The earlier books which saw Colin Thubron hailed as one of the great travel writers were notable for their sparse writing style, keen observation of telling detail and insightful exploration of grand geographic themes.

Taking a sharp look at humanity's foibles.

Lindsey Dawson is the host of Let's Talk, a weekly women's issues show on Stratos TV. She was also the founding editor of Next magazine and has authored seven books.

The fact that a reality television show features in Camilla Lackberg's mesmerising new novel will mean little to New Zealand readers of this best-selling Nordic writer, but her fellow Swedes might discern a little score-settling.

UK journalist James Fergusson tackled questions on the Taleban at the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival.

Just when you thought Sex and the City had taken its last gasp, the creator of the iconic characters releases two novels for younger readers. Rebecca Barry Hill talks to the original Carrie Bradshaw, Candace Bushnell.

Britney Spears' life has been turned into a comic book.

The disintegration of American dreams into nightmares is the leitmotiv of this first novel. Its narrative punches you from the first paragraph: "I'm ten years old ... I opened our front door and found my mother hanging from the rafters..."

Bronwyn Sell opens the discussion on her feature book for May 2011, Sarah Winman's When God was a Rabbit.

Pressure cooking is set to experience a renaissance, which makes this comprehensive cookbook very handy.

Buying ebooks may be convenient but it can't compete with the personality and charm of our best bookshops, writes Danielle Wright.

Brimming from the excitement of the royal nuptials, a story about a self-exiled princess proves timely for writer Monica Ali.

Popular historian Niall Ferguson tells Stephen Jewell how television democratises knowledge and why colonialism wasn't all bad.

Emma Neale is a poet, novelist, teacher and anthologist living in Dunedin. Her latest novel, Fosterling, is the sort of book that can only come from multiple roles and experiences.

Breakfast in bed is all very well, but how about making mum something cool, sweet and quirky for Mother's Day instead - or as well?

Family treasures helped create a stunning, unique cookbook with nostalgic appeal.