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Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, The |
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By Mary Ann Shaffer Fiction – 2008 265pp
 It’s just after the second world war in London – a newspaper columnist (Juliet) receives a letter from a book lover in Guernsey. This letter is the start an amazing correspondence and friendship between Juliet and members of the fascinating Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society who are recovering from the German occupation of their island. A delightful read – a must for those groups wanting something a little lighter in style.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“The story, set against a recent backdrop of dark despair and grief, is nevertheless light-hearted and uplifting. It is a gem of a story.”
“This is a story for book lovers, collectors, readers and people who enjoy talking about all and every book. It is funny, laugh aloud at times and equally it reminds us of the total horror and impact of war and the importance of loving relationships.” |
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By Anita Amirrezvani Fiction – 2007 452pp
 Life changes dramatically and sadly for a young village girl of 14 in seventeeth century Iran. Her father dies and the young girl is left without a dowry. She and her mother are forced to live as servants in her uncle’s home. This is the story of the young woman’s struggle to make her life her own.
Comments from BDS book reviewer:
“The book has quite a contemporary feel about it despite it being in an historical setting. It’s a positive story about women and their survival. I enjoyed the inclusion of traditional tales.” |
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By Deborah Robertson Fiction – 2006 293pp
 In a moment of madness, a grief-stricken father drives his truck into a group of young children in a playground. Among the children killed is Riley, the young son of Lily, a rather inept single parent. His sister, eight year old Pearl, survives and much of the novel is about how Pearl comes to terms with the tragedy.
Comments from BDS book reviewer:
“A riveting account. It builds a sense of dread as we see Lily blundering along and Pearl trying to hang in there. Great characterisation.”
“The characters in the book are well drawn and one can empathise with their sorrow. It is a book about loss and grieving but also gives hope.” |
By Wallace Stegner Fiction – 1987 327pp
Pulitzer prize winner Stegner finished this book when he was 78. It is the story of the close friendhsip between two couples spanning four decades. They met in the Depression years and became close friends despite their differences – we follow their joys, sorrows and challenges. The book moves at a slower, more leisurely pace but is full of sayings that make you stop to consider them fully (eg, “No Eden valid without serpent”.).
Comments from BDS book reviewer:
“This is a treasure of a book, one of great happiness and pathos and would make for a strong discussion for groups.”
“The book is truly brimming with wisdom about life. The style takes a little while to grasp and to appreciate its slower pace. It can’t be hurried – it unravels slowly. |
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By Sebastian Faulks Fiction – 2007 342pp
 This is the story of Mike Engleby – we learn of his life from his difficult childhood through to Cambridge University where he becomes totally obsessed with a female classmate. The young woman mysteriously disappears and Mike finds himself under police investigation. Many years go by and the case remains unsolved. Through his journal-like account, Mike gradually tells us more of what happened – or at least a version of it – but there seems to be something a bit odd about Mike . . .
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“Great read, almost unable to put it down.”
“A fascinating look into the mind of a vulnerable and fragile personality. It is both readable and challenging and very beautifully written.” |
By Anne Enright Fiction – 2007 261pp
This is the story of an Irish family, united against the world but rather antagonistic towards one another. Veronica, the narrator, was the closest to her dead brother Liam, a charmer, muddler, liar, alcoholic and in the end, someone who takes his own life. She questions whether something she witnessed as an eight-year-old and did not disclose was the beginning of Liam’s problems.
Comments from BDS book reviewer:
“There is a good deal of humour to offset some of the gloom. Enright’s much lauded prose is certainly powerfull and evocative.”
“The gathering for the burial is perhaps the best part of the book especially the description of the catering arrangement which cannot help but make one smile at their similarity to NZ occasions.” |
Edited by Witi Ihimaera Fiction –2007 184pp
Witi Ihimaera has selected 17 stories written by Māori since 2000 – they have all been published before and many have won awards – Ihimaera handpicked these for this collection.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“This is an essential read. A comprehensive selection of NZ fiction that is loaded with Māori character and identity.”
