Book Favourites from Library Staff 2022: Contemporary Fiction

Some good old favourites regularly appear in our top books of the year lists. You're sure to recognise Jodi Picoult along with popular local authors Charity Norman and Catherine Robertson. See what they've been up to lately as well as discover some exciting new writers in the contemporary fiction genre. You can click on each title for more catalogue information.

Mad Honey by Jodie Picoult
The latest novel by this favourite author follows Olivia, who is desperate to clear her teenage son’s name when he’s put on a murder charge following the death of his girlfriend. A novel about secrets within families and the echoes of a past we want to leave behind, and that we rarely know the people we love as well as we think we do. Picoult always explores a thorny issue in her books and makes you think – as she does here in her latest book, which is written with Jennifer Finney Noylan. HH

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
Miss Moneypenny agrees:
As Picoult is one of the authors I have read everything they have written, I read this even though it is way too soon to be reading books that have a Covid theme. An excellent storyline that had me completely engrossed.

Another book where the main theme is something you think you don’t want to read is Remember Me by Charity Norman. Another NZ author who I have read everything she has written, but this time the theme is dementia. Once again Norman has written a gripping story – one of her best. Miss Moneypenny

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This novel follows three main characters who each narrate the story in turn. Tova is an elderly woman who is still grieving for her lost son; Cameron is down on his luck and in search of his missing father; and Marcellus is an octopus at the town's aquarium. Marcellus figures everything out long before the humans do because octopuses are remarkably bright creatures, but how can he communicate the truth before it’s too late. A warm-hearted, quirky but oddly gripping read that will leave you cheering for octopuses. JAM

Paper Cup by Karen Campbell
This book has another unusual narrator – Kelly, a homeless woman living on the streets of Glasgow. All her problems seem to stem from her falling out with her family in Galloway, until a string of odd events conspire to pull her home again. The story follows her journey back, while filling in episodes from the past as Kelly turns into the most unlikely heroine. The narrative is packed with humour with a lovely Glasgow ring to it, giving it a hint of Billy Connolly, and building to a warm-hearted and optimistic conclusion. JAM

Dinner with the Schnabels by Toni Jordan
This Australian novel follows Simon, a father of two who has lost his business and home to the economic fallout from Covid. Struggling to get off the couch, he’s got one last chance to redeem himself with his over-achieving in-laws – the Schnabels of the title. But one thing after another derails his best intentions. It all adds up to a smart, witty comedy, perfect for our times. JAM

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is clearly not fine. She doesn't understand people or how to interact with them. She is chronically lonely. She has never had anyone there for her, to be a friend and show her kindness. Then Raymond appears, a colleague who actually makes an effort with Eleanor and they become friends. “It gets worse before it gets better, but it will all be ok in the end, right?” This book was a top read for Lara.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 
This is a story set between life and death where our protagonist, depressed and alone, decides to end it all. Instead of ending in heaven or hell, she is transported to a library. Every book contains a different version of her life and she is encouraged to explore them. I absolutely loved this book. Matt Haig’s writing is simply beautiful and never left me bored. Also I felt this book was very relatable and left me feeling optimistic in my own life. “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” Selected by Amy

Gabriel’s Bay series by Catherine Robertson 
Not just one book, but a whole series, full of funny, homegrown characters you like and several story lines. Take some time out and head for the beach. Kind of NZ Maeve Binchy with more humour. Miss Moneypenny

19 December 2022

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