I suppose expecting a writer to match the impact of The Reader, Bernhard Schlink's extraordinary novel of a few years ago, is asking too much of him.

Kiwi stand-up comedy series A Night At The Classic is appointment viewing, says Deborah Hill Cone.

Lloyd Jones' new novel will unavoidably face the towering legacy of Mister Pip: international acclaim, a Man Booker short-list placing, awards, local admiration, sales and a degree of controversy.

If reading is a pleasure and a refuge in this day and age, imagine what a joy it must have been to snatch a few hours alone with a good book for pioneering New Zealanders.

The Modfather overcomes issues with his guitar tech and sound mix to become something worth the wait.

Graham Reid tunes in to the young Bob Dylan before fame, acclaim and the madness hit.

Rating: 3/5

Rating: 4/5

Rating: 4/5

For those readers who do not regularly encounter the New Yorker, Guardian, Financial Times, and others it may come as a surprise to find historian Simon Schama finds time away from writing best-selling books.

When Frank Sargeson was 78 years old, not long before he died, I interviewed him for a half-hour television documentary.

At the age of 76, Leonard Cohen, the dark poet is a warm, gracious, comfortable performer on stage.

Rating: 3/5. Verdict: Funny and creepy

Rating: 5/5 Verdict: Indie knockout

Rating: 4/5 Verdict: Float across a tumultuous sea of female emotions

Rating: 4/5 Verdict: A golden book of musical intrigue

Rating: 3/5 Verdict: A few good laughs but not many surprises

Rating: 4/5 Verdict: Father Ted composer in another guise

Rating: 3/5 Verdict: The Walking in Memphis man digs out his old albums

Rating: 3/5 Verdict: Needs to sound more like Autozamm

Rating: 3/5

Rating: 3/5

Rating: 4/5