“Short stories and extracts, some of which I’ve already read so it felt like coming home. Writings about youth, children, health, values and changing values, history and cross cultural marriages. A stepping stone, not too threatening for Pakeha and an affirmation of the talent of Māori writers.” |
By Hisham Matar Fiction – 249pp 2006
This is the story of Suleiman, a nine year old Libyan boy in the late 1970s. His father is involved in the pro-democracy movement and life becomes dangerous for the family when the secret police become interested in Suleiman’s father’s activities. Suileiman is left trying to cope with his father’s absences and his mother’s illness.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“It is a gripping story and gives a good insight into Libya in the late 1970s.”
“A good read. Libya was not a place I had much idea about. It is a well written story that is believable and worth reading.” |
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By Tessa Duder Fiction (Short Stories) – 2008 368pp
 A collection of thirteen short stories about older woman who have experienced much of what life has to offer. Written in an often humorous style, the stories include retirement, illness, separation and women manipulated by others.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“Humour was used through the stories – some of it was even laugh out loud.”
“What a lovely read. I’m not usually a great fan of short stories but these are very readable. I can see the women in my mind’s eye as I read.” |
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Journal of Dora Damage, The |
By Belinda Starling Fiction – 2007 450pp
Dora Damage’s husband is unwell and she takes over their book binding business, something unheard of in 19th Century London. To make ends meet she resorts to covering illegal pornographic books for her wealthier clients and then gets caught up in a world of lawlessness, slavery, sex and money.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“A rollicking good read – such fun. Lovely atmosphere – Dora walking through the murky streets of London – it was like being there.”
“Interesting using book-binding as the woman’s profession and even more interesting realising how pornography was dealt with in that era.” |
By Henning Mankell Fiction – 2007 326pp
Louise Cantor does not believe that her son Henrik took his own life by swallowing a lethal dose of sleeping pills. She feels that things just don’t add up so she decides to investigate his death. The investigation takes her to Africa where she finds he kept many things from her – many girl friends, a second apartment in Barcelona, an enormous salary ...
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“This book has been skillfully translated from Swedish. It has a tight, carefully constructed plot with a gradual increase in tension that is subtly fed into the story.” |
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By Patricia Wood Fiction — 2008 305pp
 Perry has an IQ of 76 and while he's a little slow, he will tell you he's not stupid. He was abandoned by his parents and siblings as a baby and was brought up by wonderful grandparents, his grandmother in particular arming Perry well with what he needed to know. After his beloved grandmother dies he wins the lottery and suddenly becomes very popular with his family . . .
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
"This is a delightful read! Full of human feelings, raw, tender, very insightful." "Very easy to read, flows well. Full of wise thoughts. Made me re-examine how I approach such people. Poignant examination of human nature and the nature of greed." |
By Peter Wells Fiction – 2007 478pp
This is the story of Eric Keeling a NZ soldier and survivor of Japanese prisoner of war camps. Following the war he worked for the Australian Army uncovering war atrocities. We learn how his experience in the war affects Eric and also the lives of his wife and children.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“This book gives a potted history of the end of World War Two in the Pacific and how New Zealand and Australia were affected.”
“Brings to light the everlasting damage done to young soldiers and how it impacts on the next generation. A very New Zealand flavour.” |
By Jane Urquhart Fiction – 2005 371pp
Jerome is a young artist who finds the body of a man encased in ice in Ontario. A year later the dead man’s lover, Sylvia, shows up at his door with two journals that the dead man had written. In sharing these stories with Jerome she is able to speak about the man she loves but Jerome is helped to face some of the demons from his past.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“Superbly written with poetic language acutely describing the harsh Canadian winter and the anguish of loss and rejection.”
“I loved the way the author introduced characters as villains and then rounded them out, allowing the reader to accept them as simply flawed individuals.” |
By Jeffrey Eugenides Fiction – 2002 529pp
This story is told through the eyes of Cal and follows the family through their emigration from a small Greek Island to prohibition-era Detroit. Cal is a male hermaphrodite who is raised as a girl not realising his ‘real’ gender until puberty. Cal tells us the story of three generations of his family, starting with his grandparents who escaped the burning of the Greek city of Smyrna and fleeing to America. Their secret was that they were brother and sister but married on the ship to America . . .
