'I appreciate the serendipity of a good book finding you at the right moment.'

'It's a reminder that it is possible to speak to complexity without being complex.'

'Have had several encounters with authors. The impression I’m left with is that they’re nerds like musicians, but not as well dressed.'

'Customers offer you pieces of themselves in return for a story.'

'I believe nonfiction is a really powerful tool for children. Often, it can be what gets them into reading.'

'It may sound clichéd, but if we want a literary landscape we need to buy the books. There are so many local writers out there doing awesome stuff."

'But one day I realised – this is ridiculous. Romance is a stunner of a genre and should never be played down.'

'I have a series of book shelves at home that are dedicated to pukapuka supporting the growth of te reo Māori.'

The award-winning illustrator on the books that have shaped her.

'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.'

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

'Any and all of them!'

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

'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.'

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