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Balclutha School

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CherieZB

9,151 pts
(5,832 pages read)

  • Agates of New Zealand

    By Malcolm Luxton
    5 stars

    Malcolm Luxton was arguably New Zealand's most foremost expert on Agates. His studio at his home in Ashburton featured over 4,000 specimens which have been collected during forty years from the mountains, foothills, rivers and beaches of Canterbury New Zealand. With chapters dedicated to specific areas in Canterbury where these Agates can be found; the photography and description of how they have been formed is fascinating. Malcolm sadly passed away at the beginning of January this year. I was privileged to have him sign a copy of his book at the North Otago Gemstone Fair; as well as owning certain 'slices' of his Agates. New Zealand has truly lost one of its most passionate Rockhounds; thankfully his son has taken up the Agate 'bug' and will carry on the legacy that Malcolm has left.

  • Trees for the New Zealand Countryside, a planter's guide.

    By John and Bunny Mortimer, foreword by Sir John Marshall
    3 stars

    The statement "New Zealand is a windy country" certainly rings true; the chainsaws blasting out around the house this morning is testament to this. Having weathered a massive storm which hit 23rd October 2025-this book has been perused over in regards to 'what' should be planted in the spaces left by numerous trees having been damaged. Some of the comments "this form is suitable for windy conditions" have been hilarious (as we look at a rootball of said tree lying some 4 metres or so high in the paddock!) I found this book to be a bit 'waffly' and the overuse of the word 'splendid' started to aggravate me.

  • The Tucci Table

    By Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt
    5 stars

    A great mix of 'honest' recipes which do not need a myriad of expensive ingredients, or five hours to prepare potatoes for 'mashing!' Tried and true family favourites, with a lovely introduction to where a recipe originated from; who it was eaten with, as well as suggestions of additions to add. Having a glut of spring onions; I made his 'grilled spring onions' recipe-his comment "If you have any left over; though God knows why you would, they're so delicious!" was 100%!

  • What I ate in one year(and related thoughts)

    By Stanley Tucci
    5 stars

    The dedication to this book reads'To my wife Felicity. To my children.To my friends.To those I loved who are no longer at my table." This is such a beautiful tribute to all that Stanley holds dear; and all around food. It is an intimate look into the life of an actor,chef, husband, father, son as well as hilarious anecdotes and incredibly honest reviews of he food which he is subjected to. It is literally a year of diary entries, which are funny and show that the life of an Actor is far from the romantic image many of us envisage. "I took a day off exercising....I mean; how long do I really want to live?" A fun and humorous read.

  • New Zealand Gardens to visit

    By Juliet Nicholas and Rosemary Barraclough
    5 stars

    An absolute stunner of a book! The photography and input from the owners as to their inspiration sets it apart from other 'gardening books' (in my humble opinion.)To quote Jill Simpson from Fishermans Bay Garden in Banks Peninsula; "I believe a garden should hit your emotions....it should be something you feel." You cannot help but be inspired by the images. It is great that it has been split into North and South Islands, especially in regards to the plants which are ideal for each region. Maple Glen and Larnach Castle feature as well as many other 'down south' properties which would be wonderful for a road trip.

  • Unwanted

    By Kristina Ohlsson
    3 stars

    There was so much detail in this book, it almost became difficult to keep up with the characters. The Author is a political scientist and works as a Counter Terrorism Officer.....as well as being an expert on Middle East conflict. It has a Swedish flavour and is an incredibly moving story; a missing child who is later found to have been murdered.The anguish of the emergency staff at the hospital and the police was palpable. It was not 'bedtime reading' material for me.

  • The Unlikely Doctor

    By Dr Timoti Te Moke
    5 stars

    Such a powerful book, Timoti writes with brutal honesty. Incredibly sad to 'see' as you are reading; the decline of a bright student whose start in life was full of promise; ripped away from him. He suffered horrific abuse, rape which led to drugs, violence, & prison. Through it all, there was a beautiful teacher 'checking in' and never giving up. His story is truly one of 'survival' and wanting to chance the narrative for so many of our young people who are heading down the same path as he experienced.

  • Taste-My Life Through Food

    By Stanley Tucci
    5 stars

    Stanley Tucci is my hero. I "fan girl" over his "Taste of Italy" programmes, follow him on instagram and think he is a fantastic actor, husband and of course chef. He has an amazing sense of humour for someone who has had his fair share of tragedy throughout his life. He is a well-known actor, but he is unpretentious and down-to-earth....he can not only write and paint; he can also cook! As you read his book, it is like you are sitting with a good friend reminiscing over past events, punctuated with the odd "F" word or two....and then there is a new recipe to 'throw' together for dinner. Having been brought up in another culture with MANY food differences; I thoroughly 'got' his candour in relation to finding authentic herbs and spices to make the meal& the importance of sitting down 'as a family' and sharing and appreciating the time and effort which went into creating the meal.The over-riding beauty of this book is that food is the connective tissue that binds us to people; he shows his love of and for people by cooking for them. The recipes are easy to follow and his mum and dad's recipe for roasted potatoes is next level. (Just swap out the Yukon Gold potatoes for our NZ "Agria" ones and you'll be fan girling over Stan the man in no time.

