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]]>A release I am very excited about is Maktub by Paulo Coelho. It was a number of years ago that I read his book The Alchemist which is essentially about following your dreams and pursuing your destiny. The Alchemist was written in two weeks in 1987 and published in 1988, selling over 150 million copies. The Alchemist centers around the character Santiago, who is a shepherd with a recurring dream that sends him in search of treasure. Along the way he meets people that guide and teach him life lessons. Coelho's writing has philosophical and spiritual themes including the concept of the “Personal Legend” - a person’s true purpose.
The new release Maktub is an inspirational companion to The Alchemist. This book is a collection of stories and parables based on Paulo Coelho's daily column of the same name. It is a collection of thoughtful, inspirational pieces, a book not of advice - but an exchange of experiences. You can read it all at once or just pick it up and let it fall open to a random page.
Another gorgeous book to add to my Paulo Coelho collection and also maybe yours.
I loved The Phone Box At The Edge of the World and The Library of Heartbeats sounded equally as intriguing. It was even the inspiration behind my recent nail design.
Laura ’s writing style is enchanting and with every turn of the page, she effortlessly weaves a tapestry of emotions that tug at the heartstrings. Her prose is delicate yet powerful, drawing readers into the lives of her characters with a sense of intimacy and depth.
Through her vivid descriptions and lyrical language, Messina brings the lush Japanese landscape to life, immersing readers in a world of beauty and wonder. "The Library of Heartbeats" is a captivating journey of love, loss, and resilience that will linger in the hearts of book lovers long after they've finished reading.
Fire will follow in November 2024 with the final instalment Air arriving in May 2025
]]>As a type 2 diabetic who had elevated blood glucose prior to Christmas 2023 I have been on a journey to bring this down as naturally as possible. While doing a detox and intermittent fasting course I started reading "The Diabetes Code" by Jason Fung which has been nothing short of eye-opening and empowering. It's like finally finding a roadmap through the maze of misinformation and confusion surrounding diabetes management.
One of the most impactful revelations from the book is the idea that type 2 diabetes is not a chronic and progressive disease, but rather a reversible condition. This mindset shift alone has given me a renewed sense of hope and motivation to take control of my health. The Diabetes Code has been a game-changer for me. I feel more confident and equipped to navigate diabetes with a newfound understanding of my body and how to support its health.
]]>In this bleak and isolated environment, Hannah encounters Huia, a long-term resident who lives in her own world and appears unable to communicate with the outside. While others dismiss Huia's condition, Hannah is drawn to this enigmatic woman. As Hannah becomes increasingly fascinated by Huia, she embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery surrounding her and discover the truth about the older woman's life.
The narrative skilfully weaves together the stories of these two women, shedding light on their individual tragedies and the bonds that ultimately unite them. As Hannah learns to interpret Huia's subtle clues, she begins to realise that it might be possible to mend her broken life and find solace in the process. The novel's central message revolves around the idea that no one should ever feel invisible and that, even in the depths of despair, there is hope.
Charlotte Lobb's storytelling is both sensitive and evocative, capturing the raw emotions and struggles of the characters. The theme of mental health is handled with care and authenticity, highlighting the importance of empathy, connection, and understanding in the face of personal trauma. "Hannah and Huia" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion and friendship. It reminds us that, even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone if we are willing to open ourselves up to the possibility of connection and redemption.
]]>"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman is a charming novel that tells the story of a grumpy old man named Ove who, at first glance, seems to have nothing to offer to the world. The novel follows Ove's journey as he forms unlikely friendships with his new neighbors and learns to open his heart to the world around him.
Backman's writing is witty and humorous, and he has a talent for bringing his characters to life. Ove, the main character, is a grumpy and bitter man, but the author manages to make him endearing and relatable. The novel is full of moments that will make the reader laugh, cry, and ultimately feel a sense of warmth and hope. The author also manages to address deeper themes such as the importance of community and the beauty of second chances in a way that is both subtle and profound.
The story is also a multi-layered one, with a good balance of humor, drama and it is also a beautifully written, heartwarming story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately feel a sense of warmth and hope. Overall, "A Man Called Ove" is a charming and heartwarming novel that will leave a lasting impact on the reader. It's a must-read for fans of heartwarming stories and for anyone looking for a feel-good read.
