Verdigris Deep by Francis Hardinge -

Verdigris Deep by Francis Hardinge is unmissable, its crisp clear text and darkly edged brilliance is somewhat akin to a stained glass window, or the most perfect of summer apples as the wicked juice dribbles down your chin. And then the sweet, sweet core. It's harsh funny, clever, and a rollicking yarn so just ignore the trite, somewhat bland cover. Once I picked it up I only put this book down once!! There's no doubts it's a five star read for 12+

Review by Alicia Ponder

Congratulations to Sophie Brathwaite, winner of the $20 gift voucher for July's plastic bag recycling draw.

Congratulations to Montana Award Winners - Hooray Mary, and of course the winner Charlotte Grimshaw.

We at Rona Gallery would like to congratulate all the winners of the Montana Book awards,

Most especially the overall winner, Charlotte Grimshaw for Opportunity - although Richard would like to say that he hopes the next edition will be published in bigger print!

And of course, Mary McCallum, (who is usually found in Rona Books on a Thursday) won the Society of Authors best first book AND readers' choice award for her novel, The Blue.

Anyway we've been very excited for Mary and we can't wait to see her next novel, which is apparently in the making, but very early days yet. Her blog is http://www.mary-mccallum.blogspot.com/ and it's always packed with news and events and books and excitement.

Congratulations also to the other winners:

Janet Hunt: Montana Medal for non-fiction and the environment category for Wetlands of New Zealand - A Bitter-Sweet Story.
Editors Piripi Walker and Huriana Raven: Short story collection Te Tu a Te Toka: He Ieretanga no nga Tai e Wha won the $5000 inaugural Maori language prize for .

Janet Charman: Poetry, Cold Snack
Judy Siers: Biography, The Life and Times of James Walter Chapman-Taylor.
Hilary and John Mitchell: History, Te Tau Ihu O Te Waka Volume II: Te Ara Hou - The New Society .
Gregory O'Brien: Reference and anthology, A Nest of Singing Birds: 100 years of the New Zealand School Journal

Lifestyle and contemporary culture: Mau Moko: The World of Maori Tattoo by Ngahuia Te Awekotuku with Linda Waimarie Nikora, Mohi Rua and Rolinda Karapu.
Bill Hammond: Illustrative, Jingle Jangle Morning by Jennifer Hay, with Ron Brownson, Chris Knox and Laurence Aberhart, designed by Aaron Beehre.
Jessica Le Bas: Best first book award for poetry, Incognito.
Alan Clarke: Best first book award for non-fiction: The Great Sacred Forest of Tane - Te Wao Tapu Nui a Tane: A Natural Pre-History of Aotearoa New Zealand.

This post is by Alicia Ponder.

BOOK OF THE WEEK: The Pop-Up Book of Invasions

Review by Mary McCallum: It didn't win the Montana NZ Poetry Award today but it's still gorgeous. I got it for my birthday and fell in love with a poem that it fell open to which began 'A book is like an/egg...'

Another firm favourite already is Midden which begins: 'Words are piled deep/ here. Middens of /language, dungheaps/ of song...' Farrell is talking about Ireland, the home of her ancestors.

Her publisher AUP says:
The Book of Invasions - Lebor Gabála Érenn - is a compilation of manuscripts describing the very specific discovery of Ireland ('on the fifteenth, on a Saturday') following the Creation and the Flood. The Pop-Up Book of Invasions is Fiona Farrell's poetic response to a six-month stay in Ireland as inaugural recipient of the Rathcoola Residency for Australians and New Zealanders in County Cork.

'Part travelogue, part family record, part song and myth and history rewritten, this collection revels and laments in equal measure in a landscape deeply inscribed with narrative. The poet also remembers her Irish father now dead who emigrated to the Antipodes and all the many migrations or 'invasions' of the past and the present. A beautifully constructed, thoughtful, topical and original book.'

