The Promise by Damon Galgut
This 2021 Booker Winning novel already has its own Wikipedia page, the ultimate badge of worldly success. Harper’s Magazine writes that, “Like other remarkable novels, it is uniquely itself, and greater than the sum of its parts. The Promise evokes when you reach the final page, a profound interior shift that is all but physical. This, as an experience of art, happens only rarely, and is to be prized.” And yes, this quote was sourced directly from the famous Wikipedia page from The Promise.
Shifting Grounds: Deep Histories of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland by Lucy Mackintosh
The histories of three iconic areas of Tāmaki Makaurau are explored in depth – Pukekawa/Auckland Domain, Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill and the Ōtuataua Stonefields at Ihumātao.
Anne Salmond says Shifting Grounds is a “marvellous book that illuminates the stories of these much loved landscapes in new and striking ways. After reading Shifting Grounds you see these places differently, and treasure them all the more.”
Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen
The first of a new trilogy, where Franzen returns to his most fertile creative ground: the dysfunctional Midwestern family. You might ask, “But if I’ve read The Corrections or Freedom, haven’t I read it all?” According to The Spectator, things in the Franzen universe have changed, and for the better – “Now less inclined to show off, Franzen is more assiduous in his excavation of character. We get less dazzle and a deeper dive.” Jump on in!
Too Much Money: How Wealth Disparities Are Unbalancing Aotearoa New Zealand by Max Rashbrooke
Wealth inequality has blossomed like mould in Aotearoa, and this new Rashbrooke delves into the spores, rhizoids, and sporangium (that is, the detail) like never before. How does wealth affect opportunities and outcomes? What are the social implications, and how do they touch each of our lives? Open the book to see, and stand by for a review.
Out Here: An Anthology of Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ Writers from Aotearoa edited by Chris Tse and Emma Barnes
“There is something delightfully intimate in the alphabetical ordering of the contributors – by first name, rather than last. Running your eyes down the writer list feels like looking at the names of friends. Last names have always felt so patriarchal to me anyway. It’s so much more inherently queer to see first names and think ahh, this is my family.”
Politics in a Pandemic: Jacinda Ardern and New Zealand’s 2020 Election edited by Stephen Levine
An exploration of last year’s “Pandemic Election”, with contributions from 35 different voices, including Jacinda herself and a raft of other pollies, plus journalists, pollsters and academics. Many of these essays were published over the last week or so on The Spinoff – check out the contributions from Jacinda, Judith Collins, David Seymour, and many others.
Starfish the Star by Elaine Bickell and Daron Parton
A rarity! Children’s picture book Starfish the Star has broken through the ranks of the hardened, tough-as-guts grown-up books to score a top spot in the bestsellers this week, after a smash success launch event. So what’s it about? The publisher’s blurb says: “Starfish thinks he’s the one and only STAR in the aquarium. He wants fame, adoration … and every photo opportunity! But when disaster strikes, will Starfish stand behind Seahorse, Jellyfish, Clownfish and Ray to help save the day?”
