Customer Review: 3 Young Adults Novels with Shania Kumar

Young adult expert  Shania Kumar sent us three great reviews this week. Here's her feedback on Flawed by Cecelia Ahern, The Potion Diaries by Amy Alward, and The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. We're looking forward to seeing what Shania reviews next!

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern  

“A heart-wrenching story of a young lady, Celestine North, standing up to society and challenging societal rules and expectations. I loved how this book talked about injustice in a unique way and showed injustice through there being ‘perfect’ human beings and then flawed human beings who were inferior to the ‘perfect’ human beings.  Flawed also portrayed the idea that there is no such thing as being ‘perfect’ and that part of being a human is to be flawed. This allows us to learn from mistakes we make and become a wiser person because of it.”

Perfect, the sequel to Flawed is out now.

Our recommended reading age for this book is 10-14 years.

The Potion Diaries by Amy Alward

“Join Samantha Kemi, an extraordinary alchemist on a nationwide hunt to find the cure for a love potion which the Princess of Nova accidentally drank. During Samantha’s deadly quest to find the scarcest ingredients in the universe like Eluvian ivy and Abominable hair, she realises that all is not as it seems to be and her families’ rival family, the Aster family, might be up to something. This book is an easy and interesting book to read and is about embracing yourself and reaching your full potential.”

You can also read the sequel, The Royal Tour.

Our recommended reading age for this book is 10 years and up.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

“Enter a world where all the creatures from your darkest nightmares are alive! Meghan Chase thought she was an ordinary teenage girl but all this dramatically changes when the fae steal her little brother and replace him with a changeling. On a mission to find her brother, Meghan enters the Never Never, a paranormal world in which faeries, monsters, trolls and nymphs are all alive and she is a Princess of the summer fae. Experience Meghan’s quest to find her brother and along the way develop lifelong friendships with Prince Ash and Puck. This book will attract anyone who is into fantasy and mythological creatures and is a thrilling tale which you won’t be able to put down!”

Our recommended reading age is 12 years and up.

95bFM's Loose Reads: Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi

Suri spoke with Jogai about the recently translated Frankenstein in Baghdad, which was the International Prize for Arabic fiction winner in 2014.

This is also our first Time Out Lit Reads Book Club title! You can read more information about the Lit Reads book club here and buy tickets here.

Double Book Review: Dork Diaries: Pop Stars by Rachel Renee Russel & Grandpa's Great Escape by David Walliams

Young reader Jessica Shuttleworth dropped off not one, but TWO book reviews last week! She gives us her feedback on Dork Diaries: Pop Star by Rachel Renee Russel, as well as Grandpa's Great Escape by David Walliams. Thanks for your awesome input, Jessica!

"I like Dork Diaries: Pop Star because it is exciting and fun. The main characters are Nikki Maxwell, Chleoy and Zoy, Brandon, Mackenzie Hollister, and Brianna Maxwell. It is set at a fancy middle school called WCO. 

Nikki Maxwell got a scholarship to the school because her dad is their exterminator. At home her annoying sister Brianna is keeping her hands full. Meanwhile at school there is a talent competition. The school queen bee Mackenzie is bullying Nikki more than ever. Lucky her bff Chloey, Zoey, and Brandon are there to help."  

We recommend Dork Diaries: Pop Star for ages 8 - 12. 

"Grandpa's Great Escape is a great book - it is quite long. This book is about an old man who was a World War II flying ace. But when he gets confused he is sent to an old folks home. He and his grandson must make a daring plan to escape twilight towers. But the evil Marton is getting suspicious. The setting is 1983 in Britain, the main characters are Dad, Mum, Jack, Grandpa, and Marton."

We recommend Grandpa's Great Escape for ages 8 - 12. 

Breed Reads: Summer Picks inspired by Dogs at Time Out

If you keep up with our Instagram feed (@dogsattimeout), you are already aware that here at the bookshop we are borderline obsessed with dogs, doggos, doggerinos, schnoodles, and any other small creature that inspires a "LOOK AT THAT _____. I must go give a pat right now. BRB."  So, we thought to ourselves: what better way to honour our obsession than with a few hand-picked lists of our top summer reads, all inspired by our furry visitors?

