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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 March 22 Edition

In our autumn fashion special, we chat with model and entrepreneur Miranda Kerr about her latest design project, and her wonderful blended family.

  • 12 stories

The March 15 Edition

In our cover story this week, musician Amy Shark talks about fame and film, as she prepares to star opposite Russell Crowe in her first movie role.

  • 13 stories