Books

Dave Armstrong talks to Jesse about an idea that's been floated to sell off half of Wellington's beleaguered Central Library in order to raise money to quake strengthen the remainder of the building.

Matthew Roche reviews The Warm Sun on My Face: The Story of Women's Cricket in New Zealand by Trevor Auger, with Adrienne Simpson. Published by Upstart Press. Audio

Louise O'Brien reviews The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. by David Levithan, published by Text. Audio

Today's reviewer is sticking to a New Zealand theme, librarian Catherine Ross looks at great local reads for young adults.  Audio

Paul Diamond reviews Wars Without End: New Zealand’s Land Wars â€" A MÄori Perspective by Danny Keenan, published by Penguin Random House. Audio

Gail Pittaway reviews Cook, Eat, Repeat by Nigella Lawson, published by Penguin Random House. Audio

Arihia Latham with her three top picks from 2020 reading: Funkhaus by Hinemoana Baker (Victoria University Press), Tōkū Pāpā by Ruby Solly (Victoria University Press), Te Whē ki Tukorehe - new… Audio

Nadine Hickman's own struggles with mental health gave her the drive to do 'more than just lament' when she heard New Zealand's mental health statistics. So she's started a magazine called PEPTALK… Audio

John Duke of Unity Books selects three of his top recent reads: The Yellow House by Sarah M Broom (Corsair) Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami (Pan Macmillan) Recollections of my Non-Existence by… Audio

International tourism hot spots like Rotorua have had to adapt quite quickly to a world where the emphasis is suddenly on the local. Audio

Jenna Todd of Time Out Bookstore with her top picks from 2020's books: Earthlings by Sayaka Murata (Granta Books, $33), In the Dream House: A Memoir by Carmen Maria Machado (Serpent's Tail Limited… Audio

In a powerful address, Lyttelton poet Ben Brown explores the impact of deprivation and cultural estrangement on generations of our boys, as well as the redemptive power of words. Audio

Innovative and fearless the judges call her - the founder of publishing success story Gecko Press, Julia Marshall, has won the lifetime achievement 2021 Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal for her… Audio

Elisabeth Easther with her favourite reads of 2020: Aue by Becky Manawatu (Mākaro Press, $35), The Heavens by Sandra Newman (Allen & Unwin, $32.99) and The Overstory by Richard Powers (Penguin Books… Audio

Dean Bedford selects his three favourite books from 2020: Audience of One - Donald Trump Television and the Fracturing of America by James Poniewozik (WW Norton & Co, $42) Bill Birch - Minister of… Audio

Google and Facebook are in a showdown with Australian lawmakers over payment for using the work of others. The world is keenly watching to see what will happen.  Audio

Jessie Bray Sharpin reviews her favourite reads from last year: A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa (Tramp Press), How Much of These Hills is Gold by C. Pam Zhang (Little, Brown Book… Audio