E-'ruff said. 

by Yuli & Ian

 

 

THE "Ph.D (PARTICULARLY HIGH BROW)" READ

Similar to Einstein, this floof has a killer 'do, and eyebrows to boot. It's quite possible this doggo stays up all night contemplating the universe - wearing a puppy-sized tinfoil hat - watching old episodes of Cosmos, and/or brushing up on some of the most up-to-date science reads. Join them on their quest for knowledge and dig into our picks below!

NATURE - SCIENCE - PSYCHOLOGY

NON-FICTION

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THE "REALITY-IS EXHAUSTING-BUT-I'M-THIRSTY-FOR-MORE" READ

This pup looks beat - aren't we all? The holidays have come and gone, and it seems that the general consensus is a need for rest and relaxation this summer. Well, what better way to relax than to hit the beach, and inform yourself on the current state-of-things and political turmoil?  Rosé optional.

POLITICS - CURRENT AFFAIRS - HISTORY

NON-FICTION

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THE "CAN'T-STOP-GRINNING-EAR-TO-EAR" READ

Had a RUFF day or feeling melan-collie? If you need a laugh, we've got you covered.

HUMOUR - QUIRKY

FICTION & NON-FICTION

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THE "SO-STRANGE-IT'S-WONDERFUL" READ

Meet Clarice, our new intern. Clarice suggests checking out some of the strangest & quirkiest books in our inventory. Fall down the rabbit hole this summer and pick up a WILD CARD!

FICTION & NON-FICTION

THE "ONCE-YOU'RE-IN-MY HANDS-I'M NEVER-GOING-TO-PUT-YOU-DOWN" READ

We're falling pretty hard for this puppy and their soulful, dark brown eyes. If only there were a book that could match the amount of emotion we feel from gazing at this angelic dog . . .

 Below are some worthy contenders (that may make you cry, just a little).

EMOTIVE

FICTION

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THE "DON'T-GO-DOWN-TO-THE-BASEMENT-OR-TURN-OFF-THE-LIGHTS" READ

"What a sweet looking doggo!" you think. "Look at that cute little tail!" you say. But there may be some darkness behind that sweet face, something shadowed or mysterious we can't quite put our finger on. This list is for those who are ready to dive into a something darker: a new release crime, thriller, or dystopian novel. Just don't turn off the lights . . .

CRIME - THRILLER - DARK

FICTION

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THE "TAKE-ME-TO-YOUR-PLANET" READ

There are no words for this fantastical creature and we're quite keen on traveling with them to an alternate reality inhabited by similar mystical doggos. Everyone at the shop would shed more than a few tears if this creature were to go the route à la Poochy. 

SCI FI - FANTASY - DYSTOPIAN

FICTION

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THE "POLYJUICE" READ

So you want to take a walk in someone else's shoes . . .  Sadly, it might take us at least a month to brew up some polyjuice potion (sorry). While our book wizards are whipping that up in the holds cave, take a glug of a new bio or memoir.

BIOGRAPHY - MEMOIR

NON-FICTION

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Book Review: The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

10 year old Conor Davidson-Ladd gives us his VITAL feedback on the new series by the author of How to Train Your Dragon. 

The Wizards of Once is the latest thrilling book by Cressida Cowell, writer of the best selling How To Train Your Dragon series. 

The Wizards of Once is about a powerless wizard boy called Xar who goes hunting for witches in the forest and meets Wish the young warrior princess. It's fair to say it's not love at first sight!

When Xar's pet sprite falls deathly ill, these two foes come together in a superb adventure. They have to break into Queen Sychorax's Iron Warrior fort and navigate its perilous dungeons, to save Xar's pet sprite's life.

If you loved the How To Train Your Dragon series you will adore this book too. I would recommend it for ages 7-12. 

The Wizards of Once is available now. 

Book Review: The Shop at Hooper's Bend by Emily Rodda

12 year old reviewer Rata, has read the latest book by a longtime favourite, Emily Rodda.

Quil Medway (her real name is Jonquil but she prefers Quil) is an eleven year old girl who was supposed to be on her way to camp, but she decides to get off the train early at a stop called Hoppers Bend. At Hoopers Bend, Quil meets all sorts of people but in particular, Bailey an bitter older woman who owns a shop that had been left to her, by her uncle. Quil also meets a little black and white dog named, pirate.

