Diocesan School For Girls

64,775 pages read and 4,569 team points

Team members

Susy

10,716 pts

(9,121 pages read)

Blood of Tyrants

By Naomi Novik

3 stars
Dragon Haven

By Robin Hobb

5 stars
Dragon Keeper

By Robin Hobb

5 stars

I was delighted to find a Robin Hobb trilogy that I haven't read yet. She does not fail to delight yet again. The surface storyline of dragons searching for their role and identity in a hostile world parallels the story of two women on the edges of society for different reasons. The reader is drawn into their struggles ad triumphs and motivated to stay true to themselves.
Death's End

By Liu Cixin

5 stars

The culmination of the Three Body Problem trilogy, this volume brings plenty of new twists. An engrossing and challenging reflection on the meaning of life.
Crucible of Gold

By Naomi Novik

3 stars

The series is developing a definite alternate reality, as the dragons continue to challenge human values and assumptions. The characters and storyline continue to engage and keep you reading eagerly.
House of Day, House of Night

By Olga Tokarczuk

5 stars

A collection of anecdotes and reflections that together build a deeply sensual impression of a small village in Silesia after the war. The political background of forced deportation is evident, but not laboured. Exquisite writing.
Tongues of Serpents

By Naomi Novik

3 stars

Light read - adventures during the Napoleonic wars with dragons. The characters are engaging, particularly the dragons. A fun critical commentary on aspects of our society that we often fail to critique.
The Emperor of Gladness

By Ocean Vuong

5 stars

A story of hope found in the least likely places, of how strangers can become family, and of love and despair. This is a profound exploration of what really matters in life.
Where in all the World

By Vanessa Croft

4 stars

Through the medium of a slightly improbable love story, we are introduced to interesting facts and perspectives on the early exploration of East Africa. The writing is vivid and the storyline engaging. It presents an optimistic view of women's rights at the turn of the century, with the outcome based more on the way things should be, rather than how they were. At the same time, the novel provokes reflection on whether things gave really changed when it comes to how women suffer at the hands of narcissistic partners and in dealing with postnatal depression.
Slowing the Sun

By Nadine Hura

5 stars

I was a little concerned this might be too weighty for my planned week of total indulgence and relaxation over New Year. However, while the subject matter is challenging and crucially important, Hura's storytelling and weaving personal narrative into hard-hitting political reflection makes this bith gripping and easy reading. This is essential reading for any Pakeha concerned about either decolonisation or climate change, as Hura deftly communicates how inextricably intertwined they are. While reading these essays in my own piece of regenerating native bush reassured me I was taking some productive action, the challenges of what genuine decolonisation and Treaty partnership might look like will take time to absorb. I will definitely be including one or more of these essays into my Year 12 programme in 2026.
Onyx Storm

By Rebecca Yarros

3 stars

Despite still too much teenage angst and gratuitous sexuality, this instalment of the Empyrean Saga goes deeper than the mildly disappointing second book. The underlying ideas of trust and loyalty are developed through exploration of identity and sacrifice. As always, a compelling read, perfect for a rainy summer day.
Victory of Eagles

By Naomi Novik

3 stars

Book 5 in the Temeraire Series, this retelling of England in the Napoleonic Wars (with dragons) explores themes of conscience versus duty to country in a complex and thought provoking way. Characters (including the dragons) are engaging and frustrating, without any being too good or too bad. They are rounded and credible, constantly challenging our preconceptions.
The Academy for Liars

By Alexis Henderson

4 stars

Whole the protagonist can get on your nerves with her naivety and self absorption, the story keeps you anxious for more. Against the backdrop of a school teaching the art of persuasion via mind control, the novel explores a range of ethical questions and the meaning of love and loyalty.
Good Things Come And Go

By Josie Shapiro

5 stars

Possibly even better than the first one - three intertwining lives and learning to live with the consequences of our choices, without being trapped by them
The Secret Green

By Sonya Wilson

4 stars

Sequel to Spark Hunter, a book I teach at Year 8. Even more directly than the first one, this book challenges young readers to see the beauty of the world around us and reassures them that their voice matters.
Little Children

By Angela Marsons

4 stars

The most recent adventure of Detective Inspector Kim Stone. A light and easy but engrossing detective series. Can't wait for the next one.
Nemesis Games

By James S A Corey

4 stars

Book 5 in the Expanse Series. Continues to develop complex world building with an exploration of guilt and loyalty.
Empire of Ivory

By Naomi Novik

3 stars

Napoleonic wars with dragons
The Paper Cage

By Tom Baragwanath

4 stars

A re-read in preparation for teaching to Year 12 in 2026. A tense detective novel about child abductions, with challenges to reflect on prejudice around gang affiliation, as well as white saviourism in the NZ context.
The Raven Tower

By Ann Leckie

4 stars

A fascinating reflection on loyalty and revenge
The Swimmers

By Julie Otsuka

3 stars

It is a very odd book - beginning with some semi-philosophical reflection on community thinly disguised as a story about the closure of a community swimming pool, then moving on to the depiction of a mother-daughter relationship as the mother descends into dementia.
Remote Control

By Nnedi Okorafor

4 stars

A fascinating exploration of how we respond to the unknown and the ways in which we unwillingly inflict pain on others, when our own distress is triggered.
36 Hours

By Angela Marsons

3 stars

Kim Stone never fails to deliver - tension, humour and unexpected tenderness from this most unlikely but lovable of protagonists
Sandwich

By Catherine Newman

3 stars

17 - 0 - 1

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Diocesan School For Girls

64,775 pages read and 4,569 team points

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