My mother who has Irish ancestors too read it in an evening and couldn't stop talking about it when I saw her. She loved the poem about Farrell's daughter who had dreadlocks not unlike the matted multi-coloured hair of her ancestors. She especially liked the wonderful notes at the end which fleshed out the poems.

Highly recommended.

And now I'd better go and read Janet Charman's Cold Snack. She was announced today as the winner of the Montana NZ Poetry Award.

But first a tribute to the young poets who came to the Gallery today and wrote some wonderful poems around the theme of the beach. Amelia, Clem, Naomi and Xanthe's poems are on the wall for people to read. Their names sound like a poem on their own!

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Street without a Name

Our book of the week is Kapka Kassabova's wonderful new travel memoir. Born in Bulgaria, Kassabova settled in New Zealand as a teenager, published poetry and two novels, and has moved to Scotland.

In A Street Without a Name she chronicles her family's life on the muddy outskirts of Sofia under Communism in the 1980s, and how she felt returning to her homeland as an adult.

The writing is curious, funny, unflinching, and poignant, capturing the absurdities and idiosyncracies of this hidden country to the north of Greece. Kapka the small girl asked why everything in Bulgaria was so ugly, Kapka the adult tries to understand why that was so.

This book is for anyone who wants to know more about Europe's newest member or who simply wants to spend time with the perfect travelling companion. (Review: Mary McCallum)

Street without a Name. Childhood and other Misadventures in Bulgaria. By Kapka Kassabova (Penguin) $28

RECYCLE @ RONA - JUNE WINNER

Congratulations to Liz Everiss

Winner of the $20 gift voucher for June's plastic bag recycling draw.

Caught on Canvas and Painted days

Caught on Canvas and Painted Days - by Richard Ponder
(The painted days colour - is the more accurate colour for the books)

And today we're offering our readers
the pair for only $50

Caught on Canvas showcases
wellington, the city,
and wraps it
Richard Ponder's artwork.

Painted Days is that book nobody should be without
a calender of occasions,
adress book

and general infromation
birthstones/flowers/anniversaries/
christmas card list
family tree
notes and quotes

RECYCLE @ RONA

Congratulations to Matt Harrison, Winner of a $20 voucher for
this month’s plastic bag
recycling draw.

Stephanie Meyer, Author of the immensely popular "twilight series" has an inimitable style that draws you into the story.

In, "The Host" society has been over-run by aliens who take over human bodies, but Melanie is a fighter, she refuses to just fade away. Her love beomes a central holding point of the story, and the only way she has of keeping her indentity until she finds that she is not the only one trying to fight back.

A highly enjoyable read, and although I did not enjoy this as much as the twilight series, it's still a must read for any Stephanie Meyer Fan.

$32 only, Mon 19- Mon 26 May

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Wendy's Pick

Hunting and Gathering $22.50 this week only, until the 19th of May or while stocks last - you know the usual disclaimer -- although you will be able to order it.

O.K. Yes, it's been made into a movie, but as with nearly all really good books the movie doesn't hold a patch on the book.

Quirky and endearing French novel about three disperate characters, Camille, an artist who is working as a cleaner.

Philbert, an erudite French aristocrat who sells postcards for a living and Franck, an angry chef, who loves his grandmother dearly, but could otherwise be described as womanising and cantankerous.

This is the story of how they come to care for one another as a family and regain their faith in humanity.

book of the week

Of course we're all very excited about Fiona Kidman's coming over on Thursday morning, but I thought it was about time we did something different with this blog, and started instituting a book of the week. And I did wonder about the book I'm currently reading, "An arsonists guide to writer's homes in new england" but decided that was probably in poor taste - however fun and interesting the book has turned out to be, besides I'm at home and I'm not sure how many copies we have left.

So Darwin Road it is,

RRP $34.99 but Just $30 for the day of thurs 8th May-and possibly only if you ask for Alicia. I'm not sure if we're giving that to everybody yet and although this isn't technically a week - the next one will be.

Have fun, people, and if you're reading this before sun 11 May - don't forget that's mother's day, and I know I'm going to be expecting my breakfast in bed. Also I'd appreciate it if anybody out there has an idea for a great book of the week you can leave me a note or just tell me, and I'll try and make sure you get a good price for a whole week.

