By Tom Franklin   -   Fiction   -   2010  -   274pp

 Set in Mississippi, this is a novel deeply rooted in its rural landscape.  Larry Ott, white and middle class and Silas Jones, poor and black, were once childhood friends, their paths converging again years later when a young girl disappears in similar circumstances to events in their youth.  With its superbly developed characters, its challenges to Southern stereotypes, and a storyline alternating between the 1970s and the present, this is a murder mystery with a difference.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"A jolly good yarn.  A murder mystery with a difference."

"Basically a murder mystery, but much more than that; it is a gripping, well executed novel which holds the reader right until the last page.  Racism, bullying, violence - but also it depicts people's humanity and kindness."

"Thrillers are not normally my preferred choice, but this book is much more than a thriller.  It is a beautifully crafted piece of literature, with great sense of place and admirable character development."

By Dave Eggers      -       Non-Fiction      -        2009         -       335pp        -        Penguin Books

In August 2005, as Hurricane Katrina blew in, the city of New Orleans had been abandoned by most citizens.  But resident Abdulrahman Zeitoun, though his wife and family had gone, refused to leave.  For days he traversed an apocalyptic landscape of flooded streets by canoe.  He protected neighbour's properties, fed trapped dogs and rescued survivors.  But eventually he came to the attention of those 'guarding' this drowned city.  Only then did Zeitoun's nightmare really begin.

Zeitoun is the powerful, ultimately uplifting true story of one man's courage when confronted with an awesome force of nature followed by more troubling human oppression.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"An excellent story.  The nature of the Zeitoun's predicament is revealed to the reader without any judgements or comment being made by the author.  The story reveals its own truths to be interpreted by the reader.  I enjoyed the Syrian connections in this book.  I would recommend the book to groups that enjoy non-fiction."

"A memorable and disturbing account of actual events."

"This is an uplifting and, at times, deeply disturbing story."

"An excellent book about the devastation of the hurricane Katrina and the aftermath.  A good read for a book group."

By Cate Kennedy     -     Fiction     -     2009     -     342pp   [Scribe Publications]

Once, Rich and Sandy were environmental activitists, part of a world-famous blockade in Tasmania to save the wilderness.  Now, 25 years later, they have both settled into the uncomfortable compromises of middle age - although they've gone about it in very different ways.  The only thing they have in common these days is their 15 year-old daughter Sophie.

When Rich decides to take Sophie, whom he hardly knows, on a trek into the Tasmanian wilderness, his over-confidence and her growing disillusion with him set off a chain of events that no-one could have predicted.  Instead of respect, Rich finds antagonism in his relationship with Sophie; and in the vast landscape he once felt an affinity with, he encounters nothing but disorientation and fear.

Ultimately, all three characters will learn that if they are to survive, each must traverse not only the secret territories that lie between them but also those within themselves.  [Taken from Book Cover]

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"It has a very strong narrative and it's a compelling story.   There are deep insights into people's personalities and the differences between the generations:  the buckled-up grandmother, the try-too-hard parents being 'cool', the on-to-it teenager.  In the end the book is about family values."

"Extremely vivid writing - fantastic sensory descriptions of people, place, landscape and character."

"It's a contemporary novel of people finding themselves and each other.  The relationships work and while at first the reader may feel they do not like the characters as they are revealed, there is empathy and some understanding."

"It feels quite real - there are parts of each of the characters that you recognise.  Because it's set in Australia it feels familiar."

By Yoko Ogawa    -    Fiction    -    2010    -    180 pp  [Vintage Books]

He is a brilliant maths professor who lives with only 80 minutes of short-term memory.  She is a sensitve and astute young housekeeper who is entrusted to take care of him. 

Each morning, as the Professor and the Housekeeper are reintroduced to one another, a strange, beautiful relationship blossoms between them.  The Professor may not remember what he had for breakfast, but his mind is still alive with elegant equations from the past. 

He devises clever maths riddles - based on her shoe size or her birthday - and the numbers reveal a sheltering and poetic world to both the Housekeeper and her ten-year-old son.  With each new equation, the three lost souls forge an affection more mysterious than imaginary numbers and a bond that runs deeper than memory.   [Taken from book cover]

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"The story deals in detail about pure mathematics and Japanese baseball, neither of which interest me but despite that I found it a charming book."

"Interesting, original and elegant story, quiet and unassuming."

"I loved this book but I do acknowledge that I love the beauty of maths."

"A wonderful read, very charming and deceptively simple - less is more."

"Had I been introduced to numbers in this way, maths would have made way more sense!"

Diana Evans          Fiction           2005           230pp

Georgia and Bessie Hunter are identical twins, daughters of an English father and a Nigerian mother, growing up in a London suburb punctuated by a sojourn in Nigeria for their father's work.  It is there that the seeds of calamity are sown, the impact to reverberate for the rest of their lives.  Replete with eloquently drawn characters, this is a warm and moving story that considers not only twinship and the twists and turns of daily life, but what one must do to survive the challenges and trauma of reaching adulthood.  Winner of the Orange Prize for New Writers.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Intriguing style - humorous and unsual.  I really loved this book.  It flicks between simple informal 'street language' and a very descriptive poetic style."

"It's a lovely read with a look at the UK in the 70s and 80s.  The writer looks at twins, ethnicity and growing up in a rather melodious way."

Herta Muller            Fiction            1997            214 pp

Ceausescu's Romania is a repressed society ruled by fear.  An unnamed citizen is sitting on a tram on her way to be interrogated by its secret police.  During this 90 minute ride she ponders her life, past and present, unravelling a bleak picture of deprivation and fear. 

Inspired by the author's own experiences, this important story is a chilling reminder of existence in a totalitarian state.  Translated from German.  The author was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2009.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"A very clever way to tell a story.  It's packed with memories and stories of her family and friends; and descriptions of fellow travellers on the bus."

"The book is beautifully written but it's not a cheerful book.  The rambling thoughts of the narrator pull the reader into her life.  Constant tension is maintained through the slow revelation of the lives of the narrator and those close to her."

"An absorbing, enlightening and frequently funny read."

Poppy Adams            Fiction            2008             305 pp

Dorset, a sprawling Victorian folly, and a family peppered with eccentric characters; this is the story of sisters Ginny and Vivian reunited after more than 40 years.  Against the backdrop of the family obsession with lepidopterology (the study of moths and butterflies), their past and present behaviour is under the microscope. Revealed in this gripping story are the tangled truths and distortions of a dysfunctional and unconventional family.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

The writing style is conversational, entertaining and easily read.  One feels something is about to happen so it pulls you onwards into the story."

"Well written and gripping story with interesting information about moths, old age, childhood memories and great cover-ups."

"Quite a bit of information on moths - this will really fasincate some readers and irritate others."

Jim Powell            Fiction            2010            342pp

Feliks Zhuhovski, born in Poland, resident of Paris, is a man of order and routine and leftist sympathies.  His life has centred around publishing a travel guide to the eastern bloc.  When the Iron Curtain is swept aside, so too are the assumptions and convictions underpinning his life. 

This is the story of Europe, wartime and aftermath, and what happens when you are forced to question what you have always believed.  Thoughtful in content, light-hearted in style.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"After a slow start once we got into the story of Felik's family history, I became totally engrossed.  What a fascinating story."

