personal favourites
No 1.
Birds Without Wings
Louis de Bernières
Vintage Books
[Gifted Paperback]
This is a fantastic beautifully written book that follows life in a small village as the Ottoman Empire fell. Even though it has been a few years since I read this book, I can still see in my minds eye the faces of its people and the contours of its landscapes.
This is simply a stunningly beautiful and well woven story of life and war.
Vintage Books
[Gifted Paperback]
This is a fantastic beautifully written book that follows life in a small village as the Ottoman Empire fell. Even though it has been a few years since I read this book, I can still see in my minds eye the faces of its people and the contours of its landscapes.
This is simply a stunningly beautiful and well woven story of life and war.
No 2.
The Luminaries
Eleanor Catton
Victoria University Press
[Kindle ebook]
Excellent book. It seemed that the whole first half of this rather long story, was simply introducing the characters and where they fit in the story; I loved it. By the start of the second half I was totally caught in the tale and could not put the book down. This is simply a beautifully written story that summons all of your senses. It is based in the gold rush of an emerging New Zealand and transverses the many cultures that knits her recent history together.
Fantastic book.
Victoria University Press
[Kindle ebook]
Excellent book. It seemed that the whole first half of this rather long story, was simply introducing the characters and where they fit in the story; I loved it. By the start of the second half I was totally caught in the tale and could not put the book down. This is simply a beautifully written story that summons all of your senses. It is based in the gold rush of an emerging New Zealand and transverses the many cultures that knits her recent history together.
Fantastic book.
No 3.
Just Mercy
A Story of Justice and Redemption
Bryan Stevenson
Spiegel & Grau
[Kindle eBook]
I have always lacked understanding about the relationship between the USA and its minority people groups. The book brought understanding flanked with many more questions.
It is a lament of the American judicial system, I read it in a permanent state of shock and horror. Bryan is a defender of the poor. Though he spoke of his frustrations, I never felt him venting them.
This is by far the best non-fiction that I have read and it deserves more than its five star rating.
Bryan Stevenson
Spiegel & Grau
[Kindle eBook]
I have always lacked understanding about the relationship between the USA and its minority people groups. The book brought understanding flanked with many more questions.
It is a lament of the American judicial system, I read it in a permanent state of shock and horror. Bryan is a defender of the poor. Though he spoke of his frustrations, I never felt him venting them.
This is by far the best non-fiction that I have read and it deserves more than its five star rating.
No 4.
Where The Rākohu Bone Sings
By Tina Makereti
Vintage
[Kindle eBook]
Beautiful, beautiful sad, deep and and moving book. This story delicately explores issues of identity for our hybrid Moriori, Māori and Pākehā cultures. It is a lovely almost-coming-of-age tale that rewrote parts of my 1980's education.
Fantastic book.
Vintage
[Kindle eBook]
Beautiful, beautiful sad, deep and and moving book. This story delicately explores issues of identity for our hybrid Moriori, Māori and Pākehā cultures. It is a lovely almost-coming-of-age tale that rewrote parts of my 1980's education.
Fantastic book.
No 5.
The Hut Builder
Laurence Fearnley
[kindle ebook]
This is one of my favourites. A well written, beautifully spun story based in New Zealand's rural Canterbury and on the slopes of Mount Cook. I love this story and could not put the book down.
The story covers the life of Boden Black as he discovers nature, poetry and relationships. At times the beauty in the book was so totally awe-inspiring that I could smell the fresh snow on the slopes of Cook.
Definitely the best New Zealand book that I have read to date.
[kindle ebook]
This is one of my favourites. A well written, beautifully spun story based in New Zealand's rural Canterbury and on the slopes of Mount Cook. I love this story and could not put the book down.
The story covers the life of Boden Black as he discovers nature, poetry and relationships. At times the beauty in the book was so totally awe-inspiring that I could smell the fresh snow on the slopes of Cook.
Definitely the best New Zealand book that I have read to date.
No 6.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Colour Illustrated, Formatted for E-Readers
Harriet Beecher Stowe
HMDS printing press
[kindle ebook]
Fantastic bravely written book. The story is set in about early 1850's USA and is based on the lives of slaves and specifically three runaways. In short it is one long fascinating intellectual argument against slavery. The story is beautifully written with many wonderful lovely characters and a sometimes gripping plot. I highly recommend this book.
As far as the illustrations go, I have a kindle eReader that cannot show colour pictures. The pictures were in black and white and far too small to really see. Harriet Beecher Stowe's writing is good enough to not need illustrations.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
HMDS printing press
[kindle ebook]
Fantastic bravely written book. The story is set in about early 1850's USA and is based on the lives of slaves and specifically three runaways. In short it is one long fascinating intellectual argument against slavery. The story is beautifully written with many wonderful lovely characters and a sometimes gripping plot. I highly recommend this book.
As far as the illustrations go, I have a kindle eReader that cannot show colour pictures. The pictures were in black and white and far too small to really see. Harriet Beecher Stowe's writing is good enough to not need illustrations.
No 7.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Rachel Joyce
Black Swan
[Borrowed paperback]
I miss Harold Fry. We recently walked the length of England together.
Fantastic book, I absolutely loved the gentle, healing and finding-yourself story.
Beautiful book.
Black Swan
[Borrowed paperback]
I miss Harold Fry. We recently walked the length of England together.
Fantastic book, I absolutely loved the gentle, healing and finding-yourself story.
Beautiful book.