Cheers,

Alicia Ponder of Rona Gallery

Fiona Kidman - At The End of Darwin Road

We're all very excited Fiona Kidman has agreed to come and visit us on Thursday May the 8th, to talk about her new memoir "At the End of Darwin Road" with Mary McCallum in ...

We're looking forward to seeing you here and sharing a slice of New Zealand literary history with this most distinguished New Zealand writer.

Mary McCallum's "The Blue" book signing Saturday 4 August

Mary McCallum's New Novel - "The Blue" available from 27 July 2007

Lilian lives in an isolated island community at the mouth of Tory Channel trying to make the best of a life that has at its core a secret grief. It is 1938 and for three months of every year the men take to the sea to hunt whales with fast boats and explosive harpoons. This year, the whales aren't the only ones returning - Lilian's troubled son Micky has come home too. In this rugged, unsettled world, things are not always what they seem.

'The Blue creates in glowing detail both a community and a place, and tells a richly atmospheric and suspenseful story. It's a novel of delicacy when it treats the interior life of its characters but it also has absolute confidence when summoning the physical world. This is an involving, rewarding book made with care and skill and gusto.' Damien Wilkins

'The Blue is a fine piece of work which I immensely enjoyed reading. It is imaginatively conceived, cleverly structured and written in an elegant and considered style, often with great beauty in its phrasing and imagery.' Fiona Kidman

This is one book not to be missed by Rona Gallery's own Mary McCallum

Book Signing: Julia Makes Her Move: First Steps Into Leadership

Authors: Viv Beck and Karin Kos
Publisher: Random House

There’s a legion of ambitious twenty-something women entering management positions who will never read a big scary business book but need some pointers on how to cope with their new roles. This unique book is aimed right at their Karen Walker-clad hearts. Styled as a novel, it follows a young woman called Julia who is parachuted into management and learns the hard way how to behave like a team leader.

The book follows Julia as she discovers: how to assert authority over people who were her colleagues; how to run a good meeting; how to write a budget … and what to do when you wake up the morning after office drinkies and think you might have slept with the office sleaze. With break-out boxes focusing on strategies and lessons learned, Julia is a perfectly targeted and innovative approach to teaching basic management skills and is being used by companies such as KPMG.

A must-have for all young career enthusiasts keen to step out towards leadership. Come and join us at this exclusive author signing by Karin Kos at the Rona Gallery, 151 Muritai Road Eastbourne, Lower Hutt. (Date and time to be confirmed).

Rona Gallery Exclusive - Michael Ponder's NEW novel

Don't miss the book launch debut of Michael Ponder and his new thriller The Windsor Conspiracy on sale on 1 March 2007.

Observe the exhilarating ride of Michael Ponder's first new novel The Windsor Conspiracy. Ponder stretches his talents further from his beginnings as a artist turning over a new leaf into the literary world. This magnificient thriller published by Random House is available on sale on 1 March 2007. Don't miss your chance to purchase a copy.

The severed finger of a kidnapped man is mailed to newspaper journalist Joanna Doyle, witha a note claiming the victim is none other than HRH Prince Charles. As she ahs just watched an interview with him live on television, Joanne refuses to take the note seriously. Why then the interest of the Secret Service? Why do they demand she relinguish the finger and note to them? Why only hours later is she brutally murdered?

Security expert Simon Dwyer is hired to uncovert he truth in this fast-pced thriller full of intrigue and suspense.From the vastness and hostility of the Australian Outback, to a Medieval Castle protected by 1000 feet of sheer rock, every page brings another twist.

Rona Gallery December Special - Painted Days

Author: Richard Ponder
Hardback

This book is a timeless must-have record of every event, address, and visitors book. The pages are full of Richard Ponder's beautiful paintings and spaces to record every memory. This book makes a fabulous Christmas gift for every person.

