books, music, film
OUR PICKS!
Watch, listen, read, share, learn!
JESSIE AND THE MONSTER A Battle with Anxiety. A Story of Courage and Hope. Author Mark Stevenson Illustrator Deborah Hinde
SOME KIND OF HEAVEN A peek behind the curtain of the self-proclaimed Disneyland for Retirees, first-time director Lance Oppenheim’s humorous and bittersweet documentary follows four recent arrivals as they search for the American Dream. Welcome to The Villages in central Florida, the largest retirement community in the world, pitched as a literal fountain of youth complete with precision golf cart drills, pickleball rallies and singles mixers. It’s a chance for retirees to live their dreams in their golden years, but debut director Lance Oppenheim picks beneath the surface to find that one person’s paradise can be another’s burden. Watch it online as part of the NZ Film Festival at www.nziff.co.nz
Jessie and the Monster is written with the compassionate insights of a father and educator whose daughter suffered from acute anxiety for many years. Mark Stevenson wrote this story to help other parents of young people suffering from anxiety, and to offer the children themselves a hopeful future. The story is about how Jessie’s safe and secure life is overturned when, out of the blue, the most ominous of creatures, Wisper and his horde of followers, invade her world. When dealing to these monsters, Jessie’s anxiety nearly overwhelms her, but help comes in unexpected ways from the strangest of places and people. Written primarily for young people who feel weighed down with anxiety and depression, parents, counsellors and psychologists will also find Jessie and the Monster a useful resource. Calico Publishing, $19.95 or www.calicopublishing.co.nz
1 OF 3 COPIES
BLOOD ON VINES
A page-turning read set in Martinborough's lush wine country, by Madeleine Eskedahl Four friends, a shared past, a common enemy. An ex-wine maker is murdered in Martinborough, while north of Auckland in Matakana, the long, hot summer is over and the tourists have left. A tranquil atmosphere descends, the harvest about to begin as grapes sit bursting upon the manicured vines. Within this calm vista, a deadly rampage is about to rock the local community. Will the four be able to rescue themselves? RRP $34.95 from booksellers or at www.madeleineeskedahlauthor.com
2 TO BE WON! As Rudd walked towards the car, he scowled and turned to Bill. “Orewa’s dealing with multiple inquiries and I’m short staffed. You will have to handle some of this case from here, if that’s not too much to ask,” Rudd said, looking down his nose. “We’ll do our best,” Bill said, slightly bemused at the decision. “Good, that’s settled then,” Rudd said and turned on his heels and walked towards the car. Turning to Niko, Bill wondered what he’d agreed to. Returning his attention to this morning’s event, he walked over to let Lexi and Avery know that they were leaving. Bill could see that Lexi was exhausted so suggested that if they thought of anything else to pop in to see him at the station later today. Lexi gave him a look of relief. He could see that she needed a reprieve and to catch her breath. “That sounds good,” she said, managing a weak smile. “I need to check on the children anyway.”
She walked towards the house with her faithful companion Beau in tow. “It’s been quite a shock for her,” Avery said. “If we’re all done here I’d better go inside as well.” “ESR will stay on for a while. Once they leave you can have the electrician come around,” Bill said. “Thanks mate,” Avery said, gratitude in his eyes. Avery made his way up the stairs and into the kitchen where Lexi was staring out the window. “Are you okay darling?”, he said. “No, I’m not okay. Someone’s bloody hand is under our house!" Tears welled up in her eyes. “And it doesn’t help you making eyes at every pretty girl you meet, either.” She bit her lip, looking down at the floor. “We’ll be fine,” Avery said and took a step closer, opening his arms. Grudgingly at first, she melted into his chest, and for a few seconds, she let go.
GIVEAWAY ENTRY FORM, PAGE 8 12 FamilyCARE
www.carers.net.nz
