Donna_R
Library StaffChristchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
Donna_R's Completed Shelf
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Scam GoddessScam Goddess, Downloadable AudiobookLessons From A Life of Cons, Grifts, and Schemes
by Mosley, Laci, 1991-Downloadable Audiobook, 2024Unabridged.Downloadable Audiobook, 2024. Unabridged.
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 16, 2025
10,000 Ink Stains10,000 Ink Stains, Graphic NovelA Memoir
by Lemire, JeffGraphic Novel, 2025First edition.Graphic Novel, 2025. First edition.
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
RipenessRipeness, Downloadable Audiobook
by Moss, SarahDownloadable Audiobook, 2025Downloadable Audiobook, 2025
All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 2 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
A thoughtful story that movies between Edith in the 60s, staying with her pregnant ballerina sister in Italy, and Edith now - living in Ireland.
Is A River Alive?Is A River Alive?, Downloadable Audiobook
by Macfarlane, Robert, 1976-Downloadable Audiobook, 2025Downloadable Audiobook, 2025
All copies in use
Holds: 17 on 4 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
A beautiful journey into the rivers and into nature. Aotearoa New Zealand plays a significant part in this story because of the fight to protect the Whanganui River, and the Te Awa Tupua Act, which recognises the river as alive, an ancestor to the Whanganui iwi. We travel in particular with Macfarlane to three places - India, South America, and Canada. Macfarlane portrays history and nature wonderfully, and also the interesting and brave people he meets.A beautiful journey into the rivers and into nature. Aotearoa New Zealand plays a significant part in this story because of the fight to protect the Whanganui River, and the Te Awa Tupua Act, which recognises the river as alive, an ancestor to the…
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
Not quite as emotionally powerful as previous episodes, but it's always good wholesome fun to spend time with the Thursday Murder Club crew.
107 Days107 Days, Downloadable Audiobook
by Harris, Kamala, 1964-Downloadable Audiobook, 2025Downloadable Audiobook, 2025
All copies in use
Holds: 5 on 2 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
Read by Kamala Harris. Fascinating. Honest. Hard-going. The best review I've read is by Nicola Sturgeon. This especially: "When we strip the book back to its core – and this is my biggest frustration with it – the only explanation she really gives for her defeat is lack of time. It is her repeated refrain that the campaign just wasn’t long enough for voters to get to know her or understand her policies. Indeed, this is the payoff line to the whole book: “One hundred and seven days were, in the end, not long enough to accomplish the task of winning the presidency.” At this point, it dawned on me that the book’s title isn’t just a description of what she is writing about – it is her excuse. She does genuinely seem to be saying that with just a few days, weeks or months more, she would have won. Does she really believe that? Because I’m not sure anyone else does. I know I don’t."Read by Kamala Harris. Fascinating. Honest. Hard-going. The best review I've read is by Nicola Sturgeon. This especially: "When we strip the book back to its core – and this is my biggest frustration with it – the only explanation she really gives…
107 Days107 Days, Book
by Harris, Kamala, 1964-Book, 2025Book, 2025
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for 107 Days, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 16 on 9 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
Fascinating. Honest. Hard-going. The best review I've read is by Nicola Sturgeon. This especially: "When we strip the book back to its core – and this is my biggest frustration with it – the only explanation she really gives for her defeat is lack of time. It is her repeated refrain that the campaign just wasn’t long enough for voters to get to know her or understand her policies. Indeed, this is the payoff line to the whole book: “One hundred and seven days were, in the end, not long enough to accomplish the task of winning the presidency.” At this point, it dawned on me that the book’s title isn’t just a description of what she is writing about – it is her excuse. She does genuinely seem to be saying that with just a few days, weeks or months more, she would have won. Does she really believe that? Because I’m not sure anyone else does. I know I don’t."Fascinating. Honest. Hard-going. The best review I've read is by Nicola Sturgeon. This especially: "When we strip the book back to its core – and this is my biggest frustration with it – the only explanation she really gives for her defeat is lack…
EntitledEntitled, Downloadable AudiobookThe Rise and Fall of the House of York
by Lownie, Andrew, 1961-Downloadable Audiobook, 2025Downloadable Audiobook, 2025
All copies in use
Holds: 25 on 6 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
A very timely read as Andrew loses his Prince gig. A lot of research has gone into this book, and both Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson live up - or down - to that title. The level of entitlement demonstrated by both is staggering.
