Latest from Books

Olive Kitteridge and Pulitzer Prize echoes in Elizabeth Strout’s new novel

Strout's Tell Me Everything gives just enough disquiet to hint and unsettle.

The private lives of opera chorus singers: We’re not just ‘singing wallpaper’ but vocal athletes

Book takes: First-hand account of what it takes to survive as a member of an opera chorus.

Top 10 best-selling NZ books: September 14

Lisa Carrington in pole position on local best-sellers list.

Short cuts: Liane Moriarty is back - books to check out this weekend

A slice of New Zealand history, a page-turner and a sequel.

Essays from the past canvass various ways of imagining a better world

David Runciman describes how historical ideas might be applied in modern society.

Why have Chinese youth lost their mojo?

Peter Hessler on how China's blessed generation is now consumed by fear and hopelessness.

There’s humour and heart in Airana Ngarewa’s Pātea Boys

Ngarewa follows up his acclaimed debut novel with short stories about young men.

Italian feasts: How food became a star in Nicky Pellegrino’s novels

As she publishes her 15th book, best-selling author shares some signature dishes.

Harrowing tales of migrants trying to enter US highlight political failure

Behind the scary headlines are a million human stories.

Man & myth: A spirited new biography of England’s warrior king

Apart from his miraculous victories in war, what more do we know about Henry V?

Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible is a whimsical tale of transformation

Matt Haig's new book is a warm, entertaining and pleasingly bonkers read.

Short cuts: Books to read this week

A “midlife mer-moir", a curious history of the gut and a bilingual guide.

Top 10 best-selling NZ books: August 31

The books Kiwis are buying this month.

Nina Kenwood's The Wedding is a romcom for our times

Australian YA author's foray into romance for grown-ups is a satisfying, humorous read.

Whowunnit? 2024 Ngaio Marsh crime writing award winners announced

Memorable characters under extreme pressure make winners at the 2024 Ngaio Marsh Awards.

Recommended thriller reads

Two gripping reads from established writers cement their rightful place in thriller genre.

From photosynthesis to philosophy: Peter Godfrey-Smith’s epic tale of life and Earth

Philosopher on how life transforms - for better or worse - the environment that shapes it.

I was born in NZ, but stayed away for 47 years because I thought it was cursed

NZ author on coming home, the shadow of a serial killer, and family links to Janet Frame.