When American Brianna Karp was kicked out of home and lost her job she became that most stigmatised of people - a homeless woman.

Top publishers share their tips for holiday reading with Nicky Pellegrino.

Another new year, another bunch of resolutions. Kilos to lose, bad habits to cut back, exercise regimes to start and maintain, or even some audacious personal or creative goals, like running a marathon, or writing and publishing a first novel.

In a four-part series, experts take a look at the toxic surprises that could be lurking in the backyard, beach or bush - or even the bathroom - this summer. We start with a look at the beach.

Looking for something absorbing to read over New Year? You’ve come to the right blog.

Does it exist, what is its raison d'être - and do the answers lie in the stars?

It's said that you are as sick as your secrets.

Jeff Kinney, American creator of the phenomenally successful series Diary of a Wimpy Kid, talks to Lisa O’Kelly about how he juggles his life and hobby

The boldest travel writing crosses every frontier of genre as well as place.

The turbulence of the title keys us into the parts weather and water play, but that turbulence also works on a metaphorical level.

Nicky Pellegrino checks out a pithy perspective on self-improvement.

An offbeat thriller with dementia as a theme absorbs Nicky Pellegrino.

Characters in good books have a way of lingering long after the final page is closed. For author Charlotte Wood it was, Stephen, from previous novel, The Children, who worried her so much she wanted to see him progress through the next stage of his life.

Max Cryer's books are published worldwide. His latest is Preposterous Proverbs (Exisle).

With Christmas almost here, Canvas book reviewers take the hassle out of gift-shopping with ideas for all ages and tastes.

New Zealand's own favourite food writer dishes the dirt on what it's like to be a bookworm.

The characters, once they finally arrive, are great, writes Nicky Pellegrino.