From hidden backroads to a lifetime behind the lens, this month’s book reviews dive into stories that capture adventure, artistry, and ambition
Route 52 – A Big Lump of Country Unknown
Simon Burt
$39.99
Ugly Hill Press
Simon hooks on the caravan and heads off along Route 52, which for those unfamiliar with the territory is a back road between Waipukurau and Masterton. His trips take in all those interesting little places that often grab our attention, but not enough for us to deviate from the destination ahead. While the places he visited should make a good rainy afternoon read for most, I would have preferred the stories in a format that had some decent pics.
Stop. Look Both Ways
Murray Savidan
$70.00
Ugly Hill Press
If you’re looking for something new for the coffee table, then don’t go past this large format offering that is chock-full of stunning images from right here at home to places all around the world. Shot from the 1960s through to just last year, Auckland-based photographer Murray Savidan shows off some of the best images he captured over the course of his extensive career. It’s definitely worth the investment.
Source Code
Bill Gates
$65.00
Penguin Random House
If you ever wondered what made Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates tick, then go no further than here, as the King of Geeks gives us an insight into his life right back to early childhood. It’s quite amazing to see how people and experiences influenced him, even if it was only for a year or two, although with the crowd his parents ran with, he had a good foundation to work from. Much like a computer operating system, the text gets a little confusing in parts, but really, we’d expect no less.