CoNZealand is Here!

Almost two years after it was first announced, and despite the significant impact of COVID-19, the 78th World Science Fiction Convention is about to arrive on the (digital) shores of Wellington! The virtual convention will include special guests Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon, Greg Broadmore and toastmaster George R.R. Martin, and will be hosting a range of fantastic sci-fi related events — including the Hugo Awards! To get you in the CoNZealand spirit, we’ve selected titles covering everything from fandom and cosplay to cooking and short stories. Enjoy!

The fangirl’s guide to the galaxy : a handbook for geek girls / Maggs, Sam
The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy is the ultimate handbook for ladies living the nerdy life, a fun and feminist take on the often male-dominated world of geekdom. With a love for all the in(ternet)s and outs of geek culture, this book is packed with tips, playthroughs, and cheat codes for everything from starting an online fan community to planning a convention visit to supporting fellow female geeks in the wild.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Fandom : fic writers, vidders, gamers, artists, and cosplayers / DiPiazza, Francesca
“Have you ever finished a book or TV series and wished for more? Created stories, art, or videos based on a game? If so, you’ve entered fandom. Fan writers expand and mix up stories, sending the Star Trek crew to Hogwarts. They also enrich invented worlds with greater diversity, creating female and multiracial avatars for games peopled only with white male characters.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Kindred : a graphic novel adaptation / Duffy, Damian
More than 35 years after its release, Kindred continues to draw in new readers with its deep exploration of the violence and loss of humanity caused by slavery in the United States, and its complex and lasting impact on the present day. Adapted by celebrated academics and comics artists Damian Duffy and John Jennings, this graphic novel powerfully renders Butler’s mysterious and moving story, which spans racial and gender divides in the antebellum South through the 20th century.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Stolen sharpie revolution / Wrekk, Alex
“Since 2002, Stolen Sharpie Revolution: a DIY Resource for Zines and Zine Culture has been the go-to guide for all things zine-related. This little red book is stuffed with information about zines. Things you may know, stuff you don’t know and even stuff you didn’t know you didn’t know! Stolen Sharpie Revolution contains a cornucopia of information about zines and zine culture for everyone from the zine newbie to the experienced zinester to the academic researcher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

How long ’til black future month? / Jemisin, N. K
“Hugo-winning and New York Times-bestselling author Jemisin sharply examines modern society in her first short story collection.” (Catalogue)

Cosplay crash course : a complete guide to designing cosplay wigs, makeup and accessories / Petrović, Mina
“True to the cosplay spirit of collaboration, Cosplay Crash Course shares favorite techniques from some of the community’s most imaginative artists. Step by step, you’ll learn how to turn ordinary fabrics, toys, thermoplastics, wigs and other humble materials into original costumes. Whether you’re making fabulous feathers, metallic armor, wicked horns, lifelike claws or form-fitting boots, this book puts it all within your reach.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The feast of fiction kitchen : recipes inspired by TV, movies, games & books / Wong, Jimmy
Recipes from Feast of Fiction, the innovative YouTube show featuring fantastical and fictional recipes inspired by books, movies, comics, video games, and more. With 55 unique and awesome dishes, this long-awaited cookbook will help inspire a pop culture dinner party, a fun night at home with family and friends, or an evening on the couch thinking about what you could be cooking.” (Catalogue)

Overdrive cover Monster, She Wrote by Lisa Kröger (ebook)
“Everyone knows about Mary Shelley, creator of Frankenstein, who was rumored to keep her late husband’s heart in her desk drawer. But have you heard of Margaret “Mad Madge” Cavendish, who wrote a science-fiction epic 150 years earlier (and liked to wear topless gowns to the theater)? Part biography, part reader’s guide, the engaging write-ups and reading lists will introduce you to more than 100 authors and over 200 of their mysterious and spooky works!” (Adapted from Overdrive description)

I find your lack of faith disturbing : Star Wars and the triumph of geek culture / Jameson, A. D.
“A. D. Jameson takes geeks and non-geeks alike on a surprising and insightful journey through the science fiction, fantasy, and superhero franchises that now dominate pop culture. A lifelong geek, Jameson shines a new light on beloved classics, explaining the enormous love (and hate) they are capable of inspiring in fan and non-fan alike, while exploding misconceptions as to how and why they were made.” (Adapted from Catalogue)