Chelsea Winter Tops Bestselling Book Charts with ‘Nourish’

The latest bestselling books list for October 17, 2023, reveals that renowned chef and author Chelsea Winter has claimed the top spot with her new cookbook, Nourish, published by Allen & Unwin. The book debuted strongly, reflecting Winter’s popularity as a leading cookbook writer in New Zealand. This marks a significant milestone in her career, following a successful transition from vegetarian recipes back to including red and white meat dishes.

Winter’s engaging style resonates with her audience, and her previous works have positioned her as a beloved figure in the culinary landscape. Next week, the platform ReadingRoom will feature dedicated coverage of Nourish, along with a contest for readers to win a signed copy. Participants are invited to express their thoughts about Winter and her recipes for a chance to win.

In the nonfiction category, Nadia Lim‘s latest release, Nadia’s Farm Kitchen, follows closely behind, priced at $55. Lim, known for her vibrant approach to cooking, continues to attract attention with her culinary ventures, despite her website indicating she cannot provide individual business mentorship.

Other notable nonfiction titles include Lessons on Living by Nigel Latta, priced at $39.99, and A Different Kind of Power by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, which is available for $59.99. Peta Carey‘s The Hollows Boys, priced at $39.99, offers a unique narrative on the deer recovery era in Fiordland, told through the experiences of the Hollows brothers.

Fiction Highlights

In the fiction section, The Last Living Cannibal by Airana Ngarewa is leading the pack at $37.99. Set in 1940s Taranaki, the novel explores the dynamics of a Māori family, weaving in historical and cultural narratives. Last week, the author hosted a book giveaway where participants shared personal stories related to Māori life. The most engaging entry, submitted by a reader named Al, reflected on a humorous encounter during a rugby match in 1973.

Other fiction entries include The Vanishing Place by Zoe Rankin and Julia Eichardt by Lauren Roche, both priced around $37.99 to $36.99. Catherine Chidgey‘s The Book of Guilt is available for $38, while 1985 by Dominic Hoey offers a nostalgic look at the past for $38.

Frankie McMillan’s new collection, Eddie Sparkle’s Bridal Taxi, priced at $29.99, is gaining traction after its launch event at Scorpio Books in Christchurch, where attendees enjoyed the author’s fruit cake.

As various authors and titles continue to dominate the charts, the literary scene in New Zealand remains vibrant and dynamic. The popularity of these books reflects an increasing appetite for diverse narratives and culinary inspirations among readers, showcasing the evolving tastes of the literary community.