I'm still recovering, weeks later, from the season 2, final episode, final scene of The Handmaid's Tale. It had both my husband and I screaming "NO!" at the television. Not usually a great fan of movies or television made from great books, this depiction of The Handmaid's Tale was produced with the author of the book…
My absolute darling: Possession, Love and Redemption
My Absolute Darling is an endearment from anyone else's lips, but from Martin Alveston to his daughter Turtle (real name Julie, aka Kibble), it is a term of possession and ownership of the worst kind. This debut novel by American Gabriel Tallent, centres around Turtle and her father. Turtle's mother died before she had a…
Fangirl Heads South
It was one of those moments when you hear your crazy calling and decide in a split second to just indulge it. Your favourite singer was performing 3 nights in a row on the same island as you ... why not go to all three gigs? Sure it meant driving more than the entire length of…
Daughters of Dystopia
Religion has removed women's rights. Only young girls have any freedom. We review a new dystopian novel in the vein of A Handmaid's Tale.
The End of the Lineman
I was so saddened to hear of Glen Campbell's passing today at the age of 81. He is right up there in my list of favourite musicians whose voice and songs could hit me like an emotional kick in the guts - but in the best of ways. He was one of those artists who…
Librarians recommend: Books about Parihaka
There are a number of excellent resources available if you'd like to learn more about the 1881 invasion of the Parihaka settlement by Government forces, the aftermath and ongoing legacy of this event. Whether you want something that's suitable for children, a fictional account or well-researched history on the topic, our library collection has got…
Lumber on an epic scale
I discovered at the weekend with a rapidly beating heart, that one of my all time favourite writers, Annie Proulx, has released a new novel. Thirteen years since her last novel, Barkskins is, by all accounts, a rip snorter. According to what I can glean from good old Mr Google, it is 736 pages long, spanning 3 centuries, and tells…
Bleaker than bleak
For some reason, it took me ages to read Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. I've been told it's been very popular in book groups and it's been shortlisted for a few literary prizes. It was one long read, but not because it was boring or dreary, far from it, I had settled into a reading…
Fan girl and proud of it
I'm mocked mercilessly about my raving and hyperventilating but I don't care, I know exceptional talent when I see it. I won't be swayed from my mission to getting everyone I know to listen to my favourite singer and all time amazing person, Tami Neilson. A Canadian now living in New Zealand, she has a powerhouse voice with a…
Five minutes on a Thursday afternoon
Libraries have changed; everyone knows this. There are no shushing fingers, aisles of silence and stern librarians imparting knowledge (not sure there have ever been these, especially wearing spectacles down their noses and tweed skirts). The library is used by people from all areas of the community for so many different reasons. Libraries are true…
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