It is Mother’s Day in New Zealand this Sunday so here are a few different book ideas if you are lacking inspiration.
THE DOORBELLS OF FLORENCEAndrew Losowsky
Chronicle Books – Hardcover - NZ$45
This wee gem of a hardback is an interesting cross of actual photographs of doorbells in Florence each accompanied by a piece of short fiction.
Losowsky is a writer and photographer and he came up with the rather ingenious idea of photographing the superb varied doorbells of Florence and then imagined the stories of the people who would answer if he rang. Great fun.
ME AND MY LITTLE BLOKES
How fatherhood changes life for the better
Graham Lowe
Random House - $34.99
This is the moving story of former league coach Graham Lowe in which he admits he was “cruising” five years ago when he was approaching 60, then his twin sons came along! A charming story of the wonderful journey he is on in which he shares the joys and fears of fatherhood.
As you would expect from Lowey, as he is affectionately known to league fans, it is a candid story in which he explains how the birth of his boys completely changed his thinking and his behavior.
Something different.
How fatherhood changes life for the better
Graham Lowe
Random House - $34.99
This is the moving story of former league coach Graham Lowe in which he admits he was “cruising” five years ago when he was approaching 60, then his twin sons came along! A charming story of the wonderful journey he is on in which he shares the joys and fears of fatherhood.
As you would expect from Lowey, as he is affectionately known to league fans, it is a candid story in which he explains how the birth of his boys completely changed his thinking and his behavior.
Something different.
GRANDMA MAGICTrue Stories by and about grandmothers
Edited by Janet Hutchinson
Allen & Unwin – NZ$35
A heartwarming anthology of women writing about grandmothers – either from the point of view of being one or having one. Filled with stories of unconditional love, joy and laughter, family secrets and patterns stamped on generations, shame and hardship, memory and loss. Special.
AN IMPROPER DAUGHTER 
Ruth Jones
Cape Catley - $29.99
This extraordinary story by 80 year old Ruth Jones is her moving and poignant memoir of her search for her mother, written entirely without self pity.
In 1928, as a 10 day old baby she was left at a children’s home with a note, “Her name is Ruth”. As an adult she began collecting random, improbable clues that would one day lead her across the world to find her mother. Astonishing.
ANNA KAVAN’S NEW ZEALAND
Edited by Jennifer Sturm
Vintage - $36.99
Kavan roamed the world trying to find a home and although her stay in New Zealand, she arrived in 1941, was for lerss than two years, her stories reveal a country where she found temporary peace.
In researching this prize-winning author,(she had 19 books published), Jennifer Sturm uncovered letters and unpublished stories written during her New Zealand sojourn and they are published here for the first time. Fascinating.
Finally a more predictable one:
Ruth Jones
Cape Catley - $29.99
This extraordinary story by 80 year old Ruth Jones is her moving and poignant memoir of her search for her mother, written entirely without self pity.
In 1928, as a 10 day old baby she was left at a children’s home with a note, “Her name is Ruth”. As an adult she began collecting random, improbable clues that would one day lead her across the world to find her mother. Astonishing.
ANNA KAVAN’S NEW ZEALANDEdited by Jennifer Sturm
Vintage - $36.99
Kavan roamed the world trying to find a home and although her stay in New Zealand, she arrived in 1941, was for lerss than two years, her stories reveal a country where she found temporary peace.
In researching this prize-winning author,(she had 19 books published), Jennifer Sturm uncovered letters and unpublished stories written during her New Zealand sojourn and they are published here for the first time. Fascinating.
Finally a more predictable one:
MUM IS ALWAYS RIGHTWords that celebrate the world’s smartest Mums.
Edited & introduced by Patricia Harris
Orion - $24.99
A chunky little gift book in which are gathered a host of wise, wonderful, hilarious and memorable quotes said about the women who have held our hands along the course of our lives.
Here is pne of my favourites, from Pam Brown:
You never realize how much your mother loves you till you explore the attic – and find every letter you ever sent her, every finger painting, clay pot, bead necklace, Easter chicken, cardboard Santa Claus, paperlace Mother’s Day card, and school report since day one.
Yeah, Mothers – you have to love them. Perfect gift book.
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