Book Corner

Who are you?
Greg Thornton – Principal of Rangitoto College.

What’s your claim to fame?
Don’t know if I have one – yet. Maybe this job? World famous on the North Shore 🙂

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?
A weekend away with friends and our families – spending time in the outdoors and enjoying good food sounds amazing to me. 

What do you love about our library/working at Rangitoto College?
It is a brilliant, inclusive space that truly feels like the heart of the school. I love how our warm environment and massive collection inspire the students, whether they are collaborating or just finding a quiet spot to study. Most of all, our passionate library staff bring the place to life with their incredible expertise. It is a real asset to the college to have the library function as such a hub of the community.

What were you doing before this role?

I was Principal at Cambridge High School in the mighty Waikato. 

What was on the family bookshelf growing up?
Most of our books were borrowed from friends or the library but we had a lot of good reference books. Probably why I know random stuff – if I am ever on your quiz team. 

Tell us a brilliant book memory?
There are so many great book memories but the one I will use here is from a tragedy I read once – A fine balance by Rohinton Mistry. I really hoped for it to end well and it just doesn’t. The hope in the story gets dashed repeatedly and it was incredibly powerful.

Do you remember reading/loving any books at school?
Yes, I enjoyed a strange range of books from Shogun by James Clavell to Lord of the Rings and lots of Bourne Identity stories from Robert Ludlum or fantasy like Anne McCaffery’s Pern series. It was really random, but enjoyable. 

Tell us about them. What’s a book that’s changed your life/mind? Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search For Meaning. I love the insights that this book provided into what it means to be human. Written by a psychiatrist who survived the Nazi concentration camps, his reflections on why some people lost hope and perished while others were able to find a strength to survive are incredible. He shows that, ultimately, the only thing that others can’t take from you is the freedom to choose our own attitude. This perspective challenged me to work hard on how I manage my responses to life’s curveballs. 

What are you currently reading?
I recently finished Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd. It’s a great Cold War spy thriller about a travel writer named Gabriel who gets accidentally recruited by MI6 in the 1960s after securing a dangerous interview in the Congo. It weaves a lot of secret agent plot twists together with the main character trying to untangle some heavy childhood trauma. A really gripping read.

What do you/will you love reading to your kids?
Rosie’s Walk and anything from Julia Donaldson. Rosie’s Walk and anything from Julia Donaldson. I loved Rosie’s Walk because I could embellish the simple text and funny illustrations with sound effects and nonsense. Julia Donaldson is just a masterpiece writer and her musical rhymes and clever plots are an absolute joy to read aloud.

What’s your favourite book?
That is too hard, sorry!

What’s your favourite film?
Still too hard

Was it originally a book and which was better?
The book is always better. 

Who would your ideal lunch companion(s) be, dead or alive?

Roger Federer

True story – I dreamt he invited me to lunch with him one time when he was competing in the Australian Open, so it seems fitting that I would actually follow through on that. I love playing tennis myself and think that the opportunity to have a hit with him and then a chat over lunch would be awesome – if only I was good enough at tennis that is…
Roger Federer is an incredible athlete who has a strong sense of integrity and professionalism. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest and most elegant athletes ever with a great perspective on life and his achievements. If you get a chance, look up his recent commencement speech at Dartmouth College and you will get a sense of why it would make for a great lunch conversation. He spoke about how “effortless” is a myth that requires immense unseen hard work, and how he only won fifty-four per cent of his individual points in his career, meaning you have to learn to drop past mistakes immediately and focus on the next challenge. Plus, his reminder that life is bigger than your job, and that true happiness comes from family and giving back, is a pretty great perspective to keep in mind.

Who are you? I am Isaac Epplett, an athlete for the 1st XV rugby team and premier water polo.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing? I love playing and training for sports with my friends and team. I also like hanging out with mates and getting involved in various activities around school.

What’s a book you remember reading/having read to you when you were younger? Tell us all about that memory. I remember reading Dog Man in primary school. Every single night from 7:00 to 7:30, I would read, repeating the seven books in the series over and over again.

