Book shelf
Reads to inform and inspire.
The Olive Tree in My Kitchen
Helen Melser, Bateman Books, $35
New Zealand olive grower and producer Melser shares the health benefits of the olive tree, plus 80 delectable recipes including crispy beer-battered olives, olive caviar crumbs and sparkling olive leaf soda.
Fine Line: Twelve Environmental Sculptures Encircle the Earth
Martin Hill and Philippa Jones, Bateman Books, $70
An astounding book that describes the intrepid journeys and climbs of Hill and Jones over 25 years creating environmental art made from materials found on site in some of the world’s most remote locations.
Thank You
Dana Winter, Beatnik Publishing, $30
This beautifully illustrated children’s book celebrates nature while telling a story of gratitude. Comes with teaching notes.
After Dark: Walking into the Nights of Aotearoa
Annette Lees, Potton & Burton, $40
Sharing tales from a lifetime of walking deep into Aotearoa’s night, conservationist Lees takes you on a journey through a hidden world.
The Spirit of Cardrona: Where Dreams are Hatched
Desiree Reid-Whitaker, HarperCollins NZ, $65
An inspirational business story and first-hand account by ReidWhitaker of how she pursued and succeeded in her dream of setting up a world-class whiskey distillery in Cardrona.
Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning
Tom Vanderbilt, Atlantic, $25
An uplifting exploration of the science of brain plasticity and how we can learn to learn anew. Beginners asks: why are children the only ones allowed to experience the fun of daily challenges? And could we benefit from embracing new skills, even if we’re initially hopeless?
Our Home in Myanmar
Jessica Mudditt, Hembury Press, $35
A page-turning memoir from a journalist who lived in Myanmar for four years before her untimely and possibly fortunate exit. Mudditt provides a fantastic insight into mysterious Myanmar. A dollar from every copy sold will be donated to fundraisers on isupportmyanmar.com.
A Guide to Touring New Zealand’s Wineries
Joelle Thomson, New Holland, $60
This book is more than just “where to drink wine or see the vineyards from which it’s made”. Thomson, a wine writer, wine lover and former flambé waitress, provides an insight into the most delicious places to eat, stay and enjoy.