My latest book picks + why Johnsonville Library is worth a visit
A little time out to discover new books
Today I found myself at the Johnsonville Library . If you’re from Wellington, you’ll likely be familiar with this gem. It’s such a relaxing, modern space. I had just finished A Man of Honour—and to be honest, I was relieved to finally finish it! So, I was excited to find my next great read. After picking up my son from school, we made a quick stop at the library. He scurried off to the One Piece manga section, and I headed upstairs to browse the shelves. There’s something enjoyable about the spontaneity of picking a book—no agenda, just wandering and seeing what grabs my attention.
Today’s book selection
Here are my latest picks:
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz around Rooney's writing lately, so when I spotted Intermezzo on the shelf, I couldn’t resist. The mention of Dublin and chess in the description immediately caught my eye. I haven’t seen Normal People yet, but I’ve heard a lot about it. I’m looking forward to seeing what Intermezzo has in store.The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes
After really enjoying I Am Pilgrim, I was excited to find Hayes’ highly anticipated follow-up, The Year of the Locust, in the Kurapae collection. It’s a high-stakes thriller, and I’m eager to dive into its twists and turns.Opal by Patricia Wolf
I’ve been diving into more Australian fiction this year, and Opal by Patricia Wolf caught my eye. Set in the Australian outback with a focus on opal mining, it promises to be a great mix of mystery and thriller that should keep me hooked.
Why Johnsonville Library is worth the visit
While most Wellingtonians are probably familiar with Johnsonville Library, it’s always worth a mention. The library is bright, modern, and offers a range of comfortable spots for reading or simply taking a moment out of the day. Whether you’re looking for fiction, non-fiction, or a book for the kids, the collection is well-kept and easy to explore.
I was particularly excited to find two of my picks in the Kurapae collection, which offers a curated selection of in-demand books on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s always a thrill to grab a book I’ve been eyeing before someone else beats me to it!
Of course, there are plenty of quiet corners to sit down and read, and the café upstairs is a nice bonus for grabbing a coffee while you settle in with a new book. Whether you’re there for a quick visit or planning to stay a while, it’s a great spot to unwind.
Three books, three weeks
So, there you have it—three books I’m excited to dive into. With a mix of fiction, thriller, and mystery, I’ll be kept busy over the next few weeks. Fiction is my time to escape, and I’m looking forward to the time-out these books will give me.
If you haven’t already checked out Johnsonville Library, I highly recommend it. It’s a fantastic place to browse, discover your next great read, and enjoy a peaceful break from the usual routine.
What about you?
What’s your favourite library, and how do you choose your next book?