life and upbringing in Melbourne, interspersed the treatment of Native Americans. Enthralling, belonging. A compelling read. – Chris Somerville, Readings Online throughout, that make it so compelling. addictive and revelatory. – Isabel Baranowski, Readings Hawthorn – Julia Jackson, Readings Carlton – Jo Case, Readings Doncaster JEAN HARLEY CONVERSATIONS WAS HERE ADULT FANTASY A WRITING LIFE Bernadette Brennan WITH FRIENDS Heather Taylor Briohny Doyle Text. PB. $32.99 Sally Rooney Johnson Scribe. PB. $29.99 Faber. PB. $27.99 UQP. PB. $29.95 A deeply personal answer to I loved this book; I couldn’t This debut from a young Charmingly written, this how we should live within a put it down. I’m an Irish writer is one of the is the story of Jean Harley, fundamentally unsympathetic unabashed fan of Helen most buzzed-about books who we never actually meet. economic system. Blending Garner’s work and have been of the year – deservedly so. Instead, we meet the people in her life who are memoir and cultural criticism, ever since the publication of The heartbeat of this incredible novel lies in its impacted when she’s knocked off her bike by a this is an inquiry into why millennials are not her first book, Monkey Grip. This portrait more witty, startling dialogue, played out between two van on her way to work. Full of heart and soul, ‘adulting’, and a sharp analysis of traditional than does its subject justice, helping to put her college students (ex-girlfriends, now best friends) this book is one of the year’s best. adult milestones. Doyle has modern Australia works in context. Bernadette Brennan has done and an older married couple. Rooney’s prose is – Gabrielle Williams, Readings Malvern nailed in this vividly observed book. us all a great favour. – Mark Rubbo, Readings dazzling, her emotional intelligence acute. – Kushla Egan, Readings Carlton MANHATTAN – Stella Charls, Readings events TRACKER BEACH HUNGER Alexis Wright A LONG WAY Jennifer Egan Roxane Gay Giramondo. PB. FROM HOME Corsair. PB. Was $32.99 Corsair. PB. $32.99 Was $39.95 Peter Carey $27.99 An honest, superbly written $34.99 Hamish Hamilton. HB. Taking us from Brooklyn memoir. Roxane Gay How do you tell the Was $39.99 in the Great Depression to describes the trauma that unconventional story $29.99 World War II, Manhattan was inflicted on her as a of someone whose bold Irene and Titch Bobs Beach is a masterful novel of America’s growth teenager, and how that ideas challenged the status quo? Enter this love cars – and with their toward global superpower. As Anna Kerrigan impacts on her relationship with food and her ‘collective biography’ of Tracker Tilmouth, strange neighbour, Willie Bachhuber, they strives to escape the boredom of work at the body. Gay writes about being large in a society Stolen Generations sufferer turned land-rights embark on the drive of their lives around Brooklyn Naval Yard, the world begins to change that values thinness, and how this makes her champion. Alexis Wright weaves shared time, Australia in the famous Redex Endurance and reveal its possibilities. It is a story of striving both highly visible, and conversely, invisible. A Aboriginal triumph and colonial transgression. trial. Along the way, they encounter wonderful and self-doubt, thrillingly alive and beautifully must-read feminist memoir. Crucial reading! characters and Willie discovers his past. The written. As close to perfect as a book gets. – Annie Condon, Readings Hawthorn – Chris Dite, Readings Carlton two-time Booker winner will surely be up for a – Robbie Egan, Readings Carlton third with this creation. INSOMNIAC SAGA LAND THE TOWN – Mark Rubbo, Readings CITY Richard Fidler & Shaun Prescott Bill Hayes Kári Gíslason Brow Books. PB. $29.99 THE POWER Bloomsbury. HB. $29.99 ABC Books. HB. Naomi Alderman A bit like many things, nothing Insomniac City – a memoir Was $39.99 Penguin. PB. $19.99 quite like anything else, Shaun about a life in New York $34.99 Prescott’s The Town might written by the partner of The year’s Bailey’s prize- Two men, friends with be Wake in Fright written Oliver Sacks – is perhaps the winner is a mad, glorious, a shared interest, set by Dostoyevsky (as a try-out most touching, tender book I’ve had the pleasure thrilling ride through an off on an adventure, to explore Iceland and its for Notes from Underground). But it’s funnier. to read. It’s the kind of story to hold and return alternative future where sagas. The Icelandic Sagas form one of the great It’s a plot full of holes and a story without end. to, a memoir of what it is to love, to lose, to live women become the dominant bodies of literature and Saga Land succeeds in Something’s always happening but there's nothing in a city and to connect. sex after waging a brutal and bloody war on conveying both its greatness and its humanity, going on – life’s a bit like that, and The Town is men. Full of brilliant insights on gender politics, – Amy Vuleta, Readings St Kilda while taking you on a rollicking good adventure full of life – running on empty. power, religion and violence, The Power has all around a strange and distant land. – Mark Luffman, Readings Hawthorn WHY I’M NO the hallmarks of a modern classic. – Marie Matteson, Readings Carlton – Lian Hingee, Readings Online LONGER GRAVITY WELL TALKING TO UTOPIA FOR ANYTHING IS Melanie Joosten WHITE PEOPLE REALISTS POSSIBLE Scribe. PB. $29.99 ABOUT RACE Rutger Bregman Elizabeth Strout An exquisite exploration of Reni Eddo-Lodge Bloomsbury. PB. $21.99 Viking. HB. $29.99 grief and loss, family and Bloomsbury. PB. $27.99 By most measures we’ve The thing that consistently friendship. These entwined A passionate, timely exposition achieved a lot in the world – gets me about Elizabeth tales follow two women, of structural racism, power and privilege, this is fewer people live in poverty, Strout is her surprising once best friends – and essential reading for anyone interested in equity people live longer, infant sense of scale. Gradually, circles back to confront the taboo that broke and justice. It traverses the personal and political mortality rates are dropping, literacy rates are all her small details, her moments of good and their friendship, and the traumas that have to illuminate race politics in contemporary Britain, climbing and there’s been no major war since bad communication, build up to a greater life broken them now. Honest and interrogative, throwing down the gauntlet for greater compassion 1939. Yet we know all is not right; in this exciting picture, all with that cold, strange, Fargo-esque infused with feeling, this is a beautiful book by and sharpened understanding. Powerful writing book, Rutger Bregman offers some solutions for atmosphere. I like it all. an accomplished Australian author. from a young writer to watch. making our societies even better. – Oliver Driscoll, Readings Doncaster – Jo Case, Readings Doncaster – Leanne Hall, Readings Carlton – Mark Rubbo, Readings READINGS MONTHLY BEST OF 2017 3