No 8.
Autobiography of a Marguerite
Zarah Butcher-McGunnigle
Hue & Cry Press
[Paperback]
Brilliant, simply a brilliant book. I couldn't read this book slow enough and purposely delayed the finishing of it. The story was beautifully crafted and left images floating around my head for days.
By far the best poetry to date that I have read.
Hue & Cry Press
[Paperback]
Brilliant, simply a brilliant book. I couldn't read this book slow enough and purposely delayed the finishing of it. The story was beautifully crafted and left images floating around my head for days.
By far the best poetry to date that I have read.
No 9.
A Song for Issy Bradley
Carys Bray
Hutchinson
[Borrowed hardcover]
Brilliant ending. This is one of those books where I felt compassion and love for all the characters, but couldn't find myself to like them. The story is excellent and so very sad with many beautiful subplots. The subject of Mormonism was both fascinating and delicately handled. Sometimes the book was written with the forced prose of a first novel, but this was quickly lost in the richness of the characters. And again there was that ending that led me searching for more chapters and scamping to Goodreads to see what other people thought.
Excellent read
Hutchinson
[Borrowed hardcover]
Brilliant ending. This is one of those books where I felt compassion and love for all the characters, but couldn't find myself to like them. The story is excellent and so very sad with many beautiful subplots. The subject of Mormonism was both fascinating and delicately handled. Sometimes the book was written with the forced prose of a first novel, but this was quickly lost in the richness of the characters. And again there was that ending that led me searching for more chapters and scamping to Goodreads to see what other people thought.
Excellent read
No 10.
The Presence of the Future
George Eldon Ladd
[paperback]
I cannot understand why I did not read it years ago. It is a fantastic exposition of inaugurated eschatology. Some parts of it I have had to labour through and other parts have got me so fired-up. This book has deepened my understanding of kingdom theology and has left me feeling like I am standing on firm ground knee deep in mud.
It is a great book.
[paperback]
I cannot understand why I did not read it years ago. It is a fantastic exposition of inaugurated eschatology. Some parts of it I have had to labour through and other parts have got me so fired-up. This book has deepened my understanding of kingdom theology and has left me feeling like I am standing on firm ground knee deep in mud.
It is a great book.
No 11.
Nothing to Envy
Real Lives in North Korea
Barbara Demick
Granta
[Borrowed Paperback]
Impeccably written book. This story brings us into life the lives of the people of North Korea. It is well researched and in parts terribly sad.
Barbara Demick
Granta
[Borrowed Paperback]
Impeccably written book. This story brings us into life the lives of the people of North Korea. It is well researched and in parts terribly sad.
No 12.
Living the Future
The Kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit in the Vineyard Movement
Dr. Douglas Erickson
Self-published
[Kindle Book]
Fantastic book. I especially like the chapters on justice. This is a great read for people wanting a broad theological understanding of the Vineyard.
Dr. Douglas Erickson
Self-published
[Kindle Book]
Fantastic book. I especially like the chapters on justice. This is a great read for people wanting a broad theological understanding of the Vineyard.
No 13.
takahē 74
[journal]
I really enjoyed takahē. I did not like the layout at all, a clunky sized and formatted journal may suit my grandfather but doesn't suit me. However the content more than made up for its appearance.
I really enjoyed the aptly named 'White Elephant' by Kelly Joseph, her accepting take on a rural, marginalised asocial woman was sometimes a little jarring, but mostly beautifully written and left my heart-strings totally pulled.
'Pines' by Simon Goodwin was also a good story focused on the generational legacies of war.
I also loved Liz Breslin's poem 'Out of the groove' and had to read the four lines many times to understand her very simple message. Poets Leonard Lambert and Charlotte Trevella also put in strong performances.
Unless it comes out in kindle format, sadly it will probably be quite some time until I buy another takahē. The price of international postage on top of the journal price make it an expensive choice. My discretionary income can be better spent buying journals that are innovative enough to reach 21st century native ebook readers.
I really enjoyed takahē. I did not like the layout at all, a clunky sized and formatted journal may suit my grandfather but doesn't suit me. However the content more than made up for its appearance.
I really enjoyed the aptly named 'White Elephant' by Kelly Joseph, her accepting take on a rural, marginalised asocial woman was sometimes a little jarring, but mostly beautifully written and left my heart-strings totally pulled.
'Pines' by Simon Goodwin was also a good story focused on the generational legacies of war.
I also loved Liz Breslin's poem 'Out of the groove' and had to read the four lines many times to understand her very simple message. Poets Leonard Lambert and Charlotte Trevella also put in strong performances.
Unless it comes out in kindle format, sadly it will probably be quite some time until I buy another takahē. The price of international postage on top of the journal price make it an expensive choice. My discretionary income can be better spent buying journals that are innovative enough to reach 21st century native ebook readers.
No 14.
The Man Who Cycled The World
Mark Beaumont
Corgi Books
[Borrowed Paperback]
This is by far the most inspiring cycling book that I have read. Mark weaves a fantastic tale about his land speed record cycling around the world. It is well written, educational and wonderfully interesting.
Corgi Books
[Borrowed Paperback]
This is by far the most inspiring cycling book that I have read. Mark weaves a fantastic tale about his land speed record cycling around the world. It is well written, educational and wonderfully interesting.
No 15.