There’s something magical about the shop at Hoopers bend though, something Quil and Bailey are drawn to.

The shop at Hoopers Bend is a very cute, interesting and magical book. I would recommend it for anyone who loves books like that and is over the age of nine. A lot of events, drama happens in this book, some good, some bad, some sad and some happy.

The Shop at Hooper's Bend is available now.

We are not robots: Behind the scenes of a web order

Not only do we sell books from 9am - 9pm in store, we sell books online! This is what happens once you place your order via our website.

             1.

We receive a digital notification of your web order.

            2.

We pick your order from the shelf.

            3.

We package your book up with your invoice, a bookmark and some ribbon...

5.             

We pad out the package in recycled bubble wrap so it's nice and safe...

4.            

...or if you have special instructions such as gift wrapping, handwritten notes or no receipt, you just need to let us know!

6.             

We then package your purchase in recyclable, heavy weight brown paper.

7.              

Our web orders wait for the next delivery cycle.

8.              

AUCKLAND DELIVERY: Our friendly courier driver from Castle Parcels scans in the parcels. They are tracked & delivered in 1 -2 days.

9.               

OUT OF AUCKLAND: We walk your parcel to the post office & your package will be tracked and will be delivered in 3 working days.

10.             

MT EDEN DELIVERY: If it's convenient for staff, we are able to hand deliver items on the way home from work.

11.            

You can also select 'pickup' and we will hold it aside for you for the next time you're in the village.

12.        

You've shopped online AND supported your local bookstore. Warm fuzzies all round!

And there you have it, a convenient and easy way to order your Christmas presents. We are not robots, so get in touch if you need any special touches added.

Time Out's Gift Services: A customer's experience

Time Out Bookstore has recently started a gift service called ‘Year of Books’ and I was lucky enough to be the first person to try it out as my birthday present.

The particular arrangement for me was six books over six months so every month I have received an email to let me know that my book is ready. I could have the books delivered but I live close enough that I would just pop in to the bookstore to pick it up. The books have always been beautifully wrapped with the month, the book title and a little description written on the front.

Every book I have received has been incredibly enjoyable to read, spanning a wide variety but all fitting within my reading preference. It has been a wonderful six months as I have been introduced to some great authors, like Banana Yoshimoto and Toni Morrison, and I look forward to purchasing their other works.

It is a lovely and unique gift because it continues beyond the date you received it, such as your birthday, as you get to look forward to a gift every month or two months for the whole year following. I enjoyed it so much and I will miss it. I purchased the same service for my grandfather’s 90th birthday and I think it will make a great Christmas present for someone for sure.

Browse Time Out's range of gift services here.

Book Review: Nothing by Annie Barrows

A new review from our young reader on the ground, 12 year old Rata.

From the author of Ivy & Bean and the co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Nothing happens in this book, there are no love triangles, no one runs away or gets murdered, there are no superheroes or super villains. This book is about two average 15 year old girls living an average life. Charlotte and Frankie (best friends) think they have a boring life but when Charlotte decides to write it all down, Frankie and Charlotte realise their life may be more interesting than they think.

This book has a good mix of drama, comedy and romance. It’s perfect for any teenager who loves these genres.

This book is great for fans of Louise Rennison.

Nothing is in stock now.

NZ BOOKSHOP DAY: Contest winners & photo album

NZ Bookshop Day for 2017 is DONE & DUSTED. Thank you all for coming to support us during our Howl-O-Ween celebrations.

BOOK REVIEW CONTEST WINNERS:
Our first kids winner is 7 year old Olive Turley for her amazing review of the Hilda series by Luke Pearson. Olive has won a bespoke book subscription for 2018.

Next up is Jade Tupa'i for her beautiful review of Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, which made us want to read this classic all over again. Jade has won a year's subscription to Toitoi: A Journal for Young Writers and Artists. Thank you for the donation, Toitoi!

Our adults winner is Kath O'Sullivan! 
Kath is "91, going for 100," and wrote a review of our beautiful, illustrated edition of The Hobbit. Kath has also won a bespoke subscription.

We couldn't look past Merinika Ryder's glorious review of Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. We've put together a special prize for you too, Merinika!

GECKO PRESS BEST DRESSED DOG WINNER:
Tom, from the Lamont family, dressed as a Gryffindor wizard and it fulfilled all of our dog costume dreams. He will receive a wonderful WOLFY pack from our friends at Gecko Press.
Thank you to all who bought their dogs in, we loved it, as we always do and we hope they enjoyed their Purina Dentalife treats.

Until next year, whānau!

NZ BOOKSHOP DAY: Ten reasons you should visit Time Out this Saturday

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#1. It's Howl-O-Ween!

You may see some dogs, you may see some dogs IN COSTUMES! (This is what we're hoping for anyway.) You may also see some dressed up staff...!

 

#2. PURINA DOG TREATS

If you bring your dog to visit, they will receive a packet of Purina Dentalife treats.

 

#3. A GECKO PRESS WOLFY PACK IS TO BE WON!

To celebrate the NZ release of Grégoire Solotareff's Wolfy, we will give the best dressed dog this wonderful book prize from our friends Gecko Press. 

 

#4. Giselle Draws Tote Bags

We have a very limited number of Bookshop Day Tote Bags to give away with your book purchases. Get in early for these.

 

#5. Free 2 for 1 Movie Tickets!

Thanks to Trigger Marketing, we have a bunch of movie tickets to give away. Choose from one of these 3 films:

 

#6. COOKIES

Our magical Katie, will be whipping up some of her famous ginger cookies. (Here's a peek at what she created last year.)

 

 

#7. BOOK REVIEW WINNERS!

We will announce the winners of our book review competition at 5pm. YOU CAN STILL ENTER! 

 

#8. LONELY PLANET SPOT PRIZES

Once the NZ Bookshop Day totes are gone, we've got Lonely Planet totes to give away with your book purchases. These ones might have an extra book or two in them(!)

 

#9. ALL THE BOOKS

There are so many new books in stock, we can barely fit them in. You can get signed copies of Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, check our Lucinda in The New Zealand Cat,  put your name down for the incoming Man Booker Winner Lincoln in the Bardo and perhaps start on on Christmas shopping?

 

#10. SAY GOODBYE TO SURI

This isn't actually very good news, but Saturday will be our wonderful Suri's last day before she travels to distant shores. Come in and say farewell.

School Holiday Picks: Week Two

1) Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban (Illustrated Edition) by J.K. Rowling

Wendy's Grandson Jacob has been spending the holidays with us and his top pick is the new illustrated edition of Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban.

If you haven't yet read one of the illustrated editions of Harry Potter, you're missing out! It's a wonderful way to experience the series.

2) Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

John Green's first novel in six years is here. With a beautiful cover and incredible reviews from The Guardian and the New York Times, Turtles All the Way Down is a must read for 2018.

3) Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend

Nevermoor is here! Does it live up to the hype? We had 12 year old Rata write a special review for us.

Come in and check out our special Hachette NZ Nevermoor window, it will be up until next week.

4) Competition time for National Bookshop Day

In celebration of our Howl-O-Ween NZ Bookshop Day, we are giving away TWO bespoke bi monthly book bundles for 2018. All you need to do is create a review for us! See details below...
Another GREAT competition to check out is the Booksellers NZ 'Love Letter to your Bookshop' here: 

5) The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane & Jackie Morris

All we have to say is that this is one of the most beautiful books in the kid's room right now. From the author of Landmarks and The Wild Places with tender and rich illustrations, The Lost Words is a book for every age.

Book Review: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend

The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) is one of those books that we know is going to be big. As you might expect a bookseller to tell you this, we have a trusted review for you from one of our young customers, 13 year old Rata Lomax.

When you open this book an explosion of magic, weirdness, friendship and excitement spills out. The Trials of Morrigan Crow is packed with craziness, fascination and a bit of darkness to balance things out. Fans of Harry Potter, Roald Dahl and Narnia would absolutely LOVE this book.