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
A gritty modern sort-of love story. Saba Sams is one to watch - this and her short story collection Send Nudes are strong and good.
Mum's Busy WorkMum's Busy Work, Downloadable Audiobook
by Ardern, Jacinda, 1980-Downloadable Audiobook, 2025Unabridged edition.Downloadable Audiobook, 2025. Unabridged edition.
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
A sweet story by Jacinda Ardern for her daughter Neve. The book copy is illustrated by Ruby Jones. The audiobook is read by Jacinda herself. Two books in one year!
MurderlandMurderland, BookCrime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers
by Fraser, CarolineBook, 2025Book, 2025
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
Why were there so many serial killers in the Pacific Northwest of the United States in the 70s and 80s? Caroline Fraser's thesis is that it relates to the heavy industry and environmental destruction in the area. She argues it in such a compelling, evidence-based way. This is an outstanding work of research, and also of storytelling.Why were there so many serial killers in the Pacific Northwest of the United States in the 70s and 80s? Caroline Fraser's thesis is that it relates to the heavy industry and environmental destruction in the area. She argues it in such a compelling,…
Kent MonkmanKent Monkman, BookHistory Is Painted by the Victors
Book, 2025Book, 2025
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
I picked up this book at Tūranga because of the eye-popping cover. I am so glad I did. Kent Monkman's art is astonishing, revelatory. Kent combines classical and indigenous themes and images in a way that's utterly unique and powerful.
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
A trippy novel that has echoes of Secret History.
AtmosphereAtmosphere, Downloadable Audiobook
by Reid, Taylor JenkinsDownloadable Audiobook, 2025Downloadable Audiobook, 2025
All copies in use
Holds: 63 on 12 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
A captivating love story set against NASA and space exploration in the 1980s.
GhostloreGhostlore, BookUnveiling 50 Phantoms That Have Haunted History
by Sedgwick, IcyBook, 2025Book, 2025
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for Ghostlore, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 2 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2025
Comment:
A stunning looking book - the cover with its embossed title, bold endpapers and patterned edges. The illustrations by Mabel Esteban Garcia are a standout. The stories are interesting; it's a great book to dip into if you are curious about spooky stuff.A stunning looking book - the cover with its embossed title, bold endpapers and patterned edges. The illustrations by Mabel Esteban Garcia are a standout. The stories are interesting; it's a great book to dip into if you are curious about spooky…
Whack JobWhack Job, Downloadable AudiobookA History of Axe Murder
by James, Rachel McCarthyDownloadable Audiobook, 2025Unabridged.Downloadable Audiobook, 2025. Unabridged.
Available
Donna_R's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2025
Comment:
A fascinating history from the earliest moments of human (possibly even pre-Homo Sapiens) civilisation to now - via the story of the axe, and the people who have used it to kill. The stories include famous axe murders/murderers like Lizzie Borden, and the axe happy reign of Henry VIII. Other equally compelling stories are one I didn't know about like the Taliesin Massacre in which Frank Lloyd Wright's paramour Mamah Borthwick and her 2 children, and 4 other people were slain. This is a history with a lot to say, and it's told with interest and compassion.A fascinating history from the earliest moments of human (possibly even pre-Homo Sapiens) civilisation to now - via the story of the axe, and the people who have used it to kill. The stories include famous axe murders/murderers like Lizzie Borden,…
Ginseng RootsGinseng Roots, BookA Memoir
by Thompson, Craig, 1975-Book, 2025First edition.Book, 2025. First edition.