Sport 39
(Sport: New Zealand Literary Journal)
[kindle ebook]
I enjoyed Sport a lot and am very thankful that they publish in kindle format. I was fortunate to buy the copy that published the winners of ''The Long and the Short of It' story competition. And my favourite story came from one of its winners, Lawrence Patchett with his story 'The Road to Tokomairiro'. Lovely historical fiction set in South Otago and based on a journey of the old Cobb & Co. stagecoach runs.
I look forward to buying another 'Sport'.
[kindle ebook]
I enjoyed Sport a lot and am very thankful that they publish in kindle format. I was fortunate to buy the copy that published the winners of ''The Long and the Short of It' story competition. And my favourite story came from one of its winners, Lawrence Patchett with his story 'The Road to Tokomairiro'. Lovely historical fiction set in South Otago and based on a journey of the old Cobb & Co. stagecoach runs.
I look forward to buying another 'Sport'.
No 16.
Lake Wobegon Days
Garrison Keillor
faber and faber
[gifted second-hand paperback]
Fantastic read. I had been listening to the podcast for years. The book filled in all the gaps for me whilst stringing me along on a sometimes bumpy road of funny stories. It waffled a little in places, but it was still a good read.
faber and faber
[gifted second-hand paperback]
Fantastic read. I had been listening to the podcast for years. The book filled in all the gaps for me whilst stringing me along on a sometimes bumpy road of funny stories. It waffled a little in places, but it was still a good read.
No 17.
Wake
by Elizabeth Knox
Victoria University Press
[Kindle eBook]
This book haunted me, it was fantastic. Elizabeth Knox has spun her tale with both depth and maturity. 'Wake' a story about an invisible monster and the human psyche was out-of-genre for me, but I loved it. I highly recommend this book.
Victoria University Press
[Kindle eBook]
This book haunted me, it was fantastic. Elizabeth Knox has spun her tale with both depth and maturity. 'Wake' a story about an invisible monster and the human psyche was out-of-genre for me, but I loved it. I highly recommend this book.
No 18.
The Forrests
Emily Perkins
[kindle ebook]
Okay, this was an amazing, mysterious, Blue like Jazz'ish kind of book. I was totally taken into it and loved all of its quirky and sometimes irritating twists and turns. It is a cradle-to-grave story of the lives of a family of American immigrants to New Zealand. I can only presume these lives somewhat depict Kiwi normality. This was a great, fun and addictive book, however it comes with a warning, not all will enjoy its wonderful wordy soap-operay approach.
[kindle ebook]
Okay, this was an amazing, mysterious, Blue like Jazz'ish kind of book. I was totally taken into it and loved all of its quirky and sometimes irritating twists and turns. It is a cradle-to-grave story of the lives of a family of American immigrants to New Zealand. I can only presume these lives somewhat depict Kiwi normality. This was a great, fun and addictive book, however it comes with a warning, not all will enjoy its wonderful wordy soap-operay approach.
No 19.
Deep South 2013
by Otago University
[eZine]
I loved this journal, right from the editorial I was hooked.
Highlights were 'Towering Dogs' by Rachel Rees, 'Ironing shirts' by Elizabeth Smither, 'two men who never met before compare notes' by Marc Thompson and 'Mammatus' by Sue Wootton.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST. I have a poem in this issue.
[eZine]
I loved this journal, right from the editorial I was hooked.
Highlights were 'Towering Dogs' by Rachel Rees, 'Ironing shirts' by Elizabeth Smither, 'two men who never met before compare notes' by Marc Thompson and 'Mammatus' by Sue Wootton.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST. I have a poem in this issue.
No 20.
I'm Working on a Building
Pip Adam
Victoria University Press
[Kindle ebook]
This was a fantastic little read. It is written backwards, which is both confusing and delightful. Reading this book I felt like I was counselling it, looking for signs of its broken childhood, knowing that in the next-previous chapter some dark secret would be revealed. I was not disappointed.
Do not let the order of the chapters detract from Pip Adam's somewhat prophetic voice. My highlight was her chapter about a city recovering from an earthquake. I also really liked and understood the North Korean chapter.
It is a great book for people who like to think and read.
Victoria University Press
[Kindle ebook]
This was a fantastic little read. It is written backwards, which is both confusing and delightful. Reading this book I felt like I was counselling it, looking for signs of its broken childhood, knowing that in the next-previous chapter some dark secret would be revealed. I was not disappointed.
Do not let the order of the chapters detract from Pip Adam's somewhat prophetic voice. My highlight was her chapter about a city recovering from an earthquake. I also really liked and understood the North Korean chapter.
It is a great book for people who like to think and read.
No 21.
The Innocent Man
Murder and Injustice in a Small Town
John Grisham
Dell
Nonfiction
[Discarded Library Book]
Excellent and gripping true story about a death-row prisoner and his fight for freedom. Even though I knew how the book was going to finish, I kept turning those pages. Grisham is wonderful writer.
John Grisham
Dell
Nonfiction
[Discarded Library Book]
Excellent and gripping true story about a death-row prisoner and his fight for freedom. Even though I knew how the book was going to finish, I kept turning those pages. Grisham is wonderful writer.
No 22.
The Man Who Cycled The Americas
Mark Beaumont
[borrowed paperback]
Oh I have learnt so much and been so inspired by Mark Beaumont's 'The Man Who Cycled The World' and his latest book 'The Man Who Cycled The Americas'. They are both funny, gruelling and fantastic reads that offer great insights into tour and endurance cycling. 'The Man Who Cycled The Americas' also includes his climbing the two tallest American mountains.
