The first time Capital teamed up with poet Chris Tse was in 2016 when we asked three Chrises to share their signature Christmas dishes. Chris donned a Christmas jumper and cooked a ham. Since then he’s become one of our poetry columnists and a go-to for book recommendations.
Here’s his current
top three reads:
Craven
by Jane Arthur
I’ve spent the past few months reading a lot of writing for an anthology of queer New Zealand writers that I’m co-editing with Emma Barnes. In between submissions, I managed to read Wellington poet Jane Arthur’s debut Craven, which is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s a collection of kooky and relatable poetry with a wicked bite and sardonic sense of humour.
All Who Live On Islands
by Rose Lu
I’ve had to stash my reading pile in various rooms around my house to alleviate my anxiety levels when I see how many books I’ve accumulated. But the book I’m most looking forward to reading is Rose Lu’s debut essay collection All Who Live On Islands. Rose is an incredibly insightful and hilarious writer, and I just know her book is going to melt my brain. She’s one of a growing number of writers who are addressing and questioning what it means to be young and Chinese in modern-day Aotearoa.
Sport 47
edited by Tayi Tibble
The latest issue of the literary journal Sport, was edited by poet Tayi Tibble. She has assembled a fresh and eclectic roster of contributors, including newer voices that showcase the glittering nowness of Aotearoa literature. This, as a gift, would show readers and non-readers alike just how cool New Zealand writing is right now.
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