Real reviews from real Kiwi dads
If your dad is anything like ours, he’s notoriously hard to buy for! His sock drawer is overflowing, he has a shed full of tools he never uses, and has watched every movie under the sun. Whether it’s a birthday, Christmas present, or you just want to show you care, here’s a round-up of top books for dads – reviewed by ours, for yours. After all, dads know best!
How It Works: The Dad - reviewed by Stu Lipshaw
About Stu:
Stu Lipshaw is dad to baby boy, Marcus, who continues to amaze him more and more by the day. Stu works in the publishing team at Penguin, so gets to read a wide range of fantastic books on a daily basis, and was part of the winning team at the NZ Pub Quiz Championship in 2015 - a title he bears with pride! Click here to read Stu's review of How It Works: The Dad.
Chop Chop - reviewed by Dave Parry
About Dave:
Dave Parry is Dad/Step Dad to Ben (18), Alice (17), Rosie (13) and Hannah (12). He is an Associate Professor at AUT, and an avid reader and lover of the great outdoors - especially mountains. Dave does all of the cooking at home and sees creating in the kitchen as a great way to relax. Click here to read Dave's review of Chop Chop.
Zero to 60 - reviewed by Robert Leyden
About Robert:
Robert is a true kiwi bloke, and dad to Laura (24). A marine engineer by trade, he loves tinkering in his workshop, sailing, and cracking a cold one at the end of the day. Robert has a huge passion for, and knowledge of cars and all things motorsport, which is why he chose to review motorsport legend Tony Quinn’s new biography, Zero to 60. Click here to read Robert's review of Zero to 60.
The Kiwi Pair - reviewed by Ken West
About Ken:
Ken West is Dad to two children, Jeremy (29) and Nikki (26) – and grandfather to Heath (3 ½). He is a Branch Manager for a national hose and coupling company and a very keen sailor. He enjoys mainly spy/thriller novels but is always open to picking up new reads. Click here to read Ken's review of The Kiwi Pair.
Never Never - reviewed by Peter Topham
About Peter:
Peter Topham is not only a proud dad to three grown kids (Jenny, Matt and Ryan), but a rugby-mad ex-Sydneysider whose sense of humour, and taste in sporting teams, can often get him into trouble this side of the Tasman. As exuberant an accountant as you can find, Peter is a keen cyclist, Pinot drinker, and enjoys any novel that gets him thinking. Click here to read Peter's review of Never Never.
Orphan X - reviewed by Steve Long
About Steve:
Steve Long is dad to one of our digital marketers, Andy. Semi-retired after a long stint in the police, he now owns a modest herd of alpacas who, like him, are generally good natured beasts. A prolific reader, he has a penchant for Jack Reacher books, which makes him particularly well qualified to review high-octane thriller, Orphan X. Click here to read Steve's review of Orphan X.
Dadland - reviewed by Ian Smedley
About Ian:
Ian Smedley is father to Ben (32) and Emma (26), proud grandfather to Mal and Zac, and pseudo parent to many! He is attempting to retire but can’t keep still for long enough. Ian’s house is his family’s library. He has a huge passion for reading, enjoys a wide variety of genres, and is always on the hunt for the next big thing! Click here to read Ian's review of Dadland.
Stag Doo - reviewed by Mel Simpson
About Mel:
Known as Mighty Mel, retiree Mel Simpson splits his time between the magical Mangawhai Heads and Henderson, West Auckland. He dabbles in caravans, BMW cars and DIY. He’s a devoted father to Penguin publicist, Rebecca — and to the memory of Rebecca’s elder sister who left them too soon. A great storyteller himself, Mel loves nothing more than spending a morning in bed reading a good yarn. Click here to read Mel's review of Stag Doo.
Underground Airlines - reviewed by Craig Bettelheim
About Craig:
Craig is dad to two boisterous little boys - Liam (6) and Tom (4). When not at work, he’s out and about with the boys on the soccer field, at the pool, on the tennis court, helping them with their homework – it’s amazing he even finds time to read! But read he does – anything from literary fiction to sports biographies – Craig enjoys a broad spectrum of genres. Click here to read Craig's review of Underground Airlines.
Chaos Monkeys - reviewed by Dave Boardman
About Dave:
Dave Boardman is a school principal and dad to two girls, Rachael (12) and Heather (9). He loves to read, especially a good crime/thriller novel, and a total action movie buff. Dave is married to one of our team members here at Penguin, and we reckon he’s a great representative for many other dads out there like him. Click here to read Dave's review of Chaos Monkeys.
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