Art & Design Food & Garden

Here are the 10 best art & design books of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Readings Here are the 10 best cookbooks and gardening books of 2017, as voted by the Readings Doncaster's Ellen Cregan, an art & design enthusiast, introduces these beautiful books. team. Our Readings Monthly food & gardening columnist, Chris Gordon, gives you a taste.

LAUREN AUSTRALIANA OSTRO MR & MRS GREENFIELD: TO ZEITGEIST Julia Busuttil WILKINSON’S GENERATION Melissa Loughnan Nishimura HOW IT IS AT WEALTH T&H. PB. $49.99 Plum. PB. Was $44.99 HOME Lauren Greenfield Anyone interested in $39.99 Matt Wilkinson & Phaidon. HB. $110 contemporary Australian Melbourne-based Italian Sharlee Gibb In this fascinating, art should have this book. It food writer Julia Busuttil Hardie Grant. HB. $49.99 lushly photographed book, photographer gives an excellent overview Nishimura provides the most wonderful In this gorgeous book, the inner-Melbourne-based Lauren Greenfield, the mind behind iconic of early-career Australian artists working interpretations of dishes from Italy and the Wilkinsons open their hearts and home to share documentary The Queen of Versailles, across a range of media. This book is colourful, Mediterranean that are both recognisable and their philosophies of simple, family-friendly food. takes us on a visual journey into our society’s bright and gives fantastic insight into the work innovative. This is classy, quirky – and perfect It’s beautifully presented, with sweet photos obsession with wealth. These photographs of up-and-coming artists, successfully turning for any one of us wanting to remember that life throughout, realistic chapter titles (like: ‘When explore the divide between rich America and traditional ideas of Australian art on their heads. is, in the end, about friendships and family. Mum’s Away’ or ‘When the Kids are Away’) and a beyond, and do not shy away from depicting range of fresh, approachable recipes. the dark side of money. ANNIE SWEET LEIBOVITZ: Yotam Ottolenghi & AROUND THE VITAMIN C: PORTRAITS Helen Goh WORLD IN 80 CLAY AND 2005–2016 Ebury. HB. Was $55 COCKTAILS CERAMIC IN Annie Leibovitz $44.99 Chad Parkhill CONTEMPORARY Phaidon. HB. Was $120 Even if you’re not a fan of Hardie Grant. HB. $29.99 ART $99.99 baked goods, or sweet-afters, Chad Parkhill is a Clare Lilley Annie Leibovitz is synonymous with celebrity there’s a dish here filled with vibrant colours and Melbourne-based cultural Phaidon. HB. $79.95 portraits, and in this new book she selects 150 flavours that will make you swoon. This collection critic and bartender who writes about sex, booze, This gorgeous book gives a thorough overview iconic photographs of contemporary high-flyers is reminiscent of Ottolenghi’s salad dishes, with music, history, and books. He is – enviably – the of the works of 100 ceramic artists from all from the past 12 years. Leibovitz has an eerie talent exotic spices and complex flavourings: including cocktail columnist for The Guardian and his around the world, with a healthy representation for disarming her subjects, and in this collection are fig, rose petal, saffron, aniseed, orange blossom, first book, Around the World in 80 Cocktails, of artists from Asian backgrounds. This is an a number of beautiful portraits showing the more pistachio and cardamom. It’s beginning to sound celebrates the globetrotting history of the exceptionally well-curated book that gives great vulnerable sides of powerful people. like Christmas already! cocktail; each with its own origin story to tell. insight into the breadth of ideas being explored POH BAKES 100 by contemporary clay and ceramic artists. CHASING THE CORNERSMITH: SKY: 20 GREATS SALADS & FEATHERSTON STORIES OF Poh Ling Yeow PICKLES Geoff Isaac WOMEN IN Murdoch. PB. $39.99 Alex Elliott-Howery T&H. HB. $70 ARCHITECTURE This cookbook holds exactly & Sabine Spindler A visual biography of the Design by Toko the same philosophy as Murdoch. PB. $39.99 iconic Australian furniture Maven Publishing. PB. the Country Women’s There is a clear plan to brand, Featherston traces $49.99 Association, including recipes for crowd this pleasing cookbook: braise some veggies, favourites like sausage rolls and perfect brioche the history of its founding This inspiring book showcases the careers of 20 toss some leaves, sprinkle with nuts or seeds, buns. It considers and rejoices in the crowd- and rise to popularity. Of course, this history Australian women architects. As well as giving brighten with oils and vinegars, then serve pleasing results of a shared meal, which I love. is accompanied by beautiful photographs of an overview of each architect’s background and with bread and preserves: the most perfect Like the Poh we know and adore, this collection the chairs that made Featherston a household work, each chapter also includes a list of ‘life summer meal right at your fingertips. There’s of recipes is warm and inviting – and most name, and some excellent inspiration for lovers lessons’ from the architect in question, such as no fancy talk, no elaborate ingredients … just importantly, accessible! of mid-century retro. ‘do the most with the least’ and ‘professional recipes that make sense. tenacity is key’. Perfect for women working in MATISSE IN creative industries. IT’S ALWAYS THE URBAN THE STUDIO ABOUT THE FARMER Ellen McBreen et al. THE ARTIST FOOD Justin Calverley & MFA . HB. $80 PROJECT Monday Morning Ceres This book looks at the The Metropolitan Cooking Club ABC Books. PB. $39.99 works of Henri Matisse Museum of Art HarperCollins. HB. With a deep knowledge from the bottom up: Phaidon. HB. $95 $49.99 of permaculture and organic gardening, beginning with inspirations, moving through In this book, 120 Well over a decade ago, a group of delightful, horticultural expert and CERES in-house to sketches and then onto completed paintings contemporary artists each passionate Jewish women decided to cook together gardener Justin Calverley shows you how to and sculptures. Matisse drew inspiration from talk about a favourite artwork from New York’s every Monday morning. It's Always About the establish a diverse urban farm, whether in your a number of places, including ancient objects iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art. All the Food is their third book and is another fabulous, own backyard, a plot shared with neighbours, or from far-flung cultures, as well as items from interviewed artists have excellent takes on their nurturing treat for all of us who want to share on a kerbside verge. This is a motivating guide to his everyday life. A fresh and thorough look at chosen works – some quirky, others intellectual, our food and stories. The recipes are truly global, making all of your available outside space work. a legendary oeuvre. all insightful. This volume will inspire you to inspiring – and very easy to follow. look at old art in new ways. NATIVE: ART & STUDIO: MAGGIE’S DESIGN WITH CREATIVE SONGLINES: RECIPES FOR AUSTRALIAN SPACES FOR TRACKING THE LIFE PLANTS CREATIVE SEVEN SISTERS Maggie Beer & Ralph Kate Herd & Jela PEOPLE Margo Neale Martins Ivankovic-Waters Sally Coulthard National Museum of S&S. PB. Was $39.99 T&H. HB. Was $49.99 Jacqui Small. HB. $49.99 Australia. PB. $49.95 $32.99 $45 Studio sits at the intersection of interior A wonderfully bright Maggie Beer’s enthusiasm is evident in this Melbourne gardener Kate Herd started design and visual art. It presents a beautifully exploration of Indigenous art and how wonderful new cookbook, featuring over 200 experimenting with native plants in her photographed array of creative spaces belonging it brings to life the stories written in the recipes. She joins with Professor Ralph Martins riverside garden. Here, she graciously shares to woodworkers, weavers, stylists, and every land across Australia, Songlines includes (Foundation Chair in Aging and Alzheimer’s some amazing discoveries made along the way. creative profession in between. The book is works from dozens of Indigenous artists and Disease at Edith Cowan University) to create This marvellously photographed book offers structured around design elements, and is as craftspeople. As well as presenting these an array of delicious recipes to help fight the planting palettes and design themes, gardening much a coffee table book as it is an instruction works, Neale delves into the history and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, by providing the techniques, and an original, exciting perspective manual for creating your own studio space. spiritual significance behind them. nutrients needed for optimum brain health. on the very best of Australian local flora. 4 READINGS MONTHLY BEST OF 2017

