Turn the page on a winter's gloom

WINTER READING: A copy of Grey, by EL James, the author of Fifty Shades of Grey (right).

Sue Reid, Paper Plus, Masterton

Mrs Reid says the "new craze" is Adult Colouring-in Books, which are in strong demand.

Her store stocks a range of books, as well as fine pencils and felts for intricate work.

"People are finding colouring books have a calming effect," she said.

She said the store was originally ordering them in batches of three, now it's batches of 50.

"We can't keep up," she said.

The books were originally useful with adults with mental health difficulties, and also popular with crafters and artists.

"Now people from all walks of life are embracing the trend."

Steve Trotman, Hedley's Bookstore

It's not Mr Trotman's personal choice, but the follow-up to Fifty Shades of Grey, simply called Grey, has just come available in the store, by the same author, E L James.

"It's told through the eyes of the male, Christian," he said.

"The author was asked, what about the male point of view - she kept getting emails about it.

"It's not my choice, but it's what I think people might like."

He said his winter reading is Renoir My Father, by Jean Renoir.

Alastair Scott, Wairarapa MP

Mr Scott's choices reflect a working MP, with 273 pages of Health and Safety Reform Bill to work through.

"That's my winter reading, I'm picking my way through the bits I'm interested in - things related to volunteers and farmers."

For a lighter read in winter, Mr Scott said he checks out the Wall St Journal and Spectator magazine.

Colin Olds, South Wairarapa District Councillor

Mr Olds is missing his boats, which is why books on boat sales are a popular read in the wintertime.

"I can dream about all the luxury launches I can buy," he said.

Mr Olds was a keen boatie, taking his launch from Seaview in Wellington to the Marlborough Sounds if time and tides were favourable.

But he's been without a boat for three years.

A motel owner in Featherston, he said that keeps him occupied seven days a week.

Bob Francis, former Masterton mayor

Men want to be him, women want to be with him. That's the catchphrase for the eponymous hero of the Lee Childs' books, Jack Reacher - a favourite with Bob Francis.

"I'm a Lee Childs fan, I've got all 17 books, I've read all of them."

Mr Francis is also a fan of autobiographies, and is reading one on Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United football manager.

"He's a great man, a character, and a high achiever. He's got a very interesting management style."