There’s a saying about having eyes that are bigger than your stomach. We're definitely not the only ones who are like this about books, but with these stacks, we reckon we're well and truly nailing it. How many summer books can we actually consume? Time will tell.

Stacey, Coalition Manager:

Having been in the midst of a months-long slump, I am so excited to get back into books thanks to Holiday Reading Mode. My #RaumatiReadingStack features some of the year's superstars…

I'm about half-way through Mike McRoberts' gorgeous SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE TE KŌRERO I TŌKU REO in audio (as you might guess, Mike is a wonderful narrator). Having seen him at Queenstown Writers Festival in November, I knew Mike’s book would comfort my own feelings of disconnection from South Sea Island heritage I’m deeply proud of. Not only does Mike speak lovingly about the painful aspects of being separated from your culture and what it takes to reclaim it for yourself and for your whānau, along the way his book imparts mātauranga, tikanga and kaitiakitanga for all of us to share in. In short: a balm, and a call. It’s wonderful. Read it.

Next on my audio list is Ruth Shaw's THREE WEE BOOKSHOPS AT THE END OF THE WORLD. Listening to Nicolette McKenzie's narration of Ruth's first book kept me company through a particularly arduous week in July, and I cannot wait to return to Manapouri for more adventures with Ruth this summer.

For my romantasy fix, I'm looking forward to THE SHADOW WEAVER, the first in a new duology by Ivy Cliffwater. For one, the cover is absolutely stunning, and for two, this week Ivy announced pre-orders for the final instalment, The Storm Weaver -- so I reckon I've got the timing on this read nailed!

I was given a gorgeous copy of Hira Nathan's MĀORI ORA earlier this week, which I plan to work through gently and with purpose as we go into a new year. With such gorgeous illustrations inside along with Hira's daily guidance, I think this journal will be a beautiful way to move through 2026. And I simply can't go past the new Josie Shapiro!

Erica, Kete Editor:

For fiction, I’ve got two here I’m excited to dive into. First up is Elizabeth Easther’s debut novel, SEED. Due out in Feb, the advance copy is very pink, indicating fun in amongst the serious with ‘the mother of all situations’. Emphasis on the mother, as it’s about pregnancy and conception. And the second is ALL HER LIVES, by Ingrid Horrocks, which I’ve been keeping to savour: I love a good short story, and intimate portraits of women’s lives speak to me.

Three poetry books are screeching from my shelves: hana pera aoake’s SOME HELPFUL MODELS OF GRIEF (Compound Press), which promises pithy and intelligent poems accompanied by colour illustrations. TE PŪRERE: THE EXODUS (Cold Hub Press), an anthology of expatriate New Zealand poets, has a wonderful cover and many of my favourite poets from Aotearoa included in its pages. Lastly on the poetry pile is POTLUCK, poems about food from the wonderful Landing Press. I know I’ll be in safe hands here: thoughtful curation, new poets to discover and established wonders to catch up with.

I’ve actually read the two kids’ books on my pile, but I’ll be able to share them with smaller people over the holiday break. MOTHER OF THE NATION, by David Hill, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse, is about the inspiration that is Whina Cooper. A thrill to be able to introduce her to kids in such a beautiful package. And I also have PIPI AND POU AND THE HAUNTED FOREST, by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Isobel Te Aho-White (One Tree House). This series brings environmental concerns to kids within a story of family and adventure, laced with fun and humour.

Sally Wenley’s forthcoming memoir, THE CRASH, is the first in my non-fiction set. Due out from Massey University Press in April, it’s the story of the author’s life post a life-altering bus crash, and the impacts and joys that followed. A HIDDEN WORLD by Paula Vigus (Potton and Burton) is an stunningly illustrated investigation into New Zealand fungi. I’ll pore over the beautiful images when I need a moment of peace amongst holiday celebrations! And last of all–THE FLORAL DREAM by Olivia McCord (Potton and Burton). I grew up surrounded by cut flowers so I’ll relish this one. I opened it at the page for Bells of Ireland and was flooded with memories of picking (what seemed) thousands of leaves off thousands of stems ready for market.

Meri Kirihimete, enjoy your summer books, and we’ll be back with loads more in 2026!