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“The story captures a fascinating range of historic events and periods and gives insights into the Greek immigrant community in the States. It is well written, somewhat quirky and a great read.”
“It is difficult not to like Cal. She tells her sad story in a frank and honest way but with no self-pity.” |
By Fiona Farrell Fiction – 2007 215pp
 Walter Allbones breeds ferrets in nineteeth century England and uses them to poach rabbits on Mr Pitford’s property. Walter agrees to provide Mr Pitford with 350 ferrets so Mr Pitford can ship them to New Zealand to control the rabbits. Before long, Walter finds himself on a ship to New Zealand with the ferrets, Mr Pitford and his young granddaughter – but there’s a problem regarding his identity ...
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“A romance with light but good historical detail, very personal. I really enjoyed it.”
“An engaging, enjoyable, readable book. It’s an unusual topic not often written about. I learnt a lot about keeping ferrets.” |
By Jodi Picoult Fiction – 2004 418pp
This is the first Jodi Picoult title in our Catalogue, so thank you to those members who recommended this book. It is the story of a family who have a daughter with a terminal illness – a rare form of leukaemia. The parents decide to have another child who would be a bone marrow match for Kate. By the time Anna (the donor sister) is 13, she has undergone many surgeries, transfusions and injections – but is this fair on Anna?
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“The book catches the reader’s attention from page one. I liked the way each character told their story. It was interesting to see how the same event is interpreted or reacted to differently by each character.” |
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Other Side of the Bridge, The |
By Mary Lawson Fiction – 2007 273pp
Set in rural Ontario in the 1930s – two local families – the widowed town doctor and his son; and a farming family with two sons who are very different in character. Arthur is solid and dependable and loves the farm; the other, Jake, is clever and attractive but not to be trusted. There’s already trouble between the two, but when Laura arrives in the community ...
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“Beautifully written. Great dialogue. Very well rounded characters. Clever use of flashbacks. I did not want this book to end.”
“A beautifully written book,incredibly interwoven with so much detail one almost lives with the people in the story.” |
By Juan Rulfo Fiction – 1955 124pp
Juan Preciado travels to his dying mother’s hometown, Comala, to find his father – only to find quite literally a ‘ghost-town’ populated by phantom figures. This book is set in Mexico about a hundred years ago when poverty-stricken Mexican peasants had to abandon the land and move to the cities to survive.
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“You get a true historical feeling of life in those times, including the desperation of people living in poverty caused by drought and poor soil.” |
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Reluctant Fundamentalist, The |
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By Mohsin Hamid Fiction – 2007 209pp  The novel takes place in a Lahore café during the course of one evening. Changez tells a nervous American stranger about his life in America – one of great success, but then September 11 changed everything …
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“Not only is this a good and easy book to read, it is another genre of writing – a monologue.”
“It is easy to read and moves quickly without ever seeming to miss a beat.”
“Picks up the identity-crisis of Changez and carries it on as if he is writing a thriller. “
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By Derek Hansen Fiction – 2007 390pp
This is the story of an English family that immigrates to Auckland in the 1950s – as told by the middle son. He enjoys writing and while in the process of researching for one of his essays, he uncovers a secet, one which has a terrible effect on the whole community.
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“This is a very good yarn that races along. It deals with new immigrant arrivals in NZ and shows our kiwi prejudices in a realistic light. It also shows the kindness and generosity of the average kiwi.” |
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Salmon Fishing in the Yemen |
By Paul Torday Fiction – 2007 321pp
 When a sheikh in the Yemen decides that salmon fishing would be a great idea, he enlists the help of experts in the UK. Fred is a fisheries scientist and is called on to assist with the project. Fred initially dismisses the idea as absurd, but he receives encouragement from British politicians who believe there is captal to be gained in assisting a Muslim country. So Fred has to start thinking of transporting ten thousand salmon to a desert ...
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“A funny, charming book. It has likeable characters and a quirky ‘what if’ story. A nice bit of satire.”