  • My Darling Daughter

    By JP Delaney
    3 stars

    I found the 'jumping around' between characters assigned to their own chapters annoying. The Author had certainly done her due diligence in regards to UK Adoption Law and statutory requirements as well as first-hand testimonials and interviews. There was a definite vibe of credibility to the story, but I found the ending somewhat far fetched; not my usual genre so probably just me not engaging with it!

  • Piggy-Back Moon

    By Hone Tuwhare
    5 stars

    A moving selection of poems which celebrate the late great Hone Tuwhare specifically his home at Kaka Point in South Otago.He was a very gentle and gracious man, whom I met a couple of times while 'beach-combing' at Kaka Point. For anyone who loves the beach and is familiar with Kaka Point especially: these poems are truly special.

  • The Cause of Death

    By Dr Cynric Temple-Camp
    0 stars

    Absolutely fascinating accounts of cases; some which we have 'met' in NZ news stories and others which are untold. Some of these accounts are rather gory (probably not helped by an incredibly 'tomatoey Spag Bol for dinner...) but also with candour and humour which does not take away the issue of this job seeing the best and worst of human behaviour in our own country.

  • A Taste of the Valley

    By Clutha Valley Primary School
    5 stars

    An absolute "RIPPER" of a school recipe book! The photography makes you want to lick the pages, not to mention the ingredients being everyday staples you will find in the pantry. Have made the "best cupcakes ever' and there is only one left! Great for baking with the kids as the recipes are easy to follow and incredibly achievable. Really lovely to have the names linking to the past/present students as well as a couple of 'famous' people sharing their special recipes too.....the co-host of "My Kitchen Rules" and Jo Seagar Celebrity chef. Students wrote letters to 'famous' New Zealanders requesting favourite recipes; the buy in for this has been lovely to capture in the book as well.

  • Love Birds

    By Jane Yolen
    5 stars

    A stunning wee book about the importance of friendship based on a shared love of identifying birdsong. A book close to my heart and that of my children, as we have identified a 'new' birdsong as being that of a Kaka! We have not seen it, but something chased the Tui away from the nectar feeder.....so we wait for photographic evidence to see if our identification is on the money!

  • The Garden at Larnach Castle

    By Margaret Barker
    0 stars

    A wonderful 'keepsake' to have to reminisce after visiting. Beautiful detailed photographs by Stephen Jaquiery were taken over a two year period which enables all 'four seasons' to be viewed. Inspiring attention to detail....my engineer of a husband has got a few extra jobs lined up for his trusty digger and John Deere!

  • Tasty

    By Chelsea Winter
    4 stars

    Some great recipes for the 'plant based/vegan/vegetarian' visitors these holidays. Chelsea has a laid back style of writing and her recipes are easy to follow. Her marinated zucchini salad is a must for anyone with a glut of these in their garden at present!

  • The Velveteen Rabbit-colouring book

    By Margery Williams Bianco
    5 stars

    Beautiful realistic black and white illustrations which you bring to life yourself, through the use of any medium you choose! A beautiful story now with my own personal touch added to it.

  • Sure to Rise The Edmonds Story

    By Alsop, Parsonson,Wolfe
    5 stars

    Absolutely fascinating story about the popular culture of "Edmonds" from such humble 'non-entitled' beginnings through to the iconic NZ brand through sheer hard graft and immense 'wifely' support! A really interesting and well researched 'slice' of history.....pun intended.

  • Philip Thomsen's Down to Earth Gardening

    By Philip Thomsen
    5 stars

    A wonderful comprehensive guide no matter the level of expertise you may have as a gardener. Great to have NZ content for our variable growing conditions too.

  • The Floral Dream

    By Olivia McCord
    5 stars

    An absolute stunner of a 'how to' start as a small scale flower grower/seller in New Zealand!

  • The Wonky Donkey

    By Craig Smith
    5 stars

    Hard-case favourite which my son loves. He still enjoys having this book read to him as opposed to listening to the CD.

  • Eye for an eye

    By M.J Arlidge
    5 stars

    Great read, a bit gory in some places but overall makes you think!

  • Belonging-A relationship-based approach for Trauma-Informed Education

    By Sian Phillips, Dani Melim, Daniel Hughes
    5 stars

    Pretty hard-hitting in regards to realising as you read this book; images of certain students come to the forefront of your memory in regards to the developmental trauma they have endured. A must read for anyone interested in neuroscience/ trauma-informed work& understanding & helping our beautiful tamariki.

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