This book is well worth its read and will appeal to cyclists and non cyclists alike. Mark, please give us a detailed appendix about your kit.
[borrowed paperback]
Oh I have learnt so much and been so inspired by Mark Beaumont's 'The Man Who Cycled The World' and his latest book 'The Man Who Cycled The Americas'. They are both funny, gruelling and fantastic reads that offer great insights into tour and endurance cycling. 'The Man Who Cycled The Americas' also includes his climbing the two tallest American mountains.
This book is well worth its read and will appeal to cyclists and non cyclists alike. Mark, please give us a detailed appendix about your kit.
No 23.
Breakthrough
Discovering the Kingdom
(Kingdom Theology Series)
Derek Morphew
Derek Morphew Publishing
[pdf textbook]
I read this awhile ago now, but clearly remember it along with Ladd's book, bending my mind and changing my grid for looking at the Kingdom of God. Morphew has a lot to say on this subject and all of it is well worth reading.
4/5
(Kingdom Theology Series)
Derek Morphew
Derek Morphew Publishing
[pdf textbook]
I read this awhile ago now, but clearly remember it along with Ladd's book, bending my mind and changing my grid for looking at the Kingdom of God. Morphew has a lot to say on this subject and all of it is well worth reading.
4/5
No 24.
Tough
Amy Head
Victoria University Press
[Kindle eBook]
Beautiful book full of well written meandering short-stories. 'Duck Pluck' and 'West Coast Road' were my favourites. All of the stories are located on New Zealand's rugged and isolated West Coast. The stories are speckled across the years from settler times until the present. This is a book to sit down and relax with.
Victoria University Press
[Kindle eBook]
Beautiful book full of well written meandering short-stories. 'Duck Pluck' and 'West Coast Road' were my favourites. All of the stories are located on New Zealand's rugged and isolated West Coast. The stories are speckled across the years from settler times until the present. This is a book to sit down and relax with.
No 25.
The Invisible Mile
David Coventry
Victoria University Press
[eBook]
This is a wild and beautiful fictionalised account of a New Zealand and Australian team that rode the 1928 Tour de France. At times the prose are quite stunning and left pictures that I struggled to dislodge from my thinking. There are a lot of drugs, anger and grief in the story and this often left me feeling lost and tripping. A well written book, the end is maybe a little disappointing, but well worth the read.
Victoria University Press
[eBook]
This is a wild and beautiful fictionalised account of a New Zealand and Australian team that rode the 1928 Tour de France. At times the prose are quite stunning and left pictures that I struggled to dislodge from my thinking. There are a lot of drugs, anger and grief in the story and this often left me feeling lost and tripping. A well written book, the end is maybe a little disappointing, but well worth the read.
No 26.
Encountering the New Testament
A Historical and Theological Survey (Encountering Biblical Studies) 3rd addition
by Walter A. Elwell, Robert W. Yarbrough
Baker Academic
[Kindle eBook]
To date I have only read chapters 1, 2, 10, 22, 23 & the epilogue. Excellent book, thoroughly enjoyed studying it and learnt heaps.
Well written and well presented.
by Walter A. Elwell, Robert W. Yarbrough
Baker Academic
[Kindle eBook]
To date I have only read chapters 1, 2, 10, 22, 23 & the epilogue. Excellent book, thoroughly enjoyed studying it and learnt heaps.
Well written and well presented.
No 27.
A Letter to My Congregation
By Ken Wilson
David Crumm Media
[Kindle eBook]
Excellent freeing book on the theme of Christianity and homosexuality. It was good to read from someone who was not afraid to attack the subject theologically in the cultural context of the time. I did not necessarily agree with everything Ken said and he rambled a bit trying to fit the story into the context of his North American church, however it was still a very enlightening book.
David Crumm Media
[Kindle eBook]
Excellent freeing book on the theme of Christianity and homosexuality. It was good to read from someone who was not afraid to attack the subject theologically in the cultural context of the time. I did not necessarily agree with everything Ken said and he rambled a bit trying to fit the story into the context of his North American church, however it was still a very enlightening book.
No. 28.
The Wars Against Saddam:
Taking The Hard Road To Baghdad
John Simpson
Macmillan
[Borrowed secondhand hardcover]
Factual, interesting and well written. Altogether a very good book that talks about the life of Saddam Husein and John Simpson's reporting from Iraq. The book came with some interesting insights on journalism and also seems to be quite balanced.
John Simpson
Macmillan
[Borrowed secondhand hardcover]
Factual, interesting and well written. Altogether a very good book that talks about the life of Saddam Husein and John Simpson's reporting from Iraq. The book came with some interesting insights on journalism and also seems to be quite balanced.
No 29.
The Man Without a Face
The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin
Masha Gessen
Riverhead Books
[Second Hand Hardback]
This was a gob hanging open book, it was such a good and so educational. I am not sure how objective it was, however it was telling a side of truth that really needs to be told.
I was also delighted to learn that Masha’s quality of writing has dramatically improved since I read her Pussy Riot book.
4/5
Masha Gessen
Riverhead Books
[Second Hand Hardback]
This was a gob hanging open book, it was such a good and so educational. I am not sure how objective it was, however it was telling a side of truth that really needs to be told.
I was also delighted to learn that Masha’s quality of writing has dramatically improved since I read her Pussy Riot book.
4/5
No 30.