Picture Books Junior Fiction

Here are the 10 best picture books of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Our children’s Discover the 10 best junior fiction books of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Our book specialists show why these gorgeous titles will win over your hearts and households. children’s book specialists open up on why young readers will love them – and so will you.

TRIANGLE I JUST ATE MY DIVA AND FLEA DORY Mac Barnett & Jon FRIEND Mo Willems & Tony FANTASMAGORY Klassen (illus.) Heidi McKinnon DiTerlizzi (illus.) Abby Hanlon Candlewick Press. HB. A&U. HB. $24.99 Walker. PB. $16.99 Faber. PB. $14.99 $24.99 What a conundrum, to Diva and Flea live in Paris, Dory might be the youngest in Triangle sets off through bemoan the loss of one’s forming a unique friendship her family, but her imagination a landscape of shapes to play a sneaky trick friend because you ate despite their differences. is huge. She has boundless on Square. Has Square planned a sneaky trick them. But worst of all, what if you ate the only Based on a true story, this is a delightfully sweet energy, an utterly delightful personality and too? A mischievous and visually striking book friend you’ll ever have? If only there had been tale about being brave and having adventures. a couple of irritated older siblings. Plenty of about a couple of pranksters, by two favourite some impulse control. Alas, a new friend may Quieter than Willems’ usual stories, it’s no less pictures perfectly capture Dory’s antics and picture-book creators. Triangle is so funny be a possibility. But do they eat their friends brilliant. Bravo! Excellent for beginner chapter- welcome new chapter-book readers. Dory is a and Klassen’s bold illustrations are iconic. too? So wrong, yet delightfully funny! book readers. For ages 5+. hilarious, entirely lovable, character. Hilarious for kids of all ages. – Natalie Platten, Readings Doncaster – Kushla Egan, Readings Kids – Kim Gruschow, Readings St Kilda – Kim Gruschow, Readings St Kilda PROFESSIONAL POLLY AND SUPER MOOPERS MOPOKE CROCODILE BUSTER BOOK 1: BOOK 1: MUSICAL Philip Bunting Giovanna Zoboli THE WAYWARD MARKUS Omnibus. HB. $24.99 & Mariachiara Di WITCH AND THE Sally Rippin, Fiona I wish I still had a young Giorgio (illus.) FEELINGS Harris & Scott Edgar person at home to read Chronicle. HB. $22.99 MONSTER (illus.) this with! Mopoke, the Professional Crocodile is a debonair fellow Sally Rippin Five Mile Press. PB. $12.99 nickname for the Southern who sets off for work one chilly morning and HG Egmont. HB. $19.99 Musical Markus is the first in the Super Mooper Boobook owl, is the star navigates a busy Italian peak hour. Nothing too Bursting with life, Polly and Buster is an series. Each book focuses on a Mooper (creatures of this book. The minimalist but fun nature of surprising there, but as you follow the story you illustrated story of friendship for newly from Moopertown) learning to turn their quirks the pictures and rhyming words gives parents become aware of the absence of words … and established and young readers. Polly is an into strengths … becoming Super Moopers! I adore a launchpad to create their own family reading then there’s the charming denouement; oh you anxious young witch-girl-in-training, and Buster these books: the simple, empathetic language pairs memories – its very pithiness invites the use of surprising crocodile! Absolutely superb art for is an outgoing, growing monster. Together, nicely with the cheerful Seuss-esque illustrations. funny voices and expressive inflection. child and adult. For ages 3+. this classic odd couple will warm hearts, bring – Dani Solomon, Readings Kids – Janine Larson, Readings Kids – Alexa Dretzke, Readings Hawthorn laughter and ensure that reading is always a joy. – Mike Shuttleworth, Readings Hawthorn PLAY LIKE A NOT QUITE GIRL BOOK 1: NARWHAL DO NOT LICK THIS BOOK GOOD NIGHT BRING IT ON! Jessie Sima Idan Ben-Barak & SLEEP TIGHT Jo Stanley S&S. HB. $24.99 Julian Frost (illus.) Kristina Andres Five Mile Press. PB. $12.99 This delightful ugly A&U. HB. $19.99 Gecko. HB. $29.99 Sarah is starting at a new duckling tale is about an I do Story Time every school; it’s both scary and unusual unicorn born in the ocean, who believes I loved the hilarious and Thursday at Readings Malvern and this book exciting. Sarah loves the AFL himself a narwhal. When he is swept onto land quirky bedtime shenanigans never fails to captivate my audience. Told in … what better way to fit in than to join the school’s and discovers other unicorns, he finally realises of Fox and Rabbit and