Books
'I was one of the last anonymous critics in the world'
A birthday dinner at Melbourne's fanciest restaurant at age nine was all it took for award-winning restaurant critic Besha Rodell to get hooked on fine dining.
Best-selling author denies claims she misled readers
The Salt Path's writer, Raynor Winn, is rejecting claims her husband's illness and the events that led to the couple losing their home were misrepresented.
Diving into the new sub-genre of Cosy Fantasy books
No grit, no gore, just a warm feeling of enjoyment and escape, cosy fantasy is the new sub-genre in the world of books. Catherine Robertson shared details with Jesse along with her latest reading… Audio
Why are our university bookshops closing?
Last week it was announced the University of Auckland's campus bookshop, UBIQ, will close. In 2023 the Victoria University shop Vic Books also closed after nearly 50 years in business. Not only do… Audio
Book review: On the Calculation of Volume by Solvej Balle
Stella Chrysostomou of Volume Books reviews On the Calculation of Volume by Solvej Balle published by Faber. Audio
From whale vomit to Victorian mourning jewellery:
Ranging from whale vomit to Victorian mourning jewellery, Una Cruickshank's often astonishing book of essays The Chthonic Cycle meditates on the wonders of the earth and our use and abuse of them. Audio
Poetry and freshwater with Gabrielle Huria
Gabrielle Huria is Ngai Tuahuriri and Ngai Tahu and lives with her whanau at Tuahiwi in North Canterbury. She is part of a major new exhibition created by Ngai Tahu with photographer Anne Noble at… Audio
Book review: Slowing the Sun by Nadine Hura
Elizabeth Heritage reviews Slowing the Sun by Nadine Hura published by Bridget Williams Books Audio
Bookmarks: Food historian and critic David Burton
David Burton has been writing about food for The Post, Cuisine Magazine and other outlets for over 40 years. He joins Jesse to share his favourite books, music and movies. We also got some restaurant… Audio
Why reading can be a crime in Malaysia
Authorities raided a bookstore to seize two books on the grounds of "morality". But for staff and publishers, it was just another day.
Book review: My Sister by Emmanuelle Salasc
Gail Pittaway reviews My Sister by Emmanuelle Salasc, translated by Penny Hueston published by Text Publishing. Audio
Book club with a difference reviving memories, sparking joy
A book club with a difference is turning heads at Puke Ariki in New Plymouth. Our Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to take a look. Audio
Jessica Moran, Chief Librarian
The newly-appointed Chief Librarian of our National Library joins Emile Donovan to reflect on a life in books and the strategic future of the Alexander Turnbull and its new bedfellows, Archives New… Audio
Fast Favourites with NZ Listener editor Kirsty Cameron
Editor of NZ Listener, Kirsty Cameron, got her start in journalist at RNZ and broadcasting before moving into print where she's stayed ever since. She spent more than a decade working in Australia… Audio
David Riley: The Reading Warrior
Making sure children see themselves reflected in books is a driving force for author and publisher David Riley, who calls himself The Reading Warrior. Audio
The Reread: Rachel Paris and 'Owls Do Cry'
We invite on a member of New Zealand's literary community to reread a book they haven't read in years and share their experience. Audio
Bookmarks with composer John Psathas
Ioannis (John) Psathas is one of Aotearoa's most acclaimed composers. He made a name for himself in 2004 by composing the music for the opening ceremony of the Athens Olympics. From there accolades… Audio
A riddle two thousand years in the making
Researcher and author of The Stone Tower: Ptolemy, The Silk Road, and a Two-thousand-Year-Old Riddle' Riaz Dean, joins Emile Donovan. Audio
Feature Interview – The Have and the Have Yachts
There are more billionaires now than ever before. We know their names, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Theil, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos. But we don't really know their lives. We share the same planet, but they… Audio
Winner of the National Flash Fiction Day 2025
Sunday the 22nd of June was the shortest day of the year, and as is tradition, the winner of National Flash Fiction Day was also announced. The competition has been running since 2012 and it… Audio