Books
Fast Favourites with singer-songwriter Julia Deans
She joins Perlina Lau to share some of her cultural picks Audio
Bill Bryson: A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0
Much-loved American British journalist and author Bill Bryson is heading back to our shores for two shows in February 2026. Audio
Polluted minds: How industrial emissions may have driven a violent crime spree
In the 1970s, the Pacific Northwest was home to some of the most notorious serial killers in US history.
Playing Favourites with Nadia Lim
Celebrity chef, clinical dietitian, bestselling author and farmer, Nadia Lim shares the music tracks that have underlined some of the key moments in her life Audio
Book reviewer: Kate de Goldi
Kate de Goldi joins Susie to discuss The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman and A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews. Audio
Exciting times for book lovers as Booker short list revealed
RNZ executive editor Jeremy Rees reads and reviews every book shortlisted. He spoke to Jesse. Audio
Book review: Dead Ends by Laura Borrowdale
Holly Walker reviews Dead Ends by Laura Borrowdale, published by Tender Press. Audio
Independent Chinese bookstores start a new chapter abroad
From Auckland to Rotterdam, the outlets are emerging worldwide as community hubs for cultural exchange.
Twilight turns 20: How the vampire saga changed young adult fiction forever
Stephenie Meyer's debut novel, Twilight, was published in 2005 - the first in a series that went on to sell over 100 million copies worldwide.
What is The Booker Prize and how does it work?
How many books do judges have to read? How fast? How much money is there in the win? And why has it been the source of controversy?
This year's Booker Prize shortlist unveiled
153 books were whittled down to six. Judge Sarah Jessica Parker described the process as "real agony".
Book review: The Elements by John Boyne
Cynthia Morahan reviews The Elements by John Boyne. Audio
Book Critic
Book reviewer Claire Mabey reviews Omnibird by Giselle Clarkson, Secret Art Powers by Jo Randerson, The Last Living Cannibal by Airana Ngawera. Audio
Elli and the story of the couple who saved her from the Nazis
An extraordinary Dutch couple who risked their lives sheltering a Jewish girl in World War II, wound up living peacefully in Paekākāriki.
Book review: The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Ralph McAllister reviews The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman. Audio
Opinion: Wealthy, whiny and tone deaf: New memoir exemplifies ‘priv-lit’
Lauded by Oprah, Elizabeth Gilbert's new memoir is a case study in privileged literature.
Book review: Homework: A Memoir by Geoff Dyer
Jane Westaway reviews Homework: A Memoir by Geoff Dyer, published by Allen & Unwin. Audio
The inside story of Patagonia's founder
Legendary rock climber Yvon Chouinard - an outdoorsman who was so uninterested in material possessions he would sleep in the dirt - made billions as the founder of clothing apparel company Patagonia.
…Publishing powerhouse and poet Mary McCallum
When it comes to recognising exciting new writers Mary McCallum is a powerhouse. Audio
Doug Gold: the incredible story of ‘Saving Elli’
In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, a resistance couple risk everything by concealing a young Jewish girl in a camouflaged space above their ceiling. Audio