a simple, engaging, and interactive way, it footy team! A funny and exciting new series about the truth. The luminous illustrations beautifully their unusual friends. Enjoy the naughtiness explains the world of microbes, where they a girl’s footy team, just in time for the start of the combine a story of gentle humour with a message of jumping on the bed, swinging from the light, live, how they get transferred, and why you 2018 AFL Women’s Season. For ages 7+. of respecting difference. Perfect for 3–5 year olds. and sleeping on top of the wardrobe! These shouldn’t lick this book (or any other, for that – Julia Gorman, Readings Kids – Angela Crocombe, Readings Kids wonderful, beautifully illustrated read-aloud matter). Perfect for 3–5 year olds. stories are a delight for the whole family and RAYMOND – Gabrielle Williams, Readings Malvern independent junior readers. THE ADVENTURES OF Yann & Gwendal – Athina Clarke, Readings Malvern Le Bec SLOW DOWN, DOG MAN BOOK Walker. HB. $24.99 WORLD GOOD NIGHT 2: UNLEASHED STORIES FOR Raymond is an ordinary Tai Snaith Dav Pilkey dog who obeys a sudden T&H. HB. $24.99 REBEL GIRLS Scholastic. HB. $15.99 desire to sit at the dinner Tai Snaith’s book Elena Favilli & Fran- It’s no exaggeration to say table like his human about taking our cesca Cavallo the Dog Man books are among the funniest family. This simple action results in Raymond time and noticing the Particular. HB. $32.99 I’ve ever read. The beloved canine cop solves becoming Dogue magazine’s best reporter and beauty around us is made slowly, too, with Both beautiful and inspiring. crimes and saves the city from evil in the most the overworked host of DogNews. Raymond clay and collage, and hidden snails to find In simple prose, 100 brave and talented women unhinged and hilarious ways. This comic book is perplexed and stressed-out, until one day he if you sit down and look closely. This is a from across the globe (and all periods of even includes flip-o-ramas and instructions spots a ball … An irreverent picture book with good introduction to mindfulness for young history) are profiled: sportswomen, scientists, on how to draw the characters. Reading was fantastically retro illustrations. children, and a lovely reminder about the leaders and activists. The illustrations are never more fun. – Leanne Hall, Readings Kids things that matter most. Great for shared stunning. Essential to every child’s bookshelf! – Kim Gruschow, Readings St Kilda story time for kids aged 2+. –Annie Condon, Readings Hawthorn UNDER THE – George Delaney, Readings Kids GINGER GREEN, LOVE SHALLOW IN THE PLAY DATE UMBRELLA FLORETTE DEEP END QUEEN: THE Davina Bell & Anna Walker Tiwi College Al Alalin- CUTE FRIEND Allison Colpoys Viking. HB. $24.99 guwi Jarrakarlinga & Kim Kane & Jon Davis (illus.) Beautifully illustrated Jared Thomas (illus.) Scribble. HB. $24.99 and sparingly told, Omnibus Books. PB. $12.99 HG Egmont. PB. $9.99 Under the Love Florette poignantly Erica asks for a pet dog but Ginger Green is cheerful, resourceful and loves Umbrella explains that no matter what scary, honours a child’s instead her dad brings back a baby water having friends over to play. This is one of three worrying or bad things rain down on you, you adaptability in the face of change. Moving to buffalo! This delightful caper showcases new books in the series published this year. are always safe and dry under an invisible a new house and losing her garden, little Mae everyday life in northern Australia, illustrated Perfect for new readers, with big print, pictures umbrella of love. With bright fluorescent learns to let go of the old to embrace the new by the students of Tiwi College Alalinguwi on every page and a pacy storyline, they’re illustrations highlighting the wonderful text, in this exquisite celebration of creativity and Jarrakarlinga. Beginner readers who love gently wise: about friendship and empathy, but this book is as beautiful as its message. the power of nature. A treat for ages 3+. mischief, hijinks and animals will adore it. also just great fun. – Dani Solomon, Readings Kids – Athina Clarke, Readings Malvern –Leanne Hall, Readings Kids – Kathy Kozlowski, Readings Kids READINGS MONTHLY BEST OF 2017 5

Middle Fiction Young Adult

Here are the 10 best middle fiction books of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Our Here are the 10 best young adult fiction books of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Our children’s book specialists explain why you’ll fall under their spell. children’s book specialists tell why these terrific titles read like teen spirit.