Hue & Cry 4
[journal]
This is another wonderful issue from Hue and Cry. It is a well presented journal, however I never really got used to the lovely thick paper that sadly lessened the reading experience for me. Highlights for me were Mark Blaine, with 'The Gambler', this story very quickly took me into many dingy pubs. I also enjoyed poetry from Lynn Davidson, Sue Wootton and Amy Brown and I really really liked Laurence Fearnley's excerpt from her book 'Hut Builder', it is now on my to-buy list.
Overall good journal
This is another wonderful issue from Hue and Cry. It is a well presented journal, however I never really got used to the lovely thick paper that sadly lessened the reading experience for me. Highlights for me were Mark Blaine, with 'The Gambler', this story very quickly took me into many dingy pubs. I also enjoyed poetry from Lynn Davidson, Sue Wootton and Amy Brown and I really really liked Laurence Fearnley's excerpt from her book 'Hut Builder', it is now on my to-buy list.
Overall good journal
No 31.
The Happiest Music on Earth
Sue Wootton
Rosa Mira
[Kindle eBook]
I am a big fan of Sue Wootton's poetry, so approached this book with huge expectations. I was not disappointed. These three short stories were simply and beautifully written. My highlight was 'Icy Noctiluca' the story of the discovery of phosphorus.
This is a book to be enjoyed with coffee and time, unfortunately I wasted it on an airplane. Excellent book.
Rosa Mira
[Kindle eBook]
I am a big fan of Sue Wootton's poetry, so approached this book with huge expectations. I was not disappointed. These three short stories were simply and beautifully written. My highlight was 'Icy Noctiluca' the story of the discovery of phosphorus.
This is a book to be enjoyed with coffee and time, unfortunately I wasted it on an airplane. Excellent book.
No 32.
A MAN RUNS INTO A WOMAN
Sarah Jane Barnett
Hue & Cry Press
[Paperback]
Okay this was a fantastic must-read. I had read a lot of reviews of this book, however nothing prepared me for the short, punchy and wonderful poems/pieces/paragraphs, such as 'Bees' or 'Voices'. I also especially liked 'Marathon Men' and enjoyed the 'death-row' stuff.
I really really enjoyed this well crafted book.
Hue & Cry Press
[Paperback]
Okay this was a fantastic must-read. I had read a lot of reviews of this book, however nothing prepared me for the short, punchy and wonderful poems/pieces/paragraphs, such as 'Bees' or 'Voices'. I also especially liked 'Marathon Men' and enjoyed the 'death-row' stuff.
I really really enjoyed this well crafted book.
No 33.
Rainbow Valley
L.M. Montgomery
Xist Classics
[eBook]
Rainbow Valley & Rilla of Ingleside are Lucy Maud Montgomery’s crowning books. The last paragraph alone would rate this book as a 4/5. As Montgomery spun her yarn she played with me. My history was good enough to see the hints of what was coming, but i was not clever enough to put them into the context of our darling weans at Ingleside. Brilliant book, brilliant ending.
Xist Classics
[eBook]
Rainbow Valley & Rilla of Ingleside are Lucy Maud Montgomery’s crowning books. The last paragraph alone would rate this book as a 4/5. As Montgomery spun her yarn she played with me. My history was good enough to see the hints of what was coming, but i was not clever enough to put them into the context of our darling weans at Ingleside. Brilliant book, brilliant ending.
No 34.
Rilla of Ingleside
L.M. Montgomery
Xist Classics
[eBook]
This book was just such a chilling and challenging education for me. As with Rainbow Valley Montgomery writes wistfully, but unlike Rainbow Valley, Rilla of Ingleside is deeply melancholic. A great book.
Xist Classics
[eBook]
This book was just such a chilling and challenging education for me. As with Rainbow Valley Montgomery writes wistfully, but unlike Rainbow Valley, Rilla of Ingleside is deeply melancholic. A great book.
No 35.
Prize of My Heart
Lisa Norato
Bethany House Publishers
[Free eBook]
Started like a first novel with some overly flowery writing and finished like a feel good pull-em-up-by-thy-boot-straps American film. In between was a well crafted page-turning story. I really enjoyed the book. Lisa Norato is probably someone to watch out for.
Bethany House Publishers
[Free eBook]
Started like a first novel with some overly flowery writing and finished like a feel good pull-em-up-by-thy-boot-straps American film. In between was a well crafted page-turning story. I really enjoyed the book. Lisa Norato is probably someone to watch out for.
No 36.
Amber, Furs and Cockleshells
Bike rides with pilgrims and merchants
Anne Mustoe
[second-hand paperback]
A wonderfully simple easy-reading lovely book. Anne writes separately about three journeys, two across Europe and one across the USA. Each story is charming, funny and informative. An inspirational good read. I suggest you start the book by reading the last page first, the last page talks about her kit or more specifically her bike. This is important information for me.
Anne Mustoe
[second-hand paperback]
A wonderfully simple easy-reading lovely book. Anne writes separately about three journeys, two across Europe and one across the USA. Each story is charming, funny and informative. An inspirational good read. I suggest you start the book by reading the last page first, the last page talks about her kit or more specifically her bike. This is important information for me.
No 37.
Around the World in 80 Days
My World Record Breaking Adventure
Mark Beaumont
Corgi
[Kindle Book]
4/5
Fantastic page turning cycling book. Adventure packed, gobsmacking and exciting. I approached the book knowing that it was not going to be about people and places, but wasn’t quite ready for how Mark and ‘record’ focused it was. I have read all of Mark’s books, learnt heaps in this one and eagerly wait for another.