December only, this book is available for just $25.00 (RRP $39.95) plus free shipping around New Zealand.
Don't miss out on your chance to own this book!

Rona Gallery December Special - Caught On Canvas

Author: Richard Ponder
Hardback
Non-Fiction

This book features fantastic images of the landscapes and scenery around Wellington. This is complete with inspirational quotes and stories from Richard's perspective. A unique companion for every coffee table.

Available in December for $25.00 (RRP $39.95)

with free shipping around New Zealand. Don't miss this fantastic special only in December!

Featured Book - Easy French

Author: Katie Dynes and Nicole Irving
Children's Non-Fiction aged 9+
Paperback
Usborne

A wonderful quick guide to French from the Usborne series. This book offers an illustrated language guide and there are helpful tips to make learning easy. In addition there are Web sites recommended to try out a selection of free, downloadable French picture puzzles.

A must have guide to French.

Sally's Recommended Book - When Santa Fell to Earth

Author: Cornelia Funke
Children's Fiction aged 8+
Hardback


From the best selling author of Dragon Rider this is the story behind how Santa arrived to Earth via a mischievous reindeer Twinklestar leaving his Christmas caravan to fall from the sky! But this is not all of Saint Nicholas's troubles. There's still a group of bad Santas trying to steal Christmas!

A delightful holiday reading book, perfect for Christmas.

Elspeth's Recommended Book - e'cco

Author: Philip Johnson
Non Fiction
Paperback


Join Philip Johnson's journey into the heart of Australian Bistro with exquisite and delightful recipes. This book is currently on sale at $20! Be quick, stocks are limited , do not miss your chance to own a copy, on your way to become a fabulous chef.

Amy's Recommended Book - Small Holes In The Silence

Author: Patricia Grace
Fiction Short Stories
Publisher: Penguin

This is a fantastic collection of short stories by New Zealand author Patricia Grace. Featuring 21 short stories, a common thread of Grace's writing is the showing of empathy with her characters, through the worlds they inhabit are often stark. A recommended read.

James's Recommended Book - A Journey Through New Zealand Film

Author: Ian Brodie
Non-Fiction

A fantastic outlook of New Zealand in the film world today. It becomes inevitable that New Zealand is was an ideal location for many fantastic films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Featuring other locations from many New Zealand films including the latest The World's Fastest Indian and the classic Goodbye Pork Pie this book is a must for every New Zealand location- movie fan, with stunning photography of beautiful NZ.

Richard's Recommended Book - Scouts in Bondage

Compiler: Michael Bell
Non-Fiction
Hardback, Humour

This is a collection of somewhat curious book covers at a time when Michael Bell owned a antiquarian bookshop. His selection is simple - those that raised a grin or a gufffaw from his customers. A humourous collection of book titles - they actually existed!

Wendy's Recommended Book - The Book Of Everything

Author: Guus Kuijer
Translated by: John Nieuwenhuizen
Fiction

This delightful book tells the story about a family, and one particular boy, Thomas who sees amazing things that no one else can see. He writes what he sees in the Book of Everything including his wish: To be happy.

Hanna's Recommended Book - The Midwife's Apprentice

Author: Karen Cushman
Children's Fiction (8+ years)

Winner of the Newbery Medal this book tells the story of a homeless orphan alone in a world where everyone and everything is her enemy. One day, she stumbles upon Jane, a midwife and she needs a helper. A funny and inspiring tale set in Fourteenth Century England.

Alicia's Recommended Book - A Storm Of Swords - 1: Steel and Snow

Author: George R.R. Martin
Adult Fantasy

Book Three. Part one of A Song of Ice and Fire Martin captures all the intoxicating complexities of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world. This is wonderfully detailed fantasy literature.

Rhyna's Recommended book: The Unseen University Cut-Out Book

Author: Terry Pratchett, Alan Batley & Bernard Pearson
Fiction
Craft and Creativity

Take yourself back to Terry Pratchett's Discworld series and Bernard Pearson's illustrations and build your very own Unseen University, at the center of Discworld's city of Ankh-Morpork.

