Discover the books captivating the Plus Living team—from gripping thrillers and habit-forming guides to New Zealand poetry and epic historical fiction. Find your next great read.
The books captivating the Plus Living office
Jess recommends Butter by Asako Yuzuki, translated by Polly Barton
Part true crime, part love letter to fine dining, this gripping international best-seller is sure to make you hungry. The character-driven novel follows journalist Rika, whose interviews with passionate cook and convicted murderer Kaaji lead her on a journey of self-discovery. What starts as a conversation about butter evolves into a deeper exploration of identity and womanhood in modern society.
Kyle recommends Atomic Habits by James Clear
For anyone hoping to develop or maintain healthy habits, this book is worth your time. It topped the New York Times best-seller list for 164 weeks after all. Habit researcher James Clear shares how it’s systems, not personal flaws, that shape habits. He explains that every habit follows a loop: cue, craving, response, reward. Focusing on small, consistent improvements—getting 1% better every day—leads to major change over time.
Jamie recommends We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job…Then a dead body, a bag of money, and a killer with their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a lethal enemy?
Caro recommends Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
A spellbinding epic tale of ambition, anarchy, and absolute power set against the sprawling medieval canvas of twelfth-century England, The Pillars of the Earth is Ken Follett’s classic historical masterpiece. The historical novel, published in 1989, weaves together the lives of nobles, clergy, builders, and outcasts, exploring themes of ambition, love, power, and faith. It was made into an 8-part television miniseries in 2010 and a video game in 2017.
Ben recommends Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook 2025, edited by Tracey Slaughter
The Yearbook is essential reading for all New Zealand poetry fans. For the 2025 edition, editor Tracey Slaughter has once again hit the zeitgeist in her selection of 141 new poems from an
exhaustive submission process. Another packed issue, #59 showcases the raw and the vital, including from this year’s featured poet, Mark Prisco, a blistering introduction from Slaughter herself, and excellent reviews of a crop of recent poetry books.
