New books on display at Hurunui District Library from 26 Jan – 2 Feb

 

 

 

 ”Wind from a distant summit” by Pat Deavoll

For over three decades Pat Deavoll has been climbing at the elite level of her sport, in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, in the Canadian Rockies and Alaska and undertaking extreme, world-class expeditions to the great mountain ranges of Central Asia, including the Himalayas and the Karakorum. In Wind from a Distant Summit she tells of her beginnings in the mountains of New Zealand, and of how far a singular level of drive, determination and talent has taken her – there are few mountaineers in New Zealand, women or men who have managed her level of achievement, and who have climbed so hard for so long. This book however, is more than an account of her remarkable adventures, for it delves into the more personal aspects of elite mountaineering; the personal sacrifices required to lead a life lived out on the edge, the challenges of being a woman in an activity so dominated by men, and an exploration of the motivation that drives her and others to take such extreme risks. But what is perhaps most remarkable about Pat Deavoll is that she has achieved so much despite a life-long struggle with clinical depression, and about which she writes with a moving honesty. Wind from a Distant Summit is a rich and compelling story with enough humanity and insight to make this a wonderful read for anyone interested in the possibilities of an adventurous life. [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”The dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman

The lives of four sensuous, bold and remarkable women intersect in the year 70AD, in the desperate days of the siege of Masada, when supplies are dwindling and the Romans are drawing near. All are dovekeepers, and all are keepers of secrets – about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love. There is Yael, the assassin’s daughter whose heartbreak leads to her true path in the ruins of the desert; Revka, the baker’s wife who loses her dearest treasure on earth and yet finds the strength to protect her family; Aziza, the warrior’s beloved who leads a secret life not even those closest to her could imagine; and Marit, beautiful witch of Moab, a woman as loyal as she is dangerous. [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”Big fat gypsy weddings”

Welcome to the wonderful world of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.This is the official book of one of the most talked-about TV series ever to have hit our screens. The show offered a unique insight into the traveller and gypsy communities, their lives, loves and their incredible wedding ceremonies.But there is so much more to these fascinating people and their culture and this book draws readers even further into an extraordinary secret world.All of the biggest, most colourful characters from the series are here – including Thelma the wedding dressmaker and Paddy the champion fighter. The book reveals what happened to some of the young lovebirds from the series – did they live happily ever after? And there’s a host of new and wonderful characters to get to know too.But it’s not just about weddings. This book sheds light on what it’s like to grow up living on the outside of society, suffering the suspicions of settled folk and trying to preserve the traditions of an ancient culture.Big Fat Gypsy Weddings is a gilt-edged invitation into the heart of gypsy and traveller life, brimming with unforgettable stories and brand new insights into a disappearing world. [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”The secrets of Rosa Lee” by Jodi Thomas

Everyone assumes Rosa Lee Altman lived a life without passion. But buried secrets are meant to be revealed…The once beautiful Altman home sits empty: its gardens overgrown, its windows boarded up — an old lady, now silent. But if some of the townsfolk have it their way, this lovely reminder of times past will be sold off to the highest bidder. When a group of community members with little in common is chosen to decide the fate of ‘the old Altman place’, they soon learn that Rosa Lee’s home is more than bricks and mortar. It’s also a place that harbours a love so strong, it has the power to change the entire town. But no one is prepared for what they discover beneath Rosa Lee’s overgrown roses — or how her legacy will change their lives forever. [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”No regrets” by Carolyn Burke

Edith Piaf was one of the most greatly loved singers of the twentieth century. From the start of her exceptional career in the 1930s, her waif-like form and heart-wrenching voice endeared her first to the French, then to audiences around the globe. As she moved from her youth singing in the streets to the glamour of the Paris music-halls, Piaf formed lasting friendships with such figures as Maurice Chevalier, Jean Cocteau and Marlene Dietrich; she wrote many of her own songs, aided the Resistance in the Second World War, and mentored younger singers like Yves Montand and Charles Aznavour. Yet her path to stardom was full of tragedies – the death of her daughter in infancy; the death of Marcel Cerdan, her greatest love, in a plane crash; her many illnesses, affairs and addictions, all of which nourished her passionate performances and strengthened her enduring bond with audiences. In this mesmerising, definitive new biography Carolyn Burke gives us Piaf in her own time and place, illuminating through sympathetic readings of sources hitherto unavailable both the charm and the pathos of the ‘Little Sparrow’ who enchanted generations and still enthralls us today. [Cover]

Other titles on display this week :

“Women’s stuff” by Kaz Cooke

“The colour of death” by Michael Cordy

“Gamble” by Felix Francis

“V is for vengeance” by Sue Grafton

“Wire jewelry masterclass” by Abby Hook

“Surface treatment workshop” by Darlene Olivia McElroy & Sandra Duran Wilson

“Battlefield 3″ by Andy McNab

To reserve any of these items please contact your local library or email info@hurunuilibraries.govt.nz

 Avril

New books on display at Hurunui District Library from 19 Jan – 26 Jan

 

 

 

 ”Strength in what remains” by Tracy Kidder

“Strength in What Remains” recounts the remarkable experiences of Deo, a medical student from Burundi who narrowly survived two genocides, first in his own country, then Rwanda. Through sheer fortitude, and the astonishing kindness of strangers, Deo fled to New York. But his ordeal was far from over. He endured daily discrimination in his menial job, and left his first home – a Harlem tenement building – for the greater safety of sleeping rough in Central Park. Again the generosity of those he encountered prevailed. Deo was introduced to a couple who would in time virtually adopt him, and in the coming years he graduated from Colombia, obtained US citizenship and returned to Burundi to pursue his dream of founding a clinic. In this powerful book, Tracy Kidder brings to light the universality of the human condition through Deo’s extraordinary story of suffering and survival. [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”Practical beekeeping in New Zealand” by Andrew Matheson

For more than 25 years Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand has been the bible for New Zealand beekeepers. The only comprehensive guide to keeping bees in New Zealand, it provides both amateur and professional beekeepers with details on honey bee management throughout the year, advice on handling hive products and information about many other beekeeping subjects. As well as being a guide to beekeepers, Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand appeals to those interested in apiculture and deciding whether to keep bees, and horticulturalists and farmers find it of particular interest for crop pollination. Given New Zealand’s reputation in world beekeeping the book has also been keenly sought after by beekeepers overseas. Three editions of the book have been published since 1984. It has now bee comprehensively updated to incorporate the latest information available, particularly on new approaches to beekeeping now the parasitic varroa mite has become established in New Zealand and changed the face of beekeeping forever. [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”The forgotten islands” by Michael Veitch

 Bass Strait has over fifty cold, dark islands that are regularly pounded by atrocious weather and hardly visited. These islands are rich in atypical Australian history: sealers, lighthouse keepers, feuds, aboriginal ‘resettlements’, and deadly encounters with nature and people who have vanished. Michael Veitch has always been strangely drawn to these islands and was intrigued by how little we know about them. Although some of them are extremely difficult to get to, he decided to attempt to visit them all, relying on the goodwill and skill of an array of fisherman, pilots and locals. Here, he recounts his efforts, the people he meets along the way and the extraordinary flora, fauna and landscapes he finds. [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”Visions of nature” by Trevor Penfold

Visions of Nature -New Zealand’s Wild in the West’ takes a closer look at the wildlife with which we share our environment. It’s a high quality ‘coffee table’ style book that brings together some wonderful photography from wildlife and nature photographer Trevor Penfold – an inspiring book that can be enjoyed on many levels by people of all ages. Although concentrated in the North Island on the west coast, it encourages you to take a closer look at what’s all around us and shows that, no matter where you live, there are amazing creatures to be found – many of which are struggling to survive in our ever-changing world. Trevor goes one step further by explaining some of the techniques and decisions he makes while capturing these images, not only to give some insight into the challenges of wildlife photography, but to help and encourage people in their own photographic exploits. [Cover]

 

 

 

  “Australia : story of a cricket country” by Christian Ryan

A surprised old-timer was quoted saying, ‘Why, they beant black at all; they’re as white as wuz.’ More than a comprehensive history, this ground-breaking volume is a colourful, insightful and affectionate portrait of Australian cricket. A selection ofAustralia’s best writers share their thoughts on different aspects of the game and its place in our national culture; from bowling, captaincy and scoring, to alcohol, media and literature. [Cover]

Other titles on display this week :

 ”Maeve Binchy’s treasury” by Maeve Binchy

“Shelter” by Harlan Coben

“A day in the life of a smiling woman” by Margaret Drabble

“The River Cottage family cookbook” by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

“The silent girl” by Tess Gerritsen

“The cold eye of heaven” by Christine Dwyer Hickey

“Toys” by James Patterson

To reserve any of these items please contact your local library or email info@hurunuilibraries.govt.nz

 Avril

New books on display at Hurunui District Library from 12 Jan – 19 Jan

 

 

 

 ”Sweet as” by Garth Cartwright

“I come from Mt Roskill. Somebody has to.” So says Garth Cartwright of growing up in New Zealand’s largest suburb. It had acres of rugby fields and more churches than anywhere else in the country – but there were no cinemas, music venues or pubs. In search of a little more culture, a young Garth up and moved to London. Twenty years after leaving he returned to revel in a Kiwi summer. That summer was spent travelling the country from top to bottom and observing New Zealand and its citizens in all their eccentric glory. Taking to State Highway 1, he met old friends, cult rockers, aspiring politicians, potters, bikers, visionary artists, hunters, undercover cops and all manner of other Kiwi characters. Surfing, hitching, driving, sailing and tramping across New Zealand allowed him to reflect on how much New Zealand has changed in the last twenty years – and how much it hasn’t. [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”Whispers” by Rosie Goodwin

Sometimes the past really does come back to haunt you…The old manor house has stood empty for years, left to rot since the last master of the Fenton family died. Until Jess Beddows steps inside, and feels she has come home. Against her family’s wishes, she buys the house, promising to bring it back to life. Upstairs, in an attic room left untouched for a century or more, she finds a journal. It holds the heartbreaking tale of Martha, and of the cruel, entangled lives of the house’s servants and masters nearly two hundred years before. As Jess is drawn into their tragedy, the whispers begin. Before long, everything she loves will be threatened by violent emotion and long-kept secrets. Can she survive the echoes from the past? [Cover]

 

 

 

 ”Huggable crochet” by Christine Lucas

This delightful book is the perfect guide to making huggable-sized, stuffed crochet animals, featuring a wide variety of creatures from the farm to the jungle and even the sea. Catering for all imaginations, “Huggable Crochet” shows you how to make each adoreable animal with its traditional colours and then as a vivid and vibrant alternative. Featuring illustrations and patterns for both basic crochet stitches and crochet animal construction techniques, this book makes it quick and easy to make the ideal cuddly for children of all ages. [Cover]

 

 

 

 “Tiger men” by Judy Nunn

‘This town is full of tiger men,’ Dan said. ‘Just look around you. The merchants, the builders, the bankers, the company men, they’re all out for what they can get. This is a tiger town, Mick, a place at the bottom of the world where God turns a blind eye to pillage and plunder.’Van Diemen’s Land was an island of stark contrasts; a harsh penal colony, an English idyll for its landed gentry, and an island so rich in natural resources it was a profiteer’s paradise. Its capital Hobart Town had its contrasts too; the wealthy elite in their sandstone mansions, the exploited poor in the notorious slum known as Wapping, and the criminals and villains who haunted the dockside taverns and brothels of Sullivan’s Cove. Hobart Townwas no place for the meek. Tiger Men is the story of Silas Stanford, a wealthy Englishman; Mick O’Callaghan an Irishman on the run; and Jefferson Powell, an idealistic American political prisoner. It is also the story of the strong, proud women who loved them, and of the children they bore who rose to power in the cut-throat world of international trade. Tiger Men is the sweeping tale of three families who lived through Tasmania’s golden era and witnessed the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia, only to watch its young men consumed by the fires and horror of the First World War. [Cover]

 

 

 

 “The tribal imagination” by Robin Fox

We began as savages, and savagery has served us well–it got us where we are. But how do our tribal impulses, still in place and in play, fit in the highly complex, civilized world we inhabit today? This question, raised by thinkers from Freud to Levi-Strauss, is fully explored in this book by the acclaimed anthropologist Robin Fox. It takes up what he sees as the main–and urgent–task of evolutionary science: not so much to explain what we do, as to explain what we do at our peril.  Ranging from incest and arranged marriage to poetry and myth to human rights and pop icons, Fox sets out to show how a variety of human behaviors reveal traces of their tribal roots, and how this evolutionary past limits our capacity for action. Among the questions he raises: How real is our notion of time? Is there a human “right” to vengeance? Are we democratic by nature? Are cultural studies and fascism cousins under the skin? Is evolutionary history coming to an end–or just getting more interesting? In his famously informative and entertaining fashion, drawing links from Volkswagens to Bartok to Woody Guthrie, from Swinburne to Seinfeld, Fox traces our ongoing struggle to maintain open societies in the face of profoundly tribal human needs–needs which, paradoxically, hold the key to our survival. [Cover]

Other titles on display this week :

“The pregnant widow” by Martin Amis

“The Somme” by Peter Barton

“How to build animal housing” by Carol Ekarius

“The breakers” by Claudie Gallay

“Table of contents” by Judy Gelman

“The birthday party” by Veronica Henry

“The Ares Decision” by Kyle Mills

To reserve any of these items please contact your local library or email info@hurunuilibraries.govt.nz

 Avril

New books on display at Hurunui District Library from 5 Jan – 12 Jan

 

 

 

 

  “Summer houses” by Simon Devitt

This book showcases New Zealand houses at their best – in the heat of summer, when doors and windows dissolve to embrace the sun and outdoors, and a more casual style of living prevails. Step inside more than 20 of this country’s most stunning houses, ranging from simple island baches to luxurious city homes and inland retreats, all of which embrace the indoor-outdoor style of living that comes to the fore during summer months. [Cover]

 

 

 

 “The year after” by Martin Davies

New Year 1919: Before the War, when Margot broke his heart, Tom Abbott swore he would never return to Hannesford Court. Now though, the ritual certainties of a country house party seem tempting. But did Tom ever really understand what was going on in that closed circle at Hannesford? When Tom begins to think about the death of a guest in 1914, he begins to question his whole world. [Cover]

 

 

 

 “Pippa Blake journey” by Pippa Blake

On 5 December 2001 New Zealand sporting and adventure hero Sir Peter Blake was killed by bandits at the mouth of the Amazon River. In this intimate account, Pippa Blake offers a private view of Sir Peter the husband and family man. Unpublished photographs from her personal albums, behind the scenes stories of Sir Peter’s sailing adventures and Pippa’s own journal entries and artworks provide a moving insight into a life shared with one of this country’s greatest sporting legends. [Cover]

 

 

 

  “The German boy” by Patricia Wastvedt

In 1947, Elisabeth Mander’s German nephew comes to stay: Stefan Landau, her dead sister’s teenage son, whom she hates and loves before she’s even set eyes on him. Orphaned by the war and traumatised by the last, vicious battles of the Hitler Youth, Stefan brings with him to England only a few meagre possessions. Among them a portrait of a girl with long copper hair by a young painter called Michael Ross – and with it the memory, both painful and precious, of her life and that time between the wars. Spanning decades and generations, “The German Boy” tells the moving story of two families entangled by love and friendship, divided by prejudice and war, and of a brief encounter between a woman and a man that touched each of their lives forever. [Cover]

 

 

 

  “Casual living” by Judith Wilson

Many of us live stressful lives, so we deserve a home that delivers no-fuss style for comfortable living. “Casual Living” puts such a goal firmly within reach. In the first section, Casual Style, Judith maps out the three facets of the look – Country Casual, City Casual and Seaside Casual – so you can identify the style that suits you best. Next, Casual Elements focuses on the different ingredients that come together to create the perfect home. In part three, Casual Rooms, Judith shows how the style translates to every room in the house, from Relaxed Kitchens to Soothing Bathrooms and Cosy Sitting Rooms to Tranquil Bedrooms, taking in Children’s Spaces along the way. We can’t all achieve the perfect, stress-free life, but in “Casual Living” Judith Wilson will inspire you to create a practical, welcoming and comfortable home that you’ll enjoy and appreciate every day. [Cover]

Other titles on display this week :

“A boy from Amberley” by Basil Campion

“Edward’s legacy” by David Elworthy & Ros Henry

“The beloved of Isis” by Christian Jacq

“Unbound” by Dean King

“Girl on the Orlop deck” by Beryl Kingston

“Wrapped up in you” by Carole Matthews

“The kindness of your nature” by Linda Olsson

To reserve any of these items please contact your local library or email info@hurunuilibraries.govt.nz

 Avril

Boomerang

 

 

 

 ”Boomerang : the meltdown tour” by Michael Lewis (2011)

Markos has worked as a qualified baker most of his working life in Athens. Yet here he is standing in the line of a soup kitchen. If you asked Markos five years ago if he would now be destitute and standing in this line, he would have laughed at the suggestion.

Greece today is one of many countries in financial difficulty, e.g. Ireland Italy, Spain, France, Hungary, Portugal and New Zealand. The global financial crisis translates into individual and family financial hardship for millions in countries around the world.

Michael Lewis explains in “Boomerang, the Financial Meltdown”, what is taking place in an informative, instructive and entertaining way. He travels to Iceland, Ireland, Greece, Germany and the United States as a financial disaster tourist to get a high and low view of how each culture is meeting the crisis at hand.

His insightful, non-technical, clever, and humorous appreciation of the situation means the 220+ pages are quickly covered and the reader is left with the question, what about New Zealand? We have borrowed more money to escape the cost of our sovereign and personal debts to date, but the piper will come calling here one day, too. Suggest you start with this book as preparation for what you personally need to do.

Daniel Crossen

To reserve this item please contact your local library or email info@hurunuilibraries.govt.nz