New Zealand Books

i think all the Georgia Nicolson books are great, for all those teenagers that really enjoyed Princess Diaries and The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants! (or who didnt, it doesnt matter)
because i have read them all, and loved them all!!!
please read this, you will have a big laugh!

This book is the best book ever! If you're a girl from ages 10 through... well... any age, this book is great! Just read it and you'll see. Well, that's about it, SO READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is the usual praise for the author's other books in the beginning of It's Okay, I'm.....and somewhere it says that Georgia, our heroine, is a youg Bridget Jones. And that is not all that wrong.
The book is about Georgia, aged 14 and her teenage trouble with parents, littlesister, boyfriends, school, looks etc.
The plot or non-plot of this book would have been utterly boring, if it wasn't for the very funny use of the English/British language. I am also sure every girl aged 12-99 can relate to some of Georgia's antics if not all of them.
I bought this book thinking it was about a young woman, not a teenage girl, but I nevertheless liked the book. I think all teenage girls will love it.

i think the book was really good,because it was funny and you want to know what will happen next.it gives you suspenceas in when she wants to see her boyfriend.and when her dad comes back from from goo wiggy land (scottland)i as a teenager found this book very funny.hee hee hee hee hee.

The book had all the basic info. you need for hiking in New Zealand. It's easy to read with a couple of nice pictures. Enjoy!

By far the best guide available about tramping opportunities in NZ. The track guides are pretty accurate and provide a good overview of what to expect.

This edition is far better than the previous editions. It's new organization and additional information sections are a marked improvement. A new section on Flora and Fauna gives a highlight of any New Zealand tramp. This book acts as an excellent reference book while tramping. Of course, if the book contained every piece of required information, (i.e. highly detailed maps and every step of the way instructions) it would require 1000's of pages. The authors surmount that difficulty by including instructions on how to obtain additional necessary information. The book is perfect for those that are looking into or planning a backpacking trek to New Zealand.

This is a great book for planning a tramping trip to New Zealand, although it's a bit too much to carry while actually hiking. The book contains good references and maps to the most popular tracks, and some of the lesser known tracks. If your tight on cash, I recommend going to the visitor centers in New Zealand and picking up the DOC pamphlets they supply. D.O.C. has detailed pamphlets on pretty much every track in New Zealand and they only charge about 50 cents (US) for each one. But if you want to plan a trip from home, this is the book to get, it's far easier to understand than the other New Zealand tramping books, and gives good information on what you need to bring. It also gives good info on the New Zealand back country hut system. Buy a hut pass, they're only 35 bucks (US) for a year. It even supplies some decent fly fishing tips for the rivers that border some of the tracks. But be warned that almost every other tourist hiker in New Zealand also has this book, so if you really want to get away from people, you'll have to do some bushwacking.

Ingeniously woven together Leda Swann's three short stories about three unhappy Victorian marriages works in two of the novels but alas one does not making this book a 3 ½ star rating.

The first short story is really the best. In Obsessed Gwendolyn knows Adam has never forgiven her for tricking him into marrying her. Now she is looking for a way to revive a marriage that is stale and passionless. By adopting different personas (harem girl, servant and pirate captain) at the Sugar and Spice Health Spa for Married Couples, she hopes to show her devotion and love to her husband.

Enslaved is also good. Felix is almost a totally unsympathetic hero. He cheats on his wife and is at the spa with another lover but his wife Lillian surprises him when she shows up with his would be lover's husband in tow. Now Felix gets to spend his time with his wife whom he has never really known in the bedroom. This is a voyage of discovery for both partners.

The last story, Exposed, is troublesome for me on many levels. Whereas the first two novels explore the couple's relationships this one is almost an exploration of the individual. Cora almost despises her husband Gareth because he is too nice and too noble. She likes to be in charge and even more likes voyeurism. She is an incest victim and her anger is outwardly driven. Since this is a short novel, there was no real healing for her only recognition of her problem. Finally this novel felt the least intimate between the leads and would rate but a two star if it were released by itself.

Enjoyed this short story format that is interwoven between the three different relationships. I found all the stories creative and erotic. Leda Swann definenatly has a knack for sensual writing. I look forward to more from this talented Author.

Three wives decide to take control of their unhappy marriages by seeking help at a country spa for married couples. They all travel to Cornwall and the Sugar and Spice Health Club for adults. Here they will be able to role play, explore their sensuality and passions free from scandal or Victorian primness. Gwendolyn, Cora, and Lillian are going to surprise the heck out of their husbands by playing the roles of nymphs, pirate captains, and sultry harem girls and hopefully in the process save the marriages they all three cherish. Now if only the males will get into the spirit of things!