Mark Beaumont
Corgi
[Kindle Book]
4/5
Fantastic page turning cycling book. Adventure packed, gobsmacking and exciting. I approached the book knowing that it was not going to be about people and places, but wasn’t quite ready for how Mark and ‘record’ focused it was. I have read all of Mark’s books, learnt heaps in this one and eagerly wait for another.
No 38.
The Kiwi Diary 2014
Okay, this is a fantastic collection of everything. Reading through The Kiwi Diary 2014 was a total pleasure. It is full of lovely New Zealand focused art. In this issue art means recipes, photography, art, poetry and prose. It is a stunning diary and enough to keep you from going digital.
Conflict of interest; one of my poems is in this diary
Conflict of interest; one of my poems is in this diary
No 39.
Relief: A Christian Literary Expression
Volume 6, Issue 1
[kindle ebook]
This is a fantastic literary journal. With the exception of Blackmail Press, I have found the New Zealand literary journals that I have read to be totally spineless when it comes to covering social issues. Relief just sucked in all of the big issues, discussed them and left them wide open for interpretation. Even though there was plenty of room for argument I never felt as if I was being expected to conform to someone else's way of thinking.
I thought 'A Field of White Crosses' by Jessica Becker was an excellent creative non-fiction short story. It was a miserably sad tale of molestation and abortion, which left me feeling deflated, drained and angry at the complex set of circumstances that girded it.
I will buy more Relief journals and hope that they continue to tackle the hard subjects. I also long for a Kiwi equivalent.
[kindle ebook]
This is a fantastic literary journal. With the exception of Blackmail Press, I have found the New Zealand literary journals that I have read to be totally spineless when it comes to covering social issues. Relief just sucked in all of the big issues, discussed them and left them wide open for interpretation. Even though there was plenty of room for argument I never felt as if I was being expected to conform to someone else's way of thinking.
I thought 'A Field of White Crosses' by Jessica Becker was an excellent creative non-fiction short story. It was a miserably sad tale of molestation and abortion, which left me feeling deflated, drained and angry at the complex set of circumstances that girded it.
I will buy more Relief journals and hope that they continue to tackle the hard subjects. I also long for a Kiwi equivalent.
No 40.
One Human in Height
Rachel O'Neill
Hue & Cry Press
[Paperback]
Excellent wee read. This booked is full of deceptively long poems; each packed with a minimal supply of words. I thought I was going to read this coffee table book in one sitting. As it turned out I read the first few poems multiple times and run out of coffee. I soon realised this a book where each poem deserves a separate sitting.
My highlights were 'The Cardinal Directions' and 'Finder of the Furthest Galaxy'. Nice illustrations as well.
Hue & Cry Press
[Paperback]
Excellent wee read. This booked is full of deceptively long poems; each packed with a minimal supply of words. I thought I was going to read this coffee table book in one sitting. As it turned out I read the first few poems multiple times and run out of coffee. I soon realised this a book where each poem deserves a separate sitting.
My highlights were 'The Cardinal Directions' and 'Finder of the Furthest Galaxy'. Nice illustrations as well.
No. 41.
Going South
Colin Hogg
HarperCollins
[Paperback]
A soon to be old man having a wee ramble about his soon to be dead friend whilst exploring the geographies and emotions of their southern New Zealand histories. An excellent little read about very little and yet quite a lot.
HarperCollins
[Paperback]
A soon to be old man having a wee ramble about his soon to be dead friend whilst exploring the geographies and emotions of their southern New Zealand histories. An excellent little read about very little and yet quite a lot.
No. 42.
Wake
Anna Hope
Black Swan
[Borrowed paperback]
I really enjoyed this read about the lead-up to the Remembrance Day of 1920.
The story was very well written, kept me turning the pages and left me pondering the characters well after I had finished the book.
For me, some of the words were a little clunky and sometimes the book felt like a writing school project.
Overall it was a very good book and I will most probably read her next book.
Black Swan
[Borrowed paperback]
I really enjoyed this read about the lead-up to the Remembrance Day of 1920.
The story was very well written, kept me turning the pages and left me pondering the characters well after I had finished the book.
For me, some of the words were a little clunky and sometimes the book felt like a writing school project.
Overall it was a very good book and I will most probably read her next book.
No. 43.
Relief: A Christian Literary Expression
Brad Fruhauff
Volume 7, Issue 1
[Kindle ebook]
This was another wonderful edition by Relief. I loved turning the final corner and finding a play waiting for me. Well done Jay Torrence with Ivywild.
My highlights were:
Creative Non-fiction
Innocence and Sorrow, by Ellen Finnigan.
Poetry
Raised, by Ryan Pendell
Because Jesus Loves Me, by Thomas Cochran
In which the Buddha Reads Aloud Firecrackers Instructions, by Elizabeth Harlan-Ferlo
Second Fruit, by Jack Stewart.
Volume 7, Issue 1
[Kindle ebook]
This was another wonderful edition by Relief. I loved turning the final corner and finding a play waiting for me. Well done Jay Torrence with Ivywild.
My highlights were:
Creative Non-fiction
Innocence and Sorrow, by Ellen Finnigan.
Poetry
Raised, by Ryan Pendell
Because Jesus Loves Me, by Thomas Cochran
In which the Buddha Reads Aloud Firecrackers Instructions, by Elizabeth Harlan-Ferlo
Second Fruit, by Jack Stewart.
