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The June 4 Edition

Welcome to the special Winter Reading Edit. It’s packed with recommendations, perfect for chilly weekend days and early-to-bed bliss. Plus 10 prominent women share the books that changed their lives.

15 stories
Clockwise from top left: Melanie Bracewell, Dami Im, Tasma Walton, Kate Jenkinson, Kate Ceberano, Nakkiah Lui.

10 prominent women reveal the book that changed their lives

From Kate Ceberano to Dami Im: 10 women on their favourite book, the lessons it imparted and why it holds a special place on their bookshelf.

  • Jane Rocca

The best books to cosy up with this winter

From a stylish thriller to an engrossing family saga, here are the latest page-turners for a literary feast.

  • Georgie Gordon
Taylor Swift this isn’t just high-class showbiz, she is a real poet.

Why Taylor Swift is a literary giant — by a Shakespeare professor

As a world authority on the Bard – and a long-time fanboy of the American singer, Jonathan Bate compares her (favourably) to the greats of poetry and prose.

  • Jonathan Bate
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“I come from a strong tradition of storytellers. We carry all our stories within us.”

Stan Grant on his wife: ‘She has brought a great colour and vibrancy to my life’

“Tracey and I come from different cultural backgrounds, but it’s these differences that are the wellspring of love and support.”

  • Robyn Doreian

My daughter’s illness led to a love of writing. Now she’s working on her first TV show

A mystery illness looked certain to put Joan Sauers’ daughter’s life on hold, but it led to a love of books – and, later, writing.

  • Joan Sauers
Susan Johnson and her mother on Kythera, 2019.

It took a move to Greece with my 85-year-old mother for us to finally make peace

It’s not always competition or envy or thwarted ambitions in a mother’s complicated relationship with a daughter. It’s much deeper than that.

  • Susan Johnson

When it comes to coats, colour is king this winter

The outerwear trends from Australian Fashion Week to help build your winter wardrobe.

  • Melissa Singer
Jessica Rowe

‘I loved books as a child. Never did I imagine that I would become a writer’

Though I was a journalist, I saw myself as sharing facts and information, never as a ‘serious’ author.

  • Jessica Rowe
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Lose yourself in a novel to boost longevity

You don’t have to live with your nose inside a book to reap the rewards – just a few minutes a day will bring benefits to readers.

  • Evelyn Lewin

Streetwear, luxe and vintage jewellery: Inside a Melbourne author’s wardrobe

“I like to have fun and play around with what I wear,” says Laura McPhee-Browne.

  • Georgie Gordon

Cosmetic tattooing: A guide to permanent make-up

Cosmetic tattooing has come a long way since it began in 1902. Now brow, eyeliner and lip tattoos are gaining popularity.

  • Stephanie Darling

How to create the perfect reading room

Fill your home with cosy creature comforts to complement the pleasure of curling up with a good book.

  • Georgie Gordon
Garlic meatball bucatini.
EASY

Adam Liaw’s garlic meatball bucatini

Adding the soaked breadcrumbs will make the meat go further and ensure the meatballs are moist.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Adam Liaw
Adam Liaw’s banana biscuits.
EASY

Forget banana bread - bake a batch of these simple banana biscuits instead

These moist biscuits are a great way to use leftover or overripe bananas that isn’t just another batch of banana bread.

  • < 30 mins
  • Adam Liaw

Gemini: Surround yourself with those who celebrate your wonderful qualities

Free weekly forecast in life, love and career from renowned Astrologer Hedy Damari.

  • Hedy Damari

Other editions

The June 14 Edition

In our cover story, Heather Mitchell pulls back the curtain on her storied 40-year career, and explains why a ‘messy’ life has been key to her success.

  • 12 stories

The June 7 Edition

In our cover story, Zan Rowe opens up about embracing things that scare her, and how she gave a great love a second chance.

  • 13 stories