Welcome to BRTD bookstore!
From the moment Better Read Than Dead opened in 1996, it has been the quality and specialised knowledge of our booksellers that has set our store apart from its rivals.
This, together with a collective passion for books and reading, provides the ideal environment for us to excel at providing you with the best in reading.
At BRTD, we are proud to be recognised for our efforts in providing the book buying public with our special brand of service and range of titles.
We invite you to drop into our store in Newtown, or check out this month's featured titles online.
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BRTD Book of the Month - SEPTEMBER
Freedom
Jonathan Franzen
Freedom is a crackling, moving and surprisingly hopeful read, and is being hailed worldwide as one of best literary releases of the year. Plus, if you buy Franzen's Freedom or The Corrections from Better Read than Dead in September, you'll go in the draw to win a $250 BRTD voucher.
In his first novel since The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen has given us an epic of contemporary love and marriage. Freedom comically and tragically captures the temptations and burdens of liberty: the thrills of teenage lust, the shaken compromises of middle age, the wages of suburban sprawl, the heavy weight of empire.
In charting the mistakes and joys of Freedom's intensely realised characters as they struggle to learn how to live in an ever more confusing world, Franzen has produced an indelible and deeply moving portrait of our time.
We're loving...
Our Kind of Traitor
John Le Carre
Karen writes: The first thing I did when I finished this intriguing thriller was to check if the Observer article reprinted at the back of the novel was true or made up. Don't' look as you might glimpse the last page and that could spoil the ending for you.
The Observer article is on the Guardian website so unless it's an elaborate hoax I'm taking it as true.
The article is about how criminal proceeds, mostly drug money, had been laundered through banking institutions of the world during 2008 because that was the only liquidity available to bail out banks. The journalist goes onto say that there is evidence that officials from many countries helped the deal go through. The British Banker's Association have asked for evidence of this accusation.
Le Carre fleshes out this article in typical Le Carre fashion. Thoughtful detail piles on thoughtful detail until the suspense is almost too much to bear.
Perry and Gail on holiday in Antigua are two innocent British bystanders that get caught in the murky world of the Russian criminal underworld and the British secret service. It's unclear which organisation is more self serving and ruthless. More plot details would ruin the unfolding story.
Remember back in 1990 when Alan Jones (that radio person) had use large slabs of the Frederick Forsythe novel The Negotiator in a "factual" column about an oil crisis without acknowledging his source. This is exactly what could happen with this thriller. I'll be using it as a source at the next dinner party. Heh heh.
Released mid-September. Pre-order your copy now.
Just Food: How Locavores are Endangering the Future of Food and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly
James McWilliams
Liz writes: Interest in sustainable eating and agriculture has grown significantly in recent years, and is reflected in the sheer number of books on the topic. James McWiliams' Just Food provides a refreshing and challenging look into the food industry, and offers some controversial opinions on how to improve food system sustainability. McWilliams' central concern is how the world will feed growing populations, advocating measures such as intense factory farming, increasing the use of genetic modification in food products, and the abandonment of "organics" and eating locally as serious approaches to future food security. This idea is at odds with much of the recent literature, but McWilliams offers some convincing arguments for using technological advances to advance and feed future generations. Although not always a flawless argument, Just Food is a good read for those interested in environmental and population sustainability, and as an introduction to some of the more controversial ideas for future food security.
Shit My Dad Says
Justin Halpern
Kate writes: If you're after a laugh, Halpern's book is an absolute gem! This is laugh out loud funny. Mr Halpern has recorded an array of his father's banter and advice set alongside stories of his childhood and teenage years. Dr Halpern's quirps are often hilarious, always honest & intelligent, and surprisingly heartwarming, but beware they are often littered with profanities. While these quotes take centre stage in this collection, It was Justin's story's that I found more comical and endearing. The best thing about this book is that it's about life, Dad stories and honesty in the Halpern family where anything can happen. Justin and his brothers grow up learning not everything is pretty and life is definitely not always G rated, but their Dad/sons bond are ultimately special and to be savoured.
Kindling
Darren Groth
Jessie writes: Alternately told by single parent Nate and his 10-year-old autistic son Kieran, it would be easy to pigeonhole Kindling as the new Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. However this is an unmistakably Australian tale, which unfolds at a barbeque that is uncomfortably close to a bushfire raging in Pendarra Hills. Things start to heat up as Kieran overhears that in fact he was responsible for the accidental house fire which caused his mother's death. Having been taught by his father to always do the right thing he decides he must make amends for his part in this tragic accident by assisting at the nearby bushfire. As Nate frantically searches for Kieran they are both forced to face challenges they have been able to hide from until now. As a father of an autistic child himself, Groth captures the voice of both characters with wonderful authenticity. This is an engrossing novel which explores the joy in our own and others' imperfections.
Kanaval: Vodou, Politics & Revolution On The Streets of Haiti
Leah Gordon
Rowan writes: Leah Gordon's brutally beautiful black and white photography captures the history of Haiti reflected through the uncanny prism of Jacmel's carnival celebrations. The culmination of a weight of history both condemning tyranny and celebrating resistance – mingled with contemporary political commentary & Vodou tradition – is made manifest in these images, accompanied the masquers' own oral histories, and fascinating reflections on the history and meaning of Kanaval and its unique embodiment of arcane populism.
The Family Law
Benjamin Law
Emma writes: If you have seen Ben's writing in Frankie magazine or the Big Issue, you'll know he's one hell of a funny guy. Benjamin's witty anecdotes and longer stories about his dysfunctional but lovable family do not disappoint. Even when writing about sorer points of his family history - such as a score of deported refugee relatives, or his parents' separation - Ben's writing is tender and enjoyable, and able to see the funny side of anything. You'll be giggling throughout and, in parts, laughing until it hurts. My personal favourite scenario involves an emu head stuck in a car window (you'll just have to read it to appreciate the hilarity).
The BRTD Cambodian Building Project
During the back half of 2009, a team of BRTD booksellers, customers and friends, raised nearly $40,000 for the Tabitha Foundation. This provided housing and clean water for two villages of 150 people. In February, we took our hammers to Cambodia and built 28 houses. Read more.
Calling All Reading Groups
Do you spent hours deciding what snacks to prepare instead of reading the book? Do you hate cleaning the house before your reading group arrives? We have solved your reading group dilemmas. Not only can we advise you of suitable books, offer free copies and discount your purchases, but now, high above Better Read Than Dead we have a built a Reading Group Room. Seating 8 comfortably, 10 or 12 at a pinch, we're happy to offer free use of this facility to any reading groups looking for a new home. For information about our Reading Groups click here.
One little project we're very proud of is our Historic Newtown Walking Map. Perfect for those Christmas blow-ins, or a lttle stocking stuffer, the map, with its stunning line drawings by local artist Pamela Horsnell, will keep you busy all afternoon. Apart from the obvious significant architectural and historic locations, such as the Trocadero and Albermarle Street; St Stephen's Church & Cemetery and Warren Ball Avenue, the map also contains some of our favourite shopping spots and watering holes. The BRTD Historic Newtown Walking Map is just $6.95 post free.