No. 44.
Pen Pal
Sugar Magnolia Wilson
Cats and Spaghetti Press
[Paper fold (won on Facebook)]
A beautiful and slightly odd sequence of poems in the voice of an allegedly normal young woman.
I really enjoyed this, I never quite knew what I was reading, but that is what charmed me. Images of the letters have played on my mind during the week and I totally love the illustrated cat and meteorite on the 'B side' of the fold.
Cats and Spaghetti Press
[Paper fold (won on Facebook)]
A beautiful and slightly odd sequence of poems in the voice of an allegedly normal young woman.
I really enjoyed this, I never quite knew what I was reading, but that is what charmed me. Images of the letters have played on my mind during the week and I totally love the illustrated cat and meteorite on the 'B side' of the fold.
No. 45.
Africa Solo
Mark Beaumont
Penguin Random House
[Kindle Book]
Another great Mark book. Tales from the highways as Mark rides from Cairo to Capetown. I wasn’t ready for the speed of this record breaking ride, so it took me awhile to adapt from Mark’s more wistful previous books. However once I learned to enjoy it for what it was I really got into it.
Penguin Random House
[Kindle Book]
Another great Mark book. Tales from the highways as Mark rides from Cairo to Capetown. I wasn’t ready for the speed of this record breaking ride, so it took me awhile to adapt from Mark’s more wistful previous books. However once I learned to enjoy it for what it was I really got into it.
No. 46.
Relief: A Christian Literary Expression
Volume 6, Issue 2
[Borrowed Kindle ebook]
Another excellent effort from the 'Relief team'. My highlight was the poem 'Scent of Magdalene's Hair', beautifully written by John Gosslee. I enjoyed David Holper's effort with his poem 'Heaven Comes Last David', Jae Newman's poem titled 'The Apple Seed' and the fiction of Matthew Gesicki with 'The Virgin Martyrs'.
I love that Relief was once again willing to tackle some of the more difficult subjects, such as ageing, sickness, breast implants and rape. Well done Relief for another excellent edition.
[Borrowed Kindle ebook]
Another excellent effort from the 'Relief team'. My highlight was the poem 'Scent of Magdalene's Hair', beautifully written by John Gosslee. I enjoyed David Holper's effort with his poem 'Heaven Comes Last David', Jae Newman's poem titled 'The Apple Seed' and the fiction of Matthew Gesicki with 'The Virgin Martyrs'.
I love that Relief was once again willing to tackle some of the more difficult subjects, such as ageing, sickness, breast implants and rape. Well done Relief for another excellent edition.
No. 47.
Biblical Interpretation 101
Historic Rules for Reading the Bible
Derek Morphew
Derek Morphew Puplications
[Kindle eBook]
Fantastic and exciting book. I loved the clear hermeneutical principles in it. This book has deepened both my understanding of scripture and my ability to actually teach it. Excellent and freeing book that is well worth the read.
Derek Morphew
Derek Morphew Puplications
[Kindle eBook]
Fantastic and exciting book. I loved the clear hermeneutical principles in it. This book has deepened both my understanding of scripture and my ability to actually teach it. Excellent and freeing book that is well worth the read.
No. 48.
Strength to Love
Martin Luther King Jr.
Augsburg Fortress Publishing
[Secondhand paperback]
Excellent, inspirational book of sermons. Martin Luther King's use of the word is both radical and logical.
Augsburg Fortress Publishing
[Secondhand paperback]
Excellent, inspirational book of sermons. Martin Luther King's use of the word is both radical and logical.
No. 49.
Crucible of Fire: The Church Confronts Apartheid
Jim Wallis (Editor), Joyce Hollyday (Editor), Michael Curry (Editor)
Orbis Books
[Secondhand paperback]
Fantastic and inspirational book embracing the intersection of South African apartheid and the liberation force of the Christian Church. The text’s various sermons and interviews spark freedom in to the yet (at the time) to be fulfilled dream of parity for the people of South Africa.
An encouraging read in hindsight and a must read for people still struggling within the grips of tyranny.
Orbis Books
[Secondhand paperback]
Fantastic and inspirational book embracing the intersection of South African apartheid and the liberation force of the Christian Church. The text’s various sermons and interviews spark freedom in to the yet (at the time) to be fulfilled dream of parity for the people of South Africa.
An encouraging read in hindsight and a must read for people still struggling within the grips of tyranny.
No. 50.
Fleshmarket Close
(Inspector Rebus #15)
Ian Rankin
Orion
[Secondhand paperback]
This is the best Rankin book that I have read. It followed the theme of illegal immigration and lead us through quite a realistic scenario. All the usual characters were there and at their best.
Excellent book.
Ian Rankin
Orion
[Secondhand paperback]
This is the best Rankin book that I have read. It followed the theme of illegal immigration and lead us through quite a realistic scenario. All the usual characters were there and at their best.
Excellent book.
The Complaints (Malcolm Fox #1)
Ian Rankin
Orion Books
[Gifted paperback]
Excellent book, one of Ian Rankin's best. It was a little hard for me not having any of my familiar and favourite characters. It seems to me that more Rankin writes the fresher, sharper and better he gets.
This was a well spun yarn.
Orion Books
[Gifted paperback]
Excellent book, one of Ian Rankin's best. It was a little hard for me not having any of my familiar and favourite characters. It seems to me that more Rankin writes the fresher, sharper and better he gets.