Ms. Swann has created a very unique set of three stories that overlap and interweave into a very sensual, playful, and romantic read. What is interesting is all three couples are unhappy with their situation and the theme that runs throughout this read is rekindling a love that is there no matter how damaged or tarnish. This is a sensual read with elements of mild BDSM and voyeurism and ménage scenes. They are not gratuitous in nature and add steam and sensuality to the book. This book is broken up into three short stories so is perfect if one must put the book down because life gets in the way. Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

"Obsessed". Adam has never forgiven his wife Gwendolyn for tricking him into marriage. Though he wants her he treats her with disdain. Desperate to show her love for him, Gwendolyn persuades Adam to spend time at Mrs. Bertand's Sugar and Spice Health Spa for Married Couples.

"Enslaved". Felix believes his wife Lillian is frigid so he has turned to a lover for warmth in bed. Cora joins him for a week of sex at Mrs. Bertrand's spa only Felix turns livid, humiliated and jealous when Lillian arrives with Cora's husband Gareth.

"Exposed". Gareth confronts Cora as to why she married him when she is so cold to him and so apparently hot with her lover. Cora hides her deepest secret out of shame, but Gareth plans to seduce the truth out of her.

These three Victorian erotic romances are hot, but also contain strong lead characters whose marital relationship is at best strained with the estrangement seemingly permanently impenetrable and unmovable.

Harriet Klausner

A condensed, concise history from from earliest human occupation to the modern times. It was interesting to see the contrast of the development of the colonies in Victoria, SA and WA with the original settlement. I felt the book gives a much wider view of the Australian persona.

Good overview of Australian history from prehostory to 2001. I have been looking for something like this for a while. A lot of information, well worth the cost. I like the explanation of why boomerangs return. It includes a historical gazeteer in the back and a summary chronology of major dates in Austrailian history.

This book is an excellent, succinct history that is an easy read. I searched for books on Australia and this seemed to be the most objectively written. I wouldn't use it like a Fodor's guide to plan a trip with interesting places to eat or stay. It does give a nice history of the country to familiarize yourself with Australia and gives you an idea of places to see in this wonderful and diverse country. I'm going to check out books from this series on other countries.

If you're going to the Olympic Games in Sydney Australia in September, this book will provide the background you need. The author takes you from the aboriginal Dream-Time, 53,000 years ago, to the booming cities of 2000. If you want to know why boomerangs return, how in the early days of settlement many ex-convicts became millionaires (legally!), where is the world's largest flat surface, at which battle in the Vietnam War the Aussies killed the Vietcong 15 to 1, why Canberra and not Sydney is the capital city, when Australia experienced a military coup, or who is the cricket equivalent of Babe Ruth, this is your book. There is also a chronology of the main historical events and, useful for visitors, a historical gazeteer of the main cities and tourist spots.

This is an amazing story about a group of young men who were seemingly born with silver spoons in their mouths, attending prep schools, summering in the Hamptons, going to the finest colleges, drinking tea out of fine china with pinkies extended whose families had country club memberships and who, by all means, should have been pure, unadulterated, spoiled snobs. But these young men totally surprised me. These amazing 20-somethings were filled with wanderlust, and they ended up, by their own decisions, on a piece of property in the rain forest of Australia, and they turned it into a working farm visited by hundreds (if not thousands) of similar young folks searching to find themselves. For me, the book was somewhat nostalgic as I was maturing at the same time as time as they were, but never in my wildest dreams would I have left the comforts that they had to toil endlessly in a foreign country. These were extremely intelligent young people, mature for their years, who survived and thrived and had the experience of a lifetime. It is a tale with a tragic ending, but you know that going into the story. It's the events that lead up to that tragic ending that will keep you riveted and entertained.

Louella Bryant has written an engrossing memoir of a small group of young men, the sons of rich Americans, living under the stress of the war in Vietnam. "Hell-no, they won't go" (to fight), but even so they're scarred by the times. There's a lot of fun and (dangerous) adventure in Australia -- one of them dies in a diving accident and another goes off on a quixotic quest to Southeast Asia, never to return. An excellent forward by former Vermont Governor and prominent Democrat, Howard Dean, who lost his brother.
A good read and well-written.

