September Reviews

Throw Out 50 Things – Gail Blanke

This little book guides you through the cleaning up process – at home, at work, and most importantly, the physical and mental clutter that we carry around. Its full of practical advice and inspirational stories, delivered in a casual, friendly style. While I’m not up to 50 Things yet (sadly, you can’t count all the empty shampoo bottles as singles, all three of them added up to One Thing) I’m well on the way. There is also a website with a downloadable workbook and more motivational guidance.

The Fallen – Ben Sanders

This is crime fiction at a very high standard, from a surprising source. Sanders is an North Shore-based author in his early twenties, and honestly it’s hard to pick that this is his debut. Edgy, sharp, fast paced and realistic – everything anyone could want in a thriller, with the added bonus of seeing the Auckland we know from a whole new viewpoint. I for one won’t be looking at Albert Park in quite the same way again…

Crossfire – Dick & Felix Francis

The Francis formula is back – and this time with a winner. Army Captain Thomas Forsyth’s career ended when an IED in Afghanistan blew up, leaving him to recover and reassess his life. He travels to Lambourn to stay with his semi-estranged mother and while there, discovers that she is being blackmailed into passing on thousands of pounds every week. Tom turns detective and sets off a chain of events that no-one expected. Dick Francis passed away earlier this year, making this the fourth and final collaboration between father and son.

The Free Range Cook – Annabel Langbein

The companion book to Annabel’s new TV series of the same name, The Free Range Cook explores some of her favourites. Beautifully produced, with shots from the show, the book is full of the tips and tricks to producing simple and stylish food to share with your family and friends that she profiles on the show.

Sections are divided up according to the source – From the Garden, From the Farm, From the Oven, From the Larder…seasonal easy-to-find produce matched with some of Annabel’s signature “Fridge Fixings”.

The 13-part series is currently showing on TV One, Sunday nights. Enjoy!