Want to know what books the Penguin NZ team have been reading and loving recently? Read on for our recommendations!
The Emperor of Gladness Ocean Vuong
"I've been enjoying Ocean Vuong's latest novel, The Emperor of Gladness. It is a lyrical and beautifully written story of friendship, found family and second chances.”
-Summer
Atmosphere Taylor Jenkins Reid
"I’ve always had high expectations for Taylor Jenkins Reid, and somehow, she exceeds them every time! Atmosphere is a beautifully written and deeply moving story that draws you in from the first page set within NASA’s Space Shuttle program of the 80s. More than just a love story, this book explores what it means to be human – to exist, to feel and to connect with others and the universe. Undoubtedly, a 5-star read!"
-Kyla
The Correspondent Virginia Evans
"Both my 70 something mum and I really enjoyed The Correspondent. It appeals to people who like slightly cantankerous heroines and books that are both funny and sad. It reminded me a bit of Elizabeth Strout and Ann Patchett (who has recommended it). Mostly unstressful read for bedtime and can be enjoyed even if you are not normally a fan of narratives told via letters (= me)."
-Becky
Atmosphere Taylor Jenkins Reid
"The best book I’ve read so far this year! Set in the 1980’s when women were allowed into the NASA space programme, where it’s possible to fly to space but with limitations. It blends historical authenticity with imaginative storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by women in this groundbreaking field. The gentle love story evolves slowly, providing a tender counterpoint to the ambitious pursuits of the characters. Themes of gender equality, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams resonate throughout. 5 stars!"
-Louise
The Passengers on the Hankyu Line Hiro Arikawa
"This book is like a gentle hug, offering warmth and comfort through its pages. The translation beautifully captures the essence of Japanese storytelling, with its subtle yet profound exploration of human connections. Each passenger's story unfolds with grace and insight as they journey on the train, revealing their hopes, dreams, and struggles. The author cleverly intertwines these narratives, creating a tapestry of life that is both poignant and uplifting. A must-read for anyone who appreciates fiction in translation and the delicate intricacies of human relationships."
-Louise
Liquid Mariam Rahmani
"This was a great read about a young women looking for love or a good job in LA while grappling with her identity and complicated relationships with her parents. It was a window into a life shaped by being Muslim in America after 9/11, and the inherited struggle of having parents from differing backgrounds, which ultimately was too big for their relationship. This identity dilemma was forced upon their daughter by birth, like an unwieldy double-barrel surname. This comes to a head when her father falls ill, and she joins her mother in Iran to tend to him."
-Clare
The Good Losers Meg Bignell
"I have only just discovered Meg Bignel and I am very excited to read all her books as it turns out she is a comedy writer! Think a Tasmanian Sue Townsend. The Good Losers is many things. Centred around a mother, her teenage son and the local sailing club, it is a caricature of the personalities and emotions involved in high school sports. It is also an exploration of rage, the mother is grappling with her own wellbeing while being a good mum and a good daughter. And there is a rather unexpected, chaotic mystery! I laughed out loud constantly."
-Clare
The Passengers on the Hankyu Line Hiro Arikawa
"I am reading Passengers on the Hankyu Line. I loved in instantly. It’s a pleasure to know I am going to pick it up again soon. As you read this book you get a little glimpse into eleven different people’s lives as they are riding the Hankyu Line. You see these people in their story but you also see glimpses of them through the other intertwined stories. I am enjoying how gentle and thoughtful these stories are."
-Paula
The Correspondent Virginia Evans
"I am a fan of Anne Tyler and this felt very much like her writing. Sybil does not have easy relationships with those in her life. Over the years she has always written letters. Letters to her friends and family. Letters to authors of books she has enjoyed or has something to say about. Through these letters and replies I enjoyed getting to know Sybil and maybe understand some of the decisions she has made in her life. After reading this I have now put Virginia Evans on my list of authors I will always read."
-Paula
Notes on Infinity Austin Taylor
“A story of ambition, power, love, science, deceit, and failure. Perfect for those who love an academic (Harvard) setting, will-they-won’t-they romance, and a gut-wrenching ending”
-Summer
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