BOOKS

Ten authors to read before you’re 85

There are so many wonderful books, it can be difficult to choose your next read. As New Zealand Woman’s Weekly turns 85, this is my personal pick of 10 female writers to enjoy before you reach that great age yourself. FOR SHEER ENTERTAINMENT

Every woman deserves some time to relax on the sofa with a novel by Marian Keyes.

Her stories are the perfect balance of fun and thoughtful. She’s tackled some weighty themes over the years – from alcoholism to domestic abuse – and during a recent period when she was suffering from depression, her books took a darker turn, but they are always enjoyable with lashings of warmth and humour. I really enjoyed her latest release, The Break, and her earlier work stands up to re-reading. All are page-turners filled with characters that’ll feel like good friends.