Te Manu Tukutuku South Hornby School

18,852 pages read and 1,148 team points

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JudeS

18,764 pts

(14,008 pages read)

The Middle of Nowhere

By Roemary Baird

5 stars

Finished it today- I was at school in Southland with American kids whose fathers were here working on the tunnel to Deep Cove. My grandfather was returning officer for elections on the Wanganella - I grew up hearing the stories including the one about about the mountain of beer cans it supposedly sat on. I loved reading this book it has added depth and human stories to what I already knew. A different time. Four pages of the men who died working on the project is sobering reading.
Jacinda The Untold Stories David Cohen

By David Cohen with Rebecca Keillor

3 stars

I was interested to read Cohen's book which was lauded by the more right-wing media in NZ. It is mostly well written, as you would expect from a person with Cohen's skills and based on many interviews by him and others. The quotes he uses in his A_Z section are almost exclusively from right wing and diasffected groups (VFF etc). The book was published by a company owned by a NZ-based billionaire originally from Canada who has campaigned to pull or push NZ media much further to the right. An interesting read if only to see how a writer with a predetermined position can ascribe motive to the ex-PM's actions even before e entered politics. Cohen's journalistic writing overseas has been published by The Spectator, The Telegraph and The Australian all listed as right or far right by media-bias analytical sites.
The Montegiallo School of Swearing

By Andrew H C McDonald

5 stars

Hasn't everyone thought about buying a one Euro house in Italy? An Australian does exactly that while drunk one night and the book tells an amusing tale of his efforts to live in the Italian town. It got better as the story went on, taking some unexpected turns- swearing definitely involved.
Three Cups of Dceit

By Jon Krakauer

4 stars

Jon Krakauer's book Into Thin Air is the best book I've read about climbing. I've gone on to read all his books since and I have previously read Three Cups of Tea. Krakauer has researched the issue of Greg Mortensen's lies about his times in the Himalayas and his misuse of the millions donated. Diappointing to hear what he did and interesting to figure out why.
The Stranger Times

By C K McDonnell

4 stars

Funny, reminiscent of Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams, - .
Entitled

By Andrew Lownie

4 stars

Well researched and written, but the title says it all. Appalling people.
A Different Kind of Power

By Jacinda Ardern

5 stars

An extraordinary insight into what it was like to be Prime Minister during challenging times. Well written and respectful of all those she met and interacted with.
We Solve Murders

By Richard Osman

5 stars

New characters. Another great series begins.
The Sparrow

By Tessa Duder

5 stars

A YA or adult book. The story carries an enormous amount of information about the early European settlers in New Zealand. Harriet is alone after being sent to Australia as a convict for stealing an apple. She arrives on a sailing ship disguised as a boy and has to find a way to survive in a new land
Four Aunties and a wedding

By Jesse Q Sutanto

5 stars

Hilarious mayhem with the Aunties- who learn British slang to fit in when their niece marries into an English family. A great read when you need something lighter.
Dial A for Aunties

By Jesse Q Sutanto

5 stars

Very funny - especially if you appreciate a little Singlish
Colossal Words for Kids

By Colette Hiller

5 stars

A fun way to introduce new vocabulary to kids- each word is in a fun rhyme. Words like inevitably, fallible, bravado, jovial. A brilliant resource .
The Seven Rules of Trust

By Jimmy Wales

5 stars

I read this shortly after listening to a podcast on The Rest is Politics: Leading where Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart interviewed Jimmy Wales about the book and the evolution of Wikipedia so I knew something about the content. The ideas about trust were so interesting and applicable to every part of our lives, especially now as divisions between people seem to be growing. I expect to read this again, and I will encourage my friends to read it, so I can discuss it with them.
On Tyranny

By Timothy Snyder

5 stars

A concise book that gives the reader plenty to think about, both while reading and after the book is finished. Lessons from recent history
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

By Rick Riordan

5 stars

I first read this 15 years ago and it's as good now as I remember it.
Nanny Mihi's Harvest

By Melanie Drewery

4 stars

An account of the growing year in a garden.
Curly Cat the acrobat

By Jennifer Somervell

5 stars

Another fun read about the cat with the superb tail. This one has delightful extra information about cats, circuses, trapezes and the people who perform on them.
Mother of the Nation

By David Hill

5 stars

Another biography book from David Hill that tells the story of an important New Zealander that will be read in classrooms across the country and allow the next generation to know who helped build the nation.
The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly

By Margareta Magnusson

5 stars

Brilliant. From the same author as the Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. Gentle Wisdom for aging well and spending time on what matters.
Why we Read

By Shannon Read

5 stars

A fun read about reading. Short pieces, easy to pickup and read in spare times during the day
Birnam Wood

By Eleanor Catton

5 stars

I bought this when it first came out and it's been sitting on my "to read shelf" since then. I wasn't a huge fan of The Luminaries, but this is a different case. Birnam Wood is beautifully written and totally engrossing. I found myself alternately racing through to find out what happened next and rereading parts just to savour the writing. Loved it
Ninja Kid from Nerd to Hero

By Anh Do

4 stars

Young readers will like this book and will want to read the series.
Dolphin Twins

By Anh Do

4 stars

A prolific author. This is the first in a new series. Read it for work. Not his best but the rest of the series may prove me wrong.
The Book of Guilt

By Catherine Chidgey

5 stars

This book drew me in as I gained an understanding of who the characters were, then twists and turns left me wondering what and who is morally right. Chilling.
Sunflowers don't grow in winter

By Emily Holdaway

5 stars

Story for children, recommended for 4-10 that has things to find on each page and includes facts about sunflowers. A good book to use in the classroom or to gift
Tomboy the Headstrong Horse

By Susan Brocker

4 stars
Koro's Star

By Claire Aramakutu

5 stars

I would not have picked this up to read if I hadn't had to do it for work, but it was a great book. I'll be keen to read other books by the author.
She is not your rehab

By Matt Brown

5 stars

Recommended to me by someone who met the author, I can see why this man is so inspiring. It's a hard read in places because no-one should grow up in NZ like this but his message that men in particular, but everyone really, can take control of their own life and make it better is worth the read.
Born to Lead?

