Palmerston North Boys' High School

93,130 pages read and 7,014 team points

Team members

Sha

7,451 pts

(5,742 pages read)

All That We (Own) Know

By Shilo Kino

4 stars

All That We Know follows Māreikura, a young Māori woman navigating identity, belonging, and the pressures of sudden online fame. The story blends humour with heartfelt moments as she confronts colonisation, cultural disconnection, and personal grief. Kino creates a protagonist whose anger and vulnerability feel deeply authentic and relatable. The novel is "powerful, courageous, and timely," especially in its exploration of Māori identity and reclamation. It’s a moving, character‑driven read that captures what it means to find your place in Aotearoa.
Greenlights

By Matthew McConaughey

3 stars

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is an energetic and unconventional memoir that blends personal stories with life lessons. McConaughey uses the idea of “greenlights” as moments when life opens up and things go your way. His storytelling is humorous, honest, and often philosophical. The mix of journal entries, reflections, and wild anecdotes gives the book a unique voice. Overall, it’s an inspiring and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys motivational nonfiction. A great listen, as he reads it himself and I'll forever remember his "Prescription tiiime!"
The Parihaka Woman

By Witi Ihimaera

4 stars

The Parihaka Woman by Witi Ihimaera is a deeply moving historical novel that weaves together fact and fiction to chronicle the 1881 invasion of the peaceful Māori settlement of Parihaka in Taranaki, New Zealand. The story follows Erenora, a courageous woman searching for her husband, Horitana, who was imprisoned without trial along with other followers of prophets Te Whiti and Tohu after the Crown’s brutal, non-violent resistance-breaking raid.
A Touch of Chaos

By Scarlett St.Clair

4 stars

A Touch of Chaos is the final book in Scarlett St. Clair’s Hades x Persephone series and brings the mythological romance to its dramatic conclusion. The story blends Greek mythology with modern fantasy as the world edges toward collapse. Persephone and Hades face the consequences of the brewing war between gods, mortals, and ancient forces. As chaos spreads across realms, Persephone must confront her growing divine power and the expectations placed on her as the future Queen of the Underworld. Her relationship with Hades is tested by political tensions, betrayal, and powerful enemies who threaten to tear their worlds apart.
A Touch of Malice

By Scarlett St.Clair

5 stars

A Touch of Malice amps up the drama and I found this a better read than Book 2. Centered on Persephone’s struggle to wield her power, knowing that she could end her mother's terror she inflicts on the mortal world, the mystery and intrigue run deep. The continued intense romantic storyline of Hades and Persephone make this an easy, enjoyable read.
Careless People, A story of where I used to work.

By Sarah Wynn-Williams

5 stars

Careless People is a memoir in which New Zealander, Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former Facebook (Meta) global public policy director, exposes the company’s inner culture and the ethical failures she witnessed during her seven year tenure. She describes joining Facebook with idealistic hopes of using the platform to positively influence global politics, only to become disillusioned by leadership’s fixation on growth, profit, and public image over responsibility. Wynn-Williams details how executives—including Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg—ignored political consequences, mishandled global crises, enabled harmful workplace behaviour, and failed to acknowledge Facebook’s real‑world impact. The memoir paints a vivid picture of power, greed, and lost idealism inside one of the world’s most influential tech companies and definitely affirms all the narcissistic stereotypes of the super-rich. If it doesn't make you re-think your use of the platform, I don't know what will.
Love and Summer

By William Trevor

2 stars

Love and Summer captures the small-town secrets and emotional undercurrents of 1950s rural Ireland. A slow burn novel, told from several townspeople's perspectives and experiences where loyalty is first and love is secondary.
A Different Kind of Power

