Librarian Picks for September 2022

Published on 01 September 2022

Ever wondered what the staff at the Ōamaru Library are reading? Well here's your chance!  Check out our list below for all the goodies the staff are reading and their reviews for September 2022. 

Debbie's pick:

The Premonitions Bureau: a true story by Sam Knight (Adult Non-Fiction).

With its genesis in the Aberfan colliery tip disaster which swallowed up a school and part of the village, The Premonitions Bureau went on to explore and gather evidence on two fronts: 1) Can people be literally frightened to death? And 2) can disasters be predicted?  The ensuing true story aims to reach a conclusion (based on firm facts and corroborating evidence) to answer each of these questions.  The answers will surprise you and definitely change your world view.

Lisa's pick:

Tikanga by Keri Opai (Adult Non-Fiction). 

 This book came out at the end of last year and it is a gem of a book.  Unpacking many aspects of tikanga Māori and the ‘whys’ behind cultural practices giving a comprehensive insight into te ao Māori (the Māori world view).  The author was raised by his kaumātua so he grew up speaking te reo and authentically practicing tikanga Māori.  The writing is very digestible with many of the author’s personal anecdotes used to convey message.  The author makes clear the examples of disrespect, undermining and devaluing demonstrated towards tāngata whenua in the past and present, but the beauty of the book is the way in which it supports the reader in the ways that they can begin to address these imbalances in their own lives and practices.

Lynley's pick:

October, October by Katya Balen (Children's Fiction)

October is an eleven-year-old girl for whom life is just one big and wonderful nature experience. She lives with her father in the bush learning a great deal about nature and living in it and with it from him.  She befriends and rescues a young owl. Then, through circumstances beyond her control, she suddenly finds herself having to move to the city (London) and having to live with her estranged mother. It's an intriguing story and written beautifully!

Kerrie's pick:

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah (Young Adult Fiction)

A beautifully crafted adventure which left me excited for the next installment

Susanna's pick:

White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi (Adult Fiction) 

White is for Witching is a strange and beautiful novel. The prose is lyrical, the narrative fractured, and it is both innocent and haunting in its tale. The Silver family Is grieving the lost of Lily, the mother of two twins, one of whom is struggling in their relationship with the sentient house she inhabits.

Terrifying, intelligent, and richly gothic, I have not been captured by a book like this for quite some time!