NEVERMOOR THE FALL THE HATE U GIVE ONE OF US IS Jessica Townsend Tristan Bancks Angie Thomas LYING Lothian. PB. $16.99 Random. PB. $16.99 Walker. PB. $17.99 Karen M. McManus Morrigan Crow is a cursed When almost-teenager Sam Angie Thomas delivers an Puffin. PB. $17.99 child, doomed to meet an witnesses a man fall from a authentic, unforgettable Welcome to The Breakfast untimely death. That is, tower block one dark night, teenage voice with Starr, Club 2.0. Five students from until the magnanimous a thrilling Hitchcockian the only witness to a fatal different walks of life come Jupiter North whisks her to adventure kicks into gear. shooting of her unarmed together in detention ... but safety in the magical world of Nevermoor. The But did he jump, or was he pushed? And why friend by a police officer. This compassionate, one of them doesn’t get to go home. When Simon adventure that follows is captivating and full of has Sam’s father also suddenly disappeared? affecting story is imbued with big emotions and is murdered, all four are suspects. This book enchantment. This new series is tipped to be the The Fall is guaranteed to produce long hours of real-life politics, complete with a wry sense of is totally gripping: a suspenseful read for the next Harry Potter! silence on hot summer afternoons. humour and a warming dash of hope. Instagram age. – Natalie Platten, Readings Doncaster – Mike Shuttleworth, Readings Hawthorn – Bronte Coates, Readings Online – Anna Rotar, Readings Carlton

BEYOND THE WHIMSY & WOE MY LIFE AS A BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT SEA Rebecca McRitchie HASHTAG MESS Lauren Wolk & Sonia Kretschmar Gabrielle Williams Claire Christian Corgi. PB. $19.99 (illus.) A&U. PB. $19.99 Text. PB. $19.99 I loved Lauren Wolk’s first HarperCollins. HB. $24.99 A modern cautionary tale: Ava, grieving her best novel Wolf Hollow, but I Whimsy and Woe – two be bloody careful what you friend’s suicide, and Gideon, really adored this sad and especially resourceful and post on the internet. Sixteen- a shy poet recovering from wondrous tale. Baby Crow is courageous children – find year-old MC learns this the some vicious bullying at his washed up on a lonely island. She’s raised by Osh, themselves living with their evil, calculating Aunt hard way, making a mistake she doesn’t realise previous school, are both consumed by their inner in a wild landscape where a meagre but satisfying Apoline in the once-grand Idle Slug. A funny story anyone can see. As always, Williams has crafted turmoil, until their Friday night kebab shop shifts existence is maintained … though her mysterious that takes the siblings on an adventure to find an instantly familiar, quintessentially Australian draw them together and back into the world. A heritage nags at her. The landscape is palpable their kidnapped parents. Mysteriously dark, a teenage story. The banter and dialogue is cheeky funny and sad rom-com that doesn’t sugar-coat and the storytelling beautiful. For ages 9–13. little creepy: perfect for Stella Montgomery and and authentic, and MC charmingly flawed. the grittier parts of teenage angst. For ages 13+. – Alexa Dretzke, Readings Hawthorn Lemony Snicket fans. For ages 9+. Brilliant. For ages 13+. – George Delaney, Readings Kids – Julia Gorman, Readings Kids – Kushla Egan, Readings Kids LINTANG & THE TAKE THREE PIRATE QUEEN THE WAR I GENUINE FRAUD GIRLS Tamara Moss FINALLY WON E. Lockhart Cath Crowley, Si- Random. PB. $16.99 Kimberly Brubaker A&U. PB. $19.99 monne Howell & When Lintang helps Bradley Jule is very strong and very Fiona Wood renowned Pirate Queen Text. PB. $19.99 smart. When we meet her, Pan Mac. PB. $18.99 Shafira defeat a dangerous Set in World War II England, she’s hiding out in a Mexican Put three (very well- mythie, she earns herself a this sequel to the much-loved resort, escaping cops. regarded) YA authors, place on the pirate crew. Lintang is a delightful The War That Saved My This psychological thriller together, and if you’re lucky, the end result will heroine – brave, funny and mischievous – and Life can also be read on its own. When Ada sends readers catapulting backward through look something like this. Three girls, forced Shafira is the perfect enigmatic pirate queen. and her brother, with their new guardian, are places, events and friendships. We learn Jule together through a compulsory school wellness Tamara Moss has created a tale rich in mythology, expected to share their small cottage with others is a calculating social chameleon and a very program, end up coming together as true friends with a diverse cast of vibrant characters and a as part of the war effort, sparks fly. A deeply unreliable narrator. If you love a twist and are to battle social media at its worst. contagious sense of adventure. satisfying novel. looking for a page-turner, this is it. – Gabrielle Williams, Readings Malvern – Daniella Robertson, Readings Malvern – Kathy Kozlowski, Readings Kids – Kim Gruschow, Readings St Kilda LA BELLE REAL FRIENDS THE BOY AND CONFESSIONS SAUVAGE: THE Shannon Hale & THE SPY OF A HIGH BOOK OF DUST LeUyen Pham Felice Arena SCHOOL VOLUME ONE First Second. PB. $19.99 Puffin. PB. $16.99 DISASTER: Philip Pullman The politics of friendship When he discovers an CHLOE SNOW’S David Fickling. groups at school can be American pilot hiding in a DIARY PB. Was $32.99 $26.99 bewildering and unfair, cave near his village, Antonio Emma Chastain HB. Was $39.99 $32.99 especially if you’re the must decide whether to help S&S. PB. $16.99 Dedicated Philip Pullman fans will relish this ‘weird’ kid, constantly on the verge of being him escape or report him to the fascists. Set in In the grand tradition of Adrian Mole, this book, in a new prequel series to His Dark pushed out. Shannon’s autobiographical graphic wartime Sicily, this is an action-packed adventure, takes the form of 365 diary entries, covering Materials. Pullman is a master storyteller, novel is excellent at showing the different kinds spare with words and big on thrills. It will be loved a year in the life of 14-year-old Chloe Snow. gifted wordsmith and creative genius. This book of friends that exist and why it’s sometimes hard, by readers of historical fiction and adventure From boy drama to mother issues, she has a lot can be read as a stand-alone, but once drawn but best, to be the sort of friend who is the ‘nice stories. For ages 8–12. on her plate. Every moment is charming and in, you’ll never let go. kind of popular’. – Angela Crocombe, Readings Kids laugh-out-loud funny. – Natalie Platten, Readings Doncaster – Dani Solomon, Readings Kids – Nina Kenwood, Readings Marketing THE EXPLORER THE SECRET SEE YOU IN THE Katherine Rundell & FROGKISSER! SCIENCE OF COSMOS Hannah Horn (illus.) Garth Nix MAGIC Jack Cheng Bloomsbury. PB. $16.99 A&U. PB. $19.99 Melissa Keil Puffin. PB. $16.99 Four children survive a A clever blend of fairytale HG Egmont. PB. $19.99 When 11-year-old Alex and plane crash in the Amazon and fantasy with a side order Two funny, unique narrators: his dog set out to attend a and are stranded in a of hilarity, Frogkisser! Joshua, empathetic and warm, rocket-launching convention frightening and exciting has the lot. A reluctant but who would rather perform a long way from home, the jungle environment. How will they find their courageous heroine trying to magic tricks than speak; and Sophia, rational compassion and loyalty of strangers are more way back to civilisation? Fred, Con, Lila and save an old kingdom, an evil Duke with a wicked maths genius, terrified she can’t live up to her reliable than that of his family. Funny and Max get to know one another under the most plan, a mischievous wizard and (my personal potential. Together, the sparks fly! Melissa Keil is heartwarming, this is an unforgettable novel for trying circumstances. For fans of Swiss Family favourite) wise, adorable talking dogs! I loved it! perhaps the best rom-com writer in YA today. This ages 9+. Do not miss this story! Robinson and Blyton’s The Secret Island. Recommended for ages 12+. unconventional love story is an utter delight. – Alexa Dretzke, Readings Hawthorn – Janine Larson, Readings Kids – Athina Clarke, Readings Malvern – Angela Crocombe, Readings Kids 6 READINGS MONTHLY BEST OF 2017