Bryant has done a wonderful job capturing the times of the 70's counterculture when just about everyone, including the wealthiest young men in the country, were turning on and dropping out. Leaving behind lives that most people could only dream of these idealists set up a commune in the Australian jungle and made a go of it. And while Charlie Dean's death was senseless and tragic it does overshadow the overall success of the Rosebud farm and the backbreaking hard work and tenacity of Rich Trapnell who, as the proverbial last man standing, runs a thriving business to this day. The book is a tribute to a time when young people were so fed up with their country that they were willing to move half way around the globe to try and make a better life for themselves. As you will see by reading the book the social struggles reverberate in each of the cast of characters in varying degrees. Highly recommended.

Bryant brings to life a time of struggle and idealism that stands in stark contrast to today's cynicism. Having come of age at that time, I can attest to this authentic portrayal of my generation's youthful hopes and mistakes. Clear prose and wonderfully drawn characters make this a compelling read, enjoyable and satisfying from start to finish.

Non-fiction can be so much stranger than the made-up stuff. Remember the cartoons 30 years ago-? Popeye in the gigantic
black pot..natives in full nosebone dancing around with forks and knives?

Mr. Randell's book about Jack Renton, the Scottish sailor rescued by headhunters in the Solomon Islands is a great
read and an interesting start point if you wish to understand the "settling" of the Pacific Islands.

The book reads like fiction and is full of interesting tid bits not the least of which is the fact that boiled or grilled human was known as "long pig" by the headhunters. Yeech.

Only half the book is dedicated to Jack Renton's account. Understandably, there isn't much accurate history to glean from when you write on a little known castaway in late 1800s, and the author manages to fill the first 148 pages from Renton's own writing, the orations from natives, and the author's own observations from visiting the location. The rest of the book focuses on the ills and evils of the arrival of the white race - specifically economic exploitation, missionaries and their destruction of native tradition, and sicknesses that kill the majority of the islanders. All of this is fascinating stuff, but not expected by the title or description!
The order of the book is a little difficult also. The author lays out a preliminary timeline of Renton, then weaves through the timeline with different accounts and helpful anecdotes that occur elsewhere. A little challenging for me, who is used to reading history chronologically.
That said, I would buy and read this book again. There isn't another book on the market that is as complete a narrative on Jack Renton's extraordinary experience. But if there was, I would've rated this book 3 stars!

Absolutely awesome. This the 'Heart of Darkness' inside out. It is the story of a young shipwrecked sailor struggling to survive in a South Sea culture based on headhunting. It is told in the words of the Malaitan 'headhunters' themselves. It is a story filled with heroism, humanity and a good deal of humour.

Nigel Rendell is a very gifted author. He has the confidence to let the indigenous oral stories speak for themselves and also to breathe life into the dry 'western' accounts of the Malaita and the wider South Pacific written by missionaries and traders. These sources and others are skillfully blended to create a seamless narrative that carries the reader along as we follow Renton's journey into another culture and initiation into the rites of headhunting.

But this is not just a story of Renton struggling to understand his captors but a wonderful account of his captors trying to understand him. In their words this is the story of a young ignorant man who struggled to understand their society and in the end became not only one of their own but one of their favourite 'sons'.

But the story is also an account of the Malaitan's struggle to understand Renton's world. Rendell also manages to fix the microcosm of Renton's adventures against the macrocosm of colonialisation. This is perhaps one of the most magic and terrifying parts of the book as Renton tries to prepare his 'adopted' friends, family and tribe for the coming horrors of white civilisation. The entire tragedy of first contact and colonial rule is told in the relationship between Renton and his people. Rendell style of writing makes these characters, their friendships and rivalries come perfectly alive on the page. It is impossible not to care deeply about these people.

Remember not only is this the only authentic account of the 'Heart of Darkness' story but one told by the natives themselves and they do it with more humanity and dignity than any 'civilized' account I have read before. Nigel Rendell lets the reader feel they are sat by the campfire themselves as these stories are recounted and, with him to guide us, we are taken into a world of shanghai-ing, shipwrecks, castaways and headhunters. I cannot recommend this book enough.