What are some books you’ve encountered (and enjoyed) at school? At Rangitoto College, I have come across many great books. Some of my favourites are Sir John Kirwan’s All Blacks Don’t Cry and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye.

What do you love about our library? My favourite thing about the Rangitoto library is being able to spend peaceful time there reading, studying, or just relaxing.

What’s a book that’s changed your mind about something? All Blacks Don’t Cry really opened my eyes to the importance of the mental health space within professional sports.

What are you currently reading? I am currently reading 1984 by George Orwell.

What’s a book you always recommend and why? The book I always recommend to my athlete friends is All Blacks Don’t Cry. It increases your knowledge and gives you practical strategies if you ever find yourself in a similar situation to John Kirwan.

What’s your favourite book? My favourite book is currently 1984. It helps me understand why it is so important to vote and fight back against mistreatment before it ever reaches Orwell’s bleak prediction of the world.

Where do you seek inspiration? I seek inspiration from my family, my friends, and the world around me.

Why do you think people should read? I believe everyone should read because it allows you to gain knowledge, relax, or experience excitement depending on the book you choose.

What are some mottos you live by? “Sweep the sheds.” 

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday. Saturday morning: wake up and eat a good breakfast, then head to rugby and get a solid win. End the day with a water polo game and a spa afterwards. Sunday: wake up late, cruise through the day, and hang out with mates in the afternoon.

Who would you love to have lunch with (dead or alive)? Lunch with Richie McCaw would be awesome. I believe I could learn a lot about leadership and humility from him.

What advice are you grateful you’ve received? The best advice I have been given is to focus on what I can control. Because of this, I spend less time fixating on things outside of my control. It helps me stay calm under pressure and keeps me improving as an athlete, leader, and person.

Who are you?

I am Ameer Lo and I am a naturally curious person who loves to explore fictional universes, and someone who is always eager to challenge myself by starting new projects and learning new skills.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

When I’m not reading, I love diving into different kinds of media and playing video games. The endless variety of digital content available gives me something creative and engaging to look forward to in my spare time.

What’s a book you remember reading or having read to you when you were younger? Tell us about that memory.

I vividly remember reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It was the very first full-length novel I ever read. Because I had already watched the movies multiple times, reading the text gave me a much greater, richer understanding of the wizarding world. It was the moment I realized how much more depth a book can offer compared to a screen, which made me appreciate storytelling on a whole new level.

Tell us a brilliant book memory?

A recent memory comes from the book I am currently reading, Foundation by Isaac Asimov. I came across the quote, “Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.” It completely paused my reading and made me reflect on how true intelligence relies on diplomacy, wit, and strategy rather than force. Finding those sudden, profound nuggets of wisdom is one of my favorite parts of reading.

What’s a book that’s changed your mind about something?

Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book completely transformed how I approach my daily routine. It changed my mindset from thinking success requires massive, monumental changes to realizing that small, 1% daily improvements are what actually build long-term success.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Foundation by Isaac Asimov, a classic sci-fi novel that explores the rise and fall of empires across the galaxy.

Why do you think people should read?

People should read because it exposes them to a wider world of perspectives and ideas. Reading builds your vocabulary and critical thinking skills which makes you more aware of the world around you, and ultimately expands your intelligence.

Who would you love to have lunch with (dead or alive)?

John D. Rockefeller. He is a fascinating historical figure because the way he scaled his businesses essentially shaped how the modern corporate and economic world works today. I would love to pick his brain about strategy, vision, and his reflection if he were to know what the world is like now.

What advice are you grateful you’ve received?

I am incredibly grateful for my dad, who taught me to constantly step out of my comfort zone and try as many new things as possible. It’s advice that aligns perfectly with a motto I try to live by: “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Who are you?
Andi Smith 

What’s your claim to fame?
Performing Arts Teacher, Social Science teacher, Specialist Classroom teacher

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing? 
Thrifting (for clothing and decor) Playing in orchestras, Ceroc Dancing, Hiking, watching Indie films and seeing Live theatre

What do you love about our library/working at Rangitoto College?
The new book section!!!/ The great relationships I have with both students and staff.

