NZ Booklovers Awards just announced their 2020 shortlist and there are so many titles we can’t wait to get our hands on!
The judges were excited to see the variety of books that our talented New Zealand authors have produced. It was an even more challenging task to decide on the shortlisted books in each category this year, but we are thrilled with the standard of the books. These are books that New Zealand families will read and treasure.
Karen McMillan, NZ Booklovers Director
Best New Zealand Adult Fiction Books 2020
The Claim by David Briggs – set in a remote part of the Southern Alps, this is a mysterious and captivating story of two people, Evan and Addie. One stormy night, Evan finds injured Addie, rescues her and helps her recover. They become friends but, the question is, will their friendship survive the truth Addie is hiding from Evan?
The Fell by Robert Jenkins – a brutal boy’s school for difficult kids in an unnamed country, at an unspecified time, is the setting for this fast-paced and brutal, sometimes gripping but always darkly humorous novel.
Lost in the Spanish Quarter by Heddi Goodrich – Heddi once lived in studied in Naples where she fell in love with Pietro. Wonderful descriptions of the old city, the narrow streets and vociferous, temperamental inhabitants from Heddi’s memories are accompanied by a series of emails in the present.
Meltwater by Suzanne Ashmore – abused by people she trusted, Elizabeth has created thirteen different ‘selves’ to help her through life’s traumas, but eventually, her psychiatrist will have to unpick them all. Will Elizabeth be strong enough to recover from her past?
Necessary Secrets by Greg McGee – over the four seasons in a year we are introduced to the Sparks family of Auckland. Patriarch Den is turning seventy and losing his grip on events around him, while his children support him or, perhaps, plot to steal his home.
The Strength of Eggshells by Kirsty Powell – Kate is looking for a mother she never knew. Kate’s mother, Jane, was badly scarred in a fire before Kate was born. The grandmother, Meredith, was a settler in a valley off the Whanganui River, left to run a farm by her drunken, unfeeling husband. Confronting stories that weave together to make a brilliant, gritty story.
Best New Zealand Lifestyle Books 2020
Big Ideas for Small Houses by Catherine Foster – an essential read for anyone considering building their own home with gorgeous photography and innovative ideas.
Homemade by Eleanor Ozich – a book that encourages readers to ditch pre-made foods in favour of homemade essentials.
Mid-Century Living: The Butterfly House Collection by Christine Fernyhough – a book that showcases philanthropist Christine Fernyhough’s collection of mid-century New Zealand objects.
Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty – documentation of Rachel’s fascinating global wellbeing journey.
The Recipe by Josh Emett – a collection of modern classic recipes with mouth-watering photography.
Whole Again by Bronwyn Kan – a fresh collection of recipes from contributors who are passionate about inspiring others to eat well and embrace wholefood living. Read more about this book in our review.
Best New Zealand Children’s Books 2020
Abigail and the Birth of the Sun by Matthew Cunningham, illustrated by Sarah Wilkins – richly-illustrated read-aloud story celebrating curiosity and melding the point where science and magic collide.
Dinosaur Hunter: Joan Wiffen’s Awesome Fossil Discoveries by David Hill, illustrated by Phoebe Morris – the remarkable story of Joan Wiffen who, as a child, was curious about rocks and shells and grew up to discover fossils which proved dinosaurs had once lived in New Zealand.
How Maui Slowed the Sun by Donovan Bixley – a re-telling of the traditional story of how Maui slowed the sun’s daily journey across the sky.
Rugby 1, 2, 3, Whutupōro Tahi, Rua, Toru by Thalia Kehoe Rowden, Illustrated by Myles Lawford – bilingual (English and te reo Māori) rhyming book that features all things rugby – from balls to boots, match officials to spectators.
Things in the Sea are Touching Me by Linda Jane Keegan, illustrated by Minky Stapleton – this rhyming story follows the experience of a little girl’s day at the beach with her two mums, as she unexpectedly encounters a range of sea life.
Wildlife of Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop – a wonderful compendium of all the animals that have graced this land.