This week's curated selection from Guardian Australia offers a fascinating journey through the human senses, sporting history, and a visual record of our times. The 'Five Great Reads' column, published on 9th January 2026, compiles standout journalism that challenges perception and chronicles legacy.
When Words Have a Flavour: The World of Synaesthesia
One of the featured pieces delves into the extraordinary neurological condition known as synaesthesia. For individuals with this trait, the stimulation of one sense automatically triggers a perception in another. The article provides a vivid exploration of what it is like to literally taste words or see colours associated with specific sounds or numbers. This blending of the senses offers a unique window into the diverse ways human brains can interpret the world, moving beyond metaphor to lived sensory experience.
A Century at the Crease: The World's Oldest Test Cricketer
In a remarkable tribute to longevity and skill, another read profiles the world's oldest living Test cricketer. This feature goes beyond mere statistics, capturing the personal history, memories of a bygone sporting era, and the reflections of a centenarian who witnessed the game's evolution firsthand. It's a poignant look at a living link to cricket's rich history and the character required to excel at the highest level.
A Visual Chronicle: Capturing the 21st Century
The third highlighted article takes a powerful, photographic approach to contemporary history. It presents a collection of images that define the 21st century so far, documenting everything from technological leaps and social movements to environmental challenges and global events. This visual narrative serves as both a record and a reflection on the complex, often turbulent journey of recent decades, reminding readers of the moments that have shaped the current world.
Guardian Australia's 'Five Great Reads' serves as an essential weekly digest, pulling together diverse and high-quality journalism from across its platform. The edition from January 2026 successfully connects a scientific curiosity about human perception, a deeply personal sporting biography, and a collective visual history, demonstrating the publication's commitment to covering a broad spectrum of human interest and current affairs.
