She’s Always Hungry
By Eliza Clark
From Eliza Clark, author of Penance and Boy Parts, comes a unique short story collection filled with her trademark dark humour. From a story made up completely of Google reviews about bizarre orders from a takeaway to one about a teenager buying acne treatment from the dark web.
Women Living Deliciously
By Florence Given
Florence Given wants us to fall in love with our lives. This is a staunchly feminist and refreshing take on what a ‘self-help’ book can look like. Beautifully illustrated by Given herself, and full of wisdom akin to a warm hug from a friend. This book will make you want to live a delicious life.
Madam
By Antonia Murphy
Antonia Murphy finds herself alone with two kids to support after her husband leaves her. Around this time sex work is decriminalised in Aotearoa, so she decides to open an ethical escort agency. Darkly funny and poignant, Madam is now also a TV series, streaming on ThreeNow.
Gliff
By Ali Smith
Ali Smith takes us to a not-so-distant dystopian future, narrated by Bri, a young non-binary teen who has been separated from their Mum due to a political regime. Bri is largely left to their own devices and becomes enamoured with a horse named Gliff. Like all Smith novels you are guaranteed an intriguing and wild ride.
Things Will Calm Down Soon
By Zoë Foster Blake
Kit, the founder of Second Day haircare brand, is launching her business, navigating single motherhood, and then gets offered some pretty crazy money in exchange for her company. This is a handbook on how to be a founder, written by the founder herself of Go-To Skincare, wrapped up in a novel. What is not to love?
Episodes
By Alex Scott
Episodes, the debut graphic novel from Auckland-based multidisciplinary artist Alex Scott, offers readers a unique blend of storytelling, art, and personal experience that speaks to our media-saturated lives. Set in a fictionalised Auckland from the mid-90s to early 2020, it explores the clash between reality and the world of media and advertising.
Words: Mandy Myles
Imagery: Supplied
