Most recently read book by NZ author?

[Peter]

Dear Group, what is the last book you completely read that was written by a New Zealander? Why did you pick it up? Was it what you expected?

[Darkpool]

Hmm. Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh, which I suppose counts as she's living here even tho she was born in Fiji. I was a bit disappointed with it really. The earlier books in the series were quite interesting, but this one felt a bit meh.

[Peter]

I have recently read "The Blind Impress" by Michael D Jackson. Jackson is an anthropologist of some renown and it was that which caught my eye. I had already read his "Accidental Anthropologist" which I enjoyed very much, not the least for the very fresh perspective on anthropology that it gave me. "Impress" is about Joe Pawelka and the infamous man hunt for him in 1910. It is part bio, part social history, and part personal story telling and reflection. I enjoyed the book very much. Occasionally Jackson seems overly self centred but it is because of his ideas about stories and their tellers. I find him intelligent and thoughtful and well worth the effort to read. [Book: The Blind Impress|3032862]

[Vanda]

I read a lot of New Zealand fiction as I review it for radio, and also, the standard of New Zealand literature is terrific so I enjoy reading it. The most recent New Zealand novel I finished was La Rochelle's Road, by Tanya Moir. It's a historic novel set on Banks Peninsula, and what with the earthquake and all it seemed intriguing. It was a well written novel and really interesting - highlighting the hardships faced by the early settlers in New Zealand, but I did find it a little grim.

I'm currently reading the new novel by NZer Sarah Quigley, The Conductor, a novel about the great composer Shostakovich and so far I'm absolutely loving it!

[Debbie]

The last one I read was out loud to my class....The Wednesday Wizard by Sherryl Jordan.

[Craig]

The last one I read was Exacerbyte by Wellington author Cat Connor, just last week

[Kerry]

I've recently read The Conductor by Sarah Quigley which was excellent, I saw it displayed at the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival and couldn't resist picking up a copy. Also finished Departure Lounge by Chad Taylor and Sherryl Jordan's The Wednesday Wizard. Jordan's book won last year's Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award for a much loved book so I felt I should read it as it first came out in 1991 and a revised edition was published in 2007, recommended for primary children it's a lot of fun. I wanted to read Chad Taylor's work as his writing is described as hip and cool, it was good but a little too openended to be satisfying.

[Craig]

Currently reading By Any Means by young Auckland author Ben Sanders, the sequel to his very good debut The Fallen

[Angel]

Well, mine was a while ago. When I was like 10 years old...that's 5 years ago :O, I read Henry And the Fleaby [author:Brian Falkner|1202217.
I picked it up because my teacher that year took us to hear the author introduce some of his books, and later when I saw the book in the library, I borrowed and read it...and it was indeed a pretty good read.

[Kerry]

I'm now reading A Man Melting by Craig Cliff, influenced by my recent attendance of the emerging NZ writers panel at the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival.

[Craig]

About 40 pages from finishing Collecting Cooper by Paul Cleave, which is published in the US this month, and available on Amazon (or from Penny's Bookstore in Hamilton, who are specially importing it).

Terrific, terrific book.

[Kerry]

I finished Hamish Clayton's Wulf and just loved it (another from the emerging NZ writers panel at the Auckland Writers Festival). And I've just read Jenny Hessell's 'Grandma McGarthy surfs the net'.

[Kiwiflora]

It was published a year or so ago now, so not recent-recent. Rachel King's Magpie Hall encompasses much of what the NZ novel is all about - bit gothic, mysterious pasts, the loner, the rural/bush setting, the pioneering settler, and a good story to boot. I really really liked this book, feel it deserves to be more widely read.

[[deleted user]]

Behind the Hood by Marita A. Hansen I read it because the cover caught my attention, then I found out it was a Kiwi book set in South Auckland. Since I loved the movie "Once Were Warriors" I thought I'd give "Behind the Hood" a try. It's based on a neighbourhood that the author said she used to live in (Clendon Park in Manurewa). It's a pretty dramatic read, very fast-paced with some very intense scenes that are very well done. Plus, I liked the fact that she used dialogue that relates to the area. I highly recommend it. It's also the nominated read for October in the other New Zealand group on Goodreads. Anyway, check out my review of it, that'll give you some more information.

[Debbie]

I am reading that at the moment too Angela, and finding it surprisingly good. How come I have heard nothing about this book or the author before? Is it too new?

[[deleted user]]

Debbie wrote: "I am reading that at the moment too Angela, and finding it surprisingly good. How come I have heard nothing about this book or the author before? Is it too new?"

