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News
Call for applications for Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship

Applications are open for the 2026 Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship.

News
Flesh by David Szalay wins the Booker Prize 2025

Propulsive and hypnotic, Flesh asks profound questions about what drives a life: what makes it worth living, and what breaks it.

News
2025 Storylines Notable Books Announced!

We're proud to have published four of the Storylines Notable Books for 2025

News
Dr Hinemoa Elder is on the road to promote Ara!

Come and meet bestselling author Dr Hinemoa Elder as she introduces Ara: A Māori Guidebook of the Mind.

News
Best Books of the Year for Young NZ Readers

The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are a unique celebration of the contribution New Zealand’s children’s authors and illustrators make to building national identity and cultural heritage.

News
The Storylines Gavin Bishop Award for Illustration is now open for submissions!

The award aims to encourage the publication of new and exciting high-quality picture books from new New Zealand illustrators.

News
PANZ Book Design Awards 2025 Shortlist

The most beautifully designed books in Aotearoa have been revealed with the announcement of the 2025 PANZ Book Design Awards finalists.

News
2025 Finalists Announced for the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults!

The NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are a unique celebration of the contribution New Zealand’s children’s authors and illustrators make to building national identity and cultural heritage.

News
NZ Booklovers Awards 2025 - Winners Announced

​The Space Between by Lauren Keenan has won Best Adult Fiction Book at the 2025 NZ Booklovers Awards.

News
Jacinda Ardern to publish debut picture book with Penguin Random House NZ

Mum's Busy Work by Jacinda Ardern is set for international release on September 30, 2025.

News
2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards Shortlist

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are the country’s premier literary honours for books written by New Zealanders.

News
NZ Booklovers Awards 2025 Shortlist

See the Penguin Random House NZ books shortlisted for the 2025 NZ Booklovers Awards

News
Ockham New Zealand Book Awards 2025 Longlist

The longlists for the 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards have been announced.

News
Penguin Random House New Zealand to publish Jacinda Ardern's Memoir

A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir by Jacinda Ardern is set for international release on June 3, 2025.

News
Dame Lynley Dodd is recognised with the 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement

Three outstanding New Zealand writers recognised with the 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement

News
Richard Flanagan's Question 7 wins the 2024 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction

He is the first author to have ever won both the Booker Prize and Baillie Gifford Prize.

News
Orbital by Samantha Harvey wins the Booker Prize 2024

Compact yet beautifully expansive, Orbital invites us to observe Earth’s splendour, whilst reflecting on the individual and collective value of every human life.

News
PANZ Book Design Awards 2024 Winners

The 2024 Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) Book Design Awards celebrated a night of artistic brilliance, with Māori and Pasifika designers dominating the stage and Penguin Random House celebrating two wins.

News
Booker Prize shortlist 2024

The shortlist for the 2024 Booker Prize has been announced, with three Penguin Random House titles named this year.

News
Best Books of the Year for Young NZ Readers

The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are a unique celebration of the contribution New Zealand’s children’s authors and illustrators make to building national identity and cultural heritage.

News
Booksellers Industry Award Winners

Over the weekend we attended the Booksellers Conference and Award Ceremony

News
PANZ Book Design Awards 2024 Shortlist

The most beautifully designed books in Aotearoa have been revealed with the announcement of the 2024 PANZ Book Design Awards finalists.

News
2024 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults Finalists

The NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are a unique celebration of the contribution New Zealand’s children’s authors and illustrators make to building national identity and cultural heritage.

News
There's a Cure for This Ockham Win

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are the country’s premier literary honours for books written by New Zealanders.

Extracts

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Extract
Stepping Up

‘Better go on the uphill side of those boulders.’ Ben Coles’ father pointed. ‘Safest way.’

Extract
How They Get You

Economics is mass psychology.

Extract
Flesh

When he’s fifteen, he and his mother move to a new town and he starts at a new school. It’s not an easy age to do that – the social order of the school is already well established and he has some difficulty making friends.

