Books

Louise Wallace’s simmering rural story Ash is easily swallowed whole, yet it’s a book layered with flavour, promising to reward the reader who lingers, writes Anna Scaife.

Kate De Goldi is one of New Zealand's most celebrated authors, an Arts Foundation Laureate, and a voracious reader. She joins Susie to share three books she's loved; Clear by Carys Davies, The… Audio

He brought forth the eponymous Byronic hero, inspired musicians from Liszt to Leonard Cohen, and despite a roguish reputation, he is still regarded today as one of the great poets. Audio

Those Who Have The Courage is the first book to bring the story of New Zealand's mounted and armoured forces together.

Emile Donovan talks to author and researcher Matthew Wright. Audio

Frances Loo is the owner and operator of Chapters Book & Tea Shop in Auckland's Mount Eden and hosts a romance readers club. She joins Emile Donovan. Audio

Carole Beu of the Women's Bookshop reviews Amma by Saraid de Silva published by Hachette. Audio

Dunedin's history is front and centre of a new book by Karen McMillan.  Audio

Sally Wenley reviews A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci published by Pan Macmillan Audio

Author Leslie Jamison has been compared to some of the American greats, Joan Didion and Susan Sontag. A novelist and essayist, Jamison's writing style blends journalism and memoir.  Audio

Melanie O'Loughlin from Lamplight Books reviews Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan published by Faber. Audio

Writer and reviewer Leah McFall reckons one of the best endorsements for a book is when your friend borrows it and it never comes back. Leah shares three great non-fiction titles currently missing… Audio

Alice Taylor may not have won Masterchef in 2022, but she won the hearts of fans, and the judges' attention. Competing in the show inspired the 24 year old to pivot from a planned career in politics… Audio

Bonnie Garmus had been a successful advertising creative for decades when she started writing the worldwide bestseller Lessons in Chemistry. That day, Garmus says a surge of anger about sexism… Audio

Susan Devoy is a former squash world champion, Race Relations Commissioner and Celebrity Treasure Island contestant. In the new memoir Dame Susie D, she reflects on family life in Rotorua… Audio

Kiran Dass reviews Alphabetical Diaries by Sheila Heti published by Fitzcarraldo Editions Audio

Peter Jerram and his university cricket team were onboard the Wahine Ferry when it was caught between ex-tropical cyclone Giselle and a southerly front.  Audio

New Zealand writer and Stephen King superfan Elizabeth Knox reflects on King's debut novel, which changed the landscape of horror fiction and set him on his course to becoming the 'king of horror'. Audio

'Girl of the Mountains' is Wellington-based archivist and former journalist Trish McCormack's fourth book.  Audio