I got this book out from the library to take down to Franz Josef with me over Waitangi weekend and am very glad I did, otherwise I'm not sure if I would have read it!
Part way through- interesting to me as a Karori Kid, hearing about life in my old suburb from a perspective I saw every day but never considered! Reminds me of all the societal conventions and standards that others live by but I couldn't care less about. Very freeing to opt out of those expectations!
I initially thought it was a beautiful YA story about a lonely boy befriending an orphaned orca to the backdrop of the Malborough Sounds- very Aotearoa. The singing that transcends species, the connections the characters all made with each other the the emotional depth of this book nearly brought tears to my eyes. One thing I couldn't quite get over, however, was the romantic relationship between the cousins.
An intriguing horror playing in the leagues of Stephen King and Lovecraft, but a kiwi touch which just made it feel even more disturbing, being set so close to home with a world I think of as "safe".
A story of finding family, what it means to be human and choosing your own path. A cosy sci-fi-adjacent queer novel as straightforward and predictable as any other romance. I know I can count on TJ Klune for a cheerful easy read!
A New Zealand Great Gatsby, to some degree. Grimshaw writes characters who are so deep in their lies, both the ones they tell each other and the ones they tell themselves, that you get the sense the story you're being told isn't the story of what happened. Set against the backdrop of a Northland summer, Soon asks the questions of how much does status and money allow you to get away with, and can loyalty ever truly be bought?
Exactly as it says on the tin- a brief and concise summation of the history of Israel and Palestine. It's a good opening into understanding how it got as bad as it has gotten, and why so many people default to saying "It's Complicated" when asked about it.
Very original and snappy story of a teen bride in a modernised 211AD "Londinium". Playing on historical fiction with contemporary slang and a beautiful blend in each character, Evaristo brings light to an untold aspect of the Roman Empire.
A look into growing up poor in Christchurch in the 1930's and 40's, following twin sisters Ginnie and Fag. I loved reading about the city I live in at a time I will never know. I felt connected to my grandmother while reading this, too, as the main characters were born in the same year as her and many of their daily routines bring up memories of my Sassa telling me about her life pre- and during- WWII.
A fun and exciting horror graphic novel set aboard a 1920's steam ship traveling between England and New York. Focused on the captain's son and his best friend as the ship's new owner and a mysterious guest start to pull their curiosity to its limits.
A collection of short stories. I love the way Keri Hulme writes- as if it needs to be read aloud to one or two people at a time.
An enjoyable enough thriller but I had really high hopes as I enjoyed the author's debut significantly more.A university campus thriller surrounding a charasmatic teacher and his clique of favourite students, and the cult-like murders happening around them.
On queer hedonism and world-making through pleasure
Listening to her read the audiobook made me miss her and her kindness-driven leadership more than I realised I did. An honest and empathetic recount of her life.
A fun queer romcom for when you're too tired to focus too hard. Perfect for my long train ride even if I didn't think any of the couples should get together!
Perfect airport book- easy read, absolute trash so I'm happy to pass it on to an opshop now and not have to bring it back home with me, long enough to last me two long flights!
I got into John Darnielle as an author after the guy at the CD shop telling me he writes books as well as music, and to give the audiobooks a try- Darnielle narrates as well as adding original music to the tracks. US American gothic mystery novels, more about people and grief than any real horror. A fun play on expectation and perception.