New Andy Griffiths, Korean slow food and a frontier war epic: the best Australian books out in August
Each month Guardian Australia editors and critics pick the upcoming titles they have already devoured – or can’t wait to get their hands on
July 2024
Academic journals are a lucrative scam – and we’re determined to change that
Arash Abizadeh
Giant publishers are bleeding universities dry, with profit margins that rival Google’s. So we decided to start our own, says academic Arash Abizadeh
‘People say my book gave them a panic attack’: When We Cease to Understand the World author Benjamín Labatut
His page-turning books about quantum physics and game theory have given the Chilean writer a cult following – and won him famous fans from Stephen Fry to Björk and Barack Obama
Nine Minds by Daniel Tammet review – a new language for neurodiversity
Book of the day
Twelve Trees by Daniel Lewis review – a global arboreal odyssey
Inheritance by Harvey Whitehouse review – the power of unity
June 2024
Observer book of the week
Coming of Age: How Adolescence Shapes Us by Lucy Foulkes review – deep dive into the teenage mind
In brief: The Accidental Garden; Everything’s Fine; Freakslaw – reviews
Summer reading: 50 of the best new books to dive into
The big idea
The big idea: can you inherit memories from your ancestors?
Lunch with...
Conservationist Isabella Tree: ‘Rewilding is vital for the UK’s agricultural future’
Systemic by Layal Liverpool review – the price of prejudice
The High Seas by Olive Heffernan review – the depths of despair
Climate scientist Susan Solomon: ‘Let’s not give up now – we’re right on the cusp of success’
The Captive Imagination by Elias Dakwar review – a window into addiction
‘We need other logics for our approach to nature’: the woman uprooting colonialism in botany
May 2024
Book of the day
We Will Not Be Saved by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson review – voice of the Amazon
In brief: Hey, Zoey; You Could Make This Place Beautiful; The Light Eaters – review
Book of the day
Rumbles by Elsa Richardson review – gut reaction
Book of the day
You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here by Benji Waterhouse review – the doctor won’t see you now
