Nectar: A Novel of Temptation by Lily Prior
This is a laugh-out-loud hilarious, sensual and captivating story. The heroine Ramona is a shameless, fleshy albino whose intoxicating magic smell drives men to commit adultery, financial ruin, even suicide.
Tara Ali, Features Editor

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I wanted to hate it, I wanted to so bad... but this was the ultimate in holiday escapism.
Caelia Corse, Beauty Editor

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
I loved this poetic and sad love story set amongst the backdrop of summer in Japan. It read like a love song and was culturally insightful.
Amy Gentle, Picture Editor

The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
One of the most charming novels I’ve come across. Filled with romance, ambition, murder and revenge, I found myself cancelling plans so I could keep reading. The heroine, Fiona Finnegan, has so much strength, heart and courage I was cheering for her long after I’d finished the book.
Crystelle Coulon, Senior Writer

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
It's quite mad – as is the book's flabby and fatuous protagonist, Ignatius Reilly. Sheer brilliance, and fucking hilarious. I actually found myself slapping my thigh and guffawing at some points.
Alison Turner, Chief Sub Editor

Me Talk Pretty One Day, by David Sedaris
Brilliantly funny, perfectly constructed stories from Sedaris' life. Makes me weep with a) laughter b) jealousy
Emma Anderson, Deputy Editor

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
It’s a simple fable, based on simple truths about life, love and spiritual fulfilment.
Felicity Harley, Editor

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Engaging and quirky story of a boy struggling to understand the death of his father, who was killed on September 11th. Sad, touching and very funny.
Zara Cronin, Contributing Designer

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
This book makes you assess life, and I read it at the perfect time, when I was about 19 and figuring out who I was. I felt proud for getting what it was all about.
Alice Ellis, Features Writer

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas
Talking about this book with friends is its major appeal; it’s a slice of modern Australian life that brings up moral, cultural and sexual discussions.

Renee Childs, Online Editor

One Day by David Nicholls
It's rare that I'll ever finish a book, but I managed to read this over the space of a weekend, which speaks volumes. It’s a modern-day take on When Harry Met Sally, following the lives of two best mates trying to make sense of the world.
Alice Treloar, Editorial Coordinator

Watermelon by Marian Keyes
I consumed it. Then continued to feed my addiction with all that Keyes has ever written.

Lisa Balemi, Deputy Art Director

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Set in India in the 1970s, A Fine Balance is not an easy read – prepare to have your heart broken again and again – but there is so much to learn and understand from it. An eye-opening, tragic story that will very likely change your view of life and the world.

Greer Boulting, Sub Editor

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