THE GROOVE BOOK REPORT

Celebrate Aotearoa talks, music and food with us on 20 & 21 Feb at the Wellington Botanic Garden's Soundshell. We look forward to sharing the magic of live gatherings with you as we come together for interesting ideas, fascinating lives, fresh conversation and a party or two. Most events are free with donations gratefully received if you can (we are excited to have fancy Paywave machines). The programme is up  online here . The timetable comes out on 9 February and will be online and on the  Facebook event page . Garden Party highlights: Annabel Langbein with Beth Brash Sat 20 Feb, 11.30am at The Soundshell Beth Brash (VISA Wellington on a Plate programme manager) will join celebrity cook and food writer Annabel Langbein on stage to discuss her current bestseller  Bella: My Life in Food . Annabel has published 25 cookbooks and fronted three seasons of her TV series, Annabel Langbein The Free Range Cook, that has screened in more than 90 countries.  More info...

We discovered this fabulous independent whilst holidaying in Gisborne. This friendly local is cavernous and has several tables of the latest reads - from Nesbo and Child to books on science, culture art and history. Many of the curated collections are aimed at discerning and enquiring readers.  Also, there's a Cafe upstairs so you can slip up with your latest purchase, sip a a cappuccino and lose yourself in a good read.  If you want to try before you buy, then, slouch down on one of the shop's very generous couches.  The magazine racks hold an intriguing collection of art and science periodicals alongside the recently revived Women's Weekly. The store also has an extensive selection of children's and young adults' books. And there's also a small selection of vintage/second hand books.  The shop has a wonderful newsletter, worth a read.  For anyone after a hard to find book, Muir's will track it down. We picked a couple of original 1950s classics for $3 each...