“A view of Blair’s government and how government departments work. An idealist in a time of gloom. It’s funny and fishy.” |
By Vikas Swarup Fiction – 2005 400pp
Eighteen year old Ram has just been arrested and interrogated after answering all but the last question in India’s “Who Wants to be a Billionaire”. The show doesn’t want to pay out the money so they are intent on finding fault with Ram. As he relives each question we hear more of his incredible life story.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“The book is vastly better than the story told in the film – the two stories are quite different.”
“Reading the book is easy and upbeat even though some parts of the story can be sad.”
“The plot is fast paced and clever. I found the ending riveting.” |
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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan |
By Lisa See Fiction – 2006 340pp
Two young girls in nineteenth century China and from completely different backgrounds become special friends, bound for life. But there is a misunderstanding and Lily believes that Snow Flower has been disloyal. In her hurt, Lily betrays Snow Flower, ruining her reputation. The book follows both from young girls through to old age.
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“Hugely informative. Wonderful, interesting detail about nineteenth century customs, traditions and family life.” |
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Three Views of Crystal Water |
By Katherine Govier Fiction – 2005 418pp
Vera – 13 years old and lonely – shifts to Japan when her grandfather dies. She accompanies her grandfather’s mistress and settles into a pearl diving community where she learns how to dive for pearls. Vera is finally accepted into the community and at last she feels she belongs. But after some years, the worst happens. War is declared on Europe and her long-lost father arrives to take her home to Canada.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“Very lyrical. Great story line that is well developed. A lovely feel for Japan and the Japanese way of thinking.”
“It took time to get into it, but once I got into the flow, I found it to be a beautiful book.” |
By Janet Frame Fiction – 2007 203pp
Janet Frame wrote this book in 1963 but considered it too personal to be published. It was finally published in 2007, three years after her death.This is the story of Grace Cleave, an extremely shy young New Zealand writer alone in England. She spends an excruciating weekend with a family where she is desperately homesick and terrorised by her own feelings of inadequacy and memories of a difficult childhood.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“I feel as though I’ve died and gone to heaven! Janet Frame at her best.”
“This book is unashamedly autobiographic – for Grace, read Janet and you will see her on every page.” |
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Trials & Tribulations of Lucas Lessar, The |
By Shauna Seliy Fiction – 2007 259pp
Lucas Lessar is 13 years old and is an anxious young man. His father was killed in a mining accident and his mother, grief stricken after her husband’s death, has vanished after leaving a note saying she was going away ‘for a little while’. Lucas sets out to find her and in his desperate search he learns about his extended family, particularly his great-grandfather and grandmother, as well as the local community and himself.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“What a wonderful first novel. I couldn’t put it down. So evocative, the characters came to life for me.”
“A real triumph of good coming out of tragedy. The characters are portrayed in an easy, gentle way. All so genuine and believable. A delightful book.” |
By Dave Eggers Fiction – 2006 535pp
The book starts with a violent robbery in Valentino’s apartment. As he lies there tied up, he relives his life. He was brought up in Sudan during the civil war and was eventually relocated to the United States – but after much suffering and 13 years spent in a refugee camp.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“What an amazing book. Every word to be savoured, no skim reading here."
“Valentino's experiences of cultural shock and survival is heart rending and uplifting. The story switches between Atlanta and Sudan and highlights the best and worst of humanity in both cultures.” |
By CJ Sansom Fiction – 2006 549pp
A spy novel, set in 1940 after the Spanish Civil War. Harry Brett, a wounded British soldier is recruited by the British Secret Service and sent to Spain. He’s been given the cover of an interpreter but he’s really been sent to spy on a former schoolmate.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“I found this a gripping story and it furthered my understanding of the Spanish Civil War.”
“A fabulous book – I loved it. Each character was powerfully drawn and very believable. Gripping reading, especially the last few chapters. I couldn’t put it down.” |
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NEW NON-FICTION TITLES IN THE CATALOGUE |
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By Robert Fisk Non-Fiction – 2008 522pp
Robert Fisk is the Middle East correspondent for The Independent and has been based in the Beirut area for more than 30 years. He has covered 11 major wars and many skirmishes. He has received a number of international awards including being voted the ‘International Journalist of the Year’ seven times. This is a collection of his stories.
