The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
About us
Founded in 2007 by Rachel & Suzy, The Free Range Bookclub began as an escape for new mums striving to upkeep intelligent conversation.
Though we were more than happy to talk literature with just the two of us, we did manage to enlist an additional member Nadine, solicited at the hairdressers no less – well done Suzy!
The first book on our schedule was Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre and with a little help from Google, we discussed the book’s construction, ideas and social impact long into the night.
And our freerange bookclub was established!
We read a wide scope of work, including newly published novels from a variety of countries and cultures, re-reads of classics we already adore, occasional poetry and non-fiction, as well enlightening discoveries of titles previously unknown to us.
Some members also undertake the Booker Prize shortlist, the NZ Book Awards shortlist and the Women’s Prize shortlists each year. These both involve reading the shortlisted books in the weeks the judges have, meeting to discuss each contender and attempting to pick the winner before it’s announced. Sometimes we’re successful, mostly we are not!
We’ve had a few changes of members but the ethos remains the same: literature-based evenings, nibbles, wine and great company. Our current bookclub members are Rachel, Suzy, Jo & Jodie.
We hope you enjoy looking over our interpretations of books old and new. We are not English masters, just lovers of fiction and our views on each month’s choice are rarely the same, but we enjoy the diversity this brings to our bookclub conversations.
We are not currently looking for new members but we are happy to put those looking for a book group in touch with one another.
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The Free-Range Bookclub 
Hi there just wondering if your based in nelson? Thanks
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Hello. Yes we are based in Sunny Nelson!
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Dear Rachel, Suzy, and Nadine,
Thank you for the inspiration. My sons are grown now, but I remember the exact impulse you describe as being behind the inception of this blog; it was (and continues to be) SO important to me to “upkeep intelligent conversation” in the midst of all that chaotic mothering bliss!
I am writing because I hope you will consider reading and reviewing my novel ‘Inertia’. It was first published several years ago, but being that I wrote it in the throes of having pre-teen children, I just kind of let it find its own way into the world–which was lovely in its serendipity but not a very good business model. Now in New Zealand, it has a fresh garment (beautiful new jacket design) and is being printed locally. I am doing all I can to get it into the hands of readers here. Those who have read it so far have found it a profoundly healing experience; I hope you will consider giving it a read (and review) on your fabulous blog.
If you are willing, please let me know by email what is the best address to send three complimentary copies of ‘Inertia’. If ‘Inertia’ doesn’t interest you, my new novel ‘Kealaula’ is geared toward a young adult audience (though it’s a good crossover title), and I could send that one instead. They’re both listed with All Books NZ (and can be found on Amazon), so just let me know your preference. Thanks for considering!
Best,
Kim Cope Tait
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