Shirl’s Pick: Home Again by Jon Toogood

When it was revealed that Jon Toogood was to release a memoir I pretty much jumped out of my seat with excitement! 

I’ve been a fan of Shihad since I first saw them perform at Big Day Out 1996, this was the famous BDO which started with blazing hot sun and then had torrential downpours, from memory just as Shihad were on stage the rain fell down and created the biggest mud pit I’ve ever seen. I was lucky enough to see them early last year on their ‘Loud Forever - The Final Tour’, it was such an amazing show and blew me away just how many hits they’ve had over their career. I also remember listening to an interview with Jon on bFM when he explained how they managed to play support and go on tour with Nine Inch Nails. This was organised back in the day with no internet and no cellphones so their invitation to support NIN was received via fax machine! 

Safe to say I’m really looking forward to reading this book, I’m sure it will be packed with all sorts of never-before-told stories and behind the scenes of the legendary Aotearoa band as well as Jon’s personal insights into his life and music career.

Shirl’s Pick: Taipei Story by Rebecca Kuang

The Book Hero team recently were lucky enough to have Rebecca Kuang come visit us while she was in Aotearoa for the Auckland Writer’s Festival, you can read all about her visit on our blog. It was such a treat to have her visit us. When Taipei Story was announced I was so eager to get my hands on an ARC copy which landed on my desk a few weeks ago. I'm always amazed at how Rebecca can so seamlessly and easily transition into different genres with every book she releases. She mentioned to us that she doesn’t understand why more authors don’t jump between genres because, in her words, it’s just “so fun.” And truly it is! 

Taipei Story did not disappoint, I was hooked from the start and devoured this book in less than 24 hours. The story follows Lily Chen who arrives in Taipei to study Mandarin as a Yale student. The moment she arrives and meets her friend Anna, her stay becomes nothing like she imagined it would be. I really connected with Lily on her journey trying to get closer to her culture and language, it's something I have struggled with throughout my life. Lily's story felt deeply personal for me and will stay with me for a long time. If you have ever felt disconnected or struggled to find where you fit in then this book will be for you. Rebecca proves once again that she is a great author and Taipei Story feels like a personal one for her also.

Shirl’s Pick: The Disappearers by Marlon James

I just finished reading Marlon James' 2015 Booker Prize winning novel A Brief History of Seven Killings. This was such an epic book! The book follows the re-imagining of the attempted assasination of Bob Marley in 1970’s Jamaica. It begins with a foreword by Bernardine Evaristo which starts with a warning - “read this novel at your peril” which is fitting, it was definitely a wild ride! This book was definitely not a cosy, comfort read. It’s gritty, grimy, brutal, violent and action packed. Think The Wire meets Narcos to get an idea of what you’re in for (also why has no one made this book into a TV series yet??). 

Marlon’s upcoming book The Disappearers sees him returning back to Jamaica with what feels like a similar style to A Brief History of Seven Killings. I’m so excited to dive into this one after freshly reading his Booker Prize winning novel.

Shirl’s Pick: Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson

Bad Words is a debut adult novel from Rioghnach Robinson, with glowing quotes from Emily Henry and Beth O’Leary on the ARC copy, I was immediately intrigued about this one and looking forward to reading it! 

It’s a love story which is set in the literary world, so already a big tick from me before I’ve even read it. It’s giving me similar vibes to Bobby Palmer’s Main Characters or Sally Rooney. 

If you love a good love story then pre-order your copy - look out for my review coming soon!

Shirl’s Pick: Dodge City by Patrick deWitt

I haven’t read any of Patrick’s previous books however this one intrigued me, I was especially drawn to the cover. Dodge City is set in the 60s and follows Lee Clarke as he sets on a journey to visit each family member after receiving a draft notice to serve in the Vietnam War. 

I feel like this will be one of those books that draws you into the lives of each character and stays with you for long after you’ve read it. I’m lucky enough to already have an ARC copy so this one is next in my reading pile!

Shirl's Pick: The Starving Bride by Catherine Chidgey

Every book that I have ready by Catherine Chidgey has always blown me away. It amazes me how she comes up with such different, clever and refreshing books every time.

The Starving Bride is set in the near future with the main character Hazel Whitlock after being dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her job she decides to join a sideshow act as a Starving Bride.

It sounds so intriguing, I have no idea what I'm in for when reading this one but I'm sure it will be a book that will be hard to put down. How stunning is that cover as well!

Lizzy’s Pick: Knave and the Moon by Rachel Gillig

Rachel Gillig is the queen of Gothic Romantasy, and I adored book one in this duology, Knight and the Moth. Book Two starts where we left off, in the dreamy story about a prophetess and a devilish knight, but the cliff hangers from Book One have me aching to return to this mysterious world and find out what happened to all my favourite characters.