"Chatty, quirky style with dry humour."

"Good description of life in Poland during the war and in tenement buildings in East Germany after the war."

"The book deals with 'heavy' issues but in a light-hearted and at times humorous style."

"Very interesting - the underlying 'message' that we filter the evidence to continually confirm decisions that we have made previously on imperfect information is valuable and thought-provoking - an excellent book to discuss."

Paulette Jiles           Fiction           2009            349pp

Britt Johnson, a freed negro slave, and his family travel west to settle in the plains of post-Civil War Northern Texas.  It is Indian territory: a place of violent confrontation between settlers and Indians. 

Based on oral histories, this extensively researched story offers compelling insights into the Native American culture and the experiences of the settlers, illuminating a tragic episode in American history.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"It is very informative, based on oral histories.  Jiles tells the story in a most compelling way, giving us an insight into the Indian way of life."

"It is a violent period for settlers 'trespassing' into Indian territory."

"This book reminds me of 'English Passengers' - it is a 'big' book."

"There are themes relevant to NZ, notably the arrogant assumption that the best thing for the natives was to assimilate them into the white man's way of life."

Jennifer Haigh           Fiction           2008           382pp

When Gwen McKotch is thirteen she is identified as having Turner's Syndrome, a condition that will prevent her from maturing normally.  Her diagnosis is a catalyst for the unravelling of her family; parents Frank and Paulette, and brothers Billy and Scott. 

Set in contemporary America and told over a 20 year period, this is an exploration of the human condition: the story of a family tested but ultimately finding peace.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Wonderful rendition of each character.  Deceptively simple opening; it appears that it is just a light read however it soon develops into a compulsive and sustaining story.  It's a really good read."

"It soon becomes obvious that Gwen's Turner syndrome is only a vehicle for exploring the idea that all people have problems to deal with and that labelling them does not necessarily make them more significant."

"While it's not a literary read, it's well written and very easy to read - Gwen by far the finest character in the novel."

"This is a very American book which could be hard to relate to for some."

Katharine McMahon           Fiction            2009           457 pp

In a society recovering from World War I, Evelyn Gifford trains as one of England's first female solicitors.  In contrast to her trailblazing employment, her home life is repressed following the death of her younger brother in the trenches. 

Against this backdrop of a nation grappling with change, Evelyn to is challenged to move beyond her grief and seek justice for those around her. 

An easy-to-read style and a fasincating examination of the social issues of the time make this an engaging story.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"A very easy style of writing - the author keeps you interested in what is going to happen right up to the last chapter.  The book evolves and different storylines emerge."

"It is an easy and enjoyable read and would appeal to all ages."

"I loved it and couldn't put it down.  I was interested to read what it would have been like as one of the first female lawyers in Britain."

"I thought it was so special - I enjoyed reading about a woman trying to make her way in a man's world - and also her coming to terms with the loss of a loved brother."

Abraham Verghese            Fiction            2009            541 pp

Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born of a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash Orthopaedic surgeon.  Orphaned by their mother's death and their father's disappearance, bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution. 

Moving from Addis Ababa to New York City and back again, Cutting for Stone is an unforgettable story of love and betrayal, medicine and ordinary miracles - and two brothers whose fates are forever intertwined. [Taken from the book cover.]

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"I enjoyed the read - didn't want to put the book down.  I would recommend the book."

"Describes the political situation in Ethiopia and how it impacted the lives of people there.  But mostly a profound look at the lives of a family who are anything but average."

"The book paints a very vivid picture of life in Ethiopia in the 60s and 70s.  It's beautifully written, poetic even."

"Excellent descriptions of surgical procedures - which I liked, but some may not."

"It's a good exploration of twins, autism, misunderstandings, betrayal and love."

Charity Norman           NZ Fiction                2010                355pp

What's best for Grace?  This question is at the heart of this story that considers the fate of a mixed race baby.  Following the sudden death of her young mother, the scene is set with plenty of scope to explore the complex issues and dilemmas of adoption.  On one side are an infertile couple, and on the other, the dysfunctional family of Grace's teenage father. 

With its realistic characters and easy to read style, this is an engrossing and compassionate novel about making difficult choices.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"I wanted to know what was going to happen and didn't want to put the book down."

"It's a very readable book with well-rounded characters and a very easy topic to identify with."

Well written, light and easy to read.  It's not a classic read, but it's a good, light read that could stimulate good discussion on social issues."

"I liked the way the tension built up over the course of the story.  The characters were engaging."

David Adams Richards           Fiction            2008          366pp

The Friends of Meager Fortune dwell in a harsh lumber company in New Brunswick, Canada.  It is the 1940s, the end of an era is in sight but it is still the men with their handsaws and horses who work the timber. 

Set against a brutal backdrop of small town ignorance and vindictiveness, this is the story of the Jameson family; brothers Will and Owen, inheritors of the family lumber business.  It is a tale of risk and hardship, misguided passion and rivalry and ultimately of men pushed to their very limits.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"This is a first class read. The physical hardships the lumberjacks endure are vividly portrayed."

"It's beautifully written with wonderful characters, but it's not a light read."

"Great story with nicely rounded characters.  Amazing descriptions, the reader truly feels the atmosphere."

"This is a very dark and harsh story.  There is violence and a constant underlay of pending violence.  I liked this writing more than I thought possible initially."

Marina Endicott           Fiction           2008            437pp

An innocuous drive to the bank becomes a life-changing event for Clara Purdy when she causes a car accident that involves the Gage family.  In the fallout, with the young mother remaining in hospital, Clara's orderly existence is thrown into chaos when she offers to help and the family moves in with her. 

The resulting domestic tableau of mess and unpredictability provides the setting for the gentle examination of the perennial themes at the heart of our relationships with others while addressing the question: is it possible to be good to a fault?  

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"The writing is intelligent, literate and honest.  The characters are lightly painted but become real."

"Because the characters and themes are lightly drawn, it took me a while to be drawn into the book and to thoroughly appreciate its complexity and depth."

"Wonderful characters and I was really pulled along by the story.  I found myself really caring about what happened and feeling her grief when things went wrong."

"Well written and easy to read.  It showed that often there is very little difference between selfishness and selflessness."

Lloyd Jones            Fiction            2010            313pp

Moving from Africa to Europe, a young woman undertakes an ambitious journey involving child kidnapping, people smuggling and exploitation.  Revealed to us by the people she encounters, a surprising story unfolds.  It is a tale of love and betrayal and need; a contemporary odyssey that compels you to keep on reading to uncover the truth.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"The story is strong, compelling and tragic and the fact that we only know in part, maintains the reader's attention to the end."

"It's a great story - almost a 'page turner'."

"The book exceeds on all fronts.  Wonderfully real characters involved in a good narrative with unexpected twists."

"The writing is fluid, fluent, literary, poetic and evocative, carrying the reader along effortlessly."

_{Maggie O'Farrell            Fiction           2010            374pp}

Lexie and Elina are young women living in London 50 years apart; Lexie is a journalist in 1950's Soho and Elina, a present day artist who along with her partner Ted is recovering from the traumatic birth of their first child.  When Ted seeks to understand his own childhood, the dual stories begin to collide, solving a decades-old mystery and exposing the reader to the richness of lives passionately led. 

This is a novel of mesmerising characters and family secrets well seasoned with the peaks and troughs of love and parenthood.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Amazingly descriptive writing.  She is the master of the metaphor."

"The author's characters are all interesting and there is a sense of suspense right through, while she keeps you guessing."

"This was a beautiful book to read.  She used different writing syles in different parts and it worked. I just loved her descriptions."

"Brilliant story telling.  The characters are mesmerising.  My husband enjoyed it too!"

"The first book for ages that brought a tear to my eye at the end."

Kader Abdollah           Fiction           2010           431 pp

Having lived in the house attached to the mosque for eight centuries, Aqa Jaan and his kin epitomise a devout Muslim family. However, change is in the air: the Iranian revolution is underway and the effect on the extended family is tumultuous. 

With its heady mix of revolution and relationships, politics and power, this story brings to life a slice of Iranian history imbued with the author's own experiences.  A captivating snapshot of the last days of the Shah and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"The writing is gentle and the descriptions of the family caring and compassionate.  The writing has a lyrical, story-like character to it and the reader is drawn into the heart of this extended family."

"Although a work of fiction, its base in the author's experience makes it a moving account of everyday life in tumultuous times."

"Excellently written and described. Gripping and lovable. Intense yet sweet. One of the best books I've read."

"I was captivated by this book until about half-way through when the mood became black and frightening."

Suzanne Collins           Fiction           2008            454pp

Every year, the twelve districts of Panem (the remains of North America) hold the 'Hunger Games', a reality TV show like no other.  Pitted against one another, the tributes, twelve girls and twelve boys, compete to determine the future prosperity of their regions.  But the price is high; it is a fight to the death.  Katniss Everdeen has the dubious honour of representing District 12 in this year's games.  This deceptively simple and accessible story immerses you in a future that is all too possible. 

The story is fast-paced, populated with dynamic characters and overflowing with complex and sophisticated moral questions.  As gripping as it is thought-provoking.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Very gripping!  I read it in two sittings, finishing at 2am."

"It was so gripping - suspense throughout the book, right to the final sentence and beyond."

"While it's a young-adult read, it's so absorbing!  I tell myself that my enjoyment means that I'm young at heart rather than in my second childhood!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book but as it's written for young adults, I don't know if older readers would read it."

"I don't usually 'do' fantasy/Sci Fi, but I did enjoy it and couldn't have stopped reading the book.  I think that it's definitely for the more 'open' reader."

"The author cleverly uses the story to examine the important issues in life (eg, the role of family, what is a life worth, what is of real value)."

Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani           Fiction           2009           343pp

Click on your email and be ready for riches - once you've handed over your bank account details.  A young Nigerian man's fine education has not delivered prosperous employment and his family's financial problems are mounting.  The solution: Kingsley reluctantly enters the world of email scamming and assists his Uncle 'Cash Daddy' in filching the gullible rich. 

A poignantly humorous morality tale that not only examines the connection between poverty and crime, but highlights the relationship between Africa and the West.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:
"I really enjoyed this book.  It was very funny in parts but also very sad."

"I found it hard to put it down.  It was an easy read, written with humour and clarity."

"Absolutely loved it.  Gave me a whole new perspective on the scammers and the scammed."

"Once you're into the book it becomes a bit of a black comedy (pun not intended) and the end twist makes the reader finish with a smile."

"This novel does requrie the reader to suspend a certain amount of moral judgement regarding the fraudulent activities of the main characters."

By Tom Rachman           Fiction          2010          274pp

A wise, funny and moving novel about the people who write and read an international newspaper based in Rome.  We meet the hapless obituary reporter who will do anything to avoid work, the lonely executive who falls for the man she just fired, and the eccentric publisher who pays more attention to his basset hound than to his struggling paper.  Rachman reveals how the private comedies and tragedies of these characters interwine at work and at home."

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"I really enjoyed the book and look forward to more from this writer.  Pathos and humour, revenge and raw ambition, loneliness and passion, it is all packed into this relatively small book."

"It is easy to empathise with each of the characters and their oftimes poignant, hilarious, or eyebrow-raising situations.  Very well written."

"The narrative is light and fun as well as containing a few surprises for the characters.  Complex and satisfying."

By Jenny Pattrick          NZ Fiction            2010           313 pp

This is a story of friendship, family and the influence of the past on the present.  The appearance of a character from a previous novel, Landings, establishes the setting of 1960s Samoa, a melting pot of approaching political independence, family tensions, and challenges to 'fa'asamoa', the traditional Samoan way.  Moving between Samoa and 1990s New Zealand, the author considers the weight of cultural expectations and the possible conflict between truth and love.  A book to relish, rich in cultural and historical detail.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"It's an enjoyable read.  The real beauty of the book to me was the Samoan history."

"An enthralling novel set in New Zealand and Samoa.  It's heart-warming and gripping."

"The setting of 1960s Samoa was fascinating and gave an excellent cultural insight."

"It gives a great insight into Samoan life and culture and the weaving together of the past and its influence on the present is interesting.'

By Michael Riddell           NZ Fiction            1997            367 pp

Arthur, along with other recovering psychiatric patients, lives in a boarding house in Ponsonby, Auckland.  Believing himself to be the second son of God, and intent on his crusade to do God's work, Arthur encounters an eclectic mix of quirky and vulnerable people.  From his fellow boarders and a local minister having a crisis of faith, to a disillusioned housewife from Howick, and an aggressive TV journalist, each character is clearly drawn and instantly recognisable.  With its gentle spiritual overtones and its social policy observations, this is an unconventional story, thoroughly enjoyable and rich with thought-provoking ideas.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Fantastic characterisation - such a mix of interesting characters.  It's an excellent story, beautifully told."

"The characters provide an eclectic mix of people providing incidents that make it one of the most readable books I've read this year."

"I am only sad it was published so long ago and it sat under my radar for so long!"

"It contains one of the most beautiful sexual encounter scenes I've read; it is gentle, loving and unusually written.  Very sexy in a good way."

"This is NZ fiction at its best - the reader is drawn in - although it may be more engrossing for an Aucklander."

"It's an unconventional story and I found the writing a little jerky."

By Penelope Todd          Fiction           2010          299pp

This is the story of an isolated quarantine station and its community; its dedicated staff and those they tend, and the sailors and immigrants.  It is a place set apart with its inhabitants balancing passion and hope alongside sickness and death.  The unusual setting, the evocative descriptions of the island and the sympathetically drawn characters give rise to a tender and accomplished novel of colonial New Zealand.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Penelope Todd's writing style is beautifully descriptive.  She almost paints pictures with words.  Mood and tone are deepened through beautifully evocative descriptions of weather and of place."

"To me, it is more a story about young characters maturing in a strange setting than a 'love story'.  Despite the harsh setting and harsh realities of pain and death, it is a tender, quite delicate story."

"This story is an exploration of love and its variety and vagaries."

By Helen Simonson            Fiction           2010            457 pp

Village politics, family disputes, property developers, religious conflict, hunting, a golf club and a good dollop of snobbery, the quintessential English village of Edgecome St Mary has it all.  At the heart of the story is retired widower Major Pettigrew and his developing relationship with Mrs Ali, the Pakistani village shopkeeper.  A light-hearted and entertaining story with colourful characters and an underlying examination of stereotypes and cultural expectations.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"A very easy read.  Humorous, slightly satirical.  A very satisfying story in which you can relate to the characters."

"I loved this book, the witty dialogue and the wonderfully drawn characters."

"I'd sum the book up as charming.  Delightful characterisation and a delightful read.  Perhaps more for older readers."

"Easy to read, humorous and compelling.  Northing earth-shattering happens, but it's a fun read."

"There are some very clever bits in the book which are very funny.  It was a very good read."

"I felt Major Pettigrew was a bit weak at the start but he seemed to strengthen and became more energetic.  Perhaps that was deliberate and it was Mrs Ali that gave him a purpose."

By Alan Brennert            Fiction           203            384 pp

When Rachel Kalama is seven, she is discovered to have leprosy and is quarantined in a leprosy settlement on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i.  This is the story of her life; from the moment she is taken from her family (never to live with them again), to her eventual cure as an adult and beyond. 

Not only does it chronicle the experience of an isolated community celebrating life while over-shadowed by disease, but also the changes in the management of leprosy.  Based on extensive research, it is an inspiring story revealing a fascinating period of early 20th Century history.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"I loved the book.  I feel like I've visited Hawaii and been to the leper colony.  The story is quite fast paced and follows Rachel right to the end of her life at an old age."

"I was pleased to read a book written by Brennert.  I know that he received an Emmy Award as a producer and writer for LA Law back in the 1990s."

"I found this book captivating - in its horror and its story of human devotion, tenacity and hope.  It made me want to learn more about leprosy."

"I can just picture a book group gathering and the emotional discussion.  I think everyone will ask of themselves:  "How would I cope were it me?  My child?  My husband?"

"Painless way to learn about Hawaiian history.  There are fascinating glimpses into the time and treatment of leprosy.  I've now recommended the book to quite a few people."

By Susan Abulhawa           Fiction           2010          331pp

Palestine 1948.  The Abulheja family are forcibly removed from their ancestral home in Ein Hod and sent to live in a refugee camp in Jenin.  Through Amal, the bright granddaughter of the patriarch, we witness the stories of her brothers: one, a stolen boy who becomes an Israeli soldier; the other who in sacrificing everything for the Palestinian cause will become his enemy.  Amal's own dramatic story threads its way through six decades of Israeli-Palestianian tension:  it is one of love and loss, of childhood, marriage, parenthood, and finally the need to share history with her daughter, to preserve the greatest love she has.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"One of the best books I've read.  Beware of reading in public places if you are prone to tearfulness!"

"Although the book revolves around tragedy, its characters are human, funny, endearing and inspiring."

"The book immerses the reader in an Arabic environment - you can almost feel and smell the refugee camp and the hot dusty grandeur of Jerusalem."

"This book is unashamedly one-sided but it gave me an insight into the long-held grievances of the Palestinian people."

By Natasha Solomons           Fiction            2010           311pp

In 1937 when the Rosenblum family flee Germany they are given a pamphlet, While you are in England:  Helpful Information and Friendly Guidance for every Refugee.  And so begins Jack Rosenblum's list of what it takes to be a perfect English gentleman.  Diligently working his way through the list he is stumped by his final goal of joining a golf club.  Undaunted by rejection he sets out to build his own golf course in Dorset.  This deceptively simple story deals with the big issues of cultural identity, assimilation and prejudice.  It is a warm and entertaining read with serious undertones.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"The first book for a long time to bring me to tears. An excellent read, an education and a privilege."

"A great and entertaining read, bringing an understanding of the period from a unique and very personal point of view."

"I think the book will have a mixed reception.  It is a good subject matter but there's a feeling of having to suspend your disbelief."

"Plenty of food for thought about the past that is carried with people and the prejudices that are in our world and the hurt that can be inflicted on people who are doing their best."

"I loved this book.  I loved Jack and Sadie's stoicism and the rich characters they meet and befriend when they shift to Dorset."

By Lynn Shepherd          Fiction          2010         343 pp

The much-loved and familiar names of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park are all present:  Fanny Price, the Bertrams, the Norrisses, the Grants, the Crawfords.  However, with a reshuffling of characters, personalities and plot and the addition of a body or two, this novel contineus the magic of Mansfield Park, albeit with a twist.  An engrossing and intriguing mystery worthy of Jane Austen aficionados or those yet to be converted.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"The book is entertaining and exciting and leaves one sorry to finish it."

"This would appeal to those who enjoy historical romance and murder mystery.  There are more than enough suspects to keep the reader guesssing and it is hard to pick the murderer.  It is a modern take on a lesser known Austen classic."

"It is well written and fast paced with wonderfully sharp and witty dialogue.  I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Mansfield Park and I will certainly re-read the original."

"This book will engender much discussion - whether or not an author should take another's characters and reinvent them for their own storyline."

By Anne Tyler         Fiction         2009         277pp

Liam Pennywell is untethered. At sixty, he has lost his job, downsizing to manage the change in his circumstances. In the search to regain his memory following an assault in his new home, he reflects on his life; of mistakes made and opportunities missed. As he reconnects with those around him, he is able to contemplate a different future. Well defined characters and the acute observations of domestic detail take the ordinariness of a life, transforming it into a story that is both poignant and fascinating.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"It is almost cinematic and draws the reader right in. Very witty, very funny and often very touching."

"Great characterisation. Classic Anne Tyler study of ordinary people and what makes them tick. She takes what essentially is a very mundane subject and makes it fascinating."

"A lovely book and one all readers should enjoy - for the story and for the writing."

"I loved this story. It is light and a most enjoyable story."

By Chris Cleave        Fiction        2008         374pp

A dramatic encounter on a Nigerian beach has long-lasting ramifications for Little Bee, a Nigerian teenager, and a holidaying English family.  From oil-related conflict in Nigeria to the treatment of refugees in Britain, this is a story of moral dilemmas and the collision of different world views. 

With its balance of humour and tragedy, it is both a heartrending and a satisfying contemporary novel that examines the way different people see the world.  Also published as Little Bee.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Well written - enough suspense to keep the pages turning with a mix of humour and tragedy."

"The writing is captivating; both familiar and unexpected."

"This is a beautifully written and constructed book.  The story unfolds slowly and subtly and in such a complex way that the reader is constantly taken by surprise."

"It is a totally engrossing read.  A great book for discussion - lots of controversial themes."

"The characters feel human and likeable despite their flaws and the situations are heartbreaking."

By Ann Weisgarber     Fiction    2008      307pp

Isaac and Rachel DuPree are black land owners struggling to establish their ranch in the South Dakota Badlands around the time of World War I.  Against this unforgiving landscape, Rachel is caught between her husband's ambition for more land and the daily struggle to feed her children.  Life is grim and in the cauldron of severe drought, love and loyalties are sorely tested. 

A memorable story with strong characters bringing to light the hardships and social tensions of the American west.

Comments from BDS Reviewers: 

"This is a very good read - a strong and memorable story that is very hard to put down.  Most readers would find it difficult not to shed a tear or two.  I know I did."

"A clever, nicely paced story.  Historical data has been interwoven well and there's a real feeling of the grimness of life in the Dakota Badlands."

"A nice look at racial discrimination and the attitudes of blacks to Indians."

"The book was just about unputdownable.  It is an easy read with a lot of themes for thought.  There are few touches of happiness or sweetness though."

By Simone Van Der Vlugt     Fiction     2008      295 pp

Memory is a funny thing ...  Sabine Kroese is experiencing flashbacks from nine years earlier when her former best friend disappeared.  What did happen that day, and why is she starting to remember now?  As the fragments of memory slowly coalesce, Sabien is intent on discovering the truth. 

Set in the Netherlands, this is a fast-paced psychological thriller that captures the reader's attention with its strong plot and interesting examintion of the nature of memory.  Translated from Dutch.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Very good read and clever story telling."

"This is a well written, fast-paced story.  It's light and relatively short and I think it would be popular with groups."

"I looked up library catalogues to see if any other works by Van de Vlugt had been translated. Not yet, but I'll be watching out for more."

"It's cleverly constructed with a slow, steady build-up of tension.  Lots of surprise twists as the truth is gradually peeled away."

By Marcus Sedwick     Fiction     2009     220 pp

Confronted by a stranger, Sig and his sister Anna are held ransom in their isolated cabin.  Hidden away is their father's Colt revolver, offering them the possibility of deliverance ...

With its moral dilemmas played out in the desolate surroundings of the Arctic Circle and gold rush fever, this is a story of surprising tension and elegant writing; a short read of deceptive simplicity.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"A short, sharp read - holds the reader's attention and has you wondering where the story is going."

"It's perhaps a young adult read, but having said that, I will be looking for other titles by this author."

"The story keeps you in suspense and hooked till the end.  It comes together brilliantly in the end and parts that don't seem important actually tie it all together."

"It's gripping.  A simple but great read.  It's actually beautifully written."

A great book - it's refreshing.  Not a genre I would normally read.  It could be underestimated by its size and simplicity."

"Part of the beauty of this book is its simplicity - quick, accurate and elegant writing."

By Emma Donoghue     Fiction      2010      401 pp

Ma and Jack's world is limited physically to a space 11 foot square, but unlimited by imagination that transforms each and every facet of their existence.  Jack is turning five and Ma realises that their world needs to expand.  Although this is the story of their forced confinement and eventual escape, it is ultimately testimony to a profound relationship that not only makes it possible for them to survive the unthinkable but rise above it.  Narrated by Jack, this is a powerful and moving novel which will have you pacing out 11 square feet and asking yourself what if this had been me or someone I loved?

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Absolutely gripping.  The language is delightful."

"A fascinating read.  It's well written and believeable."

"Unique perspective from a five year old.  A compelling read, empathetic but never trite."

"The subject matter is mind-boggling but not distressing in itself, mainly because of the way it is told through a child's innocent eyes."

"Ma and Jack's beautiful relationship is portrayed in such a way that the disturbing nightmare of the story is kept in its rightful place (ie, secondary to their love)."

By Tatiana de Rosnay   -   Fiction   -   2008   -   294 pp

Paris, July 1942.  Sarah, a 10 year old girl, is taken with her parents by the French police as they go door to door arresting Jewish families in the middle of the night.  Desperate to protect her younger brother, Sarah locks him in a bedroom cupboard - their secret hiding place - and promises to come back for him as soon as they are released.  Sixty years later, Sarah's story intertwines with that of Julia Jarmond, a journalist investigating the round-up.  Sarah's Key is an emotionally gripping story of two families forever linked to and haunted by one of the darkest days in France's past.  [Taken from the book cover.]

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"I really enjoyed reading this book.  At first I thought, 'Oh, another war story', but it really isn't like that.  It's more about relationships and human life.  I couldn't put it down and highly recommend it."

"A compelling and moving story.  The characters are sensitively and well drawn and I had a compulsion to keep reading whatever the outcome."

"The story sheds light on a piece of history that French people must be embarrassed about."

"It's so realistic that it evokes an emotional response.  Loved it and I'm going to see the movie."

By Jasper Fforde   -   Fiction   -   2010   -   432 pp

Imagine a society where your place in the social hierarchy is determined by your ability to perceive colour.  We see this world through the eyes of Eddie Russet, a 19 year old, sent to the Outer Fringes as punishment for his innocently subversive ideas about queuing.  His journey of political enlightenment begins when he meets Jane, a lowly Grey.  Combining elements of romance, mystery, suspense and comedy with original ideas and quirky wordplay, this story is a bemusing yet enthralling adventure in an Orwellian world. 

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"A fascinating journey into a new way of class division.  Written exceptionally well and with a lot of wit."

"I love such fantasy books.  The author has such an imagination!"

"I really enjoyed this book.  I've never read anything quite like it before.  It was a slower read than usual for me but the characters are great and the ideas fascinating."

"Readers will have to be able to cope with fantasy - it won't be for everyone.  I quite liked it so was happy to keep reading, but by the time I was about two-thirds through I just couldn't put it down.  Viewed as a comedy, it's a great book."

"It's the first of three books in the series - as I write this the other two aren't on sale yet, but I'll be buying them!"

"Humourous look at life - perhaps it's a little long but the author is amazingly clever."

By Vikas Swarup   -   Fiction   -   2008   -   575 pp

The son of a politician is shot dead at a party where is is celebrating his own acquittal from a murder charge.  Enter a journalist determined to find the killer.  With the options narrowed down to the 'six suspects' who were present at the party all toting guns, Arun Advan investigates their lives and possible motivations and in the process exposes the disparities and complexities of the society they live in.  With its vivid characters and captivating plot, this classic whodunnit has the added attraction of also presenting a social commentary of contemporary India. 

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Lots of fun - a light-hearted good read.  It's fast moving, has great characterisation and is gripping."

"It's beautifully written with characters that could jump off the page.  You can see and smell the India described."

"This is a can't put it down book - compelling reading."

"Written with sympathy, knowledge and derision for the corruption."

"I was hooked from the first chapter - it was such a clever way of opening the story.  It's a classic 'whodunnit'.

By Thrity Umrigar   -   Fiction   -   2006   -   321 pp

Set in Mumbai, this is a novel of two women and their families: Sera and her maid Bhima whose relationship is longstanding and cordial.  However when Sera pays for Bhima's grandaughter's education, a series of events are set in play that threaten the well-being of both families, exposing the class conflicts and injustices underpinning their lives. 

This is not only a vivid social commentary of India, but an examination of the universal tension between friendship and family loyalty.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Gorgeous descriptive language.  The writer should be a poet.  The overall impression is of a writer at the peak of her writing power as a wonderfully told story unfolds."

"The characters are believeable and lovable.  The story unfolds smoothly yet complex enough to keep you guessing."

"I really loved this book.  The author has done an excellent job of building a connection for the reader to the characters."

"The story is engrossing and the characters inspire empathy and compassion.  The author's depth of perception make this a special novel."

"There are grammatical errors through translation and this can be irritating."

By Helen Garner   -   Fiction   -   2008   -   195pp

Helen lovingly prepares her spare room for her friend Nicola who is coming to stay for the next three weeks while Nicola undergoes treatment she believes will cure her advanced cancer.  Helen becomes her nurse, her servant, her guardian angel and her stony judge.

The Spare Room is an unforgettable story about what happens to a friendship when the chips are down.  [Taken from the book cover.]

Winner of both the Queensland and Victorian Premiers' Literary Awards.

Comments from bDS Reviewers:

Groups should be careful when selecting this book as it could be too stressful for those with a loved one in palliative care."

"It's beautifully written and clever - it made me laugh and cry."

"The writing is splendid - sparse, taut, literate and evocative.

"Despite the grim central topic, the book is not overly gloomy and depressing and much humour shines through."

By Lisa Genova   -   Fiction   -   2009   -   292 pp

At fifty, Alice Howland has it all - a happy marriage, adult children and a successful career as a Harvard Professor.  But Alice and her family are at the beginning of a devastating journey; she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.  Related from Alice's perspective, this is a story that sensitively chronicles the loss and confusion that follows such a diagnosis, as well as deftly interweaving factual material.  A humane and poignant book that challenges the reader with questions of our worth and identity when our memories and intellect are no more.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Describing the outline of the book makes it sound depressing but it's not.  I found it completely engaging and once started, I was reluctant to stop reading."

"A truly amazing book covering a very hard topic - this book is very positive and handled with utmost sensitivity."

"It is all in the first person and captures Alice's perspective of her family and people around her.  The story is poignant and heart-wrenching for everyone."

"I gave the book 11 out of 10.  This writer treats the topic with such reverence that I feel it is even more gut-wrenching and I personally felt quite moved."

"I had a sense of melancholy yet I couldn't put the book down - I felt honoured to be sharing this story."

By David Ballantyne   -   NZ Fiction   -   1968   -   277 pp

Harry lives in Calliope Bay on the edge of the world.  His mother has gone to the city, perhaps just for the summer, perhaps longer.  But while Harry wonders when she'll be back he is free to explore the forbidden and dangerous meat works.  When his beautiful older cousin Caroline arrives, Harry is torn between childish games and his desire to protect her from the attentions of Wiggins the butcher, with terrible consequences.  [Taken from the book cover.]

Originally published in 1968, this edition is accompanied by an introduction from Kate de Goldi.


Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"I definitely recommend this book for the scheme. First published in 1968 and republished in 2010, it must be up there with the finest of NZ literature."

"Very clever plot development and understanding of Harry's psyche."

"A great insight into a bit of New Zealand's rural history."

"Young boy's coming of age turns darkly gothic."

"It's a well constructed story and well told.  Great that the book has been republished."

By M J Hyland   -   Fiction   -   2009   -   376 pp

Patrick Oxtoby's life is defined by emotional immaturity that ultimately leads to tragedy: his imprisonment for murder.  The author has created a memorable character who offers the reader a unique opportunity to see the world through his eyes.  Although bleak and disturbingly beleiveable, this is a compelling portrait of a man unable to cope with life's complexities.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"A totally believable insight into the actions of a person who is only marginally able to cope with the world."

"The second half of the book dealing with the court process and imprisonment is totally believeable and very upsetting for that reason."

"The author has created a character whose emotional immaturity leads him to misjudge people and misinterpret situations."

"It can be a depressing book but I really liked it becuase of the story line and because of its exposure of the reality from the point of view of the offender rather than the victim."

Stepehen Daisley   -   Fiction (NZ Interest)   -   2010   -   295 pp

This is an extraordinary New Zealand story: from the shores of Gallipoli and the horrors of the Western Front, then home to rural New Zealand.  At its heart is David Monroe; soldier, pacifist, conscientious objector, stretcher-bearer, shepherd.  The strong characterisation, sparse writing style and taut plot combine to create a beautiful yet tragic story of war and love.

Comments fro BDS Reviewers:

"My response to the first 40 pages was ambivalent. But by the half way point I wanted to know more, and by the end I was moved to tears.  It is a great thrill for me to find a NZ novel with a male central character who is such a fully realised person."

"This is a beautiful and terribly tragic story that is very well written. The writing is extraordinarily sparse - grammatical features such as speech marks are non-existent."

"I am quite sure this will prove to be a defining NZ novel.  It tells a simple story in a complex way and the central character is at once a simple and a complex man."

"I enjoyed this book more than any I have read in a long time but it could be more of a 'blokes' book."

By Susan Henderson   -   Fiction   -   2010   -   320pp

Tillie Harris' family are different.  Their home life is chaotic; her father is a no-nonsense US colonel, her brother is following in his footsteps and behaving like a good little soldier, and her emotionally fragile mother mysteriously disappears when Tillie is eight.  It is only years later, when Tillie gives birth to her own child, that she is reconciled with her past. 

Tillie narrates this poignant and haunting struggle of a broken family doing its best to keep its secrets behind closed doors.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Beautifully written, poignant and sad, the story is narrated from the child's point of view.  I was completely enthralled by the book."

"It's a most unusual story.  I had to keep reading to find out what happened."

"I found it fabulous, captivating and perfect.  I named my new puppy after the main character."

"We follow Tillie closely, sharing her pain and confusion, missing her mother and trying to understand what has happened."

By Martin Booth   -   Fiction   -   2005   -   288pp

As suggested by its title, this story involves a gentleman who really values his privacy.  He has good reason to; his passion for painting rare butterflies disguises his true occupation of producing designer guns for assassins.  As he makes plans to retire, his past is set to catch up with him, shattering the peace of the Italian village that he has made his home. 

With a likeable anti-hero, clever build-up of tension and its beautiful descriptions of the countryside, this well crafted novel will challenge and delight the reader with its deceptions and moral conundrums.  Also published as The American.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Beautiful prose, beautiful descriptions of Italy and insights into his flawed character.  Martin Booth pens a likeable anti-hero who we begin to empathise with."

"It was slow to get to the point, but there is beautiful use of language.  Brilliant build-up of tension and suspense."

"I found this novel to be beautifully and very cleverly crafted and, after a rather slow beginning, virtually unputdownable."

By Hilary Mantel   -   Fiction   -   2009   -   653pp

Moving from the backstreets of London to the court of Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell was a self-made man.  In this epic work, immersed in the brutal world of the Tudors, the author presents an entirely different perspective on this powerful courtier and his place in English history. 

Rich in political and religious intrigue, and with its large cast of familiar characters, Wolf Hall offers an absorbing and original experience of Tudor England.  Winner, 2009 Man Booker Prize.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"An excellent book, well written - a fascinating story of Thomas Cromwell."

"A fascinating read but at 650 pages, it's a big book."

"The author has chosen a revisionist approach to history by offering us a new perspective on Thomas Cromwell reviled by historians as a devious and ruthless political figure.  Through his own eyes we experience a humane man capable of great insight, charm and fair-mindedness."

"It is so absorbing and convincing.  From the first few pages we are transported into Tudor England, brought to life by a densely populated cast of characters."

.

By John Kirwan   -  Non-Fiction   -   2010   -   223pp

Aptly subtitled, A Story of Hope, this is the account of All Black John Kirwan's experience of depression.  Written in a simple no-nonsense style, it chronicles the challenges he faced and overcame with the help of his family and friends. 

With its responsible observations and insights, this book provides useful information and advice that demystifies this debilitating disease and offers hope to those who suffer from it.  A courageous and inspirational read.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"This is not a rugby biography.  It's primarily about mental health issues.  I think it should be in all high school libraries."