OK...I admit it. The main reason I bought this book was that I was "hooked" by the gruesome aspects. After all, who can resist a classic tale of shipwreck, with the added frisson of headhunting and cannibalism? And while Mr. Randell (who, by the way, looks like a combination of Sting and Malcolm McDowell...and poses in the author photo with a skull, not his own, in hand) certainly delivers in the goosebumps department (describing in loving detail how humans, referred to as "long pig" by the cannibals, were wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted), he turns out to have bigger fish-to-fry. This is a very thoughtful book, which works on several levels. The "adventure tale" aspect is significant, but Mr. Randell also talks about the religious beliefs of the Solomon Islanders, the clash of cultures, the destruction of the islanders' way of life, etc. The author has spent much time in the Solomon Islands. It is obvious that he has studied, and respects, the native culture. The book can be enjoyed by those with an interest in anthropology, sociology, and psychology...in addition to those who are looking for a "ripping-yarn." While the focus of the book is Jack Renton- the "white headhunter" of the title, who was forced into a situation not of his own making, and did what he had to in order to survive- Mr. Randell also makes sure we see things from the islanders' point of view. Renton is allowed to live not out of any altruistic feeling- it turns out that, previously, another white man named Doorey had been marooned on the same island and his extensive knowledge of carpentry had made him indispensable. The islanders' were also hoping for big things from Renton, and he delivered- with his abilities as a military strategist and warrior. However, what starts out as realpolitik turns into affection, as the tribal chief Kabou develops fatherly feelings for the young Renton (who was still a teenager when he was washed ashore). The author also makes it clear why the islanders were so hostile towards white men: these were people who sometimes kidnapped islanders for use as cheap labor back in Queensland. (Even worse from the perspective of the islanders: the outsiders appeared to be people who constantly wandered the seas in their large and strange ships. What were they doing for food? The islanders assumed, naturally enough, that those who were being kidnapped were being eaten.) These were also men who brought death through disease- the islanders had no immunity to "western germs." And, of course, the white visitors had nothing but contempt for what they didn't understand- the "primitive" lifestyle and religious beliefs. The islanders didn't appreciate the attempts of the Christian missionaries to "improve" them by asking them to jettison everything they held dear. Mr. Randell is especially good at getting you "inside the heads" of the islanders. While I don't recommend the headhunting/cannibal lifestyle, at least I now understand the reasons these practices were engaged in. By possessing an enemy's head and consuming his flesh, you were able to "tap into" both his spiritual and physical powers. As an example of the latter, Mr. Randell points out that if an enemy warrior was fast on his feet, and you ate his legs, you were looking to improve your own running ability. It obviously makes no sense when seen by an outside observer but, as with any religious belief, there is internal logic. On all levels, (unless you are looking for recipes) Mr. Randell has written an excellent book.

This is a book which anyone interested in architecture should own. The pictures are amazing and there are houses here which will make you drool. I have spent days on this book and will continue to do so for years I am sure.

I enjoyed this book because it was not full of fluff or the hit and miss content of similar books - the architecture was compelling, the theme was consistant - I really enjoy this one! In fact I am sending it to several of my friends.

This is a nice book in general. It has a good format, showcases interesting projects and unlike the first book of the "100 Best" series, devotes more pages to each project with more photographs and plans. Some of the photography however is disappointing. Even though most of the projects are professionally shot, some of the houses are represented by snapshots with distorted walls and incorrect color balance, and in my opinion do not belong in a book of this caliber.

While the author Ken Duncan strongly advocates Creationism, this is one of the best picture books on Australia that I have come across! I am bit suprised it is out of print? He does has a great eye for taking pictures!

Ken Duncan is a famous photographer in Australia, with three galleries showing his work exclusively. A deeply religious man, Ken would rather use a picture of some natural wonder to try and prove the existence of God than to argue technical theology. But whether you agree with him or not about the source of his subjects, there is no denying that he has a unique ability to communicate the beauty of nature with his camera. The book will take you on a tour of Australia, a country roughly the same size as the continental US, yet still unknown to most of us. Moving through the varied landscapes and seascapes of each region, Ken captures moments of beauty that will take your breath away. Waves crashing, sun rays tearing through clouds, familiar landmarks seen in with fresh eyes. This book will bring glimpses of Australia to your home just in time for the Olympic Games in Sydney. If you can find this book, buy it--spend some time with it--and share it with your friends. I had it on my coffee table and it was difficult to have a conversation with anyone once they saw the book. Also, if you're ever in Australia, don't miss one of the Ken Duncan Galleries. There's one in Sydney, one in Melbourne, and another near his home near Terrigal. Ken has just released an even better book entitled, "The Great South Land," which is selling like crazy in Australia.

Ken Duncan is a famous photographer in Australia, with three galleries showing his work exclusively. A deeply religious man, Ken would rather use a picture of some natural wonder to try and prove the existence of God than to argue technical theology. But whether you agree with him or not about the source of his subjects, there is no denying that he has a unique ability to communicate the beauty of nature with his camera. If you can find this book, buy it--spend some time with it--and share it with your friends. I had it on my coffee table and it was difficult to have a conversation with anyone once they saw the book. Also, if you're ever in Australia, don't miss one of the Ken Duncan Galleries. There's one in Sydney, one in Melbourne, and another near his home near Terrigal. Ken has just released an even better book entitled, "The Great South Land," which is selling like crazy in Australia.

