Culture
Books
Social media has made us more psychopathic, says author Jon Ronson
The journalist, author and screenwriter says he “got drunk” on the power of his psychopath-spotting skills after writing his 2011 bestselling novel he Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry,
- by Lenny Ann Low
Latest
Keanu Reeves had a vision. Then things got really weird
The Hollywood nice guy was on set as John Wick when he saw the beginnings of his first novel. Author China Mieville couldn’t resist.
- by Kylie Northover
Joni Mitchell’s life has been over-examined. But this is not your typical biography
Ann Powers was uneasy about taking on the life of one of the great figures from American music. The biographer’s work is a dazzling and discerning appraisal of the singer.
- by Nathan Smith
Opinion
WordPlay
You might not know it, but you’re probably a ‘citizen scientist’
The term might be controversial, but the practice has become vital to most research fields.
- by David Astle
Striking debut novel with echoes of David Foster Wallace
Reading Ask Me Again is like a long catch-up phone call with an old friend.
- by Eddie Hampson
The Victorian madame whose name lives on in popular culture
Madame Brussels made her reputation running a brothel in Melbourne. Today, she has a laneway and cocktail named in her honour.
- by Simon Caterson
Love historical crime fiction? This sensual novel will grip you
Jane Sullivan’s Murder in Punch Lane is elegantly structured and moves deftly between fact and fiction.
- by Carmel Bird
Perth indie bookshop takes novel approach to moving this weekend
Keep your eyes peeled when driving along Beaufort Street this weekend; you might see an unusual sight.
- by Emma Young
Sorry, Bumble, it’s not you. I’d just rather read a steamy book
Reality is making celibates of us all and romance novels are having a renaissance.
- by Genevieve Novak
Murder mystery and wartime survival: Eight books to read this weekend
Our reviewers cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction releases.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll
Can lessons from the past improve our lives? This book says yes
In his new book, Australian social philosopher and historian Roman Krznaric explores 10 impressively diverse “social innovations” relevant to today.
- by Kurt Johnson