The Spinoff Books Confessional

Ross Calman’s life in books (Image: Tina Tiller)

‘Keri Hulme brought me thumping back to earth’: Ross Calman’s books confessional

'I described my ideal writing situation ... a cottage by the sea away from all the distractions of modern life. She said I was really just procrastinating.'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 9th July, 2025

Te Kahukura Boynton says she is the first Māori author to have published a personal finance book (Image: Tina Tiller)

‘Atomic Habits saved my life’: the books that made Māori Millionaire

'I read Rich Dad Poor Dad at eight, and I don’t think I’d be where I am if I hadn't!'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 2nd July, 2025

Dahlia Malaeulu is a writer and award-winning publisher. (Design: Tina Tiller)

‘The Pacific Islands!’ Dahlia Malaeulu’s favourite place to read

'Any and all of them!'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 25th June, 2025

Donovan Te Ahuhui Farnham is author of Whānau. Image design: Tina Tiller.

‘I’m still searching for Wally’: Donovan Te Ahunui Farnham’s childhood favourite

The author of Whānau on the most memorable books of his reading life.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 18th June, 2025

Georgia Lines is set to appear in the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival on June 15.

‘It’s about a man who turns into a shark’: Georgia Lines on the book that made her cry

'I don’t mean a tear or two, I mean full-on ugly crying. I had to put it down just to catch my breath and debrief with friends over a glass of wine.'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 4th June, 2025

Tina Makeriti’s book of nonfiction, This Compulsion In Us, is out now. Image: Tina Tiller.

‘Like swimming in a sea of legendary writers’: Tina Makereti’s books confessional

'Hopefully I introduced myself, I can’t remember, but I do remember my face registering my dawning recognition and surprise.'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 28th May, 2025

Matariki Bennett is author of new poetry collection, e kō, nō hea koe. (Image: Tina Tiller)

‘There’s no book I wish I’d written’: Matariki Bennett’s favourite poems

'I love being swallowed into someone else's universe and being able to exist there for a bit.'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 14th May, 2025

Rachael Craw is author of new YA novel, The Lost Saint. Image: Tina Tiller.

‘A medieval Russian fever-dream’: Rachael Craw’s favourite books

'I want to stuff the pages in my mouth until the words melt around my teeth.'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 7th May, 2025

Graci Kim is author of new fantasy novel, Dreamslinger.

‘I am not giving up on my American readers’: Graci Kim’s books confessional

'My Korean heritage has gifted me grit and perseverance, while my Kiwi upbringing has gifted me optimism.'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 30th April, 2025

Hannah Tunnicliffe is author of a brilliant children’s mystery out in time for the school holidays. (Image: Tina Tiller)

‘Makes me feel better about humanity’: Hannah Tunnicliffe’s favourite writer

'I will be reading anything he writes until he stops doing so.'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 16th April, 2025

Kimberly Andrews is author of Giraffe the Gardener, and many other picture books. Image: Tina Tiller.

Words to live by: Kimberly Andrews’ books confessional

'I reference it regularly, and am constantly recommending it' – the illustrator and author on a book that changed her approach to life.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 9th April, 2025

Mairātea Mohi’s rich reading worlds span fanfic, whānau taonga, and horror classics. Image design: Tina Tiller.

‘Maybe a bored kid made it up?’ The mystery of Mairātea Mohi’s favourite childhood book

'I can’t find it anywhere. No library, no secondhand shop, no Google search turns it up.'

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 26th March, 2025

Finance minister Nicola Willis and her stack of books. Image design: Tina Tiller.

‘I keep that little light of hope alive’: Nicola Willis’s love of literature

Finance minister, Nicola Willis, on the value of her English degree and her avid reading life.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 19th March, 2025

Nafanua Purcell Kersel’s life in books

‘It’s such a gift to read something out loud’: Nafanua Purcell Kersel’s life in books

The author of new poetry collection Black Sugarcane on the best and worst things she's read, the call of the waiting room coffee table and more.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 12th March, 2025

Author Kiri Lightfoot’s life in books (Image: Tina Tiller)

‘Sobbed so loud my neighbour came to check on me’: Kiri Lightfoot’s book confessional

The author of a moving new young adult novel on the book that shattered her into 'teeny tiny pieces'.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 5th March, 2025

Author and animator Anthony Elworthy (Image: Tina Tiller)

‘It’s a great achievement. To read it, I mean’: Antony Elworthy’s literary Everest

The acclaimed animator and author on the book everybody should read.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 19th February, 2025

Image design: Tina Tiller.

‘Roald Dahl refused to sign my book’: Claire Baylis’s best and worst author encounters

The author of courtroom crime drama Dice on her life in books.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 12th February, 2025

Image: Tina Tiller

‘I threw the book across the room’: Tania Roxborogh’s Hunger Games fury

The award-winning children’s author on why she has a bone to pick with Suzanne Collins, her love of Shakespeare and what she's currently reading.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 29th January, 2025

Novelist and now playwright Jenny Pattrick’s life in books

‘Annie has a pretty macabre streak’: Jenny Pattrick’s holiday with Proulx

The author of The Denniston Rose on her life in books, including a memorable week in Centennial, Wyoming.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 22nd January, 2025

Harry Ricketts’ books confessional. Image: Tina Tiller.

‘A sick wish fulfilment fantasy, so badly written’: Harry Ricketts’ biggest book regret

The writer and professor shares some of his favourite books – and the one he'd purge from his memory if he could.

By The Spinoff Review of Books | 11th December, 2024