It’s no secret we’re head-over-heels for reading here at Book Box HQ. One thing we’re even more passionate about than curling up with a good book, however, is making reading more accessible. We’re honoured to play a part in boosting book accessibility by being able to put so many great reads into the hands of booklovers all around the motu with the click of a button. And we’re delighted to be among great company. Here are 7 book-loving initiatives that are changing the world for the better. Duffy Books In Homes Reading has a whole slew of benefits at any age, at the very least, providing ins ..read more

Each year, Aotearoa, New Zealand celebrates one of its official languages - te reo Māori - with Māori Language Week (0 Te Wiki o te Reo Māori). It has been celebrated since 1975, even before te reo became an official language in 1987. Māori Language Week is held from the 11th to the 18th of September this year. During the week, everyone is encouraged to try and incorporate a little te reo into their day. You’ll probably see and hear some phrases on television and radio, and your children might do some special activities at school. And in the supermarket, you’ll spot Whittakers Creamy Milk choc ..read more

If you look into the sky this month, you’ll see a cluster of nine stars. In te reo, this cluster is known as Matariki, and it marks the Māori new year, an important time in the calendar.   The stars are also known as Pleiades, the ancient Greek name, and Seven Sisters in English. The story of the stars varies, but one of the most popular tells how the cluster represents a whaea or mother - Matariki, the brightest star - and her daughters, with each star representing an element of well-being and health and the environment.   In Te Ao Māori (Māori world view), the appearance of the sta ..read more

Anne Tiernan is the author of The Last Days Of Joy, a book you may have found in your Book Box subscription recently. The Irish Kiwi writer moved to Aotearoa on a one year working visa and never left. Nineteen years later she’s living in Tauranga with her husband and their three teenage children. We caught up with Anne to hear about her debut novel, her writing process and where she’s headed next.   BB: How did you become a writer?   AT: It was a childhood dream that somehow got waylaid. I studied English lit at university with the intention of getting into journalism or similar but ..read more

"#1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham returns to Mississippi in his most gripping legal thriller yet, the riveting story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends, but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law." I should preface this review with a disclaimer, when I ran out of my own books to read when I was a kid I started on my Dad's collection which included most of John Grisham's work. Grisham was my introduction to fiction and I’ve loved his style of writing ever since. Grisham introduces us to the town of Biloxi with its livelihood from the ..read more

Being a young adult is hard! A lot is going on - changes in bodies and emotions, so many hormones, friendships, dating, the future (including parents asking every other week what you are going to do with your life). Sometimes you need to feel that there's someone like you or a bit of reassurance that you can make it. What you need is a great biography or autobiography. We've picked 10 biographies by international and New Zealand authors who have been there and done it, whether it's overcoming health problems, standing up for what they believe in, or just putting themselves out there. L ..read more

With the countdown to Christmas on the horizon, now’s the time to start thinking about the perfect gift. Whether it's Adult, Young Adult or Children’s books, they can make the perfect gift for any age. But while we could write a novel about why books are great, we've narrowed it down to 5.   They cover every subject - Whatever someone’s interest, chances are there’s a book on it. Whether it's DIY or designer shoes, there’s a great read to be had for everyone within the pages of the right book. They're easy to wrap - In stories, the perfect gift is always beautifully wrapped and tied to ..read more

Loosely based on the tale of Richard III and the lost princes, but set in the modern day, this novel explores the complexities of family, love, and loss. Emma Snow is the eldest of five, she is introverted, intelligent, and passionate about the environment.  She also happens to be the daughter of two celebrities, think Stevie Nicks and Colin Farrell, making her family life chaotic and subject to the opinion of most of the British public.     As a girl, Emma develops an intense crush on her fathers protege, Rowan, a dark and troubled young man.  Rowan keeps Emma at arms ..read more