Latest from Books

Short story: Blackcurrants by Majella Cullinane
The last in our summer collection of short stories by top NZ writers.

Short story: Crushers by Emma Hislop
Each summer, Aotearoa’s finest writers share short stories with us.

Back cover story: The not-so-subtle art of selling books
You may not notice them, but book blurbs are crucial to your reading experience.

Short story: Blackjack by Kirsty Gunn
Each summer, we commission some of Aotearoa’s finest writers to tell us a short tale.

Book takes: Back in the days when you could be fined for wearing a beautiful button
Author Lucy Godoroja on the surprising history of buttons.

Short story: Moving out, shifting in by Vincent O’Sullivan
The latest in our summer collection of short stories by top NZ writers.

Culling the books: How to declutter a book collection
Holidays might be the perfect time to reduce towering stacks of books, but how to start?

Short story: Sweet selection by Tina Shaw
Each summer, we commission some of Aotearoa’s finest writers to tell us a short tale.

Short story: Flamingo lady by Jacqueline Bublitz
Some of Aotearoa’s finest writers have written a story to the theme of "second acts".

Best of the Listener 2023: Favourite book reviews
Which books have Listener readers been particularly curious about this year?

Short story: The dog by Chad Taylor
Aotearoa’s finest writers tell us a short tale under the theme "second acts".

What to read in 2024 - the year’s most anticipated books
Books editor Mark Broatch previews the pick of next year's new releases.

Long read: Better The Blood
The first chapter from Michael Bennett's award-winning Better The Blood.

Short cuts: Quick reviews on recent book releases
Mark Broatch gives quick reviews on new Kiwi and international titles.

Top picks: Kiwi newsmakers on their favourite books of the year
Karen Walker, Sam Neill, Sir Ashley Bloomfield and more share their favourite 2023 reads.

Year of firsts for Kiwi women at our top literary awards
Each 2023 Prime Minister Award recipients have had recognition both at home and abroad.

Review: John Boyne crafts engaging characters and makes astute observations
In John Boyne's 15th novel, a woman comes to terms with her past.

Review: Posthumous collection showcases Hilary Mantel’s perceptive style
Old journalism can quickly become stale, but Mantel is still vivid and livid.

Review: Ranulph Fiennes’s personal take on Lawrence of Arabia’s wartime exploits
Fiennes is enjoying his retirement by adding to his collection of 24 bestsellers.

Top 10 best-selling New Zealand books: December 16th
Topp Twins and a top chef hold their place in this week's top books.

Review: Memoir of a girl growing up across two hemispheres is a sly and delicious peepshow
Catherine Taylor's The Stirrings goes beyond memoir.

Books we loved: Titles that caught Kiwis' attention this year
Novels, bios, sport, nature and self-help books were aplenty in 2023.

Review: The Dictionary People celebrates unsung heroes
Who were the men and women who contributed words to the Oxford English Dictionary?

How are we cooking? Mostly local, if cookbook sales are any indication
Strong local flavour marks the year’s top-selling cookbooks.

Top 10 best-selling New Zealand books: December 9th
The Topp Twins continue to reign supreme as we roll to the end of the year.