Extract
Book of Lives

I almost expected to see my doppelgänger sprinting across town pursued by a mob, but I guess things didn’t work that way. — RANSOM RIGGS, MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN

Extract
The Underworld

On the way to Averley, Martha was aware of the distance between her and her mother.

Extract
The Impossible Fortune

It’s been a while since I wrote, I know that. I’m ever so sorry.

Extract
Minute Cryptic

Try a clue from Minute Cryptic.

Extract
When We Were Monsters

The day before we kill Meredith Graffam is calm and blue.

Extract
Become Unstoppable

Off the field, through the tunnel, and into the All Blacks’ shed at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in France. It was here that one of the most momentous occasions of my career would take place.

Extract
Dire Bound

Blood drips into my right eye. Once. Twice. It’s blinding and searing at the same time.

Extract
Not Quite Dead Yet

Dead gray skin, rotted away to show off the stringy sinews of muscle below. Sunken, rubbery sockets around sparkling hazel eyes. Those were actually hers, though; they moved as she studied herself.

Extract
One Night in Paris

It happened to people, this longing, emerging from an unknown void, grabbing the soul with a firm hand, the urge to simply let go and sink to the depths of the ocean.

Extract
Silvercloak

The Killorans’ front door changed color depending upon who knocked.

Extract
The Girl with the Suitcase

Elizabeth Manning had long since finished her pot of tea in the Lyons Corner House, but she was reluctant to go back to her hotel because it was good, free entertainment watching people coming in.

Extract
The Last Tiger

The colonial rule of Japanese on Korean people was ruthless and devastating.

Extract
Maori Millionaire

Your mindset is foundational in building wealth. With an aligned mindset, we can then focus on the strategy.

Extract
The Good Losers

One of the first things I saw on induction day at Levin-Bell Rowing Club was a bare bum.

Extract
Beth Is Dead

On the first morning of a new year, Beth’s not in her bed.

Extract
The First Gentleman

Cole Wright is sitting in the rear seat of a black up-armored Chevy Suburban, one of three in a convoy speeding its way down Route 125 in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire.

Extract
The Soldier's Daughter

‘When are you going to let me kiss you?’

Extract
A Different Kind of Power

IT WAS A STANDARD BATHROOM. 

Extract
Atmosphere

Joan Goodwin gets to the Johnson Space Center well before nine, and Houston is already airless and muggy.

Extract
It Should Have Been You

I have to kill my sister.

Articles

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Article
Books to build empathy in kids

Children's books to encourage understanding, kindness and inclusion.

Article
Editor's Rave Review: Stepping Up

Cath, our Penguin NZ Children's Publisher on what makes STEPPING UP by David Hill a very special book

Article
Are We There Yet?

Fun road trip games and books to keep little kids happy!

Article
How to go analog

Join the analogue movement! Check out four key tips for the best screen free hobbies, from colouring in to starting a book club.

Article
Elisabeth Easther presents her debut novel, Seed

Come and join as Elisabeth Easther launches Seed, her always hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking new novel

Article
QUIZ: Which character are you from Beth Is Dead?

Take this quiz to find out whether you're a Beth, Amy, Jo or Meg!

Article
Summer Reads for Curious Minds

The summer holidays are the perfect time to encourage kids to learn something new and explore their interests!

Article
Your questions answered – what to know about People We Meet on Vacation book and film

The film adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation is fast approaching it’s January release. The film follows Poppy and Alex over 12 summers as their relationship transforms from enemies, to friends, to… you’ll have to wait and see.

Article
Register your interest in Penguin Previews

Love talking about books online? Sign up for our influencer programme, Penguin Previews!

Article
Audiobooks Perfect for Kids

The best audiobooks for kids to get your little ones reading more.

Article
The classics that inspired SenLinYu to write Alchemised

SenLinYu shares the books that influenced the writing of Alchemised. From gothic horror to Jane Austen, learn about the classics that inspired the author.

Article
2026 Education Highlights: Intermediate and Secondary Schools

Recommended texts for the new English curriculum

Article
Christmas colouring books

Discover some of the best Christmas colouring books for kids and adults alike!

Article
Look inside Bookish.

