We have a stunning line up of new releases this week. Here's everything you need on your radar (and your TBR!).
The Team's Highlights!
'Better Never Stops' by Paul Wood
First off we are so excited to have another excellent and motivating non-fiction book by Paul Wood now in our little hands! Paul is an incredible human and we are lucky enough to have had him visit a couple of times (and sign all our copies of his new book!). Lizzy is about to start reading this new one, 'Better Never Stops', a combination of ancient philosophy and wisdom alongside Paul's knowledge of neuroscience. The whole point of the book is about not holding ourselves back, and mastering the art of continuous improvement. Paul also has an incredible story himself, having spent 11 years in New Zealand's toughest prison, and coming out to completely turn his life around. If you're a fan of 'Atomic Habits' of 'Habits of High Performers' (two of our own favourites!), then you should absolutely give this one a go too.
'Sophie, Standing There' by Meg Mason
From the amazing author who gifted us with 'Sorrow and Bliss', we have a new novel about loneliness and connection that is somehow both funny and moving and incredibly clever. 'Sophie, Standing There' is about Sophie who works as a sound technician for literary festivals, and becomes obsessed with an author that she adores and brings her solace. When suddenly she is confronted with the possibility of meeting the author she so deeply adores, her entire life could change.
Shirl read this one first in our team and here's what she shared: "Meg Mason's Sophie, Standing There was a book that once I got stuck into I found it hard to put down. The book follows Sophie who is a technician for mainly literary festivals and one in particular which will feature her favourite author, Lilac Dunne, who she is obsessed with. I loved that the book centered around the book industry and gave a behind the scenes look into this world as well as name dropping some famous authors. I even think one author that is alluded to maybe a New Zealand author? Although the pacing was slower from what I usually prefer I didn't mind this as Sophie's character develops throughout the book. It's left me keen to research more about Meg's development of the book and who her inspiration was behind Lilac."
'Plant Lady' by Minyoung Kang
For those who are loving books like 'Molka' by Monika Kim, and like their literary horror stories with a side of feminist revenge, 'Plant Lady' is the book we've been waiting for! Tucked away in a quiet corner of a South Korean neighbourhood is Yoohee's plant shop. Her plants thrive from a rather unusual fertiliser, and Yoohee not only offers solace and gardening advice through her Plant Shop, she also helps them dispense of the men who treat women with disrespect. It's a short and chilling story, but also darkly funny and gently full of rage. It sounds right up my alley and I will be reading this one very soon.
'Theodora's Tea Shop' by Christy Ann Jones
I have followed Christy Anne Jones and her writing journey since the first days when she was drafting this novel, so it's extremely exciting to have an ARC in my hands which I am currently half way through!
This has moments of coziness but really it's quite a harrowing story about a young witch trying to find the help she needs to learn magic and deal with her past. It's full of a cast of really rather beautifully imagined characters, and the whole atmosphere of the novel feels unique and full of texture. It's a stunning debut, and I'm so excited for more people to be reading it.
'Cass and the Beast' by Claire Mabey, illustrated by Jill Calder
I have already bought my copy of the stunning new picture book 'Cass and the Beast' by local New Zealand treasure Claire Mabey! Claire visited us a while ago and got us all excited about this beautiful new book that she has created in collaboration with illustrator Jill Calder who lives on the other side of the world! The combination of Claire's absolutely beautiful and vivid storytelling, and the atmospheric illustrations, create a folk-lore feeling tale of a brave young girl called Cass and a Beast who everyone else is terrified of. It's already our favourite.
There are so many more amazing books out this week! From atmospheric thrillers to spicy romance and everything in between.
Check out this week's new releases!
Let us know which new release you are adding to your own TBR!
Lizzy makes sure the Book Hero bookstore is an integral part of our local Hobsonville community, welcoming readers of all ages with a genuine kindness and love of books. The Fantastic Mr Fox ignited her passion for books as a child, and now she’s read thousands of books and loves matching the right book to the right reader - both in our bookstore and online. When she’s not recommending her next favourite read, she’s enjoying life’s small joys and adding to a home library so large her husband Edd is constructing a massive bookshelf to try and keep up.