A famous New Zealand book prize organisation has been pondering its existence. It asked a lot of readers what they thought of New Zealand books.
Nobody could think of any, let alone any they liked. This book prize organisation, not to be thwarted, suggested some New Zealand titles to the erstwhile interviewees, who after reflection said one or two "weren't bad ... but were universally dark, pessimistic and unfashionable".
This book prize organisation has been selecting and promoting what it thinks are the very best Kiwi books for as long as I can recall.
Unfortunately nobody likes (or even remembers) the books they choose. Maybe they should resign and get some proper judges, judges who can tap into what people actually want to read, rather continue to promote the same pathetic plagiaristic drivel that passes for literature.
The judges, for example, you'd have to have a current All Black, a disabled athlete too, a former soldier, maybe, and an ex-con.
There'd be a dairy farmer or two, of either sex, perhaps, and somebody from the essential services, like a St John volly or a caregiver.
You'd also want an aid worker posted in Somalia or Afghanistan - they'd be good for balance.
Where would they find time to read, you ask? That's the point, ducky - it's got to be good enough to command the interest of normal people.
GJ PHILIP
Rotorua