Sneak a peek inside the new journal to record your literary adventures.

Article
Best crime books to gift this Christmas: 6 unforgettable reads

Discover the best crime books to gift this Christmas. From chilling thrillers to clever mysteries, these six page-turners will keep readers hooked.

Article
21 Christmas romance books to add to your TBR

In the mood for some romance this holiday season? Reach for one (or more) of these 21 Christmas romance books.

Article
The 14 most anticipated YA books of 2026

Check out the most anticipated YA books hitting shelves in 2026.

Article
10 cosy colouring books for screen-free fun

Look away from your screens and curl up with these cosy colouring books for hours of wholesome fun.

Article
A useful guide to the Jack Reacher books

Everything you need to know about the Jack Reacher books. Learn about Lee and Andrew Child, figure out which order to read them and quiz your Reacher knowledge.

Article
Preparing for your kitten

Preparation is key before bringing your kitten home. I recommend doing this preparation at least a couple of weeks before you get your kitten.

Article
QUIZ: What kind of mullet are you?

Take this quiz to find out what type of mullet you are, in honour of Nick Sharratt’s book, Mullets.

Article
Get a free Penguin Books figurine this Bookshop Day

Find out how to get a free Penguin Figurine this to celebrate Aotearoa NZ Bookshop Day on 11 October 2025

Article
Booker Prize shortlist 2025

The shortlist for the 2025 Booker Prize has been announced, with four Penguin Random House titles named this year.

Article
Your guide to Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series

Here’s what you need to know about Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series – including which order to read the books!

Recipes

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Recipe
Spiced Fish Tacos

Everyone loves tacos, but they aren’t the most natural weight-loss food. By pairing white fish with a juicy mango salsa, this recipe gives us the best of both worlds – it’s filling and tastes superb!

Recipe
Matcha Made in Heaven Muffins

These muffins are edible poetry. The earthy elegance of matcha meets the sweet tang of raspberries and the creamy allure of white chocolate in a muffin that’s as sophisticated as a first date at a five-star teahouse.

Recipe
Pavlova Vintage Cakes

Pavlovas disguised as mini vintage cakes!?

Recipe
Lemon Tahini Chicken & Grains

Here we’re jazzing up a handy grain packet, meaning you get big flavour, fast.

Recipe
Verena’s potato salad

Growing up in Germany, Verena remembers two camps when it came to potato salad: camp mayo and camp oil/broth.

Recipe
Courgette & leek ijeh (Arabic frittata)

What better way to welcome the weekend than with the smell and sound of frying herb-loaded ijeh?

Recipe
Rick Stein’s hazelnut pavlovas with white chocolate and dark berry sauce

These festive pavlovas are dipped in white chocolate and topped with toasted hazelnuts, cream and berry sauce to make an impressive dessert.

Recipe
Cherry clafoutis

I don’t remember much about the circumstances of my first cherry clafoutis. But I must have loved the classic French farmhouse dessert, because I’ve been trying to reproduce that first custardy, almond-scented pancake ever since.

Recipe
Rick stein’s mini brioche toasts with whipped feta, fresh figs and pickled walnuts

‘I always think that canapés should box slightly above their weight – in other words, they need to be vividly flavoured to succeed. Here, the combination of crisp brioche, salty feta, pickled walnuts, figs, honey and thyme is just that. If you like, there’s a recipe for pickling your own green walnuts on page 275 of Rick Stein’s Christmas. You can also make this with slices of goat’s cheese from a log instead of the whipped feta.’

Recipe
Fruit Shrub

Shrubs pair beautifully with soda water (and gin), and are perfect for using up seasonal fruit — wild, homegrown or store-bought.

Recipe
Amore Amaro Cake

This incredibly moist cake harnesses the power of amaro, olive oil, and a little bit of orange for a lovely floral and fruity flavour.

Recipe
Fluffy Pork Meatballs

While I’ve always been a fan of the old camp song “On Top of Spaghetti,” I firmly believe that’s the very last place a meatball belongs.

Recipe
Orange Blossom Pistachio Pancakes

Who doesn't love pancakes?

Recipe
Curried Carrot and Coconut Soup

Spicy, vibrant Thai red curries inspired this creamy soup.

Recipe
Happy Fish Pie

Creamy, comforting and ever so delicious, the big question is, are you having eggs, or no eggs?

Recipe
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Spiced Aubergine Ragout

This warming recipe for homemade sweet potato gnocchi with a roasted aubergine ragout from Ixta Belfrage is a dish you'll return to again and again, particularly as the weather gets cooler.

Recipe
Chickpea arrabbiata

Fast, spicy and delicious, this is the perfect midweek meal to put a smile on your face.

Recipe
Onigiri (rice balls)

Onigiri is real soul food. It’s perfect for picnics, weekend activities and family car journeys. Use this recipe to make as many onigiri as your heart desires, with filling or without (shio-nigiri).

Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Meatball Traybake

Hidden in these meatballs from Jamie Oliver are cannellini beans for an added fibre bonus. Using an old friend like meatballs to get some beans into your life is a tasty, nutritious win.

Recipe
Basil, Courgette and Pistachio Pasta

The perfect quick summer meal, this simple pasta dish uses only a few simple ingredients but is packed with bright, herby flavours.

Recipe
Triple Garlic Crispy Chicken with Green Rice and Sauce

Full of depth and umami flavours, this crispy chicken is paired with a light herb sauce and a punchy garlic sauce to make an unbelievably tasty meal.

Recipe
Tropical Prawns with Plantain and Pickled Shallots

This colourful Brazilian recipe from Ixta Belfrage combines juicy prawns with plantain in a rich and deeply flavourful prawn oil. If you're looking for the perfect starter for hosting, look no further.

Recipe
Bangers and tomato rice

This one-pot tomato rice dish is topped with crispy bite-sized pieces of sausage, toasted rice and shallots cooked in the rendered sausage fat.

Recipe
Roasted banana ice cream with choc fudge sauce

This ice cream is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free (as long as you use gluten-free miso), so it’s great if you’re catering for people with different dietary requirements.

Q&A
Siblings Julia and Brad Riew on rewriting their grandparents’ story as a fantasy novel

Including what they hope the book teaches young readers about getting through difficult times, and how we can look to ancestors for inspiration.

Q&A
How studying at Oxford three times inspired Joanna Miller to write The Eights

The debut author of The Eights shares writing advice, insights into the publishing process and which character she enjoyed writing most.

Q&A
Chloe Elisabeth Wilson shares the works that influenced her debut novel, Rytual

Plus, learn about the real-world inspiration behind the darkly funny novel.

Q&A
Erika Cramer shares how you can become more magnetic in 2025

We caught up with Erika Cramer, author of Becoming Magnetic, to learn more about her upcoming book, what it means to be magnetic and her top tip for readers.

Q&A
Meet The Real Life Bookshop Detectives

We had a chat with bestselling local authors Gareth and Louise Ward about their new book, The Bookshop Detectives!

Q&A
Bill Edgar shares how his life has changed since his first book

Plus, two of the most outrageous requests he’s had from clients.

Q&A
Brooke Robinson shares the inspiration behind The Negotiator

Brooke Robinson shares her secrets to crafting an intriguing plotline, her love of research and how she winds down after a day of writing about high-stakes scenarios.

Q&A
How physical activity can improve your work performance

Authors Shannah Kennedy and Colleen Callander explain how they use physical activity to improve their leadership, productivity and mindset.

Q&A
Sarah Ogilvie on the research, cataloguing and technology behind The Dictionary People

The Dictionary People is a joyful read, but behind the book was a lot of hard work. We caught up with the author to learn about how she approached such a massive project.

Q&A
John Boyne on the role of the elements in his books

Irish author John Boyne discusses the role of the elements in his new books, and the inspiration for his new book Earth.

Q&A
Ferdia Lennon shares the Plutarch passage that inspired Glorious Exploits

Plus, find out why he taught himself to memorise an entire deck of cards while researching for the novel.

Q&A
Gareth Brown shares how a yearning to travel inspired The Book of Doors

Plus find out why he’d choose to live in Middle Earth and main difference between him and Hugh Jackman.

Q&A
Lottie Hazell shares how she came up with the idea for Piglet

Plus, the cosy fictional world she’d most like to live in.

Q&A
Alex Michaelides shares why his upcoming novel was his favourite to write

Learn about Alex Michaelides’s new book, the real-life people who inspired his characters and how growing up in Cyprus contributed to the setting.

Q&A
Rachael Johns shares her trick for getting words onto the page

We caught up with Rachael Johns to learn about her writing routines, favourite rom-coms and new book The Other Bridget.

Q&A
21 Questions with Terry Hayes

The author of I Am Pilgrim shares his thoughts on finding inspiration, the books that shaped his youth, and what to expect from The Year of the Locust, his long-awaited second novel.

Q&A
Dolly Alderton on heartbreak, finding inspiration, and her new novel Good Material

The bestselling author talks heartbreak, fiction versus non-fiction, and her latest novel Good Material

Q&A
Arthur C. Brooks shares the selfish reason for his new book with Oprah

Find out what inspired ‘Build the Life You Want’ and what both authors hope readers take away from it.

Q&A
A conversation with James Clear

Learn from James Clear about starting over after a serious injury, the margin between success and failure, and why it’s totally okay (encouraged, even!) to spend just five minutes at the gym.

Q&A
Writing Q+A with Witi Ihimaera

As he has been publishing now for 50 years, we emailed some questions about writing to Witi, who answered them on a plane journey.

Q&A
How Emily Henry's own friendships inspired characters in Happy Place

Dive into the mind of romance novel superstar, Emily Henry as she discusses all things Happy Place

Q&A
Q&A with Shelley Read author of Go as a River

Get to know author Shelley Read and delve into the inspiration behind her soaring, heartstopping novel Go as a River!

Q&A
Eloise Head (AKA Fitwaffle) shares her all-time favourite baking ingredients

We caught up with Eloise Head ahead of the release of her cookbook, ‘Fitwaffle’s Baked In One.’ Learn about her favourite ingredients, ultimate comfort food and more.

Activities

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Activity
How to Draw Detective Beans

Learn how to draw Detective Beans - straight from creator and author Li Chen!

Activity
Oh Brother Activity Pack

Download your free activity pack today!

Activity
Penguin Kids Book Bingo

Share your progress and tag us @penguinkidsnz!

Activity
Free Christmas colouring pages (printable)

Print three free Christmas colouring pages from some of Penguin’s cutest cosy colouring books.

Activity
Bluey Christmas Colouring!

Celebrate Christmas with the Heelers!

Activity
Bluey: The Sign Activity Pack

Download your free activity pack!

Activity
Mum's Busy Work by Jacinda Ardern - colouring in

An inspiring and heartwarming book about the relationship between a working mum and her daughter by the former prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.

Activity
Bluey Father's Day Activity Sheet

To celebrate Father's Day this year, help Bluey's friends find their dads in this super fun dad maze! PLUS read ALL about your favourite dad in the brand-new Bluey: Dad's Awesome Treasury and our collection of other Bluey Father's Day reads, including Bluey: Pull my Finger and Other Dad Jokes! This content was originally published on Bluey.tv

Activity
Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town Colouring-In

A fun and adventurous colouring sheet!

Activity
Anahera colouring-in

Colour in these free sheets of legendary kiwi mama, Anahera!

Activity
Giraffe The Gardener Colouring-In

Download and print this free colouring-in page from Giraffe the Gardener by Kimberly Andrews.

Activity
How to throw the perfect Bluey birthday party

Everything you need to throw the perfect Bluey birthday party!

Activity
Xtraordinary People: Unlock your extraordinary dyslexic thinking skills

Print this free activity pack from Xtraordinary People by Kate Griggs.

Activity
Cosy Calm colouring-in

Print this free colouring-in page from Cosy Calm by Cherry Lam.

Activity
The 113th Assistant Librarian activity pack

A free activity pack from the magical world of The 113th Assistant Librarian by Stuart Wilson.

Activity
Bluey Hip Hip Hooray Activity Pack

Download a free 4-page Bluey activity pack!

Activity
Bluey Birthday Card

Download your free Bluey birthday card.

Activity
Bluey Birthday Invite

Download this super fun Bluey party invitation.

Activity
Milestones with Ms Rachel Potty Chart

Have fun potty training with Ms Rachel!

Activity
Design your dream garden with Giraffe the Gardener!

Design your dream garden and be in to WIN it as an illustrated print by Kimberly Andrews

Activity
Go, Scooter, Go! Colouring-in

Download this colouring sheet from Kaye Julian, illustrator of the energetic and fun picture book Go, Scooter, Go!

Activity
Bluey Easter Basket Activity

Make your Easter egg hunt eggstra special with this Bingo basket template!

Activity
Bluey Easter Colouring-in

Celebrate Easter with Bluey!

Activity
Granny McFlitter Stitches Up a Storm Activity Pack

Make the most of rainy day with these Granny McFlitter activity sheets!

Book clubs

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Book clubs
The Soldier’s Daughter book club questions

From Fiona McIntosh, author of The Fallen Woman, comes this heart-stopping new blockbuster – perfect for reading with your book club. Here are some thought-starters.

Book clubs
Eleanor Jones is Playing with Fire book club questions

A fiery mystery adventure to read with your book club.

Book clubs
A Different Kind of Power Reader’s Guide

Dive deeper into Jacinda Arden's insightful, inspiring, and deeply personal memoir with this discussion guide.

Book clubs
This Kingdom of Dust book club questions

An epic reimagining of the Apollo mission to read with your book club.

Book clubs
The Deadly Dispute book club questions

The delightfully entertaining new novel in The Tea Ladies cosy crime series. Perfect for reading with your book club!

Book clubs
Blood pact book club questions

Fiona McIntosh's explosive new Jack Hawksworth thriller, perfect to read with your book club.

Book clubs
The Sex Lives of Married Women book club questions

A sexy, funny, surprising tale of female friendship to read with your book club.

Book clubs
Wifedom read-along

Download a free read-along booklet, complete with reading schedule, questions and more.

Book clubs
29 of the most popular book club books of 2025 (so far)

Check out some of the most popular book club books of 2025.

Book clubs
The Fallen Woman book club questions

A heart-stopping historical adventure to read with your book club.

Book clubs
Psykhe book club questions

A new twist on a Greek myth that gives voice, power and agency to the woman at the centre of the story.

Book clubs
The Cryptic Clue book club questions

The second book in The Tea Ladies series is a fun mystery to read with your book club.

Book clubs
What I Would Do to You book club questions

A stunning, thought-provoking debut to read with your book club.

Book clubs
A Gentleman in Moscow book club questions

A letter from the author and book club questions for one of Amor Towles' most popular books.

Book clubs
The Space Between - Book club notes

Delve deeper into this story of love, class and belonging, set at the brink of the New Zealand Wars. A great bookclub pick!

Book clubs
The Other Bridget book club questions

A feelgood romantic comedy by Australia's bestselling romance writer.

Book clubs
The Bee Sting book club questions

A thought-provoking book about family and fortune to read with your book club.

Book clubs
Foul Play book club questions

A heart-stopping Jack Hawksworth novel to read with your book club.

Book clubs
The Sugar Palace book club questions

A heart-stopping romantic adventure to read with your book club.

Book clubs
Build The Life You Want Book Club Guide

Build the Life You Want introduces you to the cutting-edge science that can change your life, in understandable terms and with actionable strategies. Along the way, Arthur and Oprah share hard-earned wisdom from their own lives and careers.

Book clubs
Hamlet is Not OK classroom discussion points

Some great points to discuss with your classroom or book club, from this quirky new take on Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Book clubs
The Waters Book Club Notes

Unravel Carl Nixon's brilliant story of a fractured family told over 40 years with these book club questions

Book clubs
Wifedom questions for your book club

A powerful blazing genre-bending masterpiece to discuss with your book club.

Book clubs
The Deck book club notes

A perfect literary pick for your book club, dive deeper into The Deck with these discussion questions