NZ Booklovers Awards 2022 winners announced
-
Loading... - Kirsten Cooper
- 22 Mar 2022
- 385 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
‘We are delighted to announce three award-winning books that families in New Zealand will enjoy for many reasons,’ says NZ Booklovers Director Karen McMillan. ‘Our winning novel seamlessly blends historical fiction with crime thriller. Our lifestyle choice is more than a cookbook, it’s an artwork and a treasure. Our winning children’s book is a wonderful resource that will fill readers with hope and aroha. We are very grateful to be a recipient of a Copyright Licensing New Zealand Contestable Fund Grant 2021 for this year’s awards.’
City of Vengeance by D.V. Bishop wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Adult Fiction Book 2022, published by Macmillan Publishers
The judges say, ‘A stunning debut novel, D V Bishop’s City of Vengeance seamlessly blends historical fiction with crime thriller, as detective-protagonist Cesare Aldo investigates a murder in 1536 Florence and uncovers an intra-familial plot (which really happened) against the ruling Duke of Florence, a member of the ultra-powerful de’ Medici clan. Storytelling centred on intrigue and betrayal doesn’t come more polished and captivating than this, and among the novel’s best features are the figure of Aldo, a redoubtable and humane lead; the unflinching depiction of a filthy, dangerous Renaissance city which diverges from the typical romantic portrayals of European sites; and the rejection of the heteronormativity common to almost all historical fiction – Bishop shows this place and era to be as diverse in human desire and commerce as anywhere in the present.’
Homecooked: Seasonal Recipes for Everyday by Lucy Corry, The Kitchenmaid wins the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Lifestyle Book 2022, published by Penguin Random House
The judges say, ‘Homecooked is more than just a cookbook; it’s an artwork, a treasure, and a gift to yourself, or for someone you love. The presentation is stunning; from the bright, sculptural, cover, to the mouth-watering butter-yellow end-plates. The design is both contemporary and nostalgic. But even a handsome hardback cookbook has to be more than just delicious to look at. Lucy Corry’s recipes, which are arranged seasonally, make heroes of everyday ingredients that are easy to find in Aotearoa. Homecooked celebrates the joy of cooking, with simple but delicious recipes that will revive your taste-buds. And as we find greater solace in our homes, and the joys of home-cooking, we are also reminded that fresh, seasonal and local ingredients are not only better for you, but also better for the planet.’
Kia Kaha: A Storybook of MÄori Who Changed the World by Stacey Morrison and Jeremy Sherlock NZ Booklovers Award for Best Children’s Book 2022, published by Penguin Random House
The judges say, ‘This is a powerful illustrated storybook and an inspiring compendium that celebrates MÄori who have done incredible things. From individuals to groups, historic to contemporary history, every entry showcases MÄori who have blazed a trail of their own. Illustrated by a host of 12 talented MÄori artists, each of whom brings their own flavour to the mini biographies, Kia Kaha is a very special book for readers of all ages. It will inspire every reader, of every generation, to draw on their own strengths and abilities. This is a highly engaging book and wonderful resource that will fill readers with hope and aroha.’
Entries for the NZ Booklovers Award 2023 are now open – visit here for more information
‘We are thrilled to be offering the NZ Booklovers Awards for a fifth year, to recognise the talented authors we have in New Zealand,’ says Karen McMillan. ‘We are delighted to announce a new award for 2023, The Junior Fiction Children’s Book Award, to join our Adult Fiction, Lifestyle and Children’s Picture Book Categories. We welcome traditionally published authors and self-published authors to submit their books throughout the year.’ Read More…