It says it was published in August this year. I only heard about it through Goodreads.

[[deleted user]]

Debbie wrote: "I am reading that at the moment too Angela, and finding it surprisingly good. How come I have heard nothing about this book or the author before? Is it too new?"

I forgot to say, one of the reviews says it's her first novel. I think it's extremely impressive for a debut.

[Debbie]

Me too......I heard about it on Amazon. Hopefully we will start to see something more about it and her in mainstream Kiwi media!

[[deleted user]]

Debbie wrote: "Me too......I heard about it on Amazon. Hopefully we will start to see something more about it and her in mainstream Kiwi media!"

Agreed.

[Marita]

I just spotted this. Thanks, Angela and Debbie :)

[Debbie]

Well done you!! For the spotting and the writing!

[Debbie]

Marita, is Behind the Hood available in any mainstream bookstores in NZ? I want to buy one for my son. Or will I need to get that from Amazon too?

[Marita]

Debbie wrote: "Marita, is Behind the Hood available in any mainstream bookstores in NZ? I want to buy one for my son. Or will I need to get that from Amazon too?"

It's not in NZ bookstores, only Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Book Depository. It's hard to find on Book Depository and has been put under the category of Plays for some unknown reason, but this is the link if you prefer them: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Behin...
I'm hoping it will be in NZ bookstores next year. I'm told if it sells well on Amazon the chains will pick it up.

[Debbie]

Amazon it is then!

[Marita]

Debbie wrote: "Amazon it is then!"

Cool, thanks. I hope he enjoys it :)

[Craig]

Just read TRACES OF RED by Paddy Richardson and The Courtship Gift by Julie Parsons - Kiwi born author who now lives in Ireland

[Kerry]

Recent reads for me have been Jack Lasenby's The Mangrove Summer and Tina Makereti's Once upon a Time in Aotearoa.

[Peter]

I have recently read Gringos Across the Amazon by Jo and Gareth Morgan. I had previously read about their Silk Road motorcycle trip and this again appealed as an insight to the Morgans; their world and their take on life lived to the full. It was also my first add to goodreads as it was not yet listed.

[Marita]

Debbie wrote: "Amazon it is then!"

I just found out that I called Stella "Sheila" in chapter 36. I'm so mad with myself. Even my editor didn't notice the slip. Angie discovered it and told me on the other New Zealand group. She's got a keen eye because even my friends who read the book didn't pick it up, probably because the names are so similar. I'm going to get that fixed as soon as possible.

[Marita]

Debbie wrote: "Amazon it is then!"

Thanks, Debbie :) I just saw your review of Behind the Hood on Goodreads.

[Debbie]

I didn't notice that either! I think I got so carried away with the action that a little detail like that just got lost!

[Marita]

Debbie wrote: "I didn't notice that either! I think I got so carried away with the action that a little detail like that just got lost!"

That's good to hear :)

Though, I'm glad that it was picked up before I put my order in for my book launch today. I was going to do it last week, but decided to wait until I got back from NZ. Angie told me this morning, so I was very lucky.

[K,]

'Cut & Run' and 'Slaughter Falls' by Alix Bosco

I checked Alix Bosco out after reading the article in one of the papers about the author being 'unmasked'. Looking at reviews led me to the Crimewatch blog.

I enjoyed both books, the first, probably more than the second, because it was a novelty (for me) to read about NZ settings that were familiar without feeling awkward, uncomfortable or contrived in the description. I did not expect to read the book, and like it as much as I did, and would be likely to read more if the series continues. Engaging story, am intrigued that it didn't seem to take very long to be considered for TV (the wonders of living in a small country?); be interesting to see how it comes across.

Through the Crimewatch blog also read Bold Bloodand enjoyed it, slightly different than watch I expected, probably a lighter read, though I liked the way it was written.

[Craig]

Glad you've found some interesting Kiwi-written crime/mystery stuff via Crime Watch
K. There's plenty more where those books came from too - you might like to tryPaddy Richardson, Paul Cleave, Vanda Symon, and Ben Sanders amongst others too.

For me, the latest Kiwi novel was Milkshake by Matt Hammond - it's an internet/e-book release, so it has a few flaws, but it's not a bad story.

[K,]

Thanks Craig,
I've looked at a couple of those already, and will keep your suggestions in mind. I enjoy your perspective on the books you have read or heard about.

[Marita]

Matt and I were on Authonomy together. I've got his book on my to-read list as I've read the first chapter on there.

