Book shelf

Reads to inform and inspire.

Everyday Strength By Sam Mannering and Karen McMillan, Beatnik Publishing, $45 Mannering and McMillan share their personal stories and many tips, nuggets of advice, nutritious recipes and practical suggestions for families going through cancer treatment. How to Resist By Matthew Bolton, Bloomsbury, $20, available Sept 1. An eye-opening story that reminds us that we are all capable of achieving change in the world. The book introduces a set of seven principles for making positive, lasting changes in our communities. Slow By Brooke McAlary, Allen & Unwin, $37 McAlary shares the raw story of her struggle with post-natal depression, which led to her wanting a simpler, more fulfilling existence. Part memoir, part practical companion, Slow inspires us to create a life filled with things that matter. Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden By Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai, Chronicle Books, distributed by Bookreps NZ, $60 With more than 200 photos of floral bliss, this book is an optical gift. Benzakein also offers instructions for creating bouquets and a year-round guide to growing flowers. Beloved By Emma Farry, Be Loved Press, $25 NZ journalist Emma Farry wrote Beloved after experiencing overwhelming grief following the loss of her mother. This is a healing read for those going through hard times. The Flexible Vegetarian By Jo Pratt, Allen & Unwin, $45 Filled with mouth-watering recipes such as Asparagus Gnudi, this cookbook caters for veggies and non-veggies alike. All the recipes can be made completely vegetarian or with chicken or fish. The Garden Apothecary By Reece Carter, Harlequin Enterprises, $40 Author and herb nerd Carter highlights the importance of going back to the natural source – herbal medicine – to nourish our bodies, and shares 40 of his recipes to aid everyday ailments. The Break By Marian Keyes, Penguin Random House, $38 Famous for her witty novels, Keyes’ new book is no exception. It follows 44-year-old Amy O’Connell, who was living a picture-perfect life until her husband announces he wants a break for six months. g