Morrigan Crown is star-crossed, unlucky, cursed and everyone knows it. Most people tend to keep away from her and Morrigan knows when she dies there will most likely be celebrations, for the curse dooms her to die when she reaches the age of twelve. But as Morrigan waits for her cruel fate an unexpected twist takes place, a peculiar, intriguing and slightly crazy man comes to her rescue and he takes her to a place called nevermoor. Nevermoor is a magical city full of incredible wonders, but if Morrigan wants to stay there she must take place in a series of four risky but magical trials.

Personally I loved this book I would definitely recommend it to readers of all ages (8+), this book is amazing and wunderous.

You can buy a copy of Nevermoor from our online store. Jessica Townsend is visiting Auckland for a few days at the end of October and will be popping into Time Out. Keep an eye on our facebook page for updated information.

School Holiday Picks: Week One

Here is a round up of our picks for week one of the school holidays.

1) The Traitor and the Thief by Gareth Ward.
Listen to our youngest bookseller Eli speak with Mikey Havoc on 95bFM's Loose Reads about what he's reading at the moment, plus a review of Gareth Ward's steampunk novel.

2) Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop
This incredible book follows suit of popular, sophisticated non fiction titles such as Timeline & Maps. Check out this interview on RNZ's Standing Room Only.

3) The Dragon Defenders by James Russell
We had a visit from James and the real life Dragon Defenders, Flynn & Paddy. This book is great chapter book for those 7+ readers who love the Treehouse series, Wimpy Kid and Tom Gates..

4) Annual 2 edited by Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris
Annual is BACK and it is just amazing as ever. A collection of stories, games, poetry, comics & illustrations from some of New Zealand's most talented creatives. 

5) The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
Did you know Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train your Dragon, has released the first book of a new series? The Wizards of Once is a GREAT read for fans of magic, adventure and friendship. We would recommend this for young readers 8+.

bFM Loose Reads: The Traitor and the Theif by Gareth Ward

It's school holiday time! To celebrate, we had Eli review The Traitor and the Thief by Gareth Ward on 95bFM's Loose Reads. Listen to Eli and Mikey chat books by clicking on the image.

National Poetry Day: All Tomorrow's Poets

This year, we held smaller All Tomorrow's Poets than usual, highlighting five female poets that we love. 

Makanaka Tuwe read three pieces from her new book, Questionable Intimacy. An exploration of self discovery, self love and Black Girl Magic, her reading was deeply personal and intimate. Questionable Intimacy went home with many of our guests, and is available to order through our website.

Divyaa Kumar lead us through a workshop in writing our own poetry. We transformed the word 'Joy' into a prismatic sensory experience-- recalling freshly shaved legs, whispered giggles and an effervescent glass of Pimm's.

Carrie Rudzinski and Olivia Hall joined us through the atmospheric power of the 'iPhone in a Glass' sound system. Their piece Love Like a Girl celebrated fierce sisterly love and garnered hearty recognition from the crowd. 

Evangeline Riddiford-Graham shared poems from her series Planet Cleopatra. Born from an obsession with Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, she presented a deft weaving of tabloid romance, Millionaire's Salad and the symmetry of Ngāuruahoe into a moving and relatable depiction of an enduring, if poisonous, on-again/off-again. 

The Booker Dozen

It's a year of literary blockbusters on the Man Booker radar. The judges have assembled an undeniably juicy selection, and we were pleased to see so many team favourites on the list— but we're always hoping to glean some undiscovered treasures. 

Elmet by Fiona Mozley is the intriguing pick of the bunch, and we're more than a little biased. Mozley is a 29 year old debut novelist and part-time bookseller from York. 

Elmet is due for November release. All other titles available now!

Welcome to our new website!

This is Time Out's new online home. There are lots of great things to see.

Book reviews and community news can be found on our new blog.

Check out Bestsellers & Staff Picks to see what the Time Out team are reading right now.

We've got some very exciting new Gift Services!

Bespoke book subscriptions, gorgeous gift bundles and even a Magic Gift Service. You'll never be short of gift ideas again.

Most importantly, we've curated our favourite books for you. Shop Categories to see what's new and notable in your favourite genre, or jump straight to our Full Catalogue if you know what you're after. Our Guide to Online Shopping is a handy tool.

Now you and your loved ones can get the best of Time Out's service, from anywhere in the world. We hope you're as excited as we are!