The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter, reflecting the experience (and quirks) of our Australia bureau chief, a Yank who’s convinced he has the best job in journalism. Sign up to get it by email and forward it to friends if you get the urge.

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I’m traveling in the Pacific islands this week, working on a couple of stories about geopolitics and climate change. What a stunning part of the world this is, seemingly so close and so far from Australia at the same time.

I’ll have more on that once I do more reporting and writing but in the meantime, I’m going to turn this week’s newsletter over to all of you.

[Note to newcomers: All our Australia stories can always be found at nytimes.com/au]

Below are some of the reader suggestions sent in after I asked for recommendations in last week’s newsletter. I had expected simply a favorite book or movie, but a lot of you shared far more creative ideas for both weekend enjoyment, and future stories. Love the ambition! And the range!