This was a well spun yarn.
Roll Around Heaven All Day
A Piecemeal Journey Across America by Bicycle
by Stan Purdum
Communication Resources
[Kindle eBook]
This was an excellent, educational and insightful trans-America travel cycle book. Stan's style of writing kept me turning those pages. His imagery and detail of life on the road was so real that I could feel the wind and sun on my face.
Excellent book
by Stan Purdum
Communication Resources
[Kindle eBook]
This was an excellent, educational and insightful trans-America travel cycle book. Stan's style of writing kept me turning those pages. His imagery and detail of life on the road was so real that I could feel the wind and sun on my face.
Excellent book
The Prophet's Voice
Hebrews - Prophecy, Rhetoric, Interpretation
(Kingdom Theology Series)
Derek Morphew
Derek Morphew Publications
[kindle Ebook]
Excellent wee book, not only did it open up Hebrews, it also brought me into worship.
(Kingdom Theology Series)
Derek Morphew
Derek Morphew Publications
[kindle Ebook]
Excellent wee book, not only did it open up Hebrews, it also brought me into worship.
Empowered Evangelicals
Bringing Together the Best of the Evangelical and Charismatic Worlds
Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson
Ampelon Publishing
[Kindle eBook]
Oldie and a goodie. This was an excellent levelheaded book. I really enjoyed how it was so practical and down-to-earth, but yet encouraging and motivating. Both authors already had my respect, so it is no surprise that I liked this book.
Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson
Ampelon Publishing
[Kindle eBook]
Oldie and a goodie. This was an excellent levelheaded book. I really enjoyed how it was so practical and down-to-earth, but yet encouraging and motivating. Both authors already had my respect, so it is no surprise that I liked this book.
Squeaky Wheels
The non-friction adventure from sea to shining sea
Scott Hippe
2012 Scott Hippe
[kindle eBook]
A very enjoyable and slightly entertaining account of a young man's American transcontinental bicycling journey. Unfortunately Scott does not like to talk about the technical side of cycling, if he had included more information about his route and what gear worked or didn't work this would have been a brilliant book. Other than being single and incompetent with women, he mostly speaks of how to find free accommodation, this alone was worth the read.
Scott Hippe
2012 Scott Hippe
[kindle eBook]
A very enjoyable and slightly entertaining account of a young man's American transcontinental bicycling journey. Unfortunately Scott does not like to talk about the technical side of cycling, if he had included more information about his route and what gear worked or didn't work this would have been a brilliant book. Other than being single and incompetent with women, he mostly speaks of how to find free accommodation, this alone was worth the read.
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
Gordon D. Fee
Zondervan Publishing Company
[Kindle eBook]
Chapters 1, 3, 6, 7, & 8
Lovely clear concise book, I wish I had read it years ago.
Zondervan Publishing Company
[Kindle eBook]
Chapters 1, 3, 6, 7, & 8
Lovely clear concise book, I wish I had read it years ago.
The Falls
Ian Rankin
Orion
[Kindle eBook]
Oh this was a goodie. As each novel has passed Ian Rankin has definitely matured in his writing. He kept me guessing right to the end. There were also some lovely developments of Siobhan's character.
Orion
[Kindle eBook]
Oh this was a goodie. As each novel has passed Ian Rankin has definitely matured in his writing. He kept me guessing right to the end. There were also some lovely developments of Siobhan's character.
A Question of Blood
(Inspector Rebus #14)
Ian Rankin
McArthur
[Secondhand paperback]
I enjoyed this read more than many of his others. It was a compelling story and just squeaks in at four stars.
Ian Rankin
McArthur
[Secondhand paperback]
I enjoyed this read more than many of his others. It was a compelling story and just squeaks in at four stars.
BUT UNTIL THEN we will dance
Jerry L Holsopple
[Paperback; gifted by the author]
This was a wonderful simple wee book of 'worship songs'. They are all a little different and seem to acknowledge that there actually is pain and suffering in the world, yet we can still sing worship songs to God.
I would like to see Jerry write straight poetry or prose, his introduction on the front cover was also beautifully written.
[Paperback; gifted by the author]
This was a wonderful simple wee book of 'worship songs'. They are all a little different and seem to acknowledge that there actually is pain and suffering in the world, yet we can still sing worship songs to God.
I would like to see Jerry write straight poetry or prose, his introduction on the front cover was also beautifully written.
One Good Run
The Legend of Burt Munro
Tim Hanna
[Paper Back]
Perhaps not the best-presented or proof-read book, but Tim Hanna sure spun a lovely story. I really enjoyed this book and was glad that it was nothing like the film. I have a very limited understanding of motorcycles, but still managed to keep up with the details of this well-written story. Also thanks Tim for not dressing Burt up too much.
Tim Hanna
[Paper Back]
Perhaps not the best-presented or proof-read book, but Tim Hanna sure spun a lovely story. I really enjoyed this book and was glad that it was nothing like the film. I have a very limited understanding of motorcycles, but still managed to keep up with the details of this well-written story. Also thanks Tim for not dressing Burt up too much.
The Black Book
Ian Rankin
Orion
[Second-hand paperback]
One of Rankin's better books, I enjoyed this one a lot and it was lovely to meet Big Ger and Siobhan Clarke. Good story as well.
Orion
[Second-hand paperback]
One of Rankin's better books, I enjoyed this one a lot and it was lovely to meet Big Ger and Siobhan Clarke. Good story as well.
