She lost herself in a good book, wandered around for ages. Ten years later they found her, pressed between its pages.
— Brian Bilston
Careless
Kirsty Capes
Carless is the story of fifteen-year-old Bess, who we first meet in a kebab shop with a positive pregnancy test in hand. Bess is also in the UK care system. At the heart of this story is Bess’s journey navigating whether she herself is ready to care for someone. Kirsty Capes focus on bringing the care system into fiction, mixed with some British dry wit, and set amongst the back drop of 1999, make for an outstanding debut.
Greta and Valdin
Rebecca K Reill
This is Aotearoa’s answer to Schitt’s Creek in literature form thanks to its outrageous sense of humour, diverse range of characters, one very loveable family at the centre and exploration of fluid sexuality. This story showcases diversity as it should be, not as the central ‘conflict’ but just as a part of the story. We should count ourselves lucky to have someone so talented as Reilly right here in Aotearoa sharing her mind with us. It is hands down one of the best books I have read this year.
Beautiful World, Where Are You?
Sally Rooney
The much anticipated new novel from the author of Normal People and Conversations with Friends. In typical Rooney fashion this novel follows two friends, set in Ireland and their relationships. Sounds simple? This book is anything but. There is so much to unpack inside these pages from sexual desire, religion, mental health, friendship and identity. As well as plenty of power dynamics amongst a cast of incredibly rich and complex characters. If you are already a Sally Rooney fan you will love this, and if you haven’t read her books yet there is no better time to start.
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
Exploring the theory that parallel universes do exist, and therefore the possibility of parallel lives, applying that to mental health, add in some fantasy and philosophy, along with the heavy burden of regret that comes with the overwhelming nature of the infinite possibilities our path could take in modern life, and you have The Midnight Library. A place situated between life and death where you can explore the multiple lives you are capable of, but in reality cannot possibly live. This concept is fascinating, thought provoking and incredibly relatable.
