Welcome to this week's Book Briefing where we round up the news for the week!
Groundbreaking feminist, Gloria Steinem, dies at age 92
The incredibly important and charismatic feminist activist and author Gloria Steinem passed away at the age of 92, with tributes flowing in from many, including Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, Meghan Markle, Oprah Winfrey and Billie Jean King. She passed away at home in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of profound impact, having co-founded 'Ms.' magazine in the '70s and become a key figure in the women’s liberation movement.
Environmentalist and Poet Wendell Berry passes away at 92
Wendell Berry was many things: a Kentucky native, a farmer, an author and poet, and an environmentalist. He passed away at the age of 92 at his home in Kentucky and will be remembered for his powerful and prophetic writing, which celebrated nature and farming while warning against a commercialised society that takes without restraint. He wrote 52 books, including novels, essays, poetry and non-fiction, and leaves us with the challenge to be better stewards of the land.
Books take out top prizes at Retail NZ Awards
The 2026 Retail NZ Awards took place, with bookshops and booksellers taking home plenty of accolades throughout the evening. Book Hero (that’s us!) was over the moon to win the inaugural People's Choice Award, nominated and voted for by the public. Other NZ booksellers that went home with awards included The Nile New Zealand and Unity Books. It’s great to see booksellers making their mark in the sector.
Daily Bread founder has a book coming, all about Breakfast.
Tom Hishon is a celebrated chef and restaurateur, and the founder of Daily Bread, a bakery and deli that has become a firm favourite here in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). Full of delicious baked goods, interesting drinks and a huge condiment section, 'Good Morning' is his breakfast bible, an exciting guide to the first meal of the day. It releases in November, published by Penguin Random House New Zealand!
Musician Anderson .Paak is releasing ‘a bunch of freaky-ass stories’
Anderson .Paak and Simon & Schuster announced that the inventive creativity of .Paak’s music will now be shared in his debut book and collection of stories, 'Peeps on Sunset: A Bunch of Freaky-Ass Stories'. Centred around a mysterious adult store on Sunset Boulevard, this unhinged book explores the last refuge for the freaks of Los Angeles and is set to be published in February 2027. .Paak says the book offers “another peek inside my brain - all the weird, sexy, sometimes dark, but mostly fun corners of it,” and we cannot wait.
NZ book charity’s future in limbo
Duffy Books in Homes is a programme here in Aotearoa that provides free books to children in schools across the country. For more than 30 years, this charity has gifted books to hundreds of thousands of tamariki, believing in the power of allowing children to choose a story for themselves, which not only strengthens their literacy but also opens them up to a lifelong love of reading. The future of the programme is now in question, with the government considering opening up the contract to competitive tender. Funding from the ministry covers about a third of the work Duffy Books in Homes does.
Kiwi author Tamsyn Muir announces her first full-length novel in five years!
Tamsyn Muir is a Kiwi treasure, the author of the bestselling 'Locked Tomb' series, and has been busy writing an absolute treat of a novel, with the reveal having us all spinning. 'Floralinda' will be published by Tor in July next year and, according to Muir herself, is “a satirical fairytale mash-up of genres”, which sounds like nothing else we’ve seen before (about right coming from the brain that gifted us 'Gideon the Ninth').
Emily Wilson to retranslate Homer's Odyssey
Emily Wilson was the first woman to translate Homer’s epic Greek poem into English and is set to undertake another translation less than a decade later. Her translation is considered a more modern and accessible version than others, and this time around, she wants to approach it differently, providing more of her own scholarly commentary in the form of endnotes. The decision to retranslate predates the Christopher Nolan film, which opened with Wilson’s translated opening line, “Tell me about a complicated man,” and was heavily critiqued by Wilson herself.
Gothic Romantasy author, Rachel Gillig, announces new fantasy rom-com novel
Titled 'As Bad Luck Would Have It', Rachel Gillig is bringing us a cosy rom-com following the conclusion of her gothic romantasy duology, 'The Stonewater Kingdom'. Scheduled for release next year, Rachel said of the new book in her newsletter, “This fantasy rom-com standalone is the self-indulgent, utterly romantic, warm/cozy fantasy of my heart. Vibes include: Howl’s Moving Castle + swoony/spicy Bridgerton + flowery spring vs. spooky autumn. It came to me out of nowhere, and I’m so glad it did because I’m having so much fun!”
Beautiful new picture book from Vasanti Unka, author of ‘Pukapuka’!
Local Auckland-based author Vasanti Unka has gifted us another beautiful picture book, 'Wild Summer', which invites tamariki to get outside and connect with the wonder of nature. Published by Bateman Books this month, this gorgeous picture book is also illustrated by Unka, combining her vibrant use of colour with lovely local details, like a caterpillar nibbling on a kawakawa leaf.
New Lottie Hazel novel announced, ‘Mothersick’
After the success of her debut novel, 'Piglet', we have been waiting to see what author Lottie Hazell will do next! This week, publisher Doubleday confirmed it will be publishing 'Mothersick', Hazell’s second novel, a story about family and intergenerational drama that follows the lives of four fierce women. We can’t wait for it to arrive next year!
Over 15,000 esoteric books and items donated to the University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is celebrating the donation of an exceptional collection focused on alternative ways of thinking and the esoteric. Over 15,000 items were generously donated by Dr Brendan French on behalf of himself and his life partner, Dr Gregory Tillett, who passed away in 2018. Together, the two had been collecting esoteric material since meeting in 1991, tracking down items and interviewing primary sources. In addition to an extensive book collection covering topics such as ceremonial magic, neopagan witchcraft and more, there is a large assortment of papers and related materials, including over 100 tarot decks, some of which are very rare.
F1 Star Guenther Steiner coming to NZ
Get ready, New Zealand, Formula 1’s larger-than-life personality Guenther Steiner is heading our way in December! The former Haas team principal is one of the most recognisable faces in the F1 paddock. He became a huge fan favourite thanks to his straight-talking, comically unfiltered approach, which made him a breakout star on Netflix's 'Drive to Survive'. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan or discovered Steiner through 'Drive to Survive', this is your chance to see the man behind the memes and experience his unmistakable personality up close.
Excellence in non-fiction writing celebrated with Baillie Gifford Prize longlist
The longlist announcement for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction has us so excited to expand our TBR. This year’s longlist features Edward Chisholm’s 'Murder in Paris ’68', Patrick Radden Keefe’s 'London Falling' and Åsne Seierstad’s brand-new 'Never Say War', along with 10 other incredible non-fiction works. The shortlist will be announced in October, with the winner receiving £50,000 when they are announced on November 4.
That's all for this book briefing! For more bookish news, new releases, staff picks and plenty more from all the team at Book Hero, follow us on Instagram at @bookheronz and check back here on our blog as we post regularly!
