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St Margaret's College

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    MEJack

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    Boekenworm

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Boekenworm

4,976 pts
(3,234 pages read)

  • Fast Talking PI

    By Selina Tusitala Marsh
    5 stars

    Fast Talking PI can be seen as a redressing of the balance, a presentation of an itemised account of what is owing. If you want to know something of what seethes in the minds of indigenous peoples throughout the world, this is a good place to start.

  • Always italicise - how to write while colonised

    By Alice Te Puna Somerville
    5 stars

    In wit and anger, sadness and aroha, acclaimed Maori scholar and poet, Alice Te Punga Somerville reflects on ‘how to write when colonised’ in her collection Always Italicise’ – how to write in English as a Maori writer; how to trace links between Aotearoa and wider Pacific, Indegenous and colonial worlds; how to be the only Maori person in a workplace; and how – to do the mahi anyway.

  • The Night House

    By Jo Nesbo
    5 stars

    Another gripping horror thriller by Norwegian Jo Nesbo. A book within a book, which never ceases to grip the reader. A fascinating insight into schizophrenia.

  • Driving with Neruda to the Fish 'n Chips

    By Leonel Alvarado
    5 stars

    This is a brilliant collection, especially so for those who are native to a different country. Driving with Neruda to the Fish ‘n Chips (2014), is Leonel’s first collection written directly in English. Through these poems, he starts up a conversation with NZ culture, from Maori mythology to everyday rituals, such as walking into a Kiwi home, stopping by for fish ‘n chips on a Friday evening, taking a walk by the Manawatu river, learning about Maori art while visiting a Maestro at his home in Ashhurst, finding out that the sacred wood of the mighty Kauri was once used to make furniture, or dealing with his oil heater every winter. These everyday things do tell a great deal about life in NZ and demonstrate the universality of the human experience. Perhaps this conversation is his way of looking for his own whakapapa in Aotearoa. From the dual viewpoint of both outsider and insider, Alvarado examines his adopted country with a tender, quizzical eye. Without self-pity, these poems poke at dislocation and the ongoing work of cultural integration with humour and a wholly original voice. The title refers to his fellow countryman and poet, Pablo Neruda.

  • LOVEINABOOKSTOREOR YOURMONEYBACK

    By Sara Quigley
    5 stars

    In the poetry collection LOVE IN A BOOKSTORE OR YOUR MONEY BACK we see the cool contemporary voice of a young woman who travels, observes, falls in love, writes. In poised and elegant lyrics she reflects, remembers and speculates, at times speaking directly to a lover with wit and feeling, at others expressing tenderness for family or friends. Restless, unsettled, she knows loneliness, loss and grief; always she finds solace in reading and writing. Loved it!

  • The Night We Ate the Baby

    By Tim Upperton
    5 stars

    The wilfully, calmly disagreeable poems from the bundle The Night We Ate the Baby, have tenderness and courage at their heart. Both bleak and hilarious, they perturb so deeply that they comfort. The speaker of these poems is often trapped, but from inside his predicament he speaks freely. He scrutinises his subject – a film, a phrase, a loss, a terrible life-giving meal – with a razor-like eye, taking us down with him, then giving us solace. A Hitchcock movie, small coffins, a nocturnal monkey, cannibalism, the death of John Updike; these poems roam widely, finding ugliness in beauty, as well as beauty in ugliness. Reverence and disgust, violence and tenderness, longing and regret co-mingle in poems set in a despoiled Arcadia, where ‘the apple trees vomit blossom’ (‘Spring’). Distrustful of love, these poems eloquently and movingly acknowledge that love is all we have.

  • The Leopard

    By Jo Nesbo
    5 stars

    Superb crime writing, this story keeps you reading deep into the night. The plots move quickly, keep you on your toes and always surprise with cleverness and intrigue. Thoroughly enjoyable holiday reading.

  • TALIA

    By Isla Huia
    4 stars

    This debut collection of poetry, Talia, is a critique of hometowns, an analysis of whakapapa, and a reclamation of tongue. It is an ode to the earth she stands on, and to a sister (Talia) she lost to the skies. It is a manifesto for a future full of aunties and islands and light. I enjoyed reading this first published work and the compactness of the language, interwoven beutifully with te reo Maori.

