Navigation for Sections
Books & Authors
Michael Cunningham on time, triangles and his new novel Day
Although Michael Cunningham began writing Day, A Novel during the Covid pandemic, his new book is not a "plague novel". "I want to read about people and their relationships and how they survived… Audio
Book review: Question 7 by Richard Flanagan
Gail Pittaway reviews Question 7 by Richard Flanagan published by Penguin Random House NZ Audio
The Best of Afternoons 2023
Host Jesse Mulligan shares his five favourite interviews from RNZ's weekday afternoon show.
Book Review: The Freedom of Emma Herwegh by Dirk Kurbjuweit
Quentin Johnson reviews The Freedom of Emma Herwegh by Dirk Kurbjuweit (translated from the original German by Imogen Taylor) published by Text Publishing. Audio
Why sleep is such a mystery
Why we sleep is a mystery. But there are scientists who endured ridicule for trying to unlock the secrets of slumber anyway starting 100 years ago. They dared to suggest that sleep is crucial for good… Audio
2017: David Sedaris
American writer David Sedaris is famous for his self-deprecating and highly personal essay collections which manage to… Audio
How grace can be a saving virtue in a world of negativity
Grace is something hard to define, but we know it when we feel compassion and kindness offered with an open heart. Julia Baird found grace in the nurses who cared for her in the hospital, battling… Audio
Book Critic: Catherine Robertson
This week Catherine's got some guest reviews in the mix for her books chat. One is from Jane Arthur at GOOD BOOKS in Te Aro, who's picked Audition by Pip Adam to review and the other is from Louise… Audio
Book review: Behind the Seams by Dolly Parton
Gina Rogers reviews Behind the Seams by Dolly Parton with Holly George-Warren; Curated by Rebecca Seaver published by Penguin Random House Audio
Beatles' "confidante's" book published after nearly 50 years
Mal Evans was many things to the Beatles, road manager, bodyguard and keeper of their guitar picks, a little weed and a secrets he kept in meticulous notes and diary entries. Now his book has finally… Audio
Tusiata Avia's Big Fat Brown Bitch: 'I was bloody rarked up'
Earlier this year, Samoan-NZ writer Tusiata Avia became the target of harassment and death threats after her poem 250th anniversary of James Cook's arrival in New Zealand was labelled 'racist' by the… Audio
Ranulph Fiennes: Lawrence of Arabia
Sir Ranulph Fiennes pays tribute to a fellow legend in his new biography Lawrence of Arabia. A former SAS officer, Fiennes says he feels a lot of affinity for archaeologist and adventurer Thomas… Audio
Joy Cowley’s ‘heart is full’ as hundreds attend playground blessing
Hundreds of people, including about 140 children, turned out for the blessing of the Featherston playground which now bears author Joy Cowley's name.
Book review: Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira
Martene McCaffrey of Unity Books Auckland reviews Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior published by Verso Audio
Book review: Reconnecting Aotearoa
Paul Diamond reviews Reconnecting Aotearoa: Loneliness and Connection in the Age of Social Distance Edited by Kathy Errington and Holly Walker published by Bridget Williams Books. Audio
Philippa Gregory: telling the stories of women missing from history
For centuries, the experiences of women have been overlooked in history books exclusively written, edited and published by men, says best-selling British writer Phillipa Gregory. “[Recorded… Audio
Review: End Times by Rebecca Priestley
Rebecca Priestley’s new memoir explores the complications of living in a world under threat across two parallel timelines.
Book review: The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas
Phil Vine reviews The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas published by Allen & Unwin Audio
Around the World in 80 Games, the secrets of a great board game
Professor du Sautoy searches the globe for the best games going and reveals what he considers to be the perfect in his new book, Around the World in 80 Games: A Mathematician Unlocks the Secrets of… Audio
Book Critic: Catherine Ross
Today Mt Roskill Grammar Library Manager Catherine Ross has a great list of summer reads for younger people. Today she reviews: For ages 6-10 years: Whetu Toa and the Magician by Steph Matuku For ages… Audio