Using newly uncovered archival photographs of the bloody battle for Betio Island, Eric Hammel and John Lane put the reader in the middle of the action. From the agonizing wade into the beach, up to the last neutralized pillbox, "Bloody Tarawa" is a fine update of a classic on this legendary campaign.

Thumbing through Hammel and Lane's book one initially suspects that the pictures are the story. Contrary to this first impression, the book is an excellent telling of the battle for Betio Island in the Tarawa Atoll. Augmented by literally hundreds of top quality combat photos the tale flows in a most easily understood fashion. The narrative recreates the action as it occurred on each beachhead and follows it along until a logical point occurs before switching to another beachhead. Progressing along the three initial beachheads the reader follows the action of individual men, squads, and remnants of platoons and companies fighting for a toehold. The confusion that occurred on all the landing zones is told in a most understandable manner. The slaughter caused by the low tide and the reef surrounding the island is well presented.

The maps, placed in front of the book preceding the text, are excellent. The book's weakness lays in its lack of a significant discussion of planning, strategy and the then existing conditions in the Pacific. Tarawa played a key roll in the future invasions of the Marshalls, the Marianas and beyond. This was the first time an amphibious assault was made against a well-defended and contested beachhead. It also marked the turning point for amphibious assaults in that the LVTs (Landing Vehicle Tracked) were used for the first time as troop carriers instead of merely supply vehicles. As Admiral Hill stated, "...this operation was going to be a textbook for future operations." Although mentioned frequently in the text, the index contains no listing for the LVTs. Considering their all-important role, this is puzzling to this reviewer.

Having had a member of my family in the battle it was a outstanding adventure in the Best of Our Nation's Youth and the United States Marine Corps. The graphic pictures matched the historical and well researched commentary. I found that I could not read for long periods of time because of all of what was going on took time to digest and reflect on. You felt that you were crossing the lagoon along with the young Marines and you could almost here the action. There was courage on both sides and the book was fair as to that point. It truly gave a face to the savage nature, relentless, and cruel reality of this Pacific island invasion.

I found myself wondering about the faith and courage that were these young men. To keep their sanity and wits about them was truly remarkable. I also found myself wondering if this could be done again in our time. If the courage and singleness of purpose would be here today? It left me with a large amount of respect for the accomplishment of these men. We owe them our freedom and our sincere thanks.

This Narnia book has a lot of technical information, like how a lot of things are done in movie-making and how many lights were used in the making of the Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. It doesn't have many interviews with the cast, but would be great for an aspiring movie-maker.

A Note from thge Author
As this book has no synopsis I thought I would add one so you know more what it is about.
Ian Brodie, Wanaka, New Zealand

Synopsis
An essential guide to the filming in New Zealand of one of the most hotly anticipated movies of all time. The first of the CS Lewis Chronicles of Narnia to be made into a movie is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and has been filmed and produced in New Zealand by Disney and Walden Media, with Kiwi director Andrew Adamson. Ian Brodie has been on set and on location throughout its production, and has documented the making of the film from behind the cameras, with interviews with the director and key crew members. Using this movie as a specific example, he explains in layman's terms the magical process of turning a much-loved classic of children's literature into a blockbuster movie. Through the latest Computer Generated Imaging techniques, the fabulous creatures of Narnia will astound viewers and this book explains how Aslan and Mr Tumnus were created, and why the centaurs look so real. Dolly grips, gaffers, clapperloaders and best boys are explained, and the process of making a movie documented with over 200 full-colour movie and behind-the-camera images, nearly all of them exclusive to this book.
This will be a valuable teaching tool and a superb record of a much-loved movie, with anecdotes and information to delight in equal measure.

I have enjoyed looking at this book so far, it appears to have a lot of good information for aspiring filmmakers. I would like to point out, though, that the book is quite small! I was very surprised when I opened up my package to find a book the size of a DVD case. The description Amazon gives does say that it is that size (in inches), but I never read that part - and I doubt that a whole lot of other people do either. I expected it to be big like the Illustrated Movie Companion (also a fantastic book!). So, just know ahead of time if you buy this book that it will be kind of small - but still easy to read. I would personally recommend buying it used, because $9.72 is a lot (especially when you might be able to get it for around $3). Enjoy!