  • All of Us

    By Adrienne Jansen & carina callegos
    4 stars

    An interesting collection of poetry about refugees and immigrants, their struggles, their integration, their sorrow. Very moving, and collated with the input of refugees and immigrants, thus reflecting a very real origin. Worthwhile reading and reflecting on.

  • Big Fat Brown Bitch

    By Tusiata Avia
    5 stars

    Loved it! A brilliant collection of this much-loved poet, a study in hate, in answer to David Seymour's racist accusations.

  • Rangikura

    By Tayi Tibble
    1 stars

    Rangikura, her second collection, asks readers to think about our relationship to desire and exploitation. These poems chronicle life spent in spaces that are stalked by transaction and reward. Tibble’s range of form and sounds is dazzling. Written with Maori chants, legends and prayers in mind, Rangikura explores the way the past returns, even as she tries to put it behind her. I particularly enjoyed the poem 'Little', which covers 17 pages!

  • Poukahangatus

    By Tayi Tibble
    5 stars

    A debut collection of poetry by this young Maori poet. She challenges mythology from arund the world, retelling them in modern terms. very original and engaging work, colonisation, land, work and gender are very connected in her writing. Colourful, passionare and very funny!

  • The Midnight Plane

    By Fiona Kidman
    5 stars

    A collection of poetry by Fiona Kidman. It spans half a century of her writing, and includes a chapter of her new poems. The theme is human relationships, connection and disconnection, life, loss and renewal. Thought provoking and moving in a simple, direct style.

  • Essential NZ Poems

    By Selected by Siobhan Harvey, James Norcliffe & Harry Ricketts
    5 stars

    An interesting anthology of NZ poetry from the past and the present. The poems deliver a broad insight into what makes poetry New Zealand's lyrical voice, showing what makes us distinct, joyous, challenging, moving, surprising and intimate. A true discovery of writing styles, thought and emotions. I can recommend it.

  • Killing Moon

    By Jo Nesbo
    5 stars

    A typical Scandinavian thriller, with the lovable Harry Hole as its main character. Jo Nesbo is one of those interesting authors, whose books you just have to read to appreciate. A dark but well-written plot, with a range of familiar characters and their stories, written cleverly into a new case each time. A good read over summer, to relax by. Wholly recommend it.

  • Makeshift Seasons

    By Kate Camp
    5 stars

    A poet to revisit time and again. Camp writes from the soul, this collection looks inward and follows thoughts around us and inside our own bodies. There is a sense of hope and looking forward. Observations of life and sharpness of detail are standing out. Overall, there is that incredible dry wit, which colours the words. I loved the poem, 'I think I'll remember where the cleaning eye is but I know I won't'. A collection to pick up, when you need a 'pick-me-up.'

  • Snow White's Coffin

    By Kate Camp
    5 stars

    Written while on a Creative NZ Berlin Residency 1956, this collection of poems looks at the memory of war and holocaust. Some very haunting poems, discovering Berlin, its people and understanding suffering. The final poem, Berlin, is particularly moving in its simplicity. Amazing writing.

  • Tightrope

    By Selina Tusitala Marsh
    5 stars

    Another wonderful collection of Marsh's poetry. Playful, full of humour, an ongoing dialogue with memory, life and death. As most of her work, I love her use of language, the inclusion of Samoan, and the weaving of cultures. A wholesome, and wholly enjoyable read.

  • Dark Sparring

    By Tusitala Marsh
    5 stars

    Fantastic poems by our own Selina T Marsh, a refreshing look at Pasifika literature. Her work is moving, direct, and extremely skilful. Every poem is a little diamond. A must read for poetry lovers. Reading her work makes you appreciate life in all its little facets.I can't pick favourite poems, as they are all special, but particularly moved by the poem A formal dinner, about the passing of her mother.

  • You probably think this song is about you

    By Kate Camp
    5 stars

    I like Kate Camp's poetry already, but discovered she writes short stories as well. This is a delightful collection of stories about her life, a memoir, dating back to the 70s. Full of humour and disarmingly true. A pure delight, as well as research for possible material for my AASB Speech & Drama students next year.

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