Crime DVDs

Here are the 10 best crime books of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Fiona Hardy, our Here are the 10 best film and TV DVDs of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Screen resident queen of crime (reviewing), reveals why these books made the final cut. addict Jo Case shares our hot tips on what to watch (preferably with air-con) this summer.

FORCE OF A DANGEROUS BIG LITTLE THE FAMILY NATURE LANGUAGE LIES: SEASON 1 $24.95 Jane Harper Sulari Gentill Was $39.95 Rosie Jones’ brilliant, Pan Mac. PB. Was Pantera. PB. $29.99 $29.95 compassionate and $32.99 Gentill’s eighth Rowland Everything about this revealing documentary $27.99 Sinclair book sees the vivid, immersive HBO tells the true story of Following on from Jane scandalous Rowly – heir to production works: top- notorious Melbourne Harper’s astonishing, a fortune, artist at heart – notch performances from cult The Family and its award-sweeping debut reluctantly throw his weight a superb cast (including career-high turns figurehead Anne Hamilton-Byrne, a yoga The Dry, federal police agent Aaron Falk is behind international activist Egon Kisch, who from co-producers Nicole Kidman and Reese teacher who convinced her spiritually curious searching for the missing Alice Russell after a is trying to enter Australia and spread the word Witherspoon); tart, tender screenwriting; followers that she was Jesus reincarnated. corporate training bushwalk sees only four of the against Nazism. There’s an air race, a dead body mesmeric cinematography capturing the It’s a story of illegal adoption, child abuse, five participants return. Falk is determined to outside Parliament House, real historical cameos beautiful surfaces and submerged ugliness of LSD as recruiting tactic, and the long police find out what happened to Alice – an informant and, of course, a most excellent literary time. these privileged oceanside lives; and a perfectly investigation that uncovered it all. in his latest case – in this gripping, layered story. pitched soundtrack. Wickedly good! CRIMSON LION AND FIRE LAKE GET OUT $19.95 CAME DOWN Candice Fox $39.95 Emotionally layered and Emma Viskic Bantam. PB. $32.99 $29.95 exquisitely produced and performed, this Echo. PB. $29.99 Ned Kelly award-winner and Cross The Stepford sometimes James Patterson international hit explores Caleb Zelic is recovering Wives with Guess Who’s co-writer Candice Fox has the complexities of – poorly – from the Coming to Dinner and begun a new series, trailing international adoption events of Resurrection the comedic brain of Ted Conkaffey, an ex- through one ultimately feel-good story. Lion Bay when a woman in writer–director Jordan detective accused of a brutal crime he didn’t commit, showcases the work of some of Australia’s a dark alley attempts to Peele (Key & Peele), and you come close to who runs up north and finds himself hunting for a top talents, including Nicole Kidman and sign to him for help – before being chased and imagining Get Out, a comedic horror film missing father with prickly investigator Amanda screenwriter Luke Davies, with a star-making killed. Her journey leads him, of course, back to conceived as a comment on Obama-era liberal Pharrell, who knows what horrors false accusations central performance from Dev Patel as Saroo, his hometown of Resurrection Bay, and a spiky, ‘post-racism’ that’s pitch-perfect for now. Smart can bring. A sharp, crocodile-infested thriller. the Australian–Indian adult searching for his absorbing tale of racial tensions, the scratch of and politically savvy, with a brilliant script and childhood past. drugs, and the weight of too much history. POLICE AT stellar cast, this was one of THE films of 2017. THE STATION THE SALESMAN WIMMERA MOONLIGHT AND THEY $29.95 Mark Brandi $39.95 DON’T LOOK Acclaimed writer– Hachette. PB. $29.99 $19.95 FRIENDLY director Asghar Farhadi Australia in the 1980s Adrian McKinty This beautiful, rawly won his second Best bristles with heat and human story about a black Serpent’s Tail. PB. Foreign Language Film small-town tensions in man’s coming-of-age – and $19.99 Oscar this year for the Wimmera, where emerging sexuality – in a Edgar award-winning local this analytical, deeply childhood friends Fab and rough neighbourhood of author Adrian McKinty returns, to our luck, with empathetic film about modern Iranian society Ben figure out the adult Miami, was a deserved winner of this year’s another immensely enjoyable Sean Duffy book. In under a repressive regime. The restrictions world and investigate a new neighbour. Two Oscar for Best Picture. It’s both a vital portrait 1988 Belfast, the Troubles aren’t the endearingly on life in Tehran are everywhere in this decades later, Fab is still there, wishing for more of contemporary African–American life and vexing Detective Inspector Duffy’s only problem story of a young, educated couple who find and dreading the past, until a body is discovered an intensely personal and poetic meditation on – he’s investigating who the hell shot someone in their marriage tested. A suspenseful, deeply in the river – and old secrets rise to the surface. identity, family, friendship, and love. the back with a crossbow, attempting to salvage his affecting tale of crime and punishment. relationship, and literally digging his own grave. THE STUDENT AMERICAN THE CROWN: Iain Ryan THE FORCE GODS: SEASON 1 SEASON 1 Echo. PB. $24.99 Don Winslow $39.95 $39.95 It’s 1994 and in Gatton, HarperCollins. PB. Neil Gaiman’s cult classic Netflix’s blockbuster Queensland, uni student $32.99 American Gods – a novel hit The Crown took Nate is in need of some Denny Malone is a hero to loved by everyone from a topic traditionally weed. But things aren’t the people of Manhattan George R.R. Martin to associated with waiting- right in town: his dealer’s North – a cop who cares, William Gibson – has been room magazines and vanished, his friend who looks after his ambitiously adapted for the small screen by your grandma – British royalty – and made Maya is dead, someone’s on him for 35 grand community, who isn’t afraid Bryan Fuller (Hannibal) and Michael Green, it sexy and intriguing again. (Even Prince he doesn’t have, the suitcase he discovered is to bend rules (or fingers) to keep everyone safe. So with a cast that includes Gillian Anderson and Philip, as played by Matt Smith.) This smart, causing problems. And he’s still got to get to how did Malone come to narrate this story from Crispin Glover. Watch this strange, seductive superbly produced series shows Elizabeth II’s work, and – most importantly – not die. prison? Another electric tale of murky morality by and surreal alternative universe unfold – and surprise crowning as a young queen and the the brilliant Don Winslow. then wait for season two. loneliness her position entails, shadowing her BASED ON A relationships. TRUE STORY THE DARK 20TH CENTURY Delphine de Vigan LAKE WOMEN JASPER JONES Bloomsbury. PB. $24.99 Sarah Bailey $24.95 $29.95 In this compulsive A&U. PB. $32.99 Mike Mills follows up Craig Silvey’s Australian psychological thriller, an Police detective Gemma his Oscar-winning debut, riff on To Kill a author named Delphine, Woodstock is trapped in a the quirky father–son Mockingbird was once bereft in the face of writing regional Australian town film Beginners, with voted one of Australia’s her second book, meets by her family and little an autobiographical favourite novels in a the intimidating L., who swiftly becomes a else, bitter even before the mother–son tribute to thoughtful parenting, viewer poll for ABC- part of Delphine’s life. Offering advice that death of Rosalind Ryan. Gemma’s memories of and the way culture shapes us. Annette Bening TV’s The Book Show. In this excellent film turns into commands, L.’s forceful nature their school days together sees her look beneath is stunning as Dorothea, the mother who version, directed by Rachel Perkins and with changes friendship into something much more the rippling surface of her memories to uncover enlists the help of twentysomething boarder a cast that includes Toni Collette and Hugo manipulative and ominous, leaving readers to the truth of who Rosalind was – and who, in a Abbie (Greta Gerwig) and teenage Julie (Elle Weaving, this contemporary classic is brought reflect on what truth really is. small town, is capable of murder. Fanning) to help raise her teenage son. to vivid life. READINGS MONTHLY BEST OF 2017 7

