From gripping novels to moreish nonfiction, memoir and poetry, Guardian Australia staff and critics have rounded up the best Australian books of 2025. There’s also fantasy, sex and a sprinkle of recipe books to keep you well fed over the holidays. In this remarkably shrewd and compelling debut novel, a white lie of an unnamed aspiring writer unravels. It’s also really challenging’: Zoe TerakesWait Here by Lucy NelsonShort stories, Simon & Schuster, $32.99Lucy Nelson’s poetic sensibilities are evident in her debut collection of short fiction. Gorman delves into the why, through interviews with regular people about their sex lives, as well as sex workers, sex therapists, scientists and academics.

Source: The Guardian December 20, 2025 14:00 UTC