Book Loving Kiwis discussion

I added them on Goodreads & it took me a few days as there is a limit to how much free labour I want to give Goodreads atm & also quite a few were from smaller publishers - which is great, but I had to add quite a few to the Goodreads data base.

& one book Hine Toa has been selected for the Book Pool! I think this might be the first time a current nomination is up for selection.

So what else do we want to read?

Most of the ones that are jumping out at me are in the Fiction category.

Kataraina is number 1 after being so impressed by Auē
All That We Know It does sound a little like Greta & Valdin so I'm hoping it isn't too derivative, but I thought Reilly had a brilliant basic idea that could have been executed a bit better.
Amma sounds like a very strong debut.

But basically all the fiction nominees sound good!

Poetry will decided by what titles my library gets but Hibiscus Tart appeals & I have never read Emma Neale soLiar, Liar, Lick, Spit might be interesting.

NZ does illustrated non fiction so well - all the nominees appeal to me (bar one & I'm not going to say which one, as that would feel mean)

Non fiction - I will be reading Hine Toa & I was a fan of Diana Wichtel when she wrote for the Listener, so I'm going to make Unreel: A Life in Review my top pick.

I've read Ash, which is about a rural vet. It's a short novel but packs a punch.

Here's the link to the longlist on the website if anyone wants to see the full line up: https://www.nzbookawards.nz/new-zeala...

I'm keen to read Delirious by Damien Wilkens and the novel by Carl Shuker

Liar, Liar, Lick, Spit is the only one that I have linked to, that hasn't been picked up by one of the libraries in my area. 👍🏿

Anyone have an opinion on the shortlist?

https://thespinoff.co.nz/books/05-03-...

I'm halfway through Hine Toa & so far its shortlisting looks well deserved.

My library has Edith Collier: Early New Zealand Modernist so I should get to that one as well.

Interesting.

https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360....

The only title I've heard any buzz about is the Wilkins title.

Has anyone read any of them?

& it looks like the buzz for Wilkins's book was justified! Due to his flight being delayed Wilkins only just made it to the end of the ceremony!

https://www.nzbookawards.nz/new-zeala...

Very happy that both the non fiction books I have read received prizes - very worthy winners.

I've got Delirious on my to read list, will have to get to it soon

& Stuff has an extract of Hine Toa, complete with a photo of the author at the Ockham's.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/culture/36069...

Erica wrote: "I've got Delirious on my to read list, will have to get to it soon"

The next one I am hoping to get to is Edith Collier: Early New Zealand Modernist

I love art books & don't read enough of them.

The exhibition of Edith Collier up in Whanganui was great. Me and my went up for a weekend to check it out. Underrated city imo :)

my sister*

Erica wrote: "The exhibition of Edith Collier up in Whanganui was great. Me and my went up for a weekend to check it out. Underrated city imo :)"

It is indeed! A friend of mine moved there as our little town had become too quiet for her & she absolutely loves it there.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "I added them on Goodreads & it took me a few days as there is a limit to how much free labour I want to give Goodreads atm & also quite a few were from smaller publishers - which is great, but I ha..."

I loved All That We Know by Shilo Kino. I had previously tried but couldn't get into Greta & Valdin, it felt too shallow to me. The MC in Kino's book is somewhat annoying in her loud activist voice but becomes more relatable as she connects with others. I've worked with other people on similar journeys and have seen the struggles to be authentic and to reclaim your own history. The book isn't too heavy but is very relevant to now.

I also found Damien Wilkins' book very relatable from the perspective of seeing my parents and in-laws struggles with aging and sorting out compromises in where they live and what they want to hold on to.

The more I hear about Wilkins book, the more I want to read it! & I already had the Kino title on one of my to-read lists.

I've just started reading, Damien Wilkins' Delirious which I am enjoying so far.

Also watched the first four episodes of Madam yesterday. Interesting, entertaining, and looking forward to seeing where it goes. Then I plan on reading the book.

Lesley wrote: "I've just started reading, Damien Wilkins' Delirious which I am enjoying so far.

Also watched the first four episodes of Madam yesterday. Interesting, entertaining, and looking fo..."

I may get to the book next month.

I'm really bogged down in a read. I never would have thought I would struggle so much with a Daphne du Maurier book!

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Lesley wrote: "I've just started reading, Damien Wilkins' Delirious which I am enjoying so far.

Also watched the first four episodes of Madam yesterday. Interesting, entertaining,..."

Goodness me! I wouldn't have thought that either!!
I'll be ready to discuss both series and book whenever you surface. :)

I've always thought of her as a favourite author - may be the truth of the matter is rather that she wrote some of my favourite books.