Books
British author Jilly Cooper, famous for novels of sex and snobbery, dies at 88
The author of bonkbusters Rivals and Riders has died.
'Skux', 'skody', 'pack a sad': The words that represent us
Can you encapsulate what it means to be Kiwi in 100 words? Mark Broatch decided to find out.
Brigid Delaney: The Seeker and The Sage
Having piqued the world's interest in modern stoicism in 2022 with her debut book Reasons Not To Worry, former journalist Brigid Delaney is returning with her new offering The Seeker and The Sage. Audio
New book explores reimagined life in Taranaki in 1940s
Airana Ngarewa has just released his third book, 'The Last Living Cannibal', inspired by Ngāruahine leader Tītokowaru. Audio
From cult kid to chess master: 'I was literally abducted and taken away'
When Danny Rensch was 12 he discovered he was a chess prodigy, but he was living in a religious cult in Arizona and this exceptional talent led him to some dark places.
Winners of The Surrey Hotel Writers Residency Announced
Steve Braunias joins Jesse to announce the winners of what he calls the strangest writers residency award in New Zealand. Now in its ninth year, The Surrey Hotel writers residency award celebrates… Audio
Book review: Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York
Dean Bedford reviews Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York by Andrew Lownie, published by Harper Collins. Audio
Book Critic: Putting Ali Smith in the spotlight
Ali Smith is a Scottish author, playwright, academic and journalist. She's a pretty prolific writer, over the last ten years writing 14 novels, 5 short story collections and 8 plays. Book critic Pip… Audio
The book helping our kids see the extraordinary in the ordinary
Author and illustrator Giselle Clarkson has a new book to share. Giselle's first book 'The Observologist' has been a huge international success, translated into 10 languages and the recipient of… Audio
What do we get out of Jacinda Ardern's children's book?
Where does Mum's Busy Work fit when women with young kids are struggling to stay in the workforce?
Fast Favourites with singer-songwriter Julia Deans
She joins Perlina Lau to share some of her cultural picks Audio
Bill Bryson: A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0
Much-loved American British journalist and author Bill Bryson is heading back to our shores for two shows in February 2026. Audio
Polluted minds: How industrial emissions may have driven a violent crime spree
In the 1970s, the Pacific Northwest was home to some of the most notorious serial killers in US history.
Playing Favourites with Nadia Lim
Celebrity chef, clinical dietitian, bestselling author and farmer, Nadia Lim shares the music tracks that have underlined some of the key moments in her life Audio
Book reviewer: Kate de Goldi
Kate de Goldi joins Susie to discuss The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman and A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews. Audio
Exciting times for book lovers as Booker short list revealed
RNZ executive editor Jeremy Rees reads and reviews every book shortlisted. He spoke to Jesse. Audio
Book review: Dead Ends by Laura Borrowdale
Holly Walker reviews Dead Ends by Laura Borrowdale, published by Tender Press. Audio
Independent Chinese bookstores start a new chapter abroad
From Auckland to Rotterdam, the outlets are emerging worldwide as community hubs for cultural exchange.
Twilight turns 20: How the vampire saga changed young adult fiction forever
Stephenie Meyer's debut novel, Twilight, was published in 2005 - the first in a series that went on to sell over 100 million copies worldwide.
What is The Booker Prize and how does it work?
How many books do judges have to read? How fast? How much money is there in the win? And why has it been the source of controversy?
