New Non Fiction

The 9th Floor: Conversations with Five New Zealand Prime Ministers. Guyon Espiner
Based on the acclaimed Radio NZ podcast series, and including new material, this is a fascinating record of the decisions that shaped modern New Zealand.

Buddhism for Pet Lovers: Supporting our Closest Companions through Life and Death. David Michie
A compassionate and sometimes amusing look at the precious bonds we have with our pets. The author draws on ancient Buddhist wisdom plus modern science, to give us an insight into animal consciousness.

Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions. Chimamanda Adichie
The author of We Should All Be Feminists writes a powerful, must-read letter to all parents who have a daughter. "Because you are a girl - is never a reason for anything"

Dior: Catwalk: The Complete Collections.
The book celebrates 70 years of the Dior fashion house, from 1947 and the New Look, to 2017 and Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first woman to be appointed creative director.

The Existentialist's Guide to Death, the Universe and Nothingness. Gary Cox
An accessible and entertaining look at this fascinating philosophical  theory that emphasises individual existence, freedom and choice.

The First Signs: Unlocking the Mysteries of the World's Oldest Symbols. Genevieve Von Petzinger.
Archaeologist Genevieve von Petzinger takes the reader on a journey through European caves to discover the Ice Age beginnings of graphic communication. View a TED talk by Genevieve.

The Ground Beneath Us: From the Oldest Cities to the Last Wilderness, What Dirt Tells Us about Who We Are. Paul Bogard
With increased human activity such as expanding cities, fracking, and tree-felling, our wilderness areas are becoming more and more precious. A riveting read and a real eye-opener.

Jane Austen at Home: A Biography. Lucy Worsley.
An engaging biography of Jane Austen and the places she lived, written for the 200th anniversary of her death by the inimitable Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Royal Historic Palaces and self-confessed Janeite.

The Meaning of Rice: And Other Tales from the Belly of Japan. Michael Booth
Michael Booth and his family embark on an epic journey the length of Japan to explore its dazzling food culture. The result is this well-researched, often hilarious book full of quirky characters.

More on War. Martin van Creveld
The purpose of this book is to provide a modern, comprehensive, easy to read and understand theory of war for the 21st century.

The Reality Check-Up: Finding the Perfect Non-Perfect Version of Yourself. Andrew Rochford
Using his expertise as a scientist, as a doctor and as a man, Dr Andrew Rochford has combined current scientific knowledge with the practicalities of life to create a frank and straight-to-the-point guide for the modern man.

Sunday Best: How the Church Shaped New Zealand and New Zealand Shaped the Church. Peter Lineham
A thoughtful discussion on the effect of various religions on New Zealand social life and historical milestones.