Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: illustrator Zak Ātea, a finalist in the NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults.
The book I wish I’d written
Dune by Frank Herbert. Imagine having the mind to write and create a world like that in the 60s … so crazy! I also like the books even though they’re really complex.
Everyone should read
This Is It by Alan Watts. It’s an essay collection and it’s so enlightening, sometimes it’s nice to read something not based in a fantasy/sci-fi world. Just a really interesting insight into the spiritual experience.
The book I want to be buried with
The Fairyopolis Trilogy, the pillar of every 2000s childhood. They were these really cool pop-up books on fairies and how to find them!
The first book I remember reading by myself
Geronimo Stilton by Elisabetta Dami. I didn’t really enjoy reading when I was really young, but I loved those books, and I remember reading them by myself.
Dystopia or Utopia
Dystopia is always so much more entertaining.
The book I pretend I’ve read
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The movies were just too good for me to go back and read it.
Fiction or nonfiction
They both have their place, but I think I read more nonfiction than fiction now.
The book that made me cry
Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden. I was probably too young to be reading it, but oh well. It was so sad and slightly traumatising.
Best thing about reading
It’s the closest form to a meditative dopamine detox, but still a form of entertainment, no matter what genre you are reading it’s such an introspective moment.
What are you reading right now
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, it’s an interesting look into the ecosystems of trees, how they communicate and look after each other. It’s a good mixture of science and spirituality.
The Dream Factory (and te reo Māori edition Te Wheketere Moemoeā) by Steph Matuku and illustrated by Zak Ātea ($22, HUIA) is available to purchase from Unity Books and is a finalist in this year’s NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults.