Best Aotearoa Books of 2024Like this list

14 items

• Hine Toa

  An Extraordinary Memoir by a Trailblazing Voice in Women's, Queer and Māori Liberation Movements

  Te Awekōtuku, Ngāhuia, 1949-

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  I listened to the audiobook in which Ngāhuia relates her story herself. I was spellbound - it's sad, funny, real as real. Ngāhuia shares everything, even the stuff that hurts.

• The Survivors

  Braunias, Steve, 1960-

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  This is a brilliant read, with a variety of stories that are individually and collectively absorbing. Some are true crime, some are about unusual lives. They are drawn together by the voice and connection of Steve Braunias. I listened to the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Whaea Blue

  Marshall, Talia

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  Colonialism, history, whakapapa, relationships. One of my favourite types of book is personal essays. Aotearoa writers have worked brilliantly in this format, and you can add Talia Marshall's book to the list. Talia is a real and honest writer, she…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Mires

  Makereti, Tina, 1973-

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  A compelling story set in the near future. Tension ratchets up - we hear the timeless voice of the marsh itself, Wairere (who has a psychic connection to the marsh, and to other people), her Mum Keri and little brother Walty, older neighbour Janet…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Mermaid Chronicles

  a Midlife Mer-moir

  Dunn, Megan

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  This book takes us into the depths - from Daryl Hannah in Splash, to a variety of professional mermaids. It's also about families and the complicated mother-daughter relationship.

• Bad Archive

  Feltham, Flora

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  In a stellar year for Aotearoa autobiographical essays, this is a standout. I especially loved Wyrm Farm, Bogans of the Sky, HEA, and Meccanoman. Meccanoman sees Flora and her Dad at a local Meccano competition, and she gets so much detail, emotion…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Mokorua

  Ngā Korero Mō Tōku Moko Kauae = My Story of Moko Kauae

  Tikao, Ariana, 1971-

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  It's a privilege to share Ariana's journey in this beautiful book.

• All That We Know

  Kino, Shilo

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  Māreikura Pohe is a young activist learning te reo Māori and is losing her best friend as he goes overseas as a Mormon missionary. This is not an easy or comfortable read, but it's real and relatable. Shilo Kino conveys language trauma and the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• BBQ Economics

  How Money Works and Why It Matters

  Dann, Liam

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  This was great - interesting, incisive, and a lot of information but shared in the manner of a friendly knowledgeable mate at a bbq.

• Get on the Rollercoaster

  Oasis in New Zealand, March 1998

  Sahota, Karamdeep

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  A deep dive into Oasis touring New Zealand. Includes stories from friends who were there.

• The Grimmelings

  King, Rachael, 1970-

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  This book is spooky and captivating - and categorically not just for the kids.

• Bold Types

  Indie Bookshops of Aotearoa New Zealand

  Coddington, Deborah, 1953-

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  This is a beauty of a book, skilfully edited by Jemma Moreira. There are lots of photos by the legendary Jane Ussher, showing swoonsome shelves and book displays; interior and exterior shots of bookshops; bookshop people - customers, owners, and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Auē

  Manawatu, Becky

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  I can see why now Auē has been such a barnstormer of Aotearoa New Zealand literature. It's a powerful story, riven with trauma but also elements of light and joy. The character of young Ārama will catch your heart, and put plasters on it to heal it…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Pet

  Chidgey, Catherine, 1970-

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  In this slighty woozy fantastical 1980s New Zealand, Justine and her relationship with her glamorous teacher leads to an unhinged story.