The default opening for any review of a Neal Stephenson novel is the "cult author, but not really" explanation. Here's how it goes.

Many of us go through the daily grind, but sometimes, even those ordinary moments add up to an extraordinary and life-changing day - that's the premise of December's feature book, Animal People.

The epic scale of a tragic story numbs and grips Nicky Pellegrino.

Jane-ites may quail at first, but should enjoy this, says Nicky Pellegrino.

The producer of 7 Days shares his insight on what it's like to be a bookworm.

When you are Stephen King, you get to use numerical date codes as titles. Because who’s going to stop you?

Parents wishing to change the attitude of their science-averse teenage boys could do worse than to drop into their Christmas stocking this account of Tim Flannery’s adventures as a young zoologist.

William Bligh, he of the mutiny on the Bounty, was arguably the most complex, interesting and observant of the European explorers in the South Pacific.

Gritty and funny - Jenny Wingfield's debut novel charms Nicky Pellegrino.

If you get past the crushingly obvious title, subtitle and cheap looking cover, you'll find a collection of provocative, insightful essays.

Alex Miller was watching the squirrels from a bench in London's Holland Park when he first heard the opening words to his latest novel.

Some of New Zealand’s leading fiction writers have been trawling the history books for inspiration lately.

Tapestry of dark and light are skilfully woven, writes Nicky Pellegrino.