]]>"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi explores the themes of time, regret, and the power of human connection. The story takes place in a small Tokyo café where customers can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while traveling back in time to a moment of their choosing. The novel is written in the form of four interrelated stories, each one following a different character as they make their way to the café and use the time-traveling feature to try and change a past event.
One of the book's strengths is the way it delves into the emotional lives of its characters. The reader is drawn into each person's unique story and experiences a wide range of emotions as they navigate their past. The author's writing is evocative and poignant, drawing the reader in to the characters' struggles and triumphs. The idea of time-travel is used as a metaphor for the human condition, and the novel explores how people come to terms with their past and find ways to move forward.
Overall, "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is a thought-provoking and heartfelt novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page, leaving you with much to ponder about the nature of time, the choices we make, and the power of human connection. It's a story that will remind you to cherish the present and not to take the people in your life for granted. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and moving read.
]]>Themes:
Synopsis:
Following the formation of a fictional band similar to that of Fleetwood Mac, ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ is a book that gives readers an escape into the thrilling and nostalgic feeling of the 70s and 80s. Throughout the novel, readers observe as Daisy Jones - a gorgeous and talented singer - makes her descent to sickening fame alongside blues/rock band, ‘The Six’. The more you read, the more you will uncover. Whether its the whirlwind of new-found stardom, the saucy band drama, the secret romances, or the raw reality of what music bands are really like, this book will supply you with all the amusing twists and secrets you didn’t even know you needed. With music, fashion, drugs, love and sex, there’s nothing this book doesn’t have.
Review:
This book is a masterpiece. Uniquely written in an interview-type format, not only was the story easy to follow, but hilariously entertaining as each character shared a different perspective of the same story. The way the author slowly built up and revealed each character throughout the novel is mesmorising, immensely enticing and fascinating when comparing the characters from how they were before and after fame. Reading this book felt like a dream. For a teenager having growed up in a generation that is heavily technology based, it was honestly relieving to jump into a story that takes place 50 years ago, with entirely different fashion, music and way of life. Anyone looking for a gripping novel filled with humour, drama and beautifully engrossing auras…it’s sitting right here. I absolutely loved every inch of this book, and I hope you do too.
Book content warnings:
For all readers, particularly those under the age of 15, be aware that this book discusses mature themes such as drug use/abuse, alcohol abuse, eating disorder, self-harm, depression, abortion and profanity.
]]>The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are the country’s premier literary honours for books written by New Zealanders.
This years Jan Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction was awarded to the astounding Kurangaituku by Whiti Hereaka
]]>It's the first day back at Truham Grammar High School. Charlie Spring, an openly gay year 10, is seated next to Nick Nelson, a year 11 boy from the rugby team. Despite having been at the same school, the two have never properly met before. However, after being assigned next to each other in the new vertical form classrooms, they're quick to become close friends. Texting and spending quality time together on a regular basis, the two are quick to become very close friends. But with this closeness, Charlies develops feelings for Nick that he is unsure goes both ways. In this recently Netflix adapted graphic novel series, created by Alice Oseman, we follow Nick, Charlie, Elle, Tao, Tara and Darcy, through the world of friendship, young love, loyalty, and identity.
It's not often I come across a book series that I would read in one sitting. But of the very few on that list, Heartstopper is definitely one of them. In these heartwarming novels, Alice Oseman achieves a positive representation of queer love. Telling a story not of tragedy but of acceptance and celebration in identity and sexuality. Depicting so many relevant topics and presenting them in a realistic way, these books can be incredibly comforting. Whether you experience mental health issues, are going through a sexuality crisis, or are finding it difficult being yourself in this homophobic and transphobic world, Heartstopper can be your best friend, and can help you feel like your not alone in your struggles. It's safe to say that after reading all four books I've grown attached to the characters and how they find themselves in this world, and I cannot stress enough how excited I am to continue Charlie and Nick's story next year when the fifth book is released in February.
]]>Born and raised in a small town called Mallard, twin sisters Stella and Desiree grow up in a community consisting of primarily coloured people. This community being one with the belief that the lighter your skin is, the easier your life will be. At 16 years of age, feeling trapped in the cycle of their own lives, the Vignes sisters decide to embrace their opportunity of running away from home. All in desperate hope of finding their identities, as well as creating entirely new people out of themselves. Yet with the twins so “light” they could “pass” as white, their contrasting desires eventually split the path they once both shared. One choosing black, the other choosing white. Throughout the book we uncover the ways in which the twins' lives intertwine and what events eventually impact them the most.
