In an age defined by hyper-connectivity and constant stimulation, Francine Prose makes a compelling case for the solitary act of reading and the great enjoyment it brings. Written with her sharp critical analysis, wit, and enthusiasm, What to Read and Why is a celebration of literature that will give readers a new appreciation for the power and beauty of the written word. READ MORE

We read them, we loved them and now we can't stop talking about these phenomenal books! These are the novels that keep us up at night thinking about what happens next - they're multi-layered, complex and beautiful reads that will stay with you. If you're at a loss for what to read or want to find a great book for your book club, we've got you covered!  READ MORE

[caption id="attachment_6061" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Words: Catherine Milne, HarperCollins Fiction Publisher[/caption] At stressful times, when you’re down, or when you just want an instant pick-me-up or escape from reality, do you often find yourself reaching – along with the chocolate/tea/wine (name your addiction of choice) – for a book that you’ve read many times before?  READ MORE

With such busy lives, it's hard to get to all the books we'd like to read in the year. There are hundreds of international and Australian new releases in our bookshops every month, books are made into films and TV shows and it just seems impossible to keep up with your growing TBR pile. We've collected some of the reading highlights from 2017 in the hopes that they inspire you to keep plugging away at that never-ending pile of books by the bed. Maybe we just need to accept that we'll never finish the pile? Maybe the pile will just continue to shift and change as we read our way through life. READ MORE

This week, I’m thinking a lot about that beautiful Kahlil Gibran saying, ‘work is love, made visible’.  That’s just really been resonating with me, as we reach the end of what has felt like a long, hard and often challenging year in publishing and bookselling. READ MORE

On the day on which Neil Armstrong died, there was a harvest moon above the River Thames. It was a coincidence, but a charming one. It was as if the Moon was paying its respects. Going online, I wondered how soon I would see people declare that 82-year-old Armstrong had been assassinated because he was about to reveal the truth about the Moon landings. I was way behind the times; apparently that hot-headed rumour began at the moment of the death announcement. Capricorn One has much to answer for. READ MORE

Believe it or not, 'Bilbocatch', more commonly known as 'cup and ball' was a very popular pastime during the 19th Century. Can you guess which famous 19th Century author loved to play cup and ball (and was very good at it)? READ MORE

Although these appear to be old, broken ceramic bowls, not dissimilar to the broken china you keep at the back of a drawer and one day hope to piece back together, these bowls tell the tale of an extraordinary and heartbreaking moment in history. When Lars Tharp of Antiques Roadshow came across these oriental nesting bowls, he was intrigued that they had seemingly been glued together! READ MORE

Struggling to find a discussion worthy read for your book club? We've put together a list of the perfect accompaniments for that cheese platter and bottle of red you have gearing to go. All book clubs are different so depending on what tickles your fancy have a gander at the list below. READ MORE

We all know that cheese and wine are a match made in heaven, but did you ever think of adding books into the equation? We can't think of anything better than a chilly evening by the fire with a healthy selection of cheeses, some excellent wine and a stunning read... But what to read? We've pulled together a list of complementary pairings to help you find the right read for you! READ MORE