This is romantasy but done so incredibly beautifully it's well worth picking up if you haven't tried her before! Plus it has one of my favourite side characters of all time (ILY Bartholomew).

Lizzy’s Pick: Chain Reaction by Lee Child & Andrew Child

What can I say, I am forever one of the first to pick up the newest Jack Reacher story despite not reading much in that genre normally, blame my Reacher obsessed father! I can’t wait to get my pulse pounding with the action and suspense that Andrew and Lee Child craft so well.

I basically don't need to read anything about the story to know that by picking this up I'm in for a good time - with a man who prefers to stay unknown and off the radar, people who are looking for his special kind of skills and help, and some kind of on the pulse mystery taking place that I can't help but get drawn into.

Lizzy’s Pick: You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews

You Did Nothing Wrong is a disturbing horror house style story about single mother Elodie, and her son Jude who starts hearing voices in the walls.

As someone who is easily freaked out and doesn't read or watch a lot of horror, it says a lot that I will 100% be buying this - it promises a weird and visceral story about motherhood and family.

I absolutely love CG Drew’s YA fiction (Hazelthorn is a book I recommend every other day so I am extremely excited for their Adult fiction debut which is bound to be as disturbing and beautifully written as the rest of their work.

Lizzy’s Pick: Royal Witch by Philippa Gregory

I used to love reading Philippa Gregory’s historical fiction, and was so excited to hear that her next book is one that promises witchy royal intrigue, and a character from history that I don’t know much about!

Royal Witch is about Eleanor Cobham, a woman in the court of King Henry VI who was accused of sorcery. Philippa is bound to bring a new lens to this character's story, binding together historical facts and fictional details to create a page turning novel about ambition, destiny, and the devil.

Lizzy’s Pick: Hollywood Ending by John Green

I grew up adoring John Green’s YA novels like Looking for Alaska, and Fault in our Stars. I then absolutely loved his non-fiction work books as an adult and think every human should buy themselves a copy of The Anthropocene Reviewed (and then buy a second because it makes a beautiful gift).

I was SO excited to hear that we were being gifted his first Adult fiction novel later this year. Not only is it absolutely beautiful (Cassie Vu continues to design some of the most spectacular books), the story sounds fascinating involving an Andy Warhol biopic, two rising actors, and a possible love story. I can’t wait.

Roopa’s Pick: Fictional Selves By Kyle MacLachlan 

I’ve been a huge fan of Kyle MacLachlan ever since watching Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, so I was pretty excited when I heard he was releasing a book. He’s one of those actors who always seems to bring something unique to every role, and I’m really curious to hear more about his life and career in his own words. 

Fictional Selves sounds like a fascinating mix of personal stories, reflections and insights into creativity, and it’s definitely one of the non-fiction releases I’m most looking forward to this year.

Roopa’s Pick: The Cairo Bridal Shop By Tess Woods 

The fact that this book is set in Egypt completely captured my interest from the moment I heard about it. 

I’m always drawn to stories that take me somewhere new, and Cairo feels like such a fascinating setting for a novel. Add in family secrets, romance and plenty of drama, and this sounds like exactly the kind of book I love to get lost in. 

I’m looking forward to being transported to a completely different part of the world from the comfort of my couch.

Roopa’s Pick: Ottolenghi SIMPLE TOO By Yotam Ottolenghi 

There’s always room on my bookshelf for a new Ottolenghi cookbook! His recipes always make me want to get straight into the kitchen and try something new. 

SIMPLE was such a popular cookbook, so I was excited to see that he’s releasing a follow-up. I’m always looking for new inspiration for weeknight meals, and I have a feeling this book is going to be full of dishes that become regular favourites.

Roopa’s Pick: Land of Ghosts By E L James 

I’ll admit it was actually the cover that caught my attention first with Land of Ghosts. It has such an atmospheric feel to it that I immediately wanted to know more about the story. 

Seeing E L James’ name attached to a supernatural thriller only made me more curious. With mystery, suspense and a darker atmosphere at its core, this sounds like the kind of book that will keep me turning the pages late into the night. I’m looking forward to seeing James tackle something completely different.

Roopa’s Pick: We Chase Shadows By Richard Osman 

I absolutely loved Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series, so I was excited to hear that he’s continuing with the second book in his new series. 

One of the things I enjoy most about his books is how he balances mystery, humour and genuinely likeable characters. His stories are always such an entertaining read and I’m excited to see where Osman takes the story next.