Popular Music Classical Music

Here are the 10 best popular-music of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Below are the 10 best classical music recordings of 2017, as voted by the Readings team. Readings Hawthorn’s Kelsey Oldham (deputy editor of Swampland) takes them for a spin. Readings Monthly editorial assistant Judi Mitchell, a classical musician, plays the highlights.

JEN CLOHER POOR J.S. BACH: BEETHOVEN: Jen Cloher DAVID’S CELLO WIND MUSIC $21.95 ALMANACK SUITES VOL. II Les Vents Australian music David Rawlings Slava Grigoryan Français goddess Jen Cloher’s $21.95 ABC Classics. Warner Classics. newest LP is an You’d be forgiven for 4816472. $21.95 9029591956. $19.95 impeccable set of thinking that this LP Following the success Les Vents Français have tight, heartfelt rock ’n’ roll songs. The self- is a re-release of a long-lost folk from the of the multiple-award-winning — including a 2017 recorded some fantastic, often overlooked chamber titled album is a rollicking, revealing beauty 1940s, but listen closely. David Rawlings’ (and ARIA Award for Best Classical Album — Cello music for wind. These fabulous Beethoven works that considers fame, love and marriage – as long-time collaborator Gillian Welch’s) brand Suites Vol. I, world-renowned Slava Grigoryan for small combinations showcase the remarkable always, Cloher pulls no punches with her dry, of old-timey, American folk owes a lot to Woody continues his Bach journey on the baritone guitar musicianship and virtuosity of the star-studded clever lyrics. Jen Cloher is sure to be a new Guthrie and Bob Dylan, but the lyrics of Poor with volume two. Grigoryan honours Bach’s ensemble, which includes Emmanuel Pahud (flute) Australian classic. David’s Almanack give a modern twist on a remarkable achievement in this performance and Paul Meyer (clarinet). traditional genre. proving that he rightly deserves his many accolades. SLEEP WELL J.S. BACH: BEAST A DEEPER GIBBONS: CANTATAS The National UNDER- FANCIES FOR FOR $21.95 STANDING THE VIOLS SOPRANO Seven albums in, The War on Francois Joubert- Carolyn Sampson The National have Drugs Caillet & L’Achéron Harmonia Mundi. cemented their $21.95 Ricercar. RIC384. HMM902252. $29.95 position in the American canon with The War on Drugs $29.95 Rich with spine-tingling beauty, this recording has Sleep Well Beast. Always a brooding and are known for their soaring and introspective Orlando Gibbons was one of the most versatile been critically lauded. Carolyn Sampson, considered melancholy band, their new LP is darker still. songs, and – a composers of the Elizabethan period. His vast one of the best early music sopranos now performing, Illustrated by a more progressive sound that meandering, psych-rock reverie of a record – is repertoire includes madrigals, works for keyboard, is accompanied with great sensitivity and energy by incorporates synths and vocal effects, Sleep no different. Building on their last album, Lost and fantasias for various combinations of viols. the Freiburger Barockorchester. A must-have! Well Beast shows that, even after 16 years, in the Dream, which dealt with depression and This elegant, vibrant album features a selection of The National continue to evolve. loneliness, singer still evokes his works for viols, superbly performed by ancient BEL CANTO: classic American heartland rock, but this time music specialists L’Achéron. THE VOICE LOTTA SEA inflects it with a little more inspiration and hope. OF VIOLA LICE J.S. BACH: Antoine Tamestit & Courtney LIFE IS FINE TRIOS Cédric Tiberghien Barnett & Kurt Paul Kelly Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Harmonia Mundi. Vile $21.95 Thile & Edgar Meyer HMM902277. $29.95 $21.95 On his 23rd album, Nonesuch. The viola rose from the shadows of the violin in In 2017, droll guitar- Australia’s poet 7559793920. $21.95 the nineteenth century, where it regularly graced shredding singer–songwriters laureate is feeling The phenomenal Parisian concert halls and salons. Antoine Tamestit and finally – inevitably optimistic. Life is Yo-Yo Ma collaborates with the equally amazing reignites these glory days, performing repertoire – collaborated on an album. Fine – a shop-favourite for sure – is an upbeat, Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer on a unique