What were you doing before this role?
I worked at an accountancy firm, Deloitte Touche Tomatsu and in Hospitality in major hotels in Wellington

What was on the family bookshelf growing up?

Enid Blyton, classics such as Moby Dick, Sense and Sensibility, and Wuthering Heights, anything by Willard Price, and lots of great coffee table books on art, music, photography, and hiking. 

Tell us a brilliant book memory?

Books featuring the photography of great dancers such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Alvin Ailey. 

Do you remember reading/loving any books at school?

Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Famous Five and Secret Seven books, and the Narnia series. As an adult, I loved Kay Scarpetta novels, and anything by Colin Dexter, Stuart MacBride, Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbø, and Henning Mankell (SCANDI CRIME!). 

Tell us about them. 

Laura Ingalls Wilder books- they are set in rural America at the start of the pioneering age, Colin Dexter/Stuart McBride/Ian Rankin = the dark streets of Scotland, or “Scandi crime –  the cold, bleak landscapes of Scandinavia.

What’s a book that’s changed your life/mind?  Flanaghan’s Run by Tom McNab

What are you currently reading?

Give me Liberty: An American History  by E Forner, K Duval and McGirr. (This was a set text book for a uni paper that my son did and it covers everything to do with American history from the start of the country to today under the current regime). It is such a great piece of non fiction and has made me realise how lucky we are to have the Treaty of Waitangi as our defining document and such great advocates for the rights of women in NZ. There are some very topical chapters on Liberty in the current American climate.

Where do you seek inspiration? 

Great writers, suggestions from friends e.g Ms Meggison’s latest reads!

What do you always recommend?

Books that move you to personal growth.

What do you/will you love reading to your kids?

Harry Potter series, Milly Molly Mandy and Captain Underpants.

What’s your favourite book?

The Shack by William Paul Young & Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

What’s your favourite film?

The Way (starring Martin Sheen, Directed by Emilio Estevez based on   “Off the road: a modern-day walk down the Pilgrim’s Route into Spain”

Was it originally a book and which was better?

Yes, but never read it.The film is a really beautiful shaped piece of Independent film.

What are some mottos you live by?

Be your authentic self.

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday?

Pilates, Brunch at “Toast”, Op shopping at Milford or Wairau; an indie/arts film at the Bridgeway, dinner at a restaurant such as  Chef Rasa Sayang (Fantastic Malaysian food – formica tables, simple but authentic and oh so HOT!)

Who would your ideal lunch companion(s) be, dead or alive?

St Paul, Bernard Shaw, Antonin Dvorak, Leonardo Di Vinci, Martha Graham, Judy Dench.

What advice do you have for teenagers today?

Be your authentic self.

What is your favourite quote and/or anecdote?

“Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow “ River Phoenix.

“ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 4-7.

Who are you? 

Kia ora, my name is Beau Williams. I am a student at Rangitoto College who enjoys learning, meeting new people, and challenging myself to grow. I see myself as optimistic and open-minded, and I try to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I enjoy hearing different perspectives and learning from the people around me, which has helped shape my values and character. I am always looking for ways to develop both personally and as a leader. In the future, I hope to become a leader within the Kura who can positively influence others and make a meaningful difference in my community.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing? 

When I’m not reading, I love surfing and spending time in the ocean. Being out in the water helps me clear my mind, challenge myself, and gives me a sense of freedom. I am also a very sociable person, so I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as meeting new people. I find it interesting to hear different perspectives, experiences, and ideas, and I believe these interactions have helped me develop values such as respect, empathy, and open-mindedness. The people I surround myself with continue to shape my character, inspire me to grow, and encourage me to become the best version of myself.

What’s a book that’s changed your mind about something? 