Comments from BDS book reviewer:
“Eminently readable. Robert Fisk tells it as it is, no punches pulled, no holding back and these articles are absolute eye-openers.”
“The author has an impeccable writing style. It was interesting to read of the sheer quantity of shenanigans going on.” |
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Bright Star: Beatrice Hil Tinsley, Astronomer |
By Christine Cole Catley Non-Fiction – 2006 445pp
This is the life story of a brilliant New Zealander whose name sadly very few of us know. Beatrice was born in 1941 and went on to become a world leading cosmologist and astronomer before her death from melanoma at the age of 40.
Comments from BDS book reviewer:
“I really liked this book and I am sure that those who read it will be rewarded.”
“The book does not dwell in detail on Beatrice’s work and research which could have well made the book difficult to read. It gives enough of her work for us to understand her extremely bright and knowledgeable brain!” |
By John Thorp Non-Fiction – 2006 183pp
Dr John Thorp lectured in chemistry in London and then Auckland but he started life in 1927 as Jospehine (Jo) Thorp. Outwardly a woman but in spirit a man. Jo Thorp was desperately unhappy and at a crucial time met a friend who was there to help in the decision to undergo surgery to turn Jo Thorp into John Thorp.
Comments from BDS book reviewer:
“An honest story about a girl born with the wrong hormones. An unusual love story between Joan and Josephine who becomes John – such support!
“It evokes a different, less tolerant time in the 1950s.” |
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By Soname Yangchen with Vicki MacKenzie Non-Fiction – 2006 184pp
Soname was born in the Tibetan countryside during the harsh Chinese occupation. She was of noble descent but spent mcuh of her childhood as a domestic slave separated from her family. When she was sixteen she escaped across the Himalayas and eventually found success as a singer in England.
Comments from BDS book reviewer:
“An interesting book telling us of life in Tibet, their customs and what life was like under the communists. You have to admire Soname’s resilience and strength.”
“This is a charming story, very simply written and easy to read. Another story to remind us how lucky we are.” |
By Janice Marriott & Virginia Pawsey Non-Fiction – 2008 239pp
A New Zealand book with a difference - this is the interchange of correspondence between two women with the common bond of gardening.
Comments from BDS reviewers:
"These letters between soul-mates have everything in their language to celebrate their lives and loves to the reader. Its delightful simplicity is rare."
"Extremely well written with delightful insights into the beauty of each woman's surrounds." |
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By Barach Obama Non-Fiction – 2004 442pp This is the early biography of Barack Obama from his birth to his entry to Harvard University. As the son of a black African father and white American mother, this is Obama’s search for meaning in his life. The title of the book could be “in search of myself”. The book is in three parts: an outline of his childhood and youth; his early working life in Chicago with disadvantaged people; and finally his time in Kenya establishing contact with his father’s family and finding his own identify. Comments from BDS Reviewers:
“Very well written indeed. It is Obama’s internal struggle to understand himself. It is almost a work of psychiatry or psychology by a self-analyst and that’s why I’m so impressed!”
“An extremely well written book. He gives a real insight of life in Kenya on his return there and the difficulties travelling to meet his extended family.” |
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Elephant, the Tiger and the Cell Phone, The |
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By Shashi Tharoor Non-Fiction – 2007 498pp This book of reflections on India is written by the youngest under-secretary general of the United Nations. He explains Indian culture and identity using many examples in short chapters (eg, politics, religion, sport, personalities, Bollywood). Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“The author has an immense understanding of his country and Indian-ness. It is an exceptionally well written book.”
“I cannot emphasise enough how valuable this book is in analysing what being an Indian is (or should be understood to be).” |
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By Barbara Biggs Australian Non-Fiction – 2003 345 pp Barbara Biggs, ex-journalist, property developer and child protection campaigner, tells us of her extraordinary life up to the age of 22. Both her mother and grandmother were prostitutes and her five siblings all had different fathers. BDS Reviewer comments:
"It is inspirational. She shows that bad things can be transcended with determination and perseverance. She has been so candid about the sordid treatment she received by a well-respected paedophile that this book should be compulsory reading for all social workers – and it will be helpful for every victim of abuse."
