The world’s most admired writers and poets have long extolled its virtues. Here, Yvonne Van Dongen explains why she’d take friendship - old and new - over romance any day.

Those of us for whom the Great Outdoors is the walk from front door to car door need to read Christopher McDougall.

Rosaleen Madigan loves her four adult children but, it has to be said, she has a pretty funny way of showing it.

Award-winning Auckland writers Linda Olsson and Thomas Sainsbury tell Craig Sisterson why they’re collaborating on a thriller trilogy.

The book was going to be published in hard copy by Pan Macmillan but was scrapped when health experts warned some of the recipes could harm infants.

Anthony Horowitz's new James Bond continuation novel will mark the return of one of the franchise's best-loved Bond girls.

Six of the best in stories starring oddballs and good sorts.

In her new novel we encounter Julian in a state of profound grief for his lover, Julia, and their daughter, Mira.

"Horror and pity" have greeted one renting Auckland couple but they want to change attitudes to tenants, regarded as taking a "second-class" option.

Peter Bromhead on the important things in life.

A record-breaking estimated festival audience of 60,000 meant author-signing queues up to two hours long. Janet McAllister reports.

Bruce Jenner's ex-wife Linda Thompson is reportedly planning to share her side of the story.

Parisian feel-good tale amuses despite its implausible plot.

Karen Attwood meets first-time novelist Kate Hamer, whose 21st-century Little Red Riding Hood is tipped to be a best-seller.

Self-described "Scottish elf trapped in middle-aged man's body" among highlights from the first week of Auckland Writers Festival.

The secret identity of Marvel's female Thor has been revealed.

There are some gems at the Auckland Writers Festival with tickets still available... Here are five sessions recommended by books editor Linda Herrick.

Author takes on internet bullies: "The internet doesn’t just offer opportunities for misogynistic abuse, you know. Penis enlargers can also be bought discreetly."

He’s the self-styled revolutionary who backed Ed Miliband at the Election and advocates the overthrow of "corporate tyranny".

Nigerian author Ben Okri uncovers the dark side of Arcadia in his latest novel. Stephen Jewell chats to the writer.

Success has given Tim Winton, one of Australia’s best-loved authors, the luxury of time to craft his books into their ideal form, writes David Larsen.

Over the course of her more than 20 years studying how people eat, Traci Mann has found that willpower doesn't work quite like we imagine it will.

86: Rifleman Clifford Nightingale was more familiar with the pen than the sword when he sailed with hundreds of reinforcements to join troops on the Western Front.

Auckland archaeologist and heritage expert Dave Veart tells the history of New Zealand through food and toys in his books.

One of the world's biggest selling authors is offering a cash lifeline to struggling New Zealand book stores to help get Kiwi kids reading.