One book that changed the way I think is You Don’t Have to Have a Dream by Tim Minchin. Before reading it, I assumed that success depended on having a perfectly mapped-out future and a clear, fixed ambition from a young age. The book challenged that idea by suggesting that life is often more meaningful when you stay curious, adaptable, and open to unexpected opportunities. One quote that stood out to me was, “Be hard on your opinions.” I interpreted this as a reminder not to become trapped by my own assumptions and to always be willing to learn from others. What I found most valuable was the book’s reminder that uncertainty is not a weakness; it can actually be a space for growth. It made me think more carefully about leadership too, because good leaders do not just follow a rigid plan, they respond to change, listen to others, and keep learning. That perspective has stayed with me because it feels realistic, encouraging, and honest.

Why do you think people should read? 

I think people should read because books expose us to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives that we might never encounter otherwise. Reading helps us learn about the world, understand other people, and think more deeply about our own beliefs and goals. It can also be a great source of inspiration and motivation.

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the future? 

One of my biggest goals is to become a strong and positive leader who has a significant, positive impact on everyone around them. I want to continue developing my confidence, communication skills, and ability to work with others. I also hope to keep learning throughout my life, travel, and take on opportunities that help me grow as a person.

Tell us a brilliant book memory? 

A book memory that stands out to me is finishing The Bronze Horseman and feeling like it had left a much deeper impression on me than I expected. What stayed with me most was not just the story itself, but the moral I took from it: that even in the most extreme suffering, people still have a responsibility to hold onto compassion, dignity, and hope. The novel made me think seriously about how war strips life back to its most basic level, yet also reveals what matters most in a person’s character. I remember putting the book down and reflecting on how resilience is not only about surviving hardship, but about choosing to remain human when everything around you is trying to take that away.

Where do you seek inspiration? 

I seek inspiration from both books and the people around me. Books introduce me to new ways of thinking and often encourage me to look at challenges from different perspectives. I also draw a lot of inspiration from my parents, whose hard work, values, and support have shaped who I am today.

What advice are you grateful you’ve received? 

The advice I am most grateful for is to stay open-minded, embrace uncertainty, and never stop learning. This mindset has had a significant influence on how I view leadership. It has taught me that leadership is not about having every answer or following a rigid path, but about being adaptable and willing to learn from others. As someone who hopes to become a leader in the future, this perspective has given me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, listen to different viewpoints, and stay optimistic about the unexpected opportunities ahead.

Who are you? 

Kia ora! Ko Gemma tōku ingoa. Nō Te Arawa me Ngāpuhi ahau. Kia ora, I am Gemma. I am Māori, and I come from Te Arawa and Ngāpuhi. I am currently a Year 12 student at our kura.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

In my spare time, when I am not reading, I love hanging out with my family, spending time in the kitchen, or being outdoors, especially at the beach.

What do you love about our library? 

One thing I love about our school library is that it is a diverse and welcoming space for anyone. Whether you are going there for some quiet time, to enter a different world through the eyes of an author, or to study, everyone is welcome.

What are some books you’ve enjoyed reading here at school? 

Two books that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading were actually part of our novel studies.

The first was Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden. If you love high-stakes survival, intense action, and tight-knit friendships, you need to pick this up. It follows a group of teenagers who return from a camping trip to find their country has been invaded. The core message of the book is about resilience, growing up overnight, and finding unexpected courage when your entire world changes. I love it because the characters’ adventures are never-ending, so you never get bored. The second book I have really enjoyed during my time at school is The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. This is the ultimate classic about brotherhood and staying true to yourself. It looks at the intense rivalry between two different social groups, the Greasers and the Socs. The main message is that beneath our labels and backgrounds, we all see the same sunset. The novel’s message is about empathy and the pain of judgment. Despite the sad plot, the best thing about the story is the deep connections between the characters, which create a really powerful emotional impact for the reader. 

What are you currently reading? 

