Books for (and By) Kiwis

New Zealand’s first-ever Book Month began yesterday with festivals and events planned throughout the country.

Although I scanned the lists of events and participating authors, crime fiction seems shockingly underrepresented in kiwi country; however, I’d be delighted if readers from that part of the world--and other places--would correct me if I’m wrong. Where is the New Zealand mystery faction hanging out these days? (And I don’t doubt that there is one.)

Meanwhile, New Zealand Book Month is trying to raise awareness for literacy issues across that island nation. The program is twofold: on the one hand, a celebration of reading in New Zealand with special emphasis on kiwi authors; on the other, people are being asked to bring their favorite book by a New Zealand author. There will be three huge bookcases at each venue and, after the events, the volumes will be given to Books in Homes, an organization that provides books to needy children “in celebration of the life-transforming powers that great books have.”

Project director Phil Twyford says that activities are planned for virtually every town and city in the country.