A book with a fascinating backstory, this is brilliant and moving account of the centrality of racism in American life. Written for his son and in counterpoint to President Obama's message of optimism, Coates recalls his own bleak experiences on the streets, at school, and with the police and the constant threat of physical harm that Black people live with.
An absolutely fascinating text on the development and rise of visual culture. I'll be reading this one again!
So many beautiful poems ... it is a pleasure to come back to them yet again.
A NZ classic - very much of its time & providing an interesting counterpoint to poets such as Hone Tuwhare & Karlo Mila.
Reality TV meets the US prison-industrial complex in this novel: Brutal, sad and chock full of commentary on racism and in/justice.
Sometimes amusing, sometimes irritating this is a collection of accounts about "lost" countries, mostly from the age of empire and many involving European men who declared themselves kings in very dodgy circumstances.
Loved the first half of this book where the author creates connections between his characters and special trees. The second half of it lost me, unfortunately.
Staunch and honest, Espiner writes about what it's like to train as a doctor in a profession (and country) that systematically fails Māori people.
Four fabulous characters and a plot that just keeps twisting and turning. Unputdownable.
I have finally got around to reading this and loved it. A great weaving of fiction and USSR history.
I highly recommend this book as Trump begins his run again. The authors seek to understand the appeal of national populism (as they term it), avoiding easy answers,
A fun read if you like Agatha Christie - and there's an twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
A moving account of growing up in Auckland in the 70s and 80s amidst much privilege but very little parental care. Sure makes one think less of CK.
An incredibly moving account of Elliot Page's determination to be his true self - and the sexism/homophobia/transphobia and bullying that he encountered along the way.
Interconnected stories about a library that turns around lenders' lives. A sweet Japanese bestseller.
Not as "other" as I hoped. It is however a comprehensive examination of (mostly male) Northern European "greats".
A brilliant look at how the language of cults - think Instagram, Lululemon, and SoulCycle, not just Jonestown - discourages critical thinking and works to create seductive ideas of community. I would recommend this to everyone!
A beautifully written historical novel about WW I, as seen through the eyes of four characters from a small English village. Winspear cleverly depicts interpersonal dynamics as well as global events.
Mesmerising and creepy, this is like Squid Game meets The Office. A late capitalist workplace apocalypse that asks can you be a good person if you work for a unethical organisation?
Wonderfully clear and absolutely fascinating. Dunkley provides a lucid tracking of historical discoveries and speculations of ones yet to come (e.g. the nature of dark matter). Highly recommend.
It was great to finally read this sequel to The Giver. There are good themes to talk about with students but I wish Lowry didn't buy into gender norms quite the way she does.
This is a super accessible blend of science and cultural commentary on a fascinating topic. I did however wish for a bit more depth and detail!
This Booker nominated Irish novel caught me from the get-go. Murray has created four brilliant narrative voices but the best by far is the dad, Dickie, who is in total melt-down and who carries a tremendous (and heart-wrenching) secret.
There is an excellent twist at the end of this cleverly crafted historical novel!
I loved the descriptions of running in this interesting debut NZ novel.