By Jacinda Adern

4 stars

A Different Kind of Power is a reflective and deeply personal memoir in which Jacinda Ardern redefines what leadership can look like when grounded in empathy, humility, and courage. Drawing on her experiences as New Zealand’s Prime Minister, she offers candid insight into navigating crises—from the Christchurch mosque attacks to the pandemic—whilst holding fast to her belief that compassion is a strength, not a weakness. The book is warm, honest, and refreshingly human, Ardern balances political insight with vulnerability. It’s less about policy and more about values, making it an accessible and inspiring read for anyone curious about leadership shaped by kindness.
The Housemaid

By Freida McFadden

4 stars

The Housemaid audiobook is a psychological thriller that hooks you from the start with its chilling atmosphere and sharp twists. Listening to it adds an extra layer of tension—the narrator captures the creeping sense of dread and the unsettling dynamics between characters perfectly. The story follows Millie, a desperate woman who takes a job in a wealthy household, only to discover secrets that spiral into shocking revelations. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and full of jaw-dropping moments that make it hard to hit pause. If you love dark domestic thrillers with a sinister edge, this audiobook is a must.
A Touch of Ruin

By Scarlett St.Clair

5 stars

A Touch of Ruin raises the stakes for Persephone and Hades as their love faces relentless challenges from both divine and mortal worlds. The story dives deeper into Persephone’s insecurities and the consequences of her choices, creating a tense and emotional ride. Scarlett St. Clair blends romance, drama, and mythology with high intensity, making this sequel feel more turbulent and raw than the first book. While some readers may find Persephone’s struggles frustrating, they add realism to her growth and the complexity of her relationship with Hades. It’s a gripping continuation for fans who crave passion and chaos in equal measure.
A Game of Fate

By Scarlett St. Clair

3 stars

A Game of Fate offers a fresh perspective on the world of A Touch of Darkness, retelling the story through Hades’ eyes. This shift adds depth to his character, revealing the weight of his responsibilities and the complexity behind his choices. The book blends romance, mythology, and intrigue, giving readers a darker, more intense look at the relationship between Hades and Persephone. Overall, it’s a compelling companion novel that enriches the series with a god’s point of view.
Redeeming Love

By Francine Rivers

4 stars
The Last Living Cannibal

By Airana Ngarewa

5 stars

'The Last Living Cannibal' is a gripping read that has us contemplating our rich history, while re-imagining the steps of our tupuna. The novel navigates the intricacies of pā life and colonization through the lens of "koko" a Taranaki elder, nicknamed the "Last Living Cannibal." Koko's wit and love for his moko, lead us through the hopes and the dreams of a people feeling the oppressive weight of a system not designed for them. Powerfully written and beautifully woven together, the story reveals to us the challenges faced are just as much from within as without.
a Touch of Darkness

By Scarlett St. Clair

4 stars

"A Touch of Darkness" takes the classic Hades and Persephone myth, gives it a modern twist, and then soaks it in angst and desire. In a world where gods mingle with mortals, every deal feels like a gamble with your soul. Persephone’s journey from sheltered (putting it nicely) innocence to fierce independence is as addictive as Hades’ brooding charm. The pacing occasionally flirts with melodrama, but the sizzling tension more than compensates. If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts myth, magic, and moral gray areas, this book delivers with dark delight.
The Women

By Kristin Hannah

5 stars

Found it hard to put down. Incredibly compelling and moving novel about the women who also served in Vietnam and the impact their service had on not only their lives, but everyone around them. A story of beauty, grace, grief, life and love that everyone would enjoy.

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Palmerston North Boys' High School

93,130 pages read and 7,014 team points

Team members

David

Kirstie

JessP

Kevin

Gerry

Sha

Scott

Jaime

Shayla Close

Haggas

Blair

KaylaK

Mr B

Nikki J

Shelley

Mikey54

Sha

All That We (Own) Know

Greenlights

The Parihaka Woman

A Touch of Chaos

A Touch of Malice

Careless People, A story of where I used to work.

Love and Summer

A Different Kind of Power

The Housemaid

A Touch of Ruin

A Game of Fate

Redeeming Love

The Last Living Cannibal

a Touch of Darkness

The Women

Palmerston North Boys' High School

93,130 pages read and 7,014 team points

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