The books I recommend almost every day in the shop
Kia ora, I’m Eve, and I’m one of the Bookstore Heroes in the Book Hero team! You might see me working behind the desk in our magical bookstore a couple of times a week. During my time working in the bookshop, I have been able to gather many recommendations from the friendly customers that walk through our doors. Through these interactions, and my own reading experiences, I have many recommendations up my sleeve for all!
Below I have listed just a few titles that arise in many conversations over the bookshops counter. There is a very high chance that one of these will cater perfectly for you, or someone you know!
For young readers, seeking a thrilling adventure… Anything Percy Jackson
Especially the graphic novel series. The mix of action-packed scenes, Greek mythology, and fast paced storytelling keeps things exciting, while the graphic novel format makes it easy to follow, engaging, and transportive, for visual learners or reluctant readers.
It’s the kind of book that pulls kids in with monsters, quests, and humor, then quietly builds their confidence as readers without them even realising it. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a fun, accessible way to get into reading while still feeling like they’re on an epic hero’s journey.
Not sure what you’re feeling?
Mad Mabel offers a bit of everything. Sharp Australian wit, a dual-timeline mystery, unlikely friendships, and emotional uncoverings that will keep you hooked until the final twist!
Mad Mabel is the perfect "wild card" read because it seamlessly blends a gritty true-crime mystery with a hilarious, heart-tugging story about a grumpy 81-year-old recluse. After sixty years of hiding her identity as Australia’s youngest convicted killer, Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is forced to defend her legacy via a YouTube documentary when a nosy neighbour’s death threatens to expose her past.
Want to read something different?
Then why not try reading a book purely written through letters and emails! This book covers deep topics of acceptance, identity, and communication.
This is an excellent recommendation because, through its format of correspondence, it quietly hooks you, making you question what’s true, what’s hidden, and how much of ourselves we put into the words we send out into the world. Reading someone’s private correspondence makes the story feel incredibly intimate and fast-paced. It’s perfect if you want a deep, character-driven mystery that stays light on its feet, offering a mix of sophisticated humour and a moving exploration of legacy and forgiveness.
Do you want to dive into a life full of secrets??
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo takes you straight into the dazzling world of old Hollywood, where red carpets, movie sets, and flashing cameras hide a much deeper story of love, sacrifice, and secrets.
It’s dramatic, a little messy (in the best way), and full of “wait… WHAT?” moments, as Evelyn spills the truth behind her seven marriages over a cup of coffee. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and somehow makes you root for decisions you’d absolutely judge in real life. This seemingly ‘unrealistic’ life that Evelyn lives, takes you far away from reality, to the world of Hollywood glamour. Or is it really that glamorous? One minute you’re enjoying the old Hollywood experience, the next you’re emotionally attached to the complicated characters, and witness the dramatic, gossip infused life that Evelyn really lived.
Want to have a cry?
Really anything ‘Kristin Hannah’. The Four Winds is a great example of Hannah's signature ability to blend deeply emotional storytelling with rich historical detail. It’s not just a historical story, it’s an emotional journey and example of the fight for family, dignity, and hope even when everything is falling apart.
It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you finish it. It doesn’t just tell you about the Great Depression, it makes you feel the exhaustion, fear, and determination of trying to survive it day by day. The characters are deeply human and easy to care about, especially in the way they fight for family, dignity, and hope even when everything is falling apart. It’s emotional without feeling fake, powerful without being overwhelming, and it really makes you appreciate resilience in a new way.
Want a non-fiction that feels close to home?
The Meaning of Trees is a book that ticks off so much - a beautiful hardback coffee table book, a source of information, and a spark of fascination towards Aotearoas trees.
This book has beautiful images, illustrations, and text, that highlights the characteristics of our native trees, and their benefits to us and the ecosystem. This book is my go to tool for researching into native trees and being able to understand them on a deeper level through a local lens.