Book shelf

Reads to inform and inspire.

The Winter Dress

Lauren Chater, Simon & Schuster, $38

Two women separated by centuries but connected by one beautiful silk dress. A captivating novel inspired by a real-life shipwreck discovered in 2014, containing a dress that managed to survive, perfectly preserved under water, for 400 years.

Rebel

Rahaf Mohammed, MacMillan, $40

A passionate story by a woman who refused to allow a system to define her, Mohammed writes about her escape from Saudi Arabia, fleeing the abuse of her human rights as a woman and her family’s threats to kill her because she desired Western freedoms.

The 14 Day Mind Cleanse

Jacqui Lewis, Murdoch Books, $27

A step-by-step detox for more clarity, focus and joy from internationally renowned meditation teacher Jacqui Lewis. The 14 Day Mind Cleanse provides an achievable programme of simple techniques to help clear out your mental clutter.

My Aroha Tree

Craig Phillips and Rebekah Lipp, Wilding Books, $29.95

A poster and sticker book to help children better understand and express their emotions through the stories of Aroha and her friends. It includes stickers like “someone who cares about me” and “I laughed a lot today” to get kids to focus on the good in life.

A Gentle Radical

Gareth Hughes, Allen & Unwin, $40

Jeanette Fitzsimons was a unique figure in our politcal history yet someone whose personal story is still unknown. A visionary, pioneer and radical, her biography will enthral and inspire.

Riverstone Kitchen: Modern Classics

Bevan Smith, Upstart Press, $45

A stunning cookbook from the highly acclaimed Ōamaru restaurant Riverstone Kitchen. It features a collection of more than 90 recipes for the restaurant’s most popular and requested dishes.

Matariki Around the World

Rangi Matamua & Miriama Kamo with Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, Scholastic NZ, $35

A book that explores the Matariki cluster with stories from the Pacific Islands, Australia, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa.

The Pomegranate Journal

Juliet Batten, Ishtar Books, $39

For anyone who is curious about growing old. Batten explores her own experience of ageing from 75 to 77.