By Glyn Harper and Joel Hayward

4 stars

I didn't read it all -after the introductory chapters, I read the chapters on leaders I was more interested in, Park, Freybug, Kippenberger etc. Interesting.
When the Kehua Calls

By Kingi McKinnon

5 stars

When a family move to an old house the boy has nightmares and his sister falls ill. A fascinating introduction to Māori spiritual beliefs and traditions. This book helped me better understand things a frind says and does
The only Dinosaur in School

By Leonie Agnew

4 stars

A picture book for younger children. A cute story about being different
Mad Mabel

By Sally Hepworth

5 stars

The characters are the gold in this story of an 81 year old woman who has been accused of murder several times in her life. In parts funny, heartwarming and sad.
Lessons on Living

By Nigel Latta

5 stars

Sad that this will be his last book. He's been giving sensible advice and commentary for what seems like a long time. The book reads just like him talking. It's easy to read and the lessons are positive.
How I learned to Understand the World

By Hans Rosling

5 stars

An inspiring life. I thought I knew why this man was well-known, I did not know him at all before reading this book. He was doctor who worked in dreadful conditions in Mozambique and dealt with an Ebola outbreak.
One day, everyone will have always been against this

By Omar El Akkad

5 stars

Confronting
Runt

By Craig Silvey

5 stars

Brilliant story that deservedly won several Book of the Year awards in Australia. One of the best children's books I've read in the last 12 months
The Next Day

By Melinda French Gates

3 stars

Not a tell-all book in any way. Interesting to read.
The singing Pipi

By Sharon C Fergusson

4 stars

Beautiful illustrations in a picture book about singing shellfish that alert whales to shallow water and stop them from beaching.
How Many Times

By Tim Tipene

3 stars

Picture book in English and Te Reo Māori about a mum asking for help and no one listens. The words end up littering the house- an interesting concept.
And Away

By Bob Mortimer

4 stars

Autobiography of the English comedian. He wrote this after having heart problems and being faced with his own mortality. Parts made me laugh out loud.
Gunk

By Saba Sams

5 stars

Engaging story. Definitely a writer I will read more of.
Elvie the Sheep

By Colleen Brown

4 stars

Based on a true story about a family's pet sheep- charming story
Ooey Gooey Louie

By Nikki Perry and Kirsty Roby

3 stars

Suitable for young children to early school years- a mouse who likes to get very messy but does not want a bath. Simple story Rhyming text
Stroll

By Sue Carpenter and Wina Witaria

3 stars

Suitable for small children, familiar scenes to talk about - sounds we hear
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World

By Melinda French Gates

5 stars

Extraordinary insight into how the world could change especially by empowering the women who are marginalised
No words for This

By Alison Mau

4 stars

Not the easy, glamorous life I expected.
Polkinghorne

By Steve Braunias

4 stars

All the details of the court case, the people and more. Steve Braunias interacts with the people in the case we have read about and gives sense of what it would be like to be in the courtroom.
Inky the Octopus

By Erin Guendelsberger

3 stars

Picture book about the octopus that escaped from an aquarium in NZ. Pages at the back with more information abour octopi in general
Stiff

By Mary Roach

5 stars

An exploration of the what happens to bodies after we die from donated to science to crimes against. Creepy and fascinating in parts
The Case of the Missing Stuff - Violet and the Velvets

By Rachael King

4 stars

School band competition. Themes of music, difference, teamwork. Very readable. A group of kids who are more misfit than cool put a band together. Rachael KIng, so you know it will be well written
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying

By Bronnie Ware

3 stars

Written by a palliative carer. hat she learned from people facing death.
The investigator

By John Sanford

4 stars

As good as John Stanford books always are. Letty , the daughter of Lucas Davenport takes on a militia group
The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home

By Joanna Nell

5 stars

Funny and charming story of inmates who want to escape
Anything could happen

By Grant Robertson

4 stars

Easy to read. A reminder of all New. Zealand went through from 2016 and on including some hint of the personal side of politics.
Freedom

By Angela Merkel

5 stars
Cult Trip

By Anke Richter

4 stars

A journalist's investigation of four different cults, Centrepoint NZ, Gloriavale NZ, Agama Yoga school in Thailand and Osho ashram in India. Interesting/Alarming
White Moko

By Tim Tipene

4 stars

An interesting but at times appalling account of the author's life growing up in a dysfunctional immediate family and his positive connection to more functional Māori relatives through a stepfather.
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody

By Patrick Ness

5 stars

Quirky and funny. Parts are laugh-out-loud. Year 5-6 + will love it
Crack-up Capitalism

By Quinn Slobodian

0 stars

I want to read it but not interested for now- I'll come back and finish it later
Abundance

By Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson

4 stars

While about America, many of the issues they discuss the reasons for a lack of progress in solving problems e.g. affordable housing, infrastructure, and climate change, also apply to other countries including us in NZ. Interesting ideas to ponder
The Storm We Made

By Vanessa Chan

5 stars

Malaysia. War 1935-1945. Powerful and memorable story about the terrible effects of war on a family.

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Te Manu Tukutuku South Hornby School

18,852 pages read and 1,148 team points

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