5 new books about dessert because SUGAR GOOD obviously

"Have your cake and eat it... there's no other reason to have a cake!"
- Derren Brown

When I was an angry tertiary student, I spent most of my classes with Paul Moon arguing instead of learning. (I had the mostest, craziest respect for Prof Moon and, above any other lecturer I had, he pushed and challenged me the most). So...not much has changed since, then, really. I still argue more than listen :/ I remember in one particular class he and I were debating the concept of iwi being redefined. When I challenged him on something, he said to me, "Oh, you just want to have your cake and eat it, too." Without even thinking, I replied with, "BUT THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT OF CAKE!" That, re-phrased a little, is my outlook on life. After all, what is life without a little cake? Or without a little dessert? "Cake good" is my lifelong philosophy. It sits right up alongside of my other philosophies (I use that word very loosely) "Chocolate good" and "Sugar good" and, really, "Food good." (You get the idea). Quickish post in which I highlight 5 new dessert books we've received because, really, SUGAR FOREVER.

Top 5 most requested nonfiction for November 2012

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."
- Charles W. Eliot

In my mind, this introduction was going to be an absolutely stunner. I was going to wow you all with my wit and way with words. And then I woke up and realised that's so not my style. Instead, I'm going to keep it simple. Today's Top 5 list features an NZ cook, a rugby player, The Rod (as in Stewart AND I see that they managed to fit the word 'knickers' in to the synopsis somehow), rushing woman's syndrome, and a place on the Shore that makes the most amazeballs food I have ever seen. I give you our Top 5 most requested nonfiction for November 2012.

5 graphic novels you need to request now right now

"Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it."
- PJ O'Rourke

I'm spoilt for choice when it comes to graphic novels. Not because I'm any good at picking them. (If anything, I'm absolute rubbish at knowing what to try next. It's because I have next to no filter when it comes to books. I will try anything and everything at least once, and sometimes this goes against me). It's more that I'm lucky enough to work with amazeballs people who, almost daily - by email, text, Facebook message, Twitter, and in person - give me suggestions. Totally unsolicited. Once they've given me one, I find a whole heapload more that I just have to read. Which results in a Top 5 list much like this one. My parents encouraged me to read comics as a child. They wouldn't just buy them, though, we'd also talk about them. I distinctly remember, as a 9 year old, falling in love with Peter Bromhead. Well, his editorial cartoons in the Auckland Star, that is. My parents noticed my interest, and so Bromhead would, often, be a part of our dinner conversation. We would discuss the point of the cartoon in relation to whatever current events were taking place both nationally and internationally at that point in time. I am lucky enough to work with people who do the same - recommend titles or writers and, afterward, want to talk about them. The other day, someone told me to give Marbles: mania, depression, Michelangelo, & me : a graphic memoir by Ellen Forney a try, so I've requested it already, and am impatiently awaiting its arrival. Once I've finished it, we'll catch up and trade opinions and thoughts. And, as is usually the case when I'm in the catalogue, I came across 5 other graphic novels that, really, have to be bumped to the top of my TBR list. Today's list is: 5 graphic novels you need to request now right now. Have I steered you wrong yet? (Don't answer that just in case I have). They're an unusual mix of books, too - cooking, fantasy, life in Jerusalem, love in a time of a galactic war, and aliens in Australia. I know, right? You're welcome!

What graphic novels are you reading right now?

Top 5 shades of Fifty Shades

"So," I asked, "Do you like the feel of a feather on your naked skin?"
"I'm not sure," she said "Maybe if you took it off the pigeon first?"
- From Fifty sheds of grey by C. T. Grey

Art thou fed up to the back teeth of Fifty Shades of Grey? Have your eyeballs been singed by the spiciness of the dialogue and the raciness of the character shenanigans? (What DOES Anastasia do with that pancake flip? Why WILL you never look at a toothbrush the same way again? In fact, you may even chuck yours out). Yes? Well, that's just too darn bad BECAUSE BECAUSE BECAUSE I haz five shades of Fifty Shades!

"What does that EVEN MEAN?" you ask.

Simple: It means I took some time out of my day to look up any and all Fifty Shades parodies and/or Fifty Shades-related THINGS and STUFFS to make up this post. Beck had two turntables and a microphone. I have four Fifty Shades parodies, two sex books, a compact disc, and a pukeko in a ponga tree. (I lied about the ponga tree). (The pukeko is real, though). (Ok, no it's not, I lied about that, too). (I am a lying liar who tells lies). While you read this post, imagine me with no words whatsoever, because it would be the truth. Sexytimes parodies? Speechless. (Enjoy it while it lasts because I am never silent long). And yes, I've requested them all. It is my duty to take one for the team *said with hand solemnly on heart* Plus, I need the giggles. You're welcome, et voilà!

There is also:

Fifty shades of ecstasy : fifty secret sex positions for mind-blowing orgasms / Marisa Bennett

Fifty shades of pleasure : a bedside companion : sex secrets that hurt so good / Marisa Bennett

Top 5 most requested nonfiction titles for August 2012

"To read a writer is for me not merely to get an idea of what he says, but to go off with him and travel in his company."
- Andre Gide

The meaning of life, a food truck, a woman a would-be-king abdicated the throne for, rushing to and fro, and a cafe (or two, rather) with the most amazeballs food - what do they all have in common? Our top 5 most requested nonfiction titles list for August 2012, of course. Like, what else, right? Happy reading. (I know, I'm getting better and better at this 'short intro' thing. WIN!).