John's March Staff Picks

Writers who can make you experience a place that is foreign to you - so that you know how it feels to live there, what the food tastes like, how the streets smell, the sounds people make going about their lives, the changing weather and light. These writers always come bearing gifts. This month I was taken to Sicily, London, middle America and rural Oz without having to leave my sofa. The reading life doesn't get any better than that.

Slip took me to Sicily. I walked the streets, flirted, fed and swam. It was glorious to be away from Australia. The novel then teased me by promising one thing, but went on to give me something far more satisfying. Bravissima!

God I loved this little book about a sentient book. Yes, you read that right. And you will love it, too. Imagine Anita Brookner enjoying an unexpected flight of fancy.

Could not put it down. Two cops - estranged brothers - are sent to investigate the same murder. Family histories don’t get much worse than theirs. If you like your crime gritty, fast-paced and meaty, then Redbelly Crossing is for you. This is riveting stuff, superbly told.

This is a very sneaky, clever book that gets under your skin, literally. Imagine Helen Garner’s The Spare Room written by Robbie Arnott. Brilliant.

These short stories rank among the best. Not sure how Groff does it. There is a timeless quality about them. Simply astonishing.