June 2014

■ REVIEW: Quotable New Zealand Quotes
Not-so-reticent Kiwis’ pithy utterings collected

Us Kiwis always have something to say and there’s no denying that some of us manage to say things that are worth repeating. Not all of us, mind you. Some of us stagger through the day barely managing to string two words together. However, there are plenty of New Zealanders who have uttered word worth […]

■ REVIEW: Quotable New Zealand Quotes
Not-so-reticent Kiwis’ pithy utterings collected Read Post »

■ REVIEW: Anthology of New Zealand Literature
Take a trip through some of NZ’s literary history

General non-fiction, NZ books

This massive tome will likely be the biggest book you’ll buy this year and if you are going to spend $75 on a book, what could be better than an anthology of all that New Zealand literature has to offer? And at first glance, this nearly 1200 page monster looks to be good value, with

■ REVIEW: Anthology of New Zealand Literature
Take a trip through some of NZ’s literary history Read Post »

■ REVIEW: Bones of the Lost
Forensics queen a winner again

Mysteries & thrillers

While not as fast-paced as some crime novels, Bones of the Lost will drag you into the story from the very first page and keep your attention to the very end. In this 16th novel to feature forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, what at first appears to be a standard hit- and-run case proves to be

■ REVIEW: Bones of the Lost
Forensics queen a winner again Read Post »

■ REVIEW: An Awfully Big Adventure
Humour, heartbreak of war

General non-fiction, NZ books

Journalist Jane Tolerton helped set up the World War I Oral History Archive back in 1987, and using those interviews, she has compiled a fantastic book. It’s hard to imagine just what it was like to be a New Zealand soldier during World War I, but these stories, told in the soldiers’ own words, offer

■ REVIEW: An Awfully Big Adventure
Humour, heartbreak of war Read Post »

■ REVIEW: Last Stand of the Dead Men
Classic tale of evil versus worse

Younger readers

Last Stand of the Dead Men is the latest in the Skullduggery Pleasant series. Skullduggery is a living skeleton who is part of a shadowy world of magic hidden amongst us ordinary humans. His blend of magic and fighting skills have served him well in helping to keep this hidden society safe, especially his home

■ REVIEW: Last Stand of the Dead Men
Classic tale of evil versus worse Read Post »

■ REVIEW: We Were Liars
Compelling and edgy

Younger readers

E Lockhart’s novel We Were Liars has been making waves on the book blogosphere for some time and has been recommended to listeners of all the book podcasts I listen to. It promised to be original and thrilling which is always exciting to lay your hands on. I couldn’t wait to read it. We Were

■ REVIEW: We Were Liars
Compelling and edgy Read Post »

■ REVIEW: Quotable New Zealand QuotesNot-so-reticent Kiwis’ pithy utterings collected

■ REVIEW: Anthology of New Zealand LiteratureTake a trip through some of NZ’s literary history

■ REVIEW: Bones of the LostForensics queen a winner again

■ REVIEW: An Awfully Big AdventureHumour, heartbreak of war

■ REVIEW: Last Stand of the Dead MenClassic tale of evil versus worse