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Just a quick PS that if you're not buying from Robinsons, PLEASE SUPPORT OTHER INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS. Don't go straight to Big W, Kmart, Book Depository etc unless that's your budget. There are other options, ones that ensure the future of the industry (hopefully a better one!)
(just a quick explanation that the department stores and big companies like Amazon buy stock as 'loss leaders' in which they are there as 'good prices' to attract you into the store and spend more on other things. less money goes back to publishers and authors)
Independents are absolute specialists in books! You won't find personalised recommendations at department stores. Indies can also order in just about anything you can think of (although there are extreme delays rn because of sea freight).
It's been a really hard year, and I understand that books are expensive for many people. Even just one or two books out of a whole Christmas list would make a difference if you can. Or an Australian Booksellers Association voucher that can be used at any independent.
And for your own reading, there are so many other options. Try your local library - request an order if it's something they don't have. You can join most libraries in Victoria without living in that council, so you can use Borrowbox for audiobooks + ebooks with lots of libraries
http://Libro.fm is a great alternative to Audible! Lots of independent bookshops also have remainders and bargain books (not loss leaders!) that are great for presents.
Ebooks can also be cheaper than print books and can be given as electronic gifts - some publishers allow you to buy files directly from them (such as @MUPublishing!) rather than using Google, Apple or Amazon as only options.
Instead of abebooks (owned by Amazon), try Thrift Books, Better World Books, http://Biblio.com , Brotherhood of St Laurence, etc. Your local/nearest secondhand bookshop will also be a trove of knowledge and you never know what you might find!
And if you're after something obscure or that you suspect is out of print and you truly cannot find anywhere, you can always ask the author if they know where to find it!
Join one of the alternatives to Goodreads (owned by Amazon), such as The Storygraph!