Keep yourself and children of all ages entertained with scissors, glue and lots and lots of patience!

Rona's Recommended Book - The World Of Wearable Art

Photos by Craig Potton
Non Fiction
Hardback

Based on a collection of photographs from the fabulous and sometimes outrageous outfits designed by creative fashion designers all around the globe. This book is a wonderful memorabilia from Wellington's famous World of Wearable Art Awards show.

Joanna's Recommended Book - Stitch

Author: Ann Packer
Non-Fiction

This fabulous book by Ann Packer featuring New Zealand's top Textile Artists. Stunning presentation. A must-have for all textile admirers.

Joanna's Recommended Book - The Sound of Butterflies

Author: Rachael King
Adult Fiction

This is a fabulous book written by Rachael King, daughter of famous New Zealand author Michael King. The story is set in 1904, in the days of Thomas Edgar arriving home from his expeditions from the Amazon. His journeys somehow result his inability to speak. His wife, Sophie takes drastic measures to discover what happened to her husband. As she scavenges through his collection of diaries and boxes of exquisite butterflies, she finds out more about herself and her husband.

Joanna's Recommended Book - A Series Of Unfortunate Events - The End

Author: Lemony Snicket
Young Adult Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins

The 13th and final book (finally!) of Lemony Snicket's wicked series. This is the beginning of the end, not that THE END finishes everyone.

Joanna's Recommended Book - The Outlaw of Varjak Paw

Author: SF Said
Illustrator: Dave McKean
Children's Fiction

A great hit with the young readers aged 9-12. The Outlaw of Varjak Paw follows on just as popular. Sally Bones the white cat leads an amazing cat gang, who knows the Seven Skills. She knows more than Varjak does - watch out Varjak!

New Exhibition - Annie Hayward "Under Lock and Key"

Opening at the Rona Gallery, 151 Muritai Road, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt New Zealand on the 13 October 2006, at 7pm.

Come and experience the exquisite and reflective view and the world that is of Annie Hayward. See her humourous and the lighter side of life illustrated beautifully in this exhibition!

Inspiration for my paintings starts as little seeds of thought, derived form my own experiences and from observations of life, things my friends say or do and animals I love. The little 'seeds' then begin to reveal themselves to me, like minute stories or scenes in a play, hence the title for this exhibition.

So I invite you, to enter through the portal of my imagination and into my world of the figurative landscape where I endeavour to conjure up artworks that reflect magic, romance and a good dose of humour - all the positive emotions we need in life.. so let the show begin and never end!"
A sample of her paintings are no longer online, under Paintings and Annie Hayward.

I hope to see you at this fabulous exhibition.

Our new website is www.ronagallery.co.nz

Spring Exhibition 2006

New exhibition Opening Saturday 2 September at 11:00am, through to 17 September.

Our new premises has lured two new artists to this Spring Exhibition. The ceramic specialist, Brian Gartside and Laurel Harris, known for her flair in textiles.

As well as these fantastic new artists, this exhibition includes the ever-popular old favourites:

Lance O'Gorman, Neo-Impressionist - See his exciting new style of art, unveiled exclusively at this exhibition.

John Henry Holmes, Realist - A public favourite

Paul Tait, Surrealist - Along with his stunning new pieces, this exhibition includes work he vowed he'd never sell now revealed for the first time from his personal collection.

And of course, last not least Richard Ponder with this experimental variety of subjects including nature, city-scapes and abstracts.

Don't miss our latest offering of fabulous art through and throughout with a wide selection of books and gifts. This is a true fantastic opportunity to re-visit the world of art and Richard Ponder.

Exhibition: A New Abode and comments from the Ponder family

Thanks to everybody who came to the opening of RONA, we've had some
fantastic feedback, not only for the opening but at the way the building looks
and also the events over the weekend.

Maggie Barry opened the bookshop aspect, as chair of the New Zealand Book
Council, and we wish her all the best with her new role. She was absolutely
lovely and but did mention some disappointment as to not being able to cut the
ribbon with her gardening shears.