I can immediately start off by saying that Brit Bennet is a beautiful storyteller. The ways in which she interlaces alternating point of views is heavenly to read. This novel tells a complex narrative of the deep and thorny reality of privilege, while covering a wide spread of crucial and timely topics like race, gender, class and sexuality. The transgender representation provided in this book is extremely influential, as well as somewhat explanatory for those new to the subject.
However, I do need to point out that this novel is classified as Historical fiction. This genre is one that can feel very slow paced at times - something I sensed at the beginning of the story - yet I think it's necessary for fully understanding the story that is being told, as well as for connecting everything together. Considering this novel is set from the 1950s - 1990s, which is a very vast timeline for a book at its length, I think that it's truly rewarding once you get past the slow bits of the book.
Overall I’d say that this novel is one that is highly relevant during today's age, as well as one that should get the praise it deserves.
Book content warnings:
For those under the age of 14 or 15, be aware that this book discusses mature themes such as racism, sexual assault, transphobia, and domestic abuse.
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I am currently reading “The Overstory” by Richard Powers and I’m trying to read a classic alongside whatever else I am reading at the time, I am part way through “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac.
The Overstory is a beautifully written book. Powers has a very poetic way of writing that paints a picture in very fine detail. Sometimes I feel like I become more enamoured with the way an author writes rather than the story itself. The book is about nine Americans whose unique life experiences with trees bring them together to address the destruction of forests. Powers was inspired to write the work while teaching at Stanford University, after he encountered giant redwood trees for the first time. The Overstory was a contender for multiple awards. It was shortlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize and won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
I am a third of the way through the book at the moment and have mixed feelings, as I mentioned the writing style is very easy and enjoyable but the story can get a little depressing with each chapter encapsulating the majority of a person's entire life inevitably ending with death, some of the characters meet an unpleasant or unexpected end. But I will persist with the book as I hear it all comes together at the end and is quite inspiring. I’ll write more on that once I finish it!
On the Road is known as the “great American road novel”. It is considered a defining work of the postwar Beat and Counterculture generations, with its protagonists living life against a backdrop of jazz, poetry, and drug use. The two main characters of the book are the narrator, Sal Paradise, and his friend Dean Moriarty, much admired for his carefree attitude and sense of adventure, a free-spirited maverick eager to explore all kicks and an inspiration and catalyst for Sal's travels. The novel contains five parts, three of them describing road trips with Moriarty. The narrative takes place in the years 1947 to 1950. You can feel how ground breaking this book would have been when it was released, I’ve really enjoyed a look into this era and particularly beat culture at that time. It’s a fascinating era where young people started to rebel against the system and forge their own path creating a culture that would inspire a lot of what happened in the sixties.
I’ve been collecting vinyl for over 10 years now, I enjoy the tangible aspect that it brings to music. As a kid growing up in the 80s and 90s cassette tapes and later CDs were the only way we had to listen to music, so it’s nice to still be able to indulge in music as a physical item with artwork and notes. As much as I enjoy having all the music in the world on a device that fits in my pocket there is still something to be said for just sitting down and putting on a vinyl record or listening to a cassette, you tend to listen to a complete work rather than just a track here and there and sitting down with the intent to just listen to music is something I highly recommend.
My most recent purchase is Radiohead “Kid A Mnesia”.
Kid A Mnesia is a reissue of the albums Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001). It also includes a bonus vinyl, Kid Amnesiae, comprising previously unreleased material. The set comes with 3 beautiful red vinyls and some additional artwork by Stanley Donwood from that era of Radiohead. Amnesiac is one of my favourite Radiohead albums, I enjoy their more experimental music, so it’s great to be able to get it bundled in the collection with some additional unreleased material. It’s always interesting to hear alternate versions of songs that evolved over the recording sessions.
There are a couple of books being released alongside the album. One explores the imagery that Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke created while the albums were being made and the other “Fear stalks the land!” looks at faxes, notes, fledgling lyrics, sketches, lists of all kinds and scribblings, as were sent between the two authors during the period 1999 to 2000 during the creation of the Radiohead albums Kid A and Amnesiac.
