Helen Speirs

Khaled Hosseini is a master storyteller, who has been credited with giving Afghanistan a ''voice''.

The late Janet Frame's works are rewarding to read because they work on so many levels. On the most ''basic'' one, she simply writes a great story. Delving deeper, there is much more.

If you aren't already acquainted with the works of Australian author Tim Winton, this summer is the perfect opportunity to dip into them.