The Book of Everything - the Play (based on a Novel by Guus Kuijer)

I've just seen "The Book of Everything" in the theatre. The play was so brilliant (making full use of live drama tricks like chalk-drawn props, audience participation, and on-the-stage production of sound effects) that I can't imagine how the book could possibly do it justice.

Auckland Chinese Lantern Festival 2016

It's with a touch of sadness I'm writing this farewell to Auckland's Chinese Lantern Festival. It's our family tradition to attend the event every year. Or, I should say, it's been our tradition. It will be no more.

The event's got too big, and moving it from Albert Park to the Domain did not help matters. The bigger venue simply attracted more people, which resulted in more queuing time to buy dinner. The less-central location meant fewer public transport options, fewer parking choices, and more traffic jams.

The vendors are probably happy. But, as a friend has put it: "In future, nobody will go to the Lantern Festival because it's too crowded."

Agent Dallas Thriller series by LJ Sellers

"The Trigger", "The Target", "The Trap". Three titles in the series so far, and I can't get enough of agent Jamie Dallas, a fun-loving but damaged heroine who'd rather work undercover than have a relationship that's anything more than sex-deep.

Fast-paced and well-plotted. I can't wait for #4.