We hope to have these in-store at the start of February.
There are a few tracks from this collection of albums on our shop playlist so you may hear it while you are browsing books in-store.
If I’m going to talk about coffee it only feels right to start with Folk Brewers.
I spent a few years working out of Basestation, an incredible co-working space in downtown Tauranga. One of the many benefits of working at Basestation is that it is also the home of Folk Brewers. I’ve always appreciated good coffee, but Hans (the creative genius behind Folk) introduced me to new brewing methods and coffee that was on another level.
Chemex and cold brew became instant obsessions. I bought my own Chemex and cold drip setup so that I could explore these processes more. Cold brew became a particular favourite, brewing coffee drip by drip for 6 hours or more creates the smoothest coffee you will ever have, served over ice in summer it’s perfection.
Folk has expanded into roasting their own beans and their Folk blend is my go to bean. I usually brew it as a chemex or clever drip and I always get good results. They describe it as a “well balanced” brew and that’s exactly right, it is a seasonal blend and currently features beans from Columbia, Brazil and Mexico.
Each origin is carefully selected roasted and then blended together to create this well balanced brew. We find it has subtle notes of walnut, ripe plum and black cherry easing into a sweet molasses finish. Brewed best as an espresso but lovely in a plunger as well.
Go and visit Hans and Job at Folk on Durham Street and try it out for yourself. If you feel like something a little different, just ask, and they will suggest something for you to try. You can also buy their beans and some great merch online at https://www.folkbrewers.co.nz/]]>“A world where self-expression is banned. A world where survival is everything. A girl who will be heard.”
Throughout the novel Self/less by Aviva, we follow 17 year old Teddy as she uncovers the truth of her city. Taking place in Metropolis, a walled-in city full of strict and unrealistic laws, Teddy finds herself in a place where she is forced to conform with the rest of the general population. Meaning; no drawing, no dancing, no sexuality, no cinema, no music, no natural love, and overall no self expression. Otherwise risking being sanitised and never to be seen again. However, after discovering a secret society called The Underground - a hidden community of escapees concealed from the strict regulations of Metropolis - Teddy finds herself stuck in a world of repression, yet drawn to a world of freedom. This book will take you on a journey of friendship, new found power, decision making, conflict, and a whole lot of discovery.
I need to start off this review by saying that for this book to be a debut novel, Aviva wrote extremely well. The world building was seamlessly incorporated throughout the entire book, making it incredibly effortless to understand and visualise settings. Although the book was slow paced at times, I found it exceptionally easy to pick up and read throughout the duration of the book. Classed as Young Adult, I feel this novel is great for ages from 12/13 above. Despite being similar to dystopian favourites like The Hunger Games, Divergent, Maze Runner etcetera, this book provides a different social structure, just with a few indistinguishable yet popular ideas displayed. The reason why I rated this book only 3.5 stars was due to the ending feeling rushed, as well as the climax being somewhat unoriginal and commonly used within books of a similar realm. However, saying this I think that this book would satisfy those who are new to dystopian themes and enjoy the other concepts included within the book.
Overall an awesome read! I can't wait for the next book to come out :)
]]>It’s third time lucky for Damon Galgut as, after being shortlisted in 2003 and 2010, he finally wins the Booker Prize with The Promise.
It’s third time lucky for Damon Galgut as, after being shortlisted in 2003 and 2010, he finally wins the Booker Prize with The Promise.
The announcement was made by Maya Jasanoff, chair of the 2021 judges, in a ceremony that was bro adcast live to a global audience of millions by the BBC.
The Promise is set in South Africa during the country’s transition out of apartheid, explores the interconnected relationships between the members of a diminishing white family through the sequential lens of four funerals.The Promise is Galgut’s ninth novel and first in seven years; his debut was published when he was just seventeen.
Picture books, chapter books, fiction, non-fiction – we’d love them all! (And we’d love it even more if it was by a Kiwi author or illustrator so we can support local artists as well as our budding Kiwi readers.)
Buy a book in-store or online and let us know that you would like to donate it.
For more information on where your donations will go, please visit kiwichristmasbooks.org.nz
Donations close December 13th. If you would like to donate an online purchase select "click and collect" as your shipping method so that you don't get charged shipping.
]]>If you spot something you like have a look on our website or contact us to see if we have it in-store.
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