"Well written – the characters come alive – there's no flinching at telling all the story. A family with few prospects, some of whom rise above it all and others don't." |
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By Shirin Ebadi Non-Fiction – 232pp This is the personal memoir of Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian woman and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. She was brought up by progressive thinking parents in the time of the Shah of Iran. She became a judge but on the overthrow of the Shah this position was taken from her as the clerical rule took hold. Shirin is best known as a lawyer who defended the vulnerable when others wouldn’t.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“A fascinating story that beautifully portrays the life of women in Iran. I came away from this book with a much better knowledge or Iran and feel that I gained much from reading this book.”
“Very readable because of the individuals’ stories and cases of human rights being denied.” |
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By George Dawson with Richard Glaubman Non-Fiction — 2000 285pp This is the remarkable story of 101 year old George Dawson who learned to read when he was 98 years old. His father taught him that 'life is so good' and this has been George's philosophy throughout his life. The book is full of wisdom and good cheer.
Comment from a BDS book reviewer:
"A memoir of life's struggles, interesting to the very end. A brief history of the rural, black, small farmer and then city dweller. Excellent." |
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By Anna Lanyon Non-Fiction – 235pp  The author delves into the myths and legends that surround Malinche, a Mexican-Indian woman who lived in sixteenth century Mexico. History shows that this woman had a significant role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico. She had been a slave and was given to the Spanish conquistador Cortes – she became his mistress and interpreter with the Aztec people. Considered as a traitor for centuries, the author looks into her life to find out the truth.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“It is a well written book, very well researched over quite a long period of time.”
“The book is also a travel story of the author spanning ten years as she travels around Mexico looking for evidence to uphold or dispute the stories that surround Malinche.” |
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By Nando Parrado Non-Fiction – 2006 274pp
 This is the famous story of crash of the plane carrying the Uruguay rugby team in 1972 as told by one of the survivors. The survivors heard on the plane’s radio that the search for them was called off. Suffering from acute hunger, the only food available was the bodies of their dead friends ...
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“It is an unstoppable read about this miracle of survival – the author keeps up the pace.”
“A different perspective on the world famous story.” |
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Miss Tutti Frutti Contest - Tales of the South Pacific, The |
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By Graeme Lay Non-Fiction – 2004 259pp A collection of South Pacific stories by Graeme Lay – as he himself writes in his introduction:
“The stories in this book are the collected accounts of many separate journeys taken over the last decade … they are intended primarily to entertain, but if readers become informed as well, that will be gratifying … it tries to convey some of the enchantment and surprise I have found when visiting the islands of the South Pacific.”
Comment from a BDS reviewer:
“This book gives a real feeling for the ‘spirit’ of each island. He writes with lots of humour and includes many delightful human interest stories.” |
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By KR Howe Non-Fiction – 2003 239pp Who first discovered and settled New Zealand and the Pacific Islands? Professor Howe examines all possibilities in this book. He was prompted to write the book to refute claims that advanced civilisations had inhabited the Pacific region before the Polynesian people. He presents the current state of knowledge and also traces the growth of knowledge over the years. Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“This book is a statement of known facts. The author is not pushing his own theories. The historical references to Victorian beliefs and ideas of the origins of Oceanic peoples was an eye-opener.” |
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By Paula Constant Non-Fiction – 2008 300pp This travel book tells of Paula Constant and her husband Gary who take a long walk – from London to Morocco! They plan for this walk, save money, equip themselves, become fit for the walk and learn what they can do without. Paula writes a journal that is ultimately turned into this book.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“A very easy book to read. One almost does the walk with Paula and feels her pain with the huge backpack." “Paula tells it like it is – the conflicts, sore feet, lack of food in places and the achievement.” |
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Smell of an Oily Rag, The |
By Cherry Simmonds Non-Fiction – 2006 432pp
This is the story of Cherry Simmonds who left strike-torn Britain in 1971 for New Zealand along with her husband and young son. She speaks of the dreams of an immigrant family and the tough times they went through, including the culture shock of arriving unprepared in New Zealand.
