Books

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There's little to like about figures like American politician Vivek Ramaswamy, but there is a lot to learn.

A new novel imagines a New Zealand version of the conservative South Asian grifter

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The Friday Poem: ‘THE THING IS’ by Johanna Cosgrove

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The onward march of Intermezzo, a bundle of new releases, and Wild Robot.

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending November 1

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Fancy some paranormal activity with your pint? Here's where to go.

These are New Zealand’s most haunted pubs

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We asked a handful of New Zealand writers for some recommended Halloween reading. Here's what they said. 

Writers pick their favourite scary stories for the spooky season

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Now 48, Megan Dunn is still paying off the huge student loan she first took out when she was 17. This is her story.

My number one regret? My $100,000 student loan

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'This was a defining and transformative conflict in the nation’s history … It is the story of how we got to where we are today.'

Remembering the Waikato War, Te Riri ki Tainui

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A debut novel that's one part family drama, one part harrowing road trip, and one of the most honest portraits of Aotearoa you're likely to find.

‘Observations that hit like a truck’: Poorhara by Michelle Rahurahu, reviewed

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Books editor Claire Mabey sings the praises of Margaret Mahy’s 40-year-old supernatural thriller.

The Changeover by Margaret Mahy is still the greatest young adult novel ever

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A stunning new graphic novel, dystopias, new non-fiction and more.

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending October 25

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The Friday Poem: ‘Uniform’ by Jackson McCarthy

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The speech delivered at the recent launch of Damien Wilkins' novel, Delirious.

‘Death cleaning’, ageing and loss: Elizabeth Knox on her favourite New Zealand novel

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A new poem as performed by Tusiata Avia at the 2024 Arts Foundation Laureates Awards.

‘I’m writing you a poem about art’: a new poem by Tusiata Avia

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Marilyn Garson calls for a religious space not distorted by nationalism.

Justice as our common cause: What can an Aotearoa Jewish identity look like?

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Remember the Wilberforces? Here's an interview with their creator. 

‘You can’t kill Jimmy Jaspers!’: An interview with Maurice Gee

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The Friday Poem: ‘Kōauau kōiwi’ by Ruby Solly

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Featuring the boldest cover of the year, so far.

The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending October 18

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Children's author and illustrator Gavin Bishop on which of his books he most wants to see adapted for the screen, the classic he struggled to finish and more.

‘I became besotted’: Gavin Bishop on finding Middle-earth in the school journal

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Which political party benefitted most from the parliament protests in 2022?

Populists, populism and the 2023 election

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Reese Witherspoon is co-writing a thriller. At first this annoyed books editor Claire Mabey, but then she did a full 180. Here's why.

Is celebrity book culture… good, actually?

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A cheap tent, overnight lows in the single digits and a four-legged friend for company – what could possibly go wrong?

I survived a night camping with my dog

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Exclusive: New messages released under the OIA show Rainbow acknowledged he 'didn't get the HRC job' – then suddenly he did. 

‘I didn’t get the HRC job’: Stephen Rainbow’s Human Rights Commission appointment just got weirder

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Day two of one man's foolish attempt to travel from the bottom of the country using only public transport.

The longest commute, day two: Joel makes it to Dunedin

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Home Education: On the road with the Rasmussens

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Price hikes, disappearing products and sourcing struggles – could this be the new normal for the chocolate industry?

Nobody panic, but we’re in the midst of a global chocolate crisis

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A white woman’s account of backpacking through southeast Asia? Groundbreaking. 

My Greatest Trip: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos

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'Five words to describe my financial personality? Irresponsible but a great budgeter.'

The cost of being: A uni tutor who spends on vapes, samosas and the odd night out

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And everything else you need to know about timings, where and what to watch in our user’s guide to the Trump v Harris big day(s).

When will we know the US election results in New Zealand?

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The PM says he'll work with whoever wins the White House, but the trade minister has previously expressed concern over higher tariffs.

The Spinoff

BooksOctober 2, 2015

Books: The Friday Poem – ‘Everyday Confession’ by Brian Turner

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BooksOctober 2, 2015

Books: The Friday Poem – ‘Everyday Confession’ by Brian Turner

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