Haere mai, Afio mai, Welcome to my monthly musings on my library world. As you can tell from the title I am quite fond of alliteration. Not a bad quirk to have though. I am going to share with you some of my favourite things across a range of formats and a few thoughts along the way. A bit like a lolly mixture from your local library.

One of the things I really enjoy sharing is quotes. In fact…..I collect them. Words have so much power. Each month I will share a great quote excerpt from a book.

“It’s no use to go back to yesterday. I was a different person then.”

- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

I realised that both my picks this month, unintentionally, were Kiwi through and through. I would call that serendipity. Also, nothing wrong with a little patriotic pride and promotion. For a small nation at the bottom of the earth we definitely have more than our fair share of talented and creative people.

My favourite book this month is When It All Went To Custard by Danielle Hawkins

The news of Jenny's husband's infidelity comes as a nasty shock to the part-time building control officer and full-time mother - even though, to her surprise and embarrassment, her first reaction is relief rather than anguish. What really hurts is her children's unhappiness at the break-up, and the growing realisation that, alone, she may lose the family farm. This is the story of the year after Jenny's old life falls apart; of family and farming, pet lambs and geriatric dogs, choko-bearing tenants and Springsteen-esque neighbours. And of getting a second chance at happiness.

I selected this aptly titled book before it all went to custard. It is such a great Kiwi saying and sums up what has happened recently with the change of alert levels here.

This is the first book I have read by Danielle Hawkins and I so thoroughly enjoyed it. I decided to try one of her books after I had heard a number of times from a range of readers that they highly recommended her books.

I was completely entertained from start to finish. One of the reasons was because it is so quintessentially Kiwi. I could relate to it on so many levels and it felt familiar. Comfortable like a snuggly cardigan. You know librarians love their cardigans. It has our laid back and laconic humour woven through a well written and witty story that reflects on life issues that many of us face.

My favourite album this week is Six60’s third album which is self-titled.

What is there not to love about Six60? Their music just has that certain magic that transports you away. Our home grown wonder boys. So real! So down to earth!

This album has evolved slightly from their other albums to widen their appeal to a global audience. They have hit the target smack on and I don’t believe they will lose any local fans from the growth in their sound. This album includes a large amount of taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments). It definitely adds a unique and meaningful element that weaves in beautifully.

Lead singer Matiu Walters vocals are sublime and mystical. The tone of his voice is so distinctive and full of soul. The album is full of amazing tracks. My stand out pick would be “Please Don’t Go”.

Te reo phrase for the month:

Kia kaha te mahi tahi.

Do your best to work together.

Noho ora mai!