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“Told with amazing humour – very hard to put down. Fast paced. Honest account of the ups and downs of the life of the couple. The book gives an immigrant’s view of New Zealand in the 1970s.” |
By Mary Roach Non-Fiction – 2003 303pp
Mary Roach explores the ‘exploits’ of cadavers over the years – from what happens to us after we die to what types of research they’ve been used for.
Comments from a BDS book reviewer:
“This book is funny! An entertaining read and also very educational and enlightening. Original.”
“I found the book humorous as well as informative. A quick and easy book to read.”
“A fascinating book. It made me laugh and it made me cringe. It also made me question many things that I had taken for granted.” |
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By Alexander Masters Non-Fiction – 2005 296pp This is Stuart Shorter’s life story – a homeless street sleeper who was a drug addict, hostage-taker and car thief. The author came to know Stuart when they campaigned together against two innocent social workers receiving savage jail sentences. After coming to know Stuart, the author asked if he could write a book on homeless people that featured Stuart’s life. Stuart proposed that he write it backwards starting from that day and moving back towards his infancy to show how life’s events had shaped him.
[This book was the winner of the Guardian First Book Award in 2005.] Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“A fantastic book, well and humorously written. This book is a must for everybody. Loved the line drawings.”
“Compulsive reading but you need a cup of tea and a lie down every so often. Every reader will become more compassionate to the homeless.” |
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By Isabel Allende Non-Fiction – 2008 301pp This is Isabel Allende’s sequel to Paula the memoir she wrote after her daughter Paula’s death. This book brings us up-to-date with what’s been happening in the Allende family – a family where a lot happens. Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“It is enchanting. I think no-one could fail to be affected by the tales, happy and sad.”
“A fantastic book, very well written and easy to read – but Paula should be read first.” |
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By Alan Bennett Non Fiction — 2007 266pp Alan Bennett's previous book, The Laying on of Hands, has been very popular with readers so we're pleased to have this book in the 2010 Catalogue. Talking Heads is a collection of 13 monologues. Comments from BDS Reviewers:
"The monologues and their deliverers are both wildly funny and at the same time in some instances quite sad ..."
"One of the enjoyable features is the identification of the actor who has delivered each monologue - actors with whom we are all familiar and actors so suited to the part, that the monologue seems written especially for them" |
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By Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin Non-Fiction — 2007 349pp In 1973 Greg Mortenson's attempt to climb the K2 mountain came to a disastrous end when he lost his way on the descent. He was rescued and cared for by villagers in a remote village in Pakistan. Touched by their kindness, he promised to return to build them the school they so desperately needed. This is the amazing story of how Mortenson was able to build 55 schools in remote villages in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the next ten years. (Mortenson speaks of Sir Edmund Hillary, a man he admired greatly.) Comments from BDS book reviewers:
"This book must be in the top 2% of books I've reviewed for the BDS. I have no hesitation in recommending it for the scheme."
"The book is a fascinating insight into the world of ordinary Muslims in impoverished parts of Pakistan. The book is a page-turner and the story builds up momentum as it progresses. |
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By Nigel Slater Non-Fiction – 2004 247pp
Nigel Slater is a British food writer, journalist and broadcaster. In this book he writes of his childhood using memories connected to food. The book starts with comfort food and confectionary when he was a young child and finishes when he lands his first job at the Savoy Hotel in London.
Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“The connections between memory and food are always interesting. This book will stimulate readers’ memories and generate plenty of discussion.” “Beautiful writing and you can almost taste the burnt toast that his mother made.” |
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By Tuhoe ‘Bruno’ Isaac with Bradford Haami Non Fiction – 2007 166pp This is the graphic story of Tuhoe Isaac, an ex-mongrel mob gang leader who turned from his life of crime to find a new life. He speaks in a very honest way of what attracts youngsters to a gang and what life in a gang is like. Comments from BDS book reviewers:
“This is a story written by some who really knows what happens. It’s small and easy to read. A real eye-opener.”
“Well written – this book gives one insight into the guiding principles of emotionally crippled gang members.” |
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