Opening the art exhibition and the art portion of the shop was Sir Frank
Holmes. A friend to the gallery over many years, he was utterly charming and we
were privedged to have both him and Maggie Barry on the night.

I would also like to thank those people who came and gave talks and
demonstrations over the weekend, and our staff who were already exhausted
helping with activities like making mini books and setting up other activities
and even games.

Fleur Beale, local children's author and much adored by many of the local
children.

Mary McCallum, book reviewer for "nine to noon" and "good morning" for her "hot
picks for 2006" panel, a discussion forum of people's favourite books for 2006 -
please forgive me if I've forgotten a couple of name of people who were on the
panel, I'll try to find out - Quentin Johnson - "nine to noon" book reviewer and
Film critic & Maggie Rainey-Smith - author.
At the end of the discussion there was some talk about restarting
the "wednesday club," a fantastic idea and something we will have to look into.

-->
Mike Ponder, Iconic artist of "Drizabone" fame his iconic pictures have almost
become a part of the nz landscape, talked about his art, but I'm afraid I
missed that one so I'm not sure if it also included his writing or his winery.

I would also like to thank Peter Friend, prolific children's and science
fiction author (most prestigously published in Assmovs but also much published
in the school journal as well as Barbara Else's anthologies) talking about
writing for children. He made some very good points, and I was most
enlightened.

Also a thankyou to our artists Jack Register and Paul Tait, Jack for his
demonstration of watercolour technique (and I think you've got the picture so
you can make a comment on it) And Paul for, (I believe the speech was something
about his inspiration just name it becaue I didn't see it either)

And of course a thankyou to everybody who helped and everybody who came and
made it such and enjoyable ane enlightening event, I know I learnt lots and
really enjoyed myself over the two days.

RONA looks stunning, despite the fact that we only had six weeks to get things
running. There are still a few glitches but with such a big project, some
things do take longer to pull together than others so we appreciate your
patience.

We hope to see you in store soon
If you can't make it why not see all the fantastic New Zealand art and books at www.ronagallery.co.nz

Richard, Joanna, James and Alicia Ponder

The Opening Day 17June 2006 at 151 Muritai Road

Welcome to the new Rona Gallery!

Combining Fine Arts and Gallery together, check out our new swanky and sophisticated premises at 151 Muritai Road. (Just across the road from the old Gallery building).

Here are a few photos to show the fantastic opening exhibition with guests Maggie Barry and Sir Frank Holmes.

Featured Book - Forgotten Voices Of the Second World War

Adult Non-Fiction
Author: Max Arthur

A new history of World War Two in the words of the men and women who were there. A very compelling book. Follows the publication of the remarkable Forgotten Voices of the Great War.

Featured Book - The Serpents of Arakesh

Young Adult Fiction
Author: V.M. Jones

"A bad report is the least of Adam's problems. Abandoned on a doorstep twelve years ago, he has no idea who - or where - his parents are, no friends, nothing he's good at, and nowhere he really belongs.

When Adam stumbles across an entry form for a competition, his luck starts to change. It's a prize he'd give anything to win - the chance to work with software genius Quentin Quested, test-driving a top-secret breakthrough in computer game technology.

Adam enters a world he never dreamed existed. And when Quentin Quested reveals why Adam and his four companions are really there, the boundaries between fantasy and reality begin to break down.

Together, they embark on a quest to the parallel world of Karazan, where the Serpents of Arakesh stand guard over the most precious prize of all..."

The first book on the exciting and thrilling series The Karazan Quartet.

Featured Book - Buddy

Young Adult Fiction
Author: V.M. Jones

"Josh Cranford loves running, soccer, cricket - anything, as long as it's sport. Most of all, he loves to win. Just as one person stands in his way: super-jock Shane Hunter. They clash head to head in everything, and Shane always comes out best... especially where girls are concerned. Makes it feel that way, anyhow.

