Book Recommendations Archives

I love picture books in so many different ways: as stories, as works of art, as frolics, as meditations, and of course for the joy and fascination that they spark in my own kids. But sometimes I encounter a book that especially inspires me as a practitioner. These are picture books that perform their dances with such mastery that I want to stand up and applaud – and then sit down again to study... Read more

The Booktopia Book Guru asks Paullina Simons author of Bellagrand, The Bronze Horseman, Tully and more, answers Six Sharp Questions —————————— 1. Congratulations, you have a new book. What is it about and what does it mean to you? Bellagrand is a story of a passionate, troubled love affair between Harry and Gina, who are the parents of... Read more

The Stand by Stephen King Stephen King’s epic has a weaponised superflu germ escaping a military facility and wiping out 99 per cent of the world’s population. Guided by shared dreams, the isolated survivors form up in opposing groups and ready themselves for a showdown of Bibical proportions. The scope of the devastation is breathtaking, with scenes of New York City clogged with corpses utterl... Read more

I have received three copies of Oh, The Places You’ll Go in the past two years. It’s read at graduations. It’s the perfect promotion gift. It’s so good that it’s used time and time again. So good that other great picture books sometimes get overlooked. So here at Booktopia we have decide to take a stand. We have compiled a list of books which make the perfect gift ... Read more

Caroline Baum’s author interviews have been one of the biggest highlights of our year at Booktopia. Join us as we revisit the best interviews of 2013, and perhaps discover a new favourite author along the way. Writing a memoir is something of a balancing act; trying to reveal as much as possible, without oversharing or overexposing those involved. It also requires a great deal of vulnerab... Read more

“I gasp, and I’m Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he’s the serpent, and I cannot resist.” – Anastasia, Fifty Shades of Grey It is almost impossible to have missed the Fifty Shades of Grey juggernaut, as the erotic novel has skyrocketed from Twilight fanfiction to e-book to the poster-child of “mummy porn.” The novel’s titillating mix of classic girl-meets-damag... Read more

If you love a sale, then Boxing Day is for you, and with Booktopia you can get a great deal from the comfort of your couch and a plate of Christmas leftovers. Our massive Christmas to New Year Sale is now on, with thousands of books at up to 95% off. Don’t miss out on huge discounts on big names like Bryce Courtenay, James Patterson and Danielle Steel. Looking for your next great read? Lo... Read more

Merry Christmas from Booktopia! We know that you had a thousand things on your mind in the lead-up to Christmas. Kids school holiday arrangement, tying up loose ends at work, getting that barbecue working before the in-laws arrive… It’s understandable that you forgot the last relative on your present list. We can help you avoid those awkward moments under the Christmas tree. Simply ... Read more

The Booktopia team  nominates their favourite titles from a great year of books. Caroline Baum’s Picks THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS Elizabeth Gilbert From Caroline’s Book of the Year Review: I’ve said it more than once, and I will say it again, loudly. I ADORE this book. I don’t think it has found the readership it deserves because some people think ‘Oh, she wrote E... Read more

The Booktopia Book Guru asks Turia Pitt author of Everything to Live For Ten Terrifying Questions ———————- 1. To begin with why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? Raised? Schooled? I was born in F’aaa, Tahiti. My dad was an Australian surfer, living in Tahiti and making surfboards. He fell in love with Mum who was sixte... Read more