"Having raised sons who have struggled with depressive episodes I could recognise many of the times he was describing and many of the emotions."

"Very, very easy to read and unpretentious in its style."

"I liked the way the book is broken up by the observations of Kirwan's friends and family."

By Bill Bryson   -   Non-Fiction   -   2010   -   700pp

Join Bill Bryson as he meanders from room to room in his Norfolk rectory reflecting on the history of each room and its contents.  From bedbugs and dining etiquette, to sewerage and the advent of electricity, the fabric of daily life past and present is brought into focus. 

With its meticulous research, insatiable curiosity and engaging humour, 'At Home' delivers a fascinating social history of domestic life leaving no corner undisturbed or dust mite undisturbed.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"It's very easy to read and very informative.  I really enjoyed reading this book but I was originally put off a little because it's a big book."

"A wonderfully interesting book, well and humorously written and very informative."

"Bryson's wirting is so easy to read, humorous and engaging and the book is packed full of fascinating information about every aspect of domestic life."

"It's a very long read and it's too interesting and well-written to skim."

"Perhaps if groups find it too long, they could choose which rooms they want to read about.  I'd personally go for the bedroom and the kitchen."

By William Kamkwamba   -   Non-Fiction   -   2009   -   273pp

This is an inspiring memoir from Malawi, one of the least developed and most densely populated countries in the world.  William Kamkwamba came from an impoverished village affected by the severe famine of the 2000s with hunger a constant companion and no money available for him to be able to attend secondary school.  Undaunted by these trials, William built a windmill from scrap materials generating electricity for his village and thus changing their lives forever. 

An uplifting story of contemporary Africa that is testimony to an amazing teenager's determination to overcome adversity and never give up.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"William's incredible optimism and determination in the face of constant obstacles is surely a lesson to us all."

"This well-told story is written from an African viewpoint.  The story is truly inspiring and uplifting."

"This is an inspiring memoir of an African childhood told by now 23 year old William Kamkwamba and his support writer."

"William's descriptions are raw and visceral - the famine, how they had to eke out the food, his mother's illness, the long wait for the new season's crops."

By Cath Tizard   -   Non-Fiction   -   2010   -   350pp

The Tizard political dynasty is headed by a woman many would consider a New Zealand matriarch, Dame Catherine Tizard, formerly Mayor or Auckland and our first woman Governor-General.  The daughter of left-wing Scots immigrants, she grew up in a tiny Waikato town and she now personifies the New Zealand story: how talent and determination and a zeal to leave the world a better place than you found it can take you to the top. This lively memoir captures her rich and remarkable life and is full of fascinating insights into some of the key social movements and political events and intrigues of our modern history.  [Taken from the book cover.]

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"You feel she is sitting talking to you about her life.  What an interesting life!"

"It's well written and easy to follow.  I didn't realise she was involved in so many different things."

"It's written in a conversational style using humour well.  She speaks in a very honest way about all facets of her life."

"I feel I know her so much better - such an interesting life.  Nice to know that she's aware she's been very lucky in life."

By Loung Ung   -   Non-Fiction   -   2000   -   310 pp

During the Khmer Rouge's reign in Cambodia, two million people perished.  Loung Ung was five years old and her family, middle-class and privileged, were an anathema to the Pol Pot regime.  This is their courageous story that encompasses their dispersal to labour camps, Loung's training as a child soldier, the death of parents and the eventual reuniting of the surviving siblings. 

With its young narrator and its matter-of-fact style, it is a powerful and compelling reminder of the experiences of the people of Cambodia.

Comments from BDS Reiewers:

"This is the tale of the author's experiences from 1975 to 1980.  Aged five when she begins her tale, Loung was one of seven children of a prosperous middle-class family by Cambodian standards."

"A distressing subject - Loung however writes without self-pity or sentimentality."

"This is a harrowing story that needs to be told, particuarly to Western audiences.  The author resists the temptation to embellish or emotionalise her experiences and allows events to speak for themselves."

"It is a story of courage and sacrifice told in part as seen through the eyes of a very young child.  The strength of the parent's love for their children helped the children through truly awful experiences."

By Atka Reid & Hana Schofield   -   Non-Fiction   -   2011   -   339pp

This is the story of a Bosnian family from Sarajevo.  Written by sisters Atka Reid and Hana Schofield, it tells of the experiences of their family during the infamous siege.  Hana was evacuated to Croatia as a refugee while Atka remained in the city to care for her other siblings.  Eventually the family was successfully sponsored to come to New Zealand. 

More personal than political, it is a compelling account that depicts not only the horrors of the conflict but also the redeeming qualities of courage, determination and kindness that shine through these tragic events.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Hana is a strong, motivated and highly intelligent young girl who triumphs over amazing odds to not only survive but excel academically.  She is an engaging personality."

"The bravery of Atka's family and their determination to survive is inspiring."

"Their justifiable despair at the lack of support from the UN and the outside world is openly discussed."

By Deborah Shepard   -   Non-Fiction  -   2009   -   328pp

Writer Deborah Shapard interviews five eminent New Zealand women: Jacquelyn Fahey, Margaret Mahy, Merimeri Penfold, Gaylene Preston and Anne Salmond.  All born in the first half of the 20th Century, these women reflect on all facets of their lives, especially their journeys to prominence in their chosen fields while juggling the demands of motherhood and family. 

These engaging and inspiring dialogues offer an important feminist perspective on ordinary women aspiring to and achieving extraordinary lives.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"An interesting and different approach to these women, some of whom had already been featured in biographies beforehand.  This gives the chance for them to correct wrong impressions."

"The book reflects a particularly NZ perspective about women who are alive and influential today."

"I liked being able to peek inside the lives of these women, some of whom I warmed to more than others.  I am full of admiration of their drive, intelligence, commitment and achievements."

"The individual strengths and drive of each woman is very apparent.  The conversations make good and interesting reading."

By Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui   -   Non-Fiction   -   2010   -   188 pp

The title says it all.  This is the unforgettable account of the first child bride in Yemen to be granted a divorce.  Receiving international attention, Nujood's story lays bare the customs, culture and circumstances that made such an event possible.  Co-author Denise Minoui sets this story in context, highlighting the plight of these child brides.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"The book is very easy to read.  While I hesitate to say I 'enjoyed' the book, I found it informative and I'm very pleased I read it."

"It's a short read but I think the scope for group discussion will more than make up for this."

"Nujood's a truly amazing person.  She is courageous and driven."

By Douglas Rogers   -   Non-Fiction   -   2009   -   378 pp

While journalist Douglas Rogers is off overseas seeking his 'big story', his parents are back home in Zimbabwe living a 'big story': surviving in their war-torn country.  Heart-breaking and astonishingly funny in turn, this is the story of their determined struggle against the tumultous Mugabe regime and all of the attendant danger and upheaval. 

It is a vibrant and captivating memoir providing a feel for the history and people of Zimbabwe that will remain with you long after you finish the last page.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"This book has a freshness and immediacy that held my interest continuously.  My knowledge of Zimbabwe was sketchy prior to reading the book."

"The story is told by the author having lived in Zimbabwe so it feels as if we are taken there with him."

"This book has provided me with valuable information about the immediate and continuing situation in what is undoubtedly a beautiful and very interesting country."

