Happy Birthday Joseph Heller

Did you know that tomorrow is Joseph Heller’s birthday? He’s the author of ‘Catch 22’, the hit novel that found its way into the popular lexicon. This is still a terrific read, or if you like biography, why not try ‘Yossarian Slept Here’, by Erica Heller, the author’s daughter - a fascinating look at life in the household of a mercurial and often difficult man. JAM

Yossarian slept here by Erica Heller,  2011-  http://bit.ly/ICIx4M  

Check Catalogue and reserve online - Joseph Heller

Australian/Vogel's Literary Award 2013

One to look out for! High school teacher Paul D. Carter has won the Australian/Vogel's Literary Award for 2012.

This Award is "one of Australia's richest and most prestigious awards, for an unpublished manuscript by a writer under the age of thirty-five. Offering publication by Allen & Unwin and prize money totalling $20,000..."

Allen & Unwin
http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=442


ABC report:
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2012/s3489924.htm

Reading in New Zealand Survey

Be in to win a $50 Booksellers Book Token and help a MIS student research by answering an online survey.

The research project explores reading preferences and attitudes of adult readers in New Zealand. The anonymous survey should take 1-15 minutes. You must be aged 16+. It closes on Friday 18 May.

http://is.gd/readnz

2012 Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement

Celebrating a lifetime of literary achievement, these awards recognise notable literary achievement and are offered to writers who have made a significant contribution to New Zealand literature.

Individuals and organisations are invited to nominate your favourite New Zealand writer in three different categories: Non-Fiction, Fiction and Poetry.

Deadline for nominations 22 June 2012.

Visit www.creativenz.govt.nz/pmawards or email pmawards@creativenz.govt.nz for more information.

Orange Prize for Fiction

The shortlist has been announced for the Orange Prize for Fiction, the UK's only annual book award for fiction written by a woman.

Included are both new and well-established authors. The award ceremony will take place in London on 30 May 2012.

Read the list and more at www.orangeprize.co.uk/prize.html

Poets of Australia and New Zealand - We Want You!!

Submit your poems to the 100 years from Gallipoli Poetry Project.

The 100 years from Gallipoli Poetry Project challenges poets to answer the following questions:  

• What does ANZAC Day mean to you, to today's families, communities or nations?  
• What about Remembrance Day or other military commemoration or anniversary? 

To be in the running to share in the total prize pool of AUD$5000 simply visit www.ozzywriters.com and follow the links to download an entry form.  

The closing date for all submissions to the 100 Years From Gallipoli Poetry Project and entries to its prize is Remembrance Day, 11 November 2013.  

For any queries email gallipoli-100@ozzywriters.com

Photo shows a detail from the mural in the Hall of Memories at Hastings War Memorial Library, painted by Peter McIntyre OBE.

Te Papa Tupu Writers Programme 2012

The Māori Literature Trust invites you to enter the Te Papa Tupu Writers Programme for 2012, a programme for nurturing talented Māori writers. The best six writers will be offered the opportunity to participate in a six month incubator programme where they will develop their writing into a solid piece of literature with the possibility of having it published.

The Trust is looking for people from all walks of life whot have a drive and passion to write. You can submit your work, in Te Reo Māori or English, in the following categories:

Novel

Short Story

Non-fiction

Children’s chapter book

Children’s picture book

Submitted work should be 5,000-50,000 words and may be a finished piece or a working manuscript.

For more information and to enter visit www.huia.co.nz or email tepapatupu@huia.co.nz

Entries close 5pm, Friday 12 June 2012. Entries received after the closing date will not be eligible.

The German Boy by Patricia Wastvedt

The German Boy is a haunting tale about lost love and survival in war-torn Europe. The novel opens when Stefan, a young German orphan, comes to England to live with his Aunt Elisabeth and her family. Stefan, once a recruit in Hitler Youth, has physical and mental scars, as well as a hunting rifle hidden in his luggage. But before we learn what happens next, the story tracks back to before the war.  

In the late 1920s, Elisabeth, her sister Karen and school friend Rachel, are constant companions. When Rachel introduces her friends to her brother, sparks fly but it is Elisabeth he is drawn to. Everyone is charmed by Michael – he is beautiful and an artist with a talent for portraiture, which brings him into contact with wealthy bohemian society. However his Jewish heritage and lack of prospects make him an unsuitable match for Elisabeth and Michael travels to Europe.

With the rise of Hitler, the lives of Elisabeth, Karen, Rachel and Michael become complicated and at times dangerous. This is also very much a story where the sins of youth have long-felt consequences. At times I felt the characters deserved a good kick - they make poor decisions, are deceitful and foolishly believe the lies people tell them. They are also, without exception, tiresomely good-looking. 

And yet, somehow, I was compelled to keep reading, curious at how all the secrets and conniving would propel the characters towards what seemed to be unavoidable disaster. Perhaps it was because any minor irritations are more than compensated by the lush, poetic writing and the way Patricia Wastvedt builds drama scene by scene. She is certainly a talented writer – I just wish I could have found her characters more appealing...Posted by Paige Turner  

Check our Catalogue and reserve online:
The German Boy by Tricia Wastvedt, 2011

The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards.

I loved The Memory Keeper’s Daughter. And like her earlier work, the plot of Kim Edwards’ new book, The Lake of Dreams has decisions and their consequences as a central theme.

It features two women of the Jarrett family, set a hundred years apart. Lucy Jarrett is temporarily unemployed in Japan and looking for some direction in her life. On a visit home to upstate New York, she learns that her great grandfather had a sister, but no-one knows anything about her. She has been completely erased from the family history and Lucy makes it her mission to discover her story. Who was Rose Jarrett and why was her life kept secret? Lucy’s search to find out what became of Rose and her daughter, Iris, strains her relationships with her own family.

Rose’s story was, however, not as obscured as at first seems and it is only Lucy’s ability to literally unlock the family secrets that ensures Rose’s sacrifices and struggles are finally acknowledged and she can move forward with her own life.  Another great read from Edwards.   Reviewed by JAM

Check Catalogue and reserve online

Overdrive Tip - Wish List

Browsing through eBooks on ePukapuka Overdrive, I often see books I would like to read "sometime".  I don't want to reserve them all, so instead I add them to my Wish List.  Look for the Wish List link at each book record - on the right just above Reserve This.

As I am finishing one book, I check through my Wish List to see what is available and either issue one from there or place a reserve.

 Am building up quite a eWish List, and working in the library, there are a huge number of real books on my wish list too!  

NZ Book Month

Sadly NZ Book Month is over for another year. We had an awesome time hosting some very interesting authors at well supported events.

Thank you Nalini Singh, Sir Robert Jones & Allyson Gofton for coming to Hawke's Bay.

Thank you to everyone who attended too! Thanks for the wonderful support from Matariki Wines.

A special thank you to our own staff, especially Carla who worked herself almost to a standstill. You can stand still now CC, for a few minutes only though.