Then along comes an off-the-wall new teahcer and a wicked new challenge: the Energex Iron Kid Triathlon. The perfect chance to take Shane on and come out on top. Except Josh can't swim. Never has - and vowed he never would. If he's going to enter the triathlon, he'll have to overcome his fear of water..."

A fantastic first novel by V.M. Jones.

Featured Book - On Golf

Adult Fiction
Author: Timothy O'Grady

"Weather, hazards, poor co-ordination, erratic biorhythms, hangovers and an unruly mind and statistical improbability - these are just a few of the obstacles hitting a pure golf shot. On Golf is structured around a personal history - how the game dominated O'Grady's teenage years, the glorious occasion when he got to play a round with Arnold Palmer - and above all the bond, which, through golf, O'Grady shared with his father."

Featured Book - Going Postal

Young Adult Fiction
Author: Terry Pratchett

"Moist von Lipwig is a con artist and a fraud and a man faced with a life choice: be hanged or put Ankh-Morpork's ailing postal service back on its feet.

It's a tough decision.

But he's got to see that the mail gets through, come rain, hail, sleet, dogs, the Post Office Worker's Friendly and Benevolent Society, the evil chairman of the Grand Trunk Semaphore Company, and a midnight killer..."

Another fantastic novel under the Discworld Series not to miss.

Featured Book - The Colour Of Magic

Young Adult
Author: Terry Pratchett

"Somewhere on the frontier between thought and reality exists the Discworld, a parallel time and place which might sound and smell very much like our own, but looks completely different. It plays by different rules. Certainly it refuses to succumb to the quaint notion that universes are ruled by pure logic and the harmony of numbers.

But just because the Disc is different doesn't mean that somethings don't stay the same. Its very existence is about to be threatened by a strange new blight: the arrival of the first tourist, upon whose survival rests the peace and prosperity of the land..."

A commerative 21st anniversary Edition of the first of the ever popular Discworld series, created by one of the funniest English authors alive.

Featured Book - Skinny Dip

Adult Fiction
Author: Carl Hiaasen

"Joey Perrone is a woman with a mission. She's just been pushed overboard from a cruise liner by Chaz, her scumbag husband, and is survived to tell the tale. But rather and reporting her husband to the police, she decides to stay dead and - with a little help from her friends and a few of Chaz's enemies - instead of getting mad, get even."

A hilarious, romantic and thought-provoking novel.

Featured Book - A Corner of A Foreign Field

Non-Fiction Adults
Author: Ramachandra Guha

Nineteenth Century England gave the world the railroad, electricity and the theory of evolution, but also football, rugby and hockey. The major team sports were all invented in one island, as were the popular racket games of badminton, table tennis and tennis...Cricket is a game played with finesse and skill and lacks the element of physical contact and occasional brutality. Guha argues that as a national sport Indian cricket has no parallel in the world...original, highly entertaining work.

Featured Book - The Golem's Eye

Young Adult Fiction
Author: Jonathan Stroud

The young magician Nathaniel is fast rising through the government ranks. His most urgent task is to put an end to the mysterious Resistance, but Kitty and her friends continue to elude him. As the pressure mounts, London is suddenly threatened by a new series of terrifying attacks. Is the Resistance - or something more dangerous? Nathaniel is forced to embark on a dangerous misson to the enemy cit of Prague, and to summon once again, the troublesome, enigmatic and quick-witted djinni, Bartimaeus.

Thrilling sequel to The Amulet of Sarmarkand

Featured Book - The Last Resort

Junior Fiction - Picture Book
Authors: Roberto Innocenti, J. Patrick Lewis

"On an afternoon like any other, an artist's imagination abruptly disappears - and never returns. His quest to recover it leads him to The Last Resort, a remote seaside hotel visited by some of the most remarkable guests. As he searches for his lost "inward eye" in this serene and mysterious place, he soon finds that he is not only one looking for something. With rich and enchanting illustrations by Roberto Innocenti and a captivating story by J. Patrick Lewis, the Last Resort is both a celebration of literature and a homage to the power of imagination"