Off the BookShelf - Issue 001 - 24 October 2026

“A fortnightly roundup of book and reading links.”

VIDEOOFF THE BOOKSHELFREADINGBOOKSNEWSLETTERBOOK REVIEWBOOK PRIZEBOOK LISTBOOKISHBOOKISH NEWS

10/23/20265 min read

Welcome to Off the BookShelf

PDF VERSION

Welcome to the very first issue of Off the BookShelf, a fortnightly roundup of literary links, book news, and reading curiosities brought to you by At the BookShelf.

If you’ve spent any time with me on our Facebook page, you already know my fondness for discussing books, the reading life, and everything orbiting them. This newsletter is designed to deliver even more of that straight to my visitors—with none of the endless hunting on your end.

Each fortnight, I’ll gather a curated selection of the best articles, essays, reviews, and literary discoveries from across the web. Think of it as a friend reaching across the shelf, handing you a few well-chosen titles, and saying, “You’re going to want to see this.”

So, pour yourself a warm cup of tea or coffee, settle into your favourite reading spot, and let’s dive in.

1. Bookish News

1.1 Sally Rooney’s Books Withdrawn in the UK

Irish author Sally Rooney's books will no longer be sold in the UK following her public support for a pro-Palestinian action group that the UK government recently designated a terrorist organisation. The move has triggered a rush among readers to secure remaining print copies as store stocks dwindle.

1.2 Books, Reading, Writing, and AI

Artificial Intelligence is leaving its mark on every corner of creative life, and publishing is no exception. This piece explores the growing gap between reader perception and reality when it comes to identifying machine-generated prose.

1.3 The Post-War Rise of 20th-Century British Bookselling

A fascinating historical deep dive into how post-war Britain rebuilt its literary culture and transformed independent bookselling into a cornerstone of community life.

1.4 A Field-Guide to the Brontës’ Literary Universe

Step onto the windswept moors with a detailed guide exploring the interconnected worlds, Gothic influences, and lasting impact of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë.

1.5 Why Are So Many Contemporary Novelists Not Naming the Narrator?

An intriguing look at a major trend in contemporary fiction: the nameless narrator. Why are authors stripping away identities, and what does it do for the intimacy of the story?

1.6 What was Australia’s first novel?

The first novel written and published in Australia is a multifaceted work of autobiographical and historical significance, a convict narrative and, arguably, Australia’s first work of crime fiction.

It’s a cautionary tale about the virtues of moderation, discipline, prudence and humility and the dangers of ambition and self-centred wilfulness. And it offers the English reader (for whom it was intended), a topsy-turvy world where social hierarchies are overturned and the lines between crime and corruption – and the system administering justice – are blurry.

Read the full article on The Conversation

1.7 Canadian Publisher Ends Relationship with Author Over AI Use

Québec publisher Les Éditions du Boréal has severed ties with novelist Thélyson Orélien following allegations surrounding the undisclosed use of AI in his work.

1.8 Guide to the classics: bemused by the contemporary world? The Red and the Black might be just the friend you need

On the back of my copy of Stendhal’s The Red and the Black (1830), novelist Doris Lessing, winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, says: “I was in my twenties when I found The Red and the Black – and a friend.”

It was the same for me – and I still think of the novel as a friend. It’s not because anything much good happens in it. The Red and the Black is a story of almost unrelenting hypocrisy and corruption. Rather, the friendship is with Stendhal himself – or at least his wry persona.

Stendhal leads us through the adventures of the passionate yet Machiavellian Julien Sorel, as Julien attempts to rise above his low beginnings in 1820s Restoration France. Despite being two centuries distant, Stendhal’s excoriating depiction of the cruelties of seduction, pious institutions and unprincipled ambition is evergreen.

For anyone bemused by such things in our own world, The Red and the Black might be just the friend you need.

Read the full article on The Conversation

1.9 What is Australia’s best book? Our experts pick their favourites

This weekend, Radio National will count down its Top 100 Australian books poll, in which voters picked their favourite work of any genre. The winner will be crowned on Sunday.

It’s an ambitious enterprise – around 200 years of Australian writing subject to a popular vote. And yet, if such polls get people talking and thinking about literature, what’s not to like?

Ahead of the countdown, we asked a range of authors to nominate their two best Australian books of all time: ideally one fiction or poetry, the other non-fiction. Their picks are varied and surprising.

Read the full article on The Conversation

1.10 To Read a Little or To Read a Lot?

Jane Friedman tackles the age-old debate on reading velocity. Should we savour a few select books or devour everything in sight? (Spoiler: Read a LOT!)

1.11 Why Wikipedia Is a Wonder of the Modern World

Reflecting on the collaborative magic of Wikipedia—a sprawling, crowd-sourced miracle of human knowledge that could likely never be recreated in today's digital climate.

1.12 Amazon Rebrands Kindle Unlimited to Amazon Kindle+

Amazon is rolling out changes to its flagship subscription tier, shifting branding to Amazon Kindle+ alongside expanded integration of AI-voiced audiobooks.

2. Book Lists

If you’ve spent any time on bookish blogs, you know that curated lists are half the fun! Whether you're hunting for your next club read or looking to tackle an epic series, here are a few standouts from the past fortnight:

3. Book Reviews

When deciding what to pull off the shelf next, a thoughtful review can make all the difference. Here are four highlights from around the web this issue:

4. Book Excerpts

Sometimes a quick taste is all it takes to know a book belongs on your reading list.

5. Book Awards

The literary world never runs short of accolades! Here is a roundup of recent award wins, new prize announcements, and shortlist reveals:

The End Bit

Know someone who would enjoy a fortnightly dose of literary news and reading recommendations? Feel free to forward this issue along to them!

Until next time, happy reading!

Connect

Stay updated with my online activities.

CONTACT

NEWSLETTER:

Contact Admin

Email Me via the Link Below:

© 2025. All rights reserved.