Key Takeaways
- The top 10 sales lists from Unity Books’ stores in Auckland and Wellington feature a diverse range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and historical fiction.
- Some of the top-selling books include "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey, "Invisible Intelligence" by Welby Ings, and "The Book of Guilt" by Catherine Chidgey.
- The lists also feature books that have won major awards, such as the Booker Prize and the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.
- Historical fiction and dystopian novels are well-represented on the lists, with books like "The Safe Keep" by Yael van der Wouden and "I Who Have Never Known Men" by Jacqueline Harpman.
- The lists also include books that explore social issues, such as "Careless People" by Sarah Wynn-Williams and "Invisible Intelligence" by Welby Ings.
Introduction to the Top 10 Sales Lists
The top 10 sales lists from Unity Books’ stores in Auckland and Wellington offer a fascinating insight into the reading habits of New Zealanders. The lists feature a diverse range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and historical fiction. Some of the top-selling books include "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey, which won the 2024 Booker Prize, and "Invisible Intelligence" by Welby Ings, which explores the narrow definitions of success and how they affect children. The lists also feature books that have won major awards, such as the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, and books that have been widely reviewed and discussed in the media.
Auckland’s Top 10 Sales List
The top 10 sales list from Unity Books’ Auckland store features a range of books that reflect the city’s diverse reading tastes. "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey is a slim, lyrical, and bittersweet novel that has won widespread critical acclaim. "Invisible Intelligence" by Welby Ings is a thought-provoking exploration of how narrow definitions of success can affect children, and has clearly resonated with readers. "Careless People" by Sarah Wynn-Williams is a tell-all about the author’s time working for Meta, and has been one of the most explosive books of the year. The list also features historical fiction, such as "The Safe Keep" by Yael van der Wouden, which transports the reader to another time and place.
Wellington’s Top 10 Sales List
The top 10 sales list from Unity Books’ Wellington store features a range of books that reflect the city’s vibrant literary scene. "A Different Kind of Power" by Jacinda Ardern is a highly anticipated book that has been widely reviewed and discussed. "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey is also featured on the Wellington list, reflecting the book’s widespread appeal. "The Book of Guilt" by Catherine Chidgey is a winner of The Spinoff’s best fiction award, and has been praised for its alt-historical novel that is eerily resonant with our times. The list also features books that explore social issues, such as "Careless People" by Sarah Wynn-Williams, and books that have been rediscovered, such as "I Who Have Never Known Men" by Jacqueline Harpman.
Historical Fiction and Dystopian Novels
Historical fiction and dystopian novels are well-represented on the top 10 sales lists. "The Safe Keep" by Yael van der Wouden is an exquisite example of historical fiction that transports the reader wholly. "I Who Have Never Known Men" by Jacqueline Harpman is a haunting novel about incarceration and control that has echoes of The Handmaid’s Tale. "The Vegetarian" by Han Kang is a masterpiece of literary fiction that explores themes of violence and resistance. These books reflect a desire among readers to engage with complex and thought-provoking themes, and to explore different times and places.
Award-Winning Books
The top 10 sales lists feature a range of books that have won major awards. "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey won the 2024 Booker Prize, while "The Book of Guilt" by Catherine Chidgey won The Spinoff’s best fiction award. "Delirious" by Damien Wilkins won the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction at the 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. These awards reflect the high quality of the books on the lists, and demonstrate the excellence of New Zealand’s literary scene.
Conclusion
The top 10 sales lists from Unity Books’ stores in Auckland and Wellington offer a fascinating insight into the reading habits of New Zealanders. The lists feature a diverse range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and historical fiction, and reflect a desire among readers to engage with complex and thought-provoking themes. The lists also feature books that have won major awards, and books that have been widely reviewed and discussed in the media. Overall, the lists demonstrate the vibrancy and diversity of New Zealand’s literary scene, and highlight the importance of books in our culture and society.