Culture
Books
The one thing that put David Sedaris off moving to Australia
In his new essay collection, the beloved US writer reflects on his travels to Australia – and why he would be reluctant to move here.
- by Pat Sheil
Latest
Opinion
WordPlay
Jump, pivot, circle back: Is this an office meeting or a basketball game?
Our daily jargon has become more physically active than we are.
- by David Astle
Hit or miss? Our take on the week’s biggest new book releases
From a queer coming-of-age novel and serial killer family secrets to children’s books, cancer care and climate policy, this week’s books take readers in all directions.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp
Life lessons from Hannibal Lecter? The 10 literary characters who give the best advice
They may not be talking directly to you, but there is much to be learnt from advice dispatched by well-known characters from much-loved books.
- by Claire Allfree
Your favourite journalists’ favourite books from the first half of 2026
You might know our journalists and editors through the stories they write, but what are they reading when they’re off the clock?
- by Melanie Kembrey
This music biography is 600 pages long – and still I wanted more
Bob Spitz’s deep-cut history proves that even after 64 years of chaos, you can never have too much of the Rolling Stones.
- by David Free
Marjane Satrapi, author of comic-book memoir Persepolis, dies aged 56
The Iranian-French author’s graphic novel series introduced millions of readers to the struggles of ordinary Iranians during the Islamic Revolution.
- by Amelia Nierenberg and Ségolène Le Stradic
Everyone said her mother was a selkie. The truth was far darker
Legends, family secrets and a long-buried mystery collide in Lauren Keegan’s new novel.
- by Candida Baker
The things our parents don’t talk about (and why we’re finally listening)
Rebirth is an affecting chronicle of a family’s day-to-day in a country falling in on itself, pulsating with tragedy and resilience.
- by Sarah Ayoub
Sad or stressed? I promise this book will make you feel better
When so many contemporary novels seem laced with the internet’s house style, this novel feels almost radical.
- by Melanie Kembrey
Exclusive
Literature
Sydney Writers’ Festival director steps down as leadership shake-up continues
Ann Mossop exits after record ticket sales and a challenging year navigating political debate.
- by Melanie Kembrey