Canvas books editor Linda Herrick's top five reads for the weekend.

Former Playmate Holly Madison has spilled details on life behind the Playboy Mansion doors, saying she was once described as "old, hard and cheap" by Hugh Hefner.

The benefits of reading aloud don't diminish just because your kids grow up, writes Deb Werrlein.

Writer of art-world satire knows her topic at intimately close quarters.

There's an eerie, existential quality about Melanie Finn's new novel, Shame. What tiny, mundane choices determine our fate? Why does life cut one way, not another?

The 20th century has just begun. Harry Cave is married, personable, sophisticated. He’s inherited a substantial fortune from a father who died of boredom.

A new biography of the master of suspense uncovers the life behind the persona, says Duncan White.

Acclaimed writer Steve Toltz, who was paralysed for over a year, tells Peter Stanford how his new novel reflects his ordeal.

Rosaleen Madigan loves her four adult children but, it has to be said, she has a pretty funny way of showing it.

Those of us for whom the Great Outdoors is the walk from front door to car door need to read Christopher McDougall.

Award-winning Auckland writers Linda Olsson and Thomas Sainsbury tell Craig Sisterson why they’re collaborating on a thriller trilogy.

The book was going to be published in hard copy by Pan Macmillan but was scrapped when health experts warned some of the recipes could harm infants.

Anthony Horowitz's new James Bond continuation novel will mark the return of one of the franchise's best-loved Bond girls.

Six of the best in stories starring oddballs and good sorts.

In her new novel we encounter Julian in a state of profound grief for his lover, Julia, and their daughter, Mira.

Felicito Yanaque is a self-made man. He lives in the city of Piura, and is the owner of a small transport company that he has built up from scratch into a modestly successful enterprise.

Meet the first novel by a Galway writer who blogs about life on a council estate under a name so forceful I can’t repeat it in a family newspaper. Meet also a terrific reading experience.

A record-breaking estimated festival audience of 60,000 meant author-signing queues up to two hours long. Janet McAllister reports.

Bruce Jenner's ex-wife Linda Thompson is reportedly planning to share her side of the story.

Parisian feel-good tale amuses despite its implausible plot.

Karen Attwood meets first-time novelist Kate Hamer, whose 21st-century Little Red Riding Hood is tipped to be a best-seller.

Self-described "Scottish elf trapped in middle-aged man's body" among highlights from the first week of Auckland Writers Festival.

Veteran lawyer and human rights advocate isn't letting poor health stop his solo session today at the Auckland Writers Festival.

Alan Cumming says he has been surprised at a surge of support for his writing a personal memoir in which he detailed the vicious sadism of his father who died in 2010.

The secret identity of Marvel's female Thor has been revealed.

There are some gems at the Auckland Writers Festival with tickets still available... Here are five sessions recommended by books editor Linda Herrick.

Author takes on internet bullies: "The internet doesn’t just offer opportunities for misogynistic abuse, you know. Penis enlargers can also be bought discreetly."