The Summer Reading issue

For the past six years, Summer Reading – always our final issue for the year – has featured reflections on the 12 months just gone by Australian novelists who’d recently released a new book. This December, to change it up a bit, I invited Good Weekend staff writers, together with some of our favourite contributors, to write about something funny, poignant or remarkable from their 2024. They didn’t disappoint, as you’ll see when you read their delightful essays. From Tim Elliott taking up the congas to Ben Law marvelling at Sydney’s new Metro, from Melissa Fyfe fretting about her 10-year-old’s skincare obsession to Amanda Hooton processing the end of her daughter’s primary school years, they’re a reminder of the quality of writers in the Good Weekend stable. PS. Love that cover, illustrated by the brilliant Simon Letch? All seven of Good Weekend’s Summer Reading covers are available as linen tea towels, separately or in a bundle, to dry the festive dishes at thestore.com.au/goodweekend. Great Christmas present! –Katrina Strickland, Editor