NZ’s First Book Month

22 August 2006

Abs, Six Packs And Celebrities For NZ’s First Book Month
18th September – 15th October 2006

Calling all those who haven’t read a book since high school, those who think that reading is for people with too much time on their hands, and those who just haven’t got around to reading a NZ book in a while. New Zealand’s first ever Book Month is ready to introduce itself to the country on Monday September 18th 2006 and we want you to be involved.

Phil Twyford, Project Director for NZ Book Month says, “NZ Book Month will open the eyes of many New Zealanders to the amazing wealth of literary talent we have in this country. There’s nothing like a good book for relaxation, escapism or a laugh, so why not make it a NZ book?”

Just one facet of the month is the launch of The Six Pack – no, not the perfect set of NZ abs, but a gift book to the nation. Many published and previously unpublished writers submitted their best piece of new writing in a bid to have their words chosen by a panel of celebrity judges for the inaugural publication of this anthology. The judges were not aware of whose work they were reading which gave everyone an equal opportunity to star in The Six Pack. The authors of the six winning stories will remain top secret – the writers don’t know they’ve won a place in history yet. All will be revealed on Monday 18 September at the official launch.

NZ Book Month is about celebrating NZ talent just as we do with NZ Music Month, NZ Fashion Week and NZ Art festivals. NZ has one of the highest levels of literacy in the developed world and we want New Zealanders to be more aware of the amazing talent we have right here in Aotearoa.

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“The Kiwis who write and what they write about is a great story in itself – they’re just like you or me. There’s so much great writing out there and Book Month is about finding a NZ book for everyone, even those who haven’t read a book in a while,” says Twyford.

The official launch of the Book Month will happen simultaneously in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch from 12 noon on Monday 18 September 2006. This will be a chance for all New Zealanders to rummage through their garages and bookshelves, find a previously loved NZ book and donate it to one of three ‘NZ Bookshelves’ – further information to be released soon.

NZ Book Month is a national celebration of NZ books and NZ writers. Primarily NZ Book Month is targeting those who no longer read and hopes to re-introduce them to the world of NZ books. The month is supported by booksellers, publishers, writers, librarians and book lovers of all descriptions and is inspired by the exceptional literary talent found in Aotearoa. Check out www.nzbookmonth.co.nz to explore how NZ Book Month has something for everyone.

ENDS

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