Auckland Council Libraries: Alison's fiction picks

Alison's fiction picks

Looking for a summer reading inspiration? Our librarian Alison has selected a few of her favourites for the first reading challenge: Read a book - your pick! There is something here for everyone: from historical to post-modern, from light-hearted to serious.

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The underground railroad

Colson Whitehead

Book

Cora is a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia, and life is hellish. A new arrival called Caesar tells her about the Underground Railroad, a secret network designed to help slaves flee to the north. Together they embark on a harrowing journey.

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The travelling cat chronicles

Hiro Arikawa

Book

Nana the cat is on a road trip with his beloved owner Satoru. Side by side they cruise around Japan through the changing seasons, visiting old friends. What is the purpose of this journey, and why is everyone so interested in Nana?

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Kismet

Luke Tredget

Book

A compelling and humorous tale of love in the age of Big Data. Is it better to settle for a secure and predictable existence or risk everything for a life of passion and adventure?

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Our homesick songs

Emma Hooper

Book

Newfoundland, Canada, 1992. The fishing industry has collapsed and people are walking away from their coastal villages in search of work. A young brother and sister go to great lengths to bring their parents home and reunite their community.

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Only killers and thieves

Paul Howarth

Book

A lengthy drought in the Australian Outback of 1880 spells disaster for the entire community. A brutal murder and subsequent manhunt takes place against the backdrop of a shameful era in Australia’s racial history.

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The flight attendant

Chris Bohjalian

Book

A hard-partying flight attendant comes into conflict with organised criminals after a night of binge drinking. Consumed by guilt and regret, she tries to take control of her life and escape an assassin – all at the same time!

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The plotters

Ŏn-su Kim

Book

A hired assassin who lives in a library and loves cats falls foul of the Seoul underworld. A witty, noir thriller that unfolds at a riotous pace.

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The quiet spectacular

Laurence Fearnley

Book

A librarian embarks on a series of physical quests and meets two creative souls who are on a mission to achieve something spectacular. Friendship, laughter and ‘woman vs. wild’ antics follow.

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The only story

Julian Barnes

Book

A man looks back at his early life and recalls his first love. At nineteen, an affair with an older woman defines his life – in both good and bad ways.

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Pink Mountain on Locust Island

Jamie Marina Lau

Book

A 21st century hyperreal pop culture novel that will turn everything you know on its head. The Bossa Nova has never sounded so good.

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Auckland Council Libraries:Book list Recommended reading lists about different topics and genres to help you find new books to read.