Latest from Books

Kiwis: NZ fiction 'grim' and 'depressing'
A nationwide survey has found Kiwis are instinctively negative towards New Zealand fiction - but they struggle to explain why.

The Rehearsal brings stars together
Up the end of the dark hall, and behind the office door on the right, one generation of New Zealand screen acting is butting heads with another.

New Potter books: Everything you need to know
On Wednesday, three new JK Rowling e-books were released online. Here's what you need to know.

The hard questions for British author
British writer Cath Weeks talks to Jennifer Dann about life on the brink.

Book review: A mantra for fabulous fiction
Since winning the 2003 Man Booker Prize, DBC Pierre has often been forced to come clean about past difficulties, such as his shady

Book review: Rich account of raw history
Wiremu Heke, known as Billhook, leaves his Otago home in 1825 with regret in his heart and vengeance in mind.

Book review: Of labour and love
Ian McEwan's narrators have often been edgy, fractured, disturbed or disturbing, but none has come near the voice that drives his latest novel.

Book review: Epic Bike Rides of the World
Mountain bike enthusiast Russell Baillie reviews the dangerous new tome from Lonely Planet.

Is Rowling still ruler of the Harry Potter universe?
Ron Weasley's "patronus" is a Jack Russell terrier. Moaning Myrtle's full name is Myrtle Elizabeth Warren. Harry Potter's uncle loves Top Gear. Fluffy the three-headed dog was repatriated to Greece. Tuition at Hogwarts is free.

Editorial: Pleasures of self-made books
Self-published books can be well produced. It is probably worth paying to have them professionally written, edited, designed and printed.

Self-publish and be damned happy
It has never been easier to get your own story into print. Michael Donaldson looks at the rise - and some of the pitfalls - of self-publishing.

Author muses on art, life and love
"What does it mean to be somebody else's muse, and do you feel like you're being harvested and used?" Author Jessie Burton is pondering

Three new Potter stories are coming
Considering she said Harry Potter's story was over, JK's been rolling out a tonne of new content.

Graphic comic raises eyebrows
Next to Batman and Superman, there is a comic book hero called Stix whose pornographic adventures in space can be followed through public libraries.

Cowley still made of write stuff at 80
She may have just turned 80 but one of our most acclaimed authors has no plans to put down her pen.

Zayn to 'lift the lid' on boyband secrets
Zayn Malik is writing a tell-all book about his One Direction days, guaranteed to make Simon Cowell "furious".

This much I know: Dame Fiona Kidman
Dame Fiona Kidman talks about her new novel A Day at the Movies.

NZ's top book for kids? Anzac Heroes
A non-fiction book commemorating Anzac heroes from both world wars has taken out the top prize at today's New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Game of Thrones author plots new TV show
George R.R Martin could have another TV hit on his hands, but what does it mean for Game of Thrones?

Review: J.K. Rowling, none of this makes any sense
COMMENT: I've loved the Harry Potter series and J.K. Rowling for over 10 years, but now, for the first time, I feel disappointed with her - and it hurts.

Maui author Peter Gossage dies
The man who was responsible for penning the images that brought many well-known Maori legends to life has died.

If you wanted new Harry Potter to be like the old books, well ...
COMMENT: If you're looking to read about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child without any spoilers, read this instead.

Harry Potter book launch
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the latest in J.K Rowling's series on the boy wizard, goes on sale today.

Book review: The Salted Air
A person could so easily be attracted to this book by its cover. But no, we mustn't judge.

Book review: Chris Gayle's biography Six Machine
When Chris Gayle foolishly sleazed on cricket journalist Mel McLaughlin, he became Australia's public enemy one.

Book review: When spores go bad
Joe Hill's latest work has post-apocalyptic optimism, writes Stephen Jewell.

To the ice and beyond
At the age of 63 Kiwi sailor Graeme Kendall, in his yacht the Astral Express, conquered the "Everest of sailing".

Harry sure to cast a spell
It's Harry Potter again, though not quite as we've come to know the boy wizard.

Harry Potter script's magic numbers
The script book for the stage production 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child', which has received rave reviews, has surpassed order expectations