Thank you. When I began writing The Luminaries, I was very much in the thrall of Lewis Hyde's wonderful book, The Gift, as I still am.

New Zealander Eleanor Catton has won the prestigious Man Booker Prize this morning. At 28, she becomes the youngest author to ever win the award.

At 9.45 this morning New Zealand writer Eleanor Catton could win the 50,000 Man Booker Prize for her epic historical novel The Luminaries.

There's a lot about New Zealand that makes it a pretty dreadful place to ride a bike.

She might not be the bookies' favourite, but New Zealand author Eleanor Catton has been singled out as one of the likely winners of this year's Man Booker Prize.

From rubbing watercress on the gums to stuffing bread into the ear, there is a cure for virtually any ailment.

This Mr Darcy fan says Helen Fielding's latest offering is annoying and fails to offer any depth or relevance.

A major British retailer has shut down its website after finding hardcore pornographic ebooks being sold through the company's online store.

Bill Bryson tells Stephen Jewell he is drawn to American subjects in his writing.

She was born in Canada just 28 years ago. She wrote her first novel - a three-page job - at the age of 5.

Brain expert Jenni Ogden was one of handful of specialists granted access to the most studied patient in medical history.

"Toe-curling, clunking disappointment": New Bridget Jones reviews are in, and they're not good.

Simon Schama's beginning is Egypt. But it is not the beginning of patriarchs and prophets.

Sales of ebooks in New Zealand have exploded in the past six months, industry experts say, but the future of Kiwi books may lie with small, independent publishers.

Tom Clancy, whose high-tech, Cold War thrillers such as 'The Hunt for Red October' made him the most widely read military novelist of his time, has died.

Sharon Osbourne hurled a hot cup of coffee at husband Ozzy, pulled his hair and demanded a divorce after discovering his recent drink and drugs relapse.

Spoiler alert for Bridget Jones fans and tissues at the ready...

Muskan Devta admits she sometimes talks too much. She also writes a lot and can often be found hunkered down with a good book at the library.

Bring me all the Stephen King novels in the land. Yes, all of them. I know, I know. I'll build a new bookcase. I'll buy a bigger house.

Norwegian crime writer Jo Nesbo talks to Jake Kerridge about his latest Harry Hole novel and his fascination with what makes ordinary people do evil things.

NoViolet Bulawayo was born in Zimbabwe, a year after the country gained independence from British rule.

From the author of Eat, Pray, Love comes a remarkable new novel - a total deviation from Elizabeth Gilbert's 2006 bestseller, although just as likely to become a chart-topper.

No sooner does Jamie Oliver's latest cookbook hit the shops, than the Naked Chef goes and says something which whips up a frenzy.

Wizards and witches, vampires and the tale of a one-eyed donkey are what Kiwi children love to read about.