Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: Labour MP and minister of education Jan Tinetti.
The book I wish I’d written
Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian. It’s an amazing book that I would read to my kids when I was teaching. It really helped young people understand tragedy while simultaneously being full of hope.
Everyone should read
Helen Kelly by Rebecca Macfie – because all New Zealanders should know what an amazing contribution she made and how change is possible.
The book I want to be buried with
I don’t want to be buried with books! They are full of life.
The first book I remember reading by myself
Ballet Shoes – it was a picture book and I was about 3 years old.
Fiction or Non-fiction?
Fiction.
The book that haunts me
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton.
The book that made me laugh
Anything by Marian Keyes.
The book I never admit I’ve read
Anything by Marian Keyes.
If I could only read three books for the rest of my life they would be
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Harry Potter by J K Rowling
- Auē by Becky Manawatu
The plot change I would make
Pride and Prejudice – I would have had Lizzie find her independence and not be married off.
Most overrated book
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
The most underrated book
Mophead by Selina Tusitala Marsh.
Encounter with an author
I met Selina Tusitala Marsh – she was vibrant and inspirational.
Greatest New Zealand book
Tangi by Witi Ihimaera.
Greatest New Zealand writer
Witi Ihimaera.
Best thing about reading
Books take you to another land.
Best place to read
Bed.
What are you reading right now?
My cabinet papers!
You can purchase or order the books mentioned above at Unity Books Wellington and Auckland.