[Renjay]

The latest Kiwi books I've read were "Spooked - Investigating the Paranormal in NZ" by Jo Davy and James Gilberd and new author Ben Sanders' two releases "Fallen" and "By Any Means"

[Craig]

What did you think of the two Ben Sanders books Renjay?

[Renjay]

I enjoyed them mostly b/c the books are based in Auckland so you can actually envision what and where the crime scenes are happening.

[Kerry]

I've just finished Brian Falkner's Northwood and about to start his new series 'Recon Team Angel'. Also started Kapka Kassabova's Twelve minutes of love : a tango story.

[Hilary Lang]

Kerry please keep us posted on TANGO - sounds wonderful!

[Marita]

I'm reading Short fat chick to marathon runner by Kerre Woodham. It's funny, plus I wanted to read it as I'm training for a marathon next year.

[Marita]

If anyone wants a free read, I have 8 chapters of Behind the Hood up on my blogsite: http://maritaahansen.blogspot.com/201...

The book is set in South Auckland, so anyone that is familiar with Clendon Park (Manurewa) may recognise the setting.

[Kerry]

Hilary - I had to take TANGO back to the library but thought what I'd read was excellent so have another request in for the book.
Marita - I'm a little bit familiar with that area so I'll check out the chapters on your blog.

I've just finished a couple of other books so back to Brian Falkner's YA scifi The Assault, hopefully I can finish this before the New Year.

[Marita]

Kerry wrote: "Hilary - I had to take TANGO back to the library but thought what I'd read was excellent so have another request in for the book.
Marita - I'm a little bit familiar with that area so I'll check out..."

I call the suburb in my book Claydon (Clendon) for the sake of fiction, but a lot of the places, such as the Marae, shopping centre, video shop and so forth are real. Though, I saw that the pub has been pulled down and replaced with a McDonalds. Also, I based Tama's house on my old place. It was right behind Roscommon School. I never sent my kids to that school because it was very rough even though it was just a primary and intermediate.

[K,]

I'm taking a look as requested, and am wondering what kind of feedback you are looking for? I'm new to goodreads and Amazon, though read all sorts, usually in book form. I've been to one or two parts of Wales, and know a couple of Welsh people, so that would pique my interest...

[Marita]

Alwyn wrote: "K, wrote: "I'm taking a look as requested, and am wondering what kind of feedback you are looking for? I'm new to goodreads and Amazon, though read all sorts, usually in book form. I've been to o..."

I like your name, Alwyn, my son's called Arwyn. It's from my husband's side as he's part Welsh. There are a lot of Edwyns and Llewellyns in his family.

[K,]

Bearing in mind I find it a little challenging getting into any book when reading it on a computer screen, and that I admire anyone who has the courage and gumption to put pen to paper, particularly if it is their own story...
All the very best, and thanks for the opportunity to read a small part of your ebook. I'll send the link to friends and family who might find it interesting, and if they're happy to comment, I'll pass it on to you if you like...
The descriptions are very evocative. I'm assuming that the book is autobiographical? I think (if so) this would be good to mention in the first sentence of Amazon's book description - why? That's where it would grab me. What NZ was like - in the (what decade - 60's?).

Initially I thought it might be a bit wordy/descriptive for me, though it's like sitting down with you over a cuppa and hearing your story, with amusing anecdotes. It's more interesting having the social context as well. I settled in to the rhythm (well, as much as is possible with a short excerpt!).
I'm not an editor myself, though find when reading proofing errors are distracting - though that's a personal thing, it can detract from the enjoyment of a story.

Best wishes, and I look forward to seeing more of you on goodreads.

[Marita]

Hi, guys. For anyone that is interested I have chapters 1 to 8 of my book Behind the Hood on my blogsite for free, but for a limited time you can read chapters 9 and 10 as well on the same site. Here are the links:

Chapters 1-8
http://maritaahansen.blogspot.com/201...

Chapters 9-10
http://maritaahansen.blogspot.com/201...

It's set in South Auckland (based around my old neighbourhood). It's realism, so please excuse the rough language, that's how people speak there. I also have drawings of my characters on the site: Tama, Nike, and Maia from "Behind the Hood." And two characters from books 2 and 3 in the series. I plan on creating a graphic novel version of Behind the Hood in the future.

[K,]

Hi Taffy,
You're welcome, thanks for the extra book info - the programme is kindle-for-pc and it is easy to install and use. See http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custome...
All the best for the New Year.