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Jamie's Dinners, Jamie Oliver

Michael Joseph
Reviewed by John Whelan (Courtesy of Taranaki Daily News)

In this his fifth book, Jamie Oliver focuses on family meals. Hence we are treated to lots of photos of him with his wife and kids eating food, but more importantly a recipe book you can actually use.

Full review here

John Tamihere: Black and White

Reed
Reviewed by Chris Hick (Courtesy of Taranaki Daily News)

I read this book several weeks ago and made a few notes about how to start my review of it. The review, however, kept getting delayed and delayed due to other interesting reads. So, with the sudden and massive media interest in Mr Tamihere's financial dealings I thought it an opportune time to submit a review of his new book, John Tamihere Black and White.

I will begin it with my opening sentence, which was written well before the current furore: This book seems to be a political manifesto on which John Tamihere will advance his career to its undoubted, lofty success. He is clearly a man of his own mind with the strength of character and sense of destiny to attain the high office from whence he can administer his ideas. Oops! Isn't a week a long time in politics?

Full review here

Jungle Drums, Graeme Base

Penguin
Reviewed by Lisa Hoult (Courtesy of Taranaki Daily News)

The best thing about having children is I have a great excuse for buying their books and going to their movies – all under the pretext of "being a good parent".

Most children's books these days are of an admirably high calibre, which makes them all the more enjoyable, and this magnificently illustrated book is no exception.

Full review here

Just a Boy, Richard McCann

Ebury Press
Reviewed by Lindsay Wright (Courtesy of Taranaki Daily News)

Some people live desolate lives. Richard McCann's 28-year-old mother, Wilma McCann, was the Yorkshire Ripper's fifth victim.

Just a Boy begins in 1975 with the author and his two sisters huddled together in their cold council flat in England – then venturing out in the morning snow to find their mother, who hadn't returned from a night on the town. From that moment on, their lives were destroyed.

Full review here

Just an Opinion, Murray Deaker

HarperCollins
Reviewed by Glenn McLean (Courtesy of Taranaki Daily News)

Broadcaster Murray Deaker's book is as loud and forthright as the man himself. Love him or loathe him, Deaker is never one to back down from an argument or soften his stance on any issue, sporting or otherwise.

Two topics close to the larynx of the self-appointed expert of all things sport dominate the pages of Deaker – All Black rugby and America's Cup yachting.

Full review here