There is so much diversity in the work presented – some of it written from the point of view of the migrant or even observer. The vantage point changes. The two editors, Julianne Schultz and Lloyd Jones open the book by orienting the reader, providing a kind of guide to modern New Zealand – from the indigenous history to the transition to the current polyglot nation “where all children learn Maori in school” and Auckland is one of the “most cosmopolitan cities in Australasia, boasting 160 ethnicities…” Roberto Onell takes a Chilean perspective, looking eye-to-eye across the Pacific Ocean to his neighbour 9,700 kms away. His essay, “To a neighbour I am getting to know” is translated, as are a number of the pieces in the books, also reflecting the polyglot nature of New Zealand. Following Onell’s essay is Li Po’s poem, translated from Chinese by New Zealand poet Ya-Wen Ho.
A review of And there was Light by Jacques Lusseyran
Some books should not be read with other books. Or the other book will not compare favorably. Some books remind the reader of why books are read in the first place – because they open the eyes and heart to new worlds that the reader had never dreamed of. Some books remove the cap from our head, and open the top of our skulls. And There was Light is such a book — at least in the first section. But for some, it might be the second section. It depends.
An Interview with Francesca Salerno
The author of The Pakistan Conspiracy talks about herself and her new book, how she began writing, her inspiration and influences, what’s on her night table, her book covers, her challenges and more.
A review of The Upright Ape: A New Origin of the Species by Dr. Aaron G. Filler
Dr. Filler proposes a fascinating new hypothesis about the evolutionary development of apes and humans. He is well qualified on this subject. He has degrees in anthropology and in medicine and is both a respected anthropologist and a world famous neurosurgeon specializing in spinal disorders. An anthropologist friend asked his opinion about a twenty-two million year old fossil that eventually became the inspiration for The Upright Ape. Filler easily recognized the fossil as the mid lumbar vertebrae from an ape-like animal that stood upright, and the fossil dates from a time fifteen million years earlier than any paleontologist would claim an upright posture for a hominoid.
An Interview with Lisa Scottoline
The author of Keep Quiet talks about her latest novel, her ‘choices’ theme, her favourite character, her writing rituals, her schedule, advice for other writers, and lots more.
A review of It Starts With The Egg by Rebecca Fett
In my view, this is a must read for those who want to get pregnant naturally and are having some difficulties, for those undertaking IVF, and for those who have experienced multiple miscarriages. I could not put this book down, riveted as I was to the simple explanations of complex science. I now find myself informed and empowered regarding the reasons and possible solutions for my infertility. It all makes much more sense now, knowing that whilst nutrition is important, infertility is so much more than diet.
A conversation with Heather Brittain Bergstrom
The author of Steal the North talks about the different challenges/benefits two writing short stories vs novels, her settings, the intersection of the personal and fiction, the meaning of her title, spirituality, her themes, her characters, her work-in-progress, and lots more.
A review of Steal the North by Heather Brittain Bergstrom
Heather Brittain Bergstrom’s novel is outstanding for its evocation of place. In a promotional interview, she notes that she was born and raised in Moses Lake, Washington, between two large Indian reservations, the Colville and the Yakama. Now living in northern California, she sometimes longs for the Pacific Northwest’s rugged, open landscapes, cowboys, Indians, wind, sage, large rivers, dams, and miles of “nothingness.”
A review of Wolves at Our Door by Jim and Jammie Dutcher
Wolves are usually viewed as very dangerous animals, yet dogs domesticated from wolves are known as man’s best friend. Jim and Jamie Dutcher’s Wolves at Our Door gives an insight into what wolves are really like. Inspired by the Endangered Species Act of 1967, the Dutchers, in 1990, decided to set up the “Sawtooth Wolf Pack” on the edge of Idaho’s’ Sawtooth Wilderness. Jim wanted to film a documentary about wild wolves similar to his three earlier documentaries: Water, Birth, the Planet Earth, and A Rocky Mountain Beaver Pond, and Cougar, Ghost of the Rockies.
A review of The Forgotten Roses by Deborah Doucette
Doucette heightens the suspense and tension with sinister details; for instance, Dietzhoff’s eyes are “compelling, dark at the centre, glittery like tacks”. A big scary bronze owl hangs just outside the window of Serena’s old room. A mysterious metal box is discovered by a workman who is searching for the septic tank cover.