Donna_R's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2025
Comment:
I would never have thought that a graphic novel memoir about the history of ginseng growing in Wisconsin would be so captivating, but the power of a good story is - it doesn't matter what it's about. Craig Thompson's art and storytelling and historical research combine with a story about family, place, and change. Superb - this is one of my favourite reads of the year.I would never have thought that a graphic novel memoir about the history of ginseng growing in Wisconsin would be so captivating, but the power of a good story is - it doesn't matter what it's about. Craig Thompson's art and storytelling and…
Introducing Te Tiriti O WaitangiIntroducing Te Tiriti O Waitangi, Book
Book, 2023Book, 2023
Donna_R's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2025
Comment:
A compact introduction to the rangatira who signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
FleshFlesh, Downloadable Audiobook
by Szalay, DavidDownloadable Audiobook, 2025Unabridged.Downloadable Audiobook, 2025. Unabridged.
All copies in use
Holds: 45 on 4 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2025
Comment:
We spend time with Istvan - from a young man (who something happens to) - to his later years. And in this book, it feels like things happen to him, many of which he seems to have no agency or control over. What stands out in Flesh is a powerfully lifelike combination. It is full of the banal bits of life - conversations with a lot of "Yeah" and "OK" and everyday events as well as moments of importance and significance (some of which we don't see). It held me in a vicelike grip. More than OK.We spend time with Istvan - from a young man (who something happens to) - to his later years. And in this book, it feels like things happen to him, many of which he seems to have no agency or control over. What stands out in Flesh is a powerfully…
Donna_R's rating:
Added Sept 27, 2025
Comment:
A pretty dip into some of the author's favourite perfumes.
Speaking My LanguageSpeaking My Language, Downloadable AudiobookTe Kōrero I Tōku Reo
by McRoberts, Mike, 1966-Downloadable Audiobook, 2025Unabridged edition.Downloadable Audiobook, 2025. Unabridged edition.
Donna_R's rating:
Added Sept 27, 2025
Comment:
This is a memoir, but it's not simply a depiction of life's events for one of Aotearoa's most well-known tv presenters. That would be interesting in its own right, but this pukapuka is more. It is also the story of reconnection to te ao Māori and te reo Māori. This works beautifully in audiobook format - it's special and inspiring to hear Mike tell of his journey in his own words.This is a memoir, but it's not simply a depiction of life's events for one of Aotearoa's most well-known tv presenters. That would be interesting in its own right, but this pukapuka is more. It is also the story of reconnection to te ao Māori and te…
Anything Could HappenAnything Could Happen, BookA Memoir
by Robertson, Grant, 1971-Book, 2025Book, 2025
In-library use only at this timeView location availabilityView location availability for Anything Could Happen, Book, In-library use only at this time
Donna_R's rating:
Added Sept 27, 2025
Comment:
Grant's book is an interesting read, with a good balance of stuff about both his family, his life, and his political career.
UniversalityUniversality, Downloadable Audiobook
by Brown, Natasha (Novelist)Downloadable Audiobook, 2025Unabridged.Downloadable Audiobook, 2025. Unabridged.
All copies in use
Holds: 5 on 2 copies
Donna_R's rating:
Added Sept 27, 2025
Comment:
Not as compelling as the precis suggests.
Donna_R's rating:
Added Sept 27, 2025
Comment:
I picked up this because of the lovely cover, and was rewarded with a tender love story that's sad, gentle, and kind of glorious.
You Wanna Be on Top?You Wanna Be on Top?, Downloadable AudiobookA Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation, and Not Becoming America's Next Top Model
by Hartshorne, Sarah, 1987-Downloadable Audiobook, 2025Unabridged.Downloadable Audiobook, 2025. Unabridged.
All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 1 copy
Donna_R's rating:
Added Sept 27, 2025
Comment:
Sarah takes us behind the scenes of America's Next Top Model. It's honest, funny, and quite revealing - showing the cult-like treatment behind the scenes.
Comment: