When did buying books become an ethical dilemma?
Buying a book used to be a simple pleasure. You would visit a local book shop, browse the shelves, select…
The getting of wisdom – what I’ve learnt from listening to some of my favourite writers
The role of writers festivals has been in the news recently, with commentators, audiences and writers questioning the prominence of…
Let’s talk about books, baby
At the start of spring, as the days lengthen and the sun emerges, conversation naturally centres on the weather. We…
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
A book with a tricky structure can sometimes seem a little too self-conscious. The style can get in the way…
What book did you hate?
The question was asked in a book club on Facebook – what is the worst book you’ve read? I quickly…
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is a book overflowing with life and death, love and loss – a book that…
The busy parents’ guide to Book Day
As seen on Ten Daily This is a community service announcement for parents of children in primary school: Children’s Book…
A bookstore is far more than just another business
As seen on Ten Daily Some are musty, ill-lit and crowded with stock, tucked shyly into the streetscape, while others…
The strangeness of death in life and literature
A woman died after being hit by a train at the crossing at the end of my street. V/Line announced…
What is the difference between literary and general fiction?
A glance at the cover can offer some clues as to the genre of a book, but it can be…
