The Summer Reading issue

‘My insecurity quickly turned into full-blown rock-lord megalomania’

Learning the congas late in life is a lesson in humility – and thumping good fun.

  • byTim Elliott

My daughter’s leaving primary school – and I’m finally coming up for air

The end of one phase of mothering brings with it an unexpected silver lining.

  • byAmanda Hooton

Food,shopping or culture clinch some people’s holiday picks. Me? Where I can swim

Mucking about in water seems tied to the best times of my life.

  • byKonrad Marshall
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The prince who bought 12,000 roses … and other tales from the floral frontline

There’s a story behind every bunch of flowers. And florists know them all.

  • byDavid Leser

‘There’s a spider in the tent,right above me’

An arachnophobe goes camping. What could possibly go wrong?

  • byFrank Robson

My tween is obsessed with skincare. How did it come to this?

When a 10-year-old wants – nay,needs – a $40 lip balm.

  • byMelissa Fyfe

Louboutins and leopard-skin:The fictional crime novelist who makes my heart sing

In celebration of a scene-stealing leading lady aged between 60 and infinity.

  • byJane Cadzow

Everyone’s allowed one boring obsession … mine is Sydney’s new Metro

For a longtime critic of the city’s public transport,finally:a little light at the end of the tunnel.

  • byBenjamin Law
Two of Us
Two of Us

Mum and daughter sailors were together 24/7 for two months – and had only ‘one tiff’

Sophie Snijders and her mum,Annette Hesselmans,spent two months on a boat together in 2018 - good training for their upcoming Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

  • byKonrad Marshall
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“Some think the artist’s job is to console and comfort. I don’t think it is.”
Dicey Topics
For subscribers

Tim Winton met his wife when he was nine. What’s their secret?

The four-time Miles Franklin winner speaks on his 40-plus-year marriage,embracing activism – and the connection between class and the environment.

  • byBenjamin Law
Modern Guru
For subscribers

Should I get my neighbour something for Christmas?

Maybe some shell-shaped chocolates or some failed home-made cookies,writes our Modern Guru.

  • byDanny Katz

Furniture by Jorn Utzon … via his grandson

Plus:get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.

  • byKatrina Strickland,Damien Woolnough,Sharon Bradley andJane Cadzow
Helen Goh’s baked custard affogato.

Baked custard affogato with meringue brittle

Two key elements of this impressive dinner party dessert can be made in advance − just add espresso.

  • byHelen Goh
Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s spiced roast chicken with cucumber and yoghurt salad.

Hawaij (Yemeni spice mix) roast chicken with cucumber salad

A fragrant spice mix from Yemen is the base of the marinade for this roast chicken.

  • byJulia Busuttil Nishimura

Is it acceptable to put ice cubes in a glass of wine to cool it down?

Plus other pro tips for serving red,white and sparkling wines in hot weather.

  • byHuon Hooke
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Good Weekend Quiz online index image

Good Weekend Quiz

Trivia buffs:test your knowledge.