The look is five-star. Blond wood furniture, blue Mediterranean tiles on the floor, palms in copper pots and smartly dressed — and friendly — waitstaff.

The true meaning of Jaws has been picked over by critics and academics ever since its release in June 1975, and even its status as the first summer blockbuster has been questioned. But isn’t it just about a killer shark, asks Mark Kermode.

More and more parents are seeking expert help to deal with their children’s difficult behaviour. But, asks Kirsten Matthew, is it nature, nurture or something else that’s making Kiwi kids too hard to handle?

Mystic River author Dennis Lehane tells Jake Kerridge what links bankers with gangsters.

Kate Atkinson's extraordinary 2013 novel, Life After Life, introduced readers to the Todd family in their Forster-esque home of Fox Corner, and managed to achieve publishing's holy grail of both literary acclaim and popular appeal.

The stories of Julian, Dick and Anne, their cousin, tomboy George, and Timmy the dog were my introduction to the transporting quality of books.

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

Off to see Jurassic World this weekend? Canvas columnist James Griffin pens his own NZ dino-rampage blockbuster.

Don’t sacrifice style on a rainy day with these standout wet weather pieces.

A pending liquor licence and chilly dining room couldn’t detract from the outstanding Vietnamese flavours on offer.

Alan Perrott talks to TV’s most eccentric star, David Farrier, about abandoning convention, the abrupt ending of his medical studies and being ‘post-modern gay’.

Expert baristas bring passion and flair to a new venture north of the bridge.

We have always got on really well with our daughter’s in-laws and often catch up socially. But now our children are going through an ugly divorce, our friendship with the in-laws has suffered, and I feel bad.

Millie Elder-Holmes talks exclusively to Greg Dixon about growing up famous, dealing with the upcoming court trial over her partner’s death, and her new healthy venture.

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.

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?

We're loving the new Outrageous Fortune prequel, Westside. To enjoy a taste of the west, try these three great cafes.

Canvas editor Michele Crawshaw shares highlights from tomorrow’s Canvas magazine. Get your premium glossy weekend magazine in tomorrow’s Weekend Herald.

Don’t be so serious. Have a laugh with this season’s best fun fur pieces.

Ika’s delicious seafood and value for money will have you hooked.

The world’s most admired writers and poets have long extolled its virtues. Here, Yvonne Van Dongen explains why she’d take friendship - old and new - over romance any day.

Actress Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle website, Draper James, offers a fans a glimpse into her ‘Southern’ heritage. There’s just one catch, says Claire Cohen.

We love being able to admire the action-packed open kitchen.

My job always had a car with it, but the new owners said they need the car. Now I have no way of getting to and from work.

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

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

Winter is coming in an actual sense, in that winter is coming. I know this because the TV weather people are using the term "polar blast".

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