project. including Vieuxtemps, Donizetti and the little- ponders ‘intercontinental friendship’, writing joyful set of songs. Naturally, each track is packed Written by Bach for keyboard instruments, the known Mazas. Together with the exceptional songs, and the little things in life. Barnett with clever, narrative lyrics and sung with Kelly’s trios are performed here on mandolin, cello and Cédric Tiberghien, Tamestit sings with the viola, and Vile volley witticisms across nine lovely, characteristic everyman style. With guest spots bass. With such wide-ranging talent across genres, treating the listener to a poetic, emotive feast. guitar-driven songs – the perfect album to from the inimitable Vika and Linda Bull, Life is from classical to bluegrass, their experience brings listen to while sitting on the porch on a sunny Fine is fun and quintessentially Paul Kelly. freshness and spontaneity to these exceptional works. THE SOUND Saturday afternoon. OF SEMPER SOLIPSISM PIAZZOLLA MELODRAMA FEMINA Joep Beving Various Artists Lorde Laura Marling DG. 4797469. $29.95 Warner Classics. $21.95 $19.95 Spotify sensation Joep 9029583189. $21.95 Melodrama is The ethereal English Beving recently toured A present-day ‘who’s Lorde’s critically folk singer, is back with Australia to sell-out who’ of classical celebrate the music of Astor acclaimed, long- the sixth album in her audiences – and it’s Piazzolla on this double CD set. This marvellous awaited follow-up to short but prolific career. At only 27, her emotional, easy to see why. In a world we can barely keep album showcases the influence of tango, jazz and 2013’s smash Pure Heroine. The 20-year-old piercing, no-bullshit songs have garnered her up with, Beving’s solo compositions offer classical traditions, but also original classical has matured and it shows. Ecstatic synth beats critical acclaim. Semper Femina is affecting. listeners a chance to stop, reflect and reconnect. compositions, including his ‘tango operita’ form a solid platform to showcase Lorde’s Heavy on strings, which accompany Marling’s Played on a simple upright piano, the gentle, María de Buenos Aires and Concierto del Angel. sensational voice, her catchy-as-hell hooks acoustic guitar, the instrumentation serves to atmospheric melodies speak for themselves. A fantastic selection for newcomers, or those and wise-beyond-her-years lyrics. This is emphasise her words – and Marling’s lyrics are wanting to expand their collection. a new take on club music, and a masterful, just as beautiful as her voice. RACHMANI- dramatic album from a pop prodigy. NOV & SOUS L’EMPIRE CRACK-UP PROKOFIEV: D’AMOUR: PAINTED Fleet Foxes CELLO FRENCH RUINS Was $24.95 SONATAS SONGS FOR Grizzly Bear $19.95 Nina Kotova & MEZZO- $19.95 Another long-awaited Fabio Bidini SOPRANO Grizzly Bear can be album: American Warner Classics. 9029592460. $21.95 AND LUTE difficult to categorise. neo-folk darlings Fleet Russian–American cellist Nina Kotova is joined Marie-Claude Chappuis & Luca Pianca A band with pop, Foxes’ Crack-Up comes six years after their last. by pianist Fabio Bidini in a program of rousing DHM. 88985452312. $19.95 folk, jazz and psych-rock leanings, eclectic They have returned with another musically rich sonatas from two of Russia’s (if not the world’s) These rarely performed seventeenth-century instrumentation, and gorgeous vocal harmonies, record, which doesn’t skimp on their trademark great twentieth-century composers. Performed French secular songs, airs de cour, for mezzo- they’re reminiscent of The Beach Boys. Painted vocal harmonies. Uplifting and expansive, the with understanding and deep emotional soprano and lute, were popular in the royal court Ruins builds on these trademarks and makes Robin Pecknold-fronted band don’t hold back; each connection, Kotova’s technique is on show, from of Louis XIII. Marie-Claude Chappuis and Luca for an upbeat, more danceable – but no less song is meticulously crafted with a complexity that the tranquil to the fiery. Bidini accompanies with Pianca bring a wealth of expression, style and beautiful – record this time around. goes beyond the generic boundaries of ‘folk’. equal dedication and virtuosity. grace to this romantic art form. Gifts Games Calendars Diaries

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