""It raised the many issues around colonisation and the bitterness of indigenous people who have seen their culture destroyed and much of their country's wealth sold off."

By Joy Cowley   -   Non-Fiction   -   2010   -   202pp

Navigation is Joy Cowley's story.  From her childhood in 1940s Foxton, to family life, marriages and internatinal fame as a writer, Joy takes us on a candidly told and often surprising journey.  She touches down constantly at her retreat centre in the Marlborough Sounds where she writes passionately about the seasons and the natural world.  Warm, sensitive and peppered with Joy's irrepressible love of life, Navigation is a relaxed and beautifully written memoir.  [Taken from the book cover.]

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"I enjoyed her reflections on growing old and the part about her spiritual discovery - but I did also appreciate her leaving the spiritual part to the end, giving readers the choice of whether or not they wanted to read about that."

"Joy recounts her deep spirituality and her growing older - "going to seed" - in a very positive way."

"There's plenty to write about when you've raised four children, married three times and achieved world fame as a writer."

"This is the triumph of great talent surviving great hardship in childhood."

By William Dalrymple   -   Non-Fiction   -   2009   -   284pp

Subtitled 'In Search of the Sacred in Modern India'.  A Buddhist monk takes up arms to resist the Chinese invasion of Tibet - then spends the rest of his life trying to atone for the violence by hand printing the best prayer flags in India.  A Jain nun tests her powers of detachment as she watches her best friend ritually starve herself to death.  Nine people, nine lives; each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story.  William Dalrymple delves deep into the heart of a nation torn between the relentless onslaught of modernity and the continuity of ancient traditions.  [Taken from book cover.]

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"Well written and well researched.  With these short stories the author really captures the essence of Inidan village life."

"The author is a superb writer and has managed to structure and pull together a very diverse subject matter."

"It was an extremely interesting book to read - it gives a potted history of religious sects, beliefs and practices."

"There are nine different stories, none of them full biographies, but each one has a different religious practice and spirituality."

By Barbara Demick   -   Non-Fiction   -   2010   -   314 pp

Journalist Barbara Demick peels back the lid on life in the elusive Democratic People's Republic of Korea.  Based on several years of conversations with North Koreans, the stories of six defectors are narrated revealing the struggle for survival under its totalitarian regime.  With its fluent style and its excellent background information on the two Koreas, this book offers a rare insight into a mysterious nation that 23 million people call home.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"The book is valuable as it gives a rare insight into life in North Korea.  The interviews with the refugees gives it freshness."

"This is a very powerful book giving a piercing insight into a way of life which is worlds away from how we live in New Zealand."

"A very good account, easy to read, giving background and facts on the regime in North Korea."

"Barbara Demick gives a very good account of what it is like living under such a regime."

By Andre Agassi   -   Non-Fiction   -   2009   -   386 pp

It is shocking to discover that tennis great Andre Agassi hated tennis.  With a refreshing degree of candour, this autobiography reveals the conflicted man behind the outstanding tennis career; the pitfalls on the path to maturity, the dysfunction and the success, and everything between. 

With its open and honest disclosures, this is a fascinating story that will appeal to both tennis fans and those who have never graced a court.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:
"It is very easy to read.  My 15 year old daughter read it cover to cover and loved it as much as I did."

"The book is very honest.  He is honest about the people he meets and those who surround them."

"There is a lot of tennis in the book, but not so much as to be off-putting for someone not interested in tennis."

"The book is very well written and gripped me from the opening chapter.  I would recommend the book for the scheme without hesitation."

By Ray Avery   -   2010   -   Non-Fiction   -   268 pp

When Ray Avery became the winner of the New Zealander of the Year award in 2010, it was the first time many had heard of his remarkable life and achievements.  Born in the UK, Ray arrived in New Zealand in his mid-twenties.  Having survived a traumatic childhood, he has gone on to achieve great success as a philanthropic scientist and inventor of medical devices for third world countries. 

This is an inspiring and heart-warming story of obstacles overcome and opportunities embraced.  Recounted in Ray's distinctive style, this book is an enjoyable and easy read.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:
"This is a fascinating life story of a man unwanted as a child who progresses from a teenager living rough on the streets of London to a level of financial and philanthropic success in NZ."

"This is a conversational-type book and is an enjoyable and easy read."

"This is a stirring and heart-warming story of a man who has overcome many bad things in his youth and bounced back stronger and wiser to improve the lot of many thousands of people."

"While I now know something of Mr Avery's life history, I still have no idea of the particular skills he may or may not have, or the way he is perceived by others."

By Elisabeth Tova Bailey   -   2010   -   Non-Fiction   -   183 pp

As noted by Florence Nightingale, "a small pet is often an excellent companion".  Such was the case for Elisabeth Tova Bailey.  Incapacitated by chronic illness she was reduced to a bedridden existence with a small common woodland snail as her companion and eventually the focus for her in-depth scientific study of gastropods (snails). 

Part memoir, part natural history lesson, this book is a gentle and moving examination of the profound connection between humans and nature.  It leaves the reader an expert on snails, mindul of the gift of good health and with the incentive to look at the world anew. 

Winner of the 2010 National Outdoor Book Awards, Natural History Literature, US.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:
"I loved the beautiful writing, the lack of regret, love of life stemming from love of the snail and its offspring."

"I think it's a book we could all benefit from.  Perhaps there may be a bit much science for some."

"This is a little gem of a book but it could have limited appeal.  I personally think it deserves good paper and a leather binding."

"The writer's attitude is always positive and her courage in adapting to her tragic loss of a normal lifestyle is inspiring."

By Donald Sturrock   -   Non Fiction   -   2010   -   655 pp

Roald Dahl's life is not unlike the stories he has gifted to the world of children's literature: extraordinary and verging on the unbelievable.  In this comprehensive biography, Donald Sturrock presents Dahl's fascinating life, from fighter pilot to spy, from creative genius to devoted family man and mercurial friend.  Widely researched and meticulously referenced, it is a highly readable book revealing a flawed but larger-than-life character: a storyteller extraordinaire.

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"This is one of the best biographies that I've read."

"The only negative is that it's long (655 pages, but 78 pages are footnotes) - it is easy to read however."

"The gradual transition from macabre short stories to children's books and the battles to get there were fascinating."

"The historic aspects were interesting, especially his life as a pilot during World War II and subsequent career in Washington."

"A very easy book to read."

By Robyn Scott   -   Non Fiction   -   2008   - 445 pp

When Robyn Scott was six years old, her parents abruptly exchanged the tranquil pastures of New Zealand for a converted cowshed in the wilds of Botswana.  Once there, Robyn and her siblings, mostly left to amuse themselves, grew up collecting snakes, canoeing with crocodiles and breaking in horses in the veld. 

In the shadow of one of Africa's worst AIDS crises, this moving, enchanting memoir is an extraordinary portrait of an unforgettable childhood.  [Taken from book cover.]

Comments from BDS Reviewers:

"This is a beautifully written memoir that I think will resonate with readers long after they have finished the book."

"It's very funny - pity about the small font though - initially it was daunting."

"A fascinating and delightful read."

"I found it funny, warm, lively and entertaining."

"This book describes the issues, problems and embarrassments of childhood so wonderfully well."