The gift of reading

When it comes to books for loved ones, little ones and yourself, it's a wrap up!

- ALLEY PASCOE

The literary gems

The Transformations by Andrew Pippos, Picador

It opens in a newsroom and ends at a nudist beach. These are the first and last scenes of The Transformations, a literary delight from Andrew Pippos, award-winning author of Lucky’s. The former journo turned university lecturer draws on lived experience for The Transformations, a modern love story that unfolds in the office of a slowly dying newspaper. The author manages to make the story both sombre and sexy, a true skill! Anyone who has worked in publishing will recognise the characters and remember the sinking feeling of receiving an unexpected all-staff meeting request.

The Land of Sweet Forever by Harper Lee, Penguin Random House

This is not a drill. A new Harper Lee book has dropped. Don’t panic – but do rush to get a copy of The Land of Sweet Forever as a gift or for yourself. To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman left an indelible mark on literature. This tome captures the development of the author through eight unpublished short stories and carefully collected essays. Weaving together politics and art, youth and growth, this book connects Harper’s life and writing and draws from manuscripts found in the author’s New York apartment after her death in 2016. The collection is introduced by Casey Cep, Harper Lee’s authorised biographer.

Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner, Verve Books

“No one will love you more or hurt you more than a sister.” This is the sentiment that underpins