Right now, I am reading Never Lie by Freida McFadden. This thriller is a brilliant locked-room mystery that will keep you hooked from the very first page. The story follows a newlywed couple who find themselves trapped in a remote mansion during a massive blizzard, only to discover the hidden therapy tapes of a missing psychiatrist. The main message within the pages is that the secrets we try to bury always have a way of catching up to us, and intimacy in relationships can sometimes mask deep deception. The plot teaches a practical lesson about maintaining morals and honesty throughout different relationships as the couple slowly discover hidden secrets surrounding the missing doctor. 

What’s your favourite book, and why? 

My absolute favourite book is The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. If you love mind-bending plot twists and stories where you cannot trust anyone, you have to read this. It is a gripping psychological thriller about a vulnerable housemaid who takes a job with a wealthy family, only to realise their perfect life is a total illusion. The book explores heavy themes of psychological control, domestic survival, and how easily our perspectives can be manipulated. I love it because it is not just a standalone novel; it has two consecutive books that follow in the series, ensuring you are constantly guessing what will happen next. The plot is always shifting. The second you think you have everything figured out, McFadden completely changes the outcome!

Why do you think people should read? 

I believe people should read because books have the power to change, inspire, and transform us. No matter what you are reading, you learn to interpret different characters, authors, and perspectives. By doing this, you are not only allowing yourself to be inspired, but you are also opening yourself up to learning and understanding the world a bit better.

Who are you? (give some details about yourself: year level, background, etc.)

Kia ora! I’m Adara, and I am a current year 12 student leader of Creative Writing Club and Medicine Club.

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing?

As a child who could never be dragged away from the water, being raised in the Muriwai community has made the surf an inseparable part of who I am. In the summer, my time is mostly spent under the sun volunteering as a lifeguard and junior surf coach. I’m currently a leader of Creative Writing Club and Medicine Club,  but outside of school, you can probably find me writing, singing, dancing (terribly),  or cuddling my dog. 

What’s your favourite book, and why?

I have too many to choose from!

What’s your claim to fame?

I’m a headfirst kind of gal— impressive when scorpion tailed duckdives get you first out to the buoy at nationals, not so impressive when jumping off a ten-ish metre cliff. One concussion later, and I was “Scorpion” for the length of 2023. 

Apparently, one visit to the ER wasn’t enough because in 2024, I managed to re-concuss myself right before I was supposed to sit the 11ENX entrance test. At the time, not getting in felt devastating. I was convinced that I lacked the skill and had missed my chance. Looking back, though, I feel grateful. The ENG class I ended up in introduced me to one of my favourite books, and I gained a lot from my time there. I’ve made it to English extension now anyway, and I love it!

What are some mottos you live by?

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

When I hear this quote, I think of the words of Hannah Hassler: “I am a mosaic of everyone I ever loved, even for a heartbeat.” There is value to be found in every experience, and merit in every moment. When a person enters your life, they breathe the experience of a reality entirely different to your own. In the moment those worlds collide, regardless of how long or short-lived, you step into their realm and you learn something new. Every encounter I’ve had with a person, the good, the bad, the ugly, I feel that I’m better for it all.

Another quote I live by is There’s always a better tomorrow.

Why do you read/write?

Literature immortalises experience. I write to immerse my reader in thought. Whether it’s through narrative, essays, or poetry, I want to draw you into my mind and make you feel something.

Where do you seek inspiration from?

People. From my seventeen years of observation, there is absolutely nothing simple about a person, so in all my work, I love exploring the nuances of emotions. 

What are you currently reading?

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell. My friends who have read Nineteen Eighty-Four describe it as something that everyone should read at least once in their lives. I haven’t had the chance to get far into it yet, but I was drawn to the theme of reality control under a totalitarian regime. 

What are some books you’ve enjoyed reading here at school? (either here or at a previous school)

My favourite curriculum novel to date is I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak, which I read for English in Year Eleven. 

To summarise, the story follows nineteen-year-old Australian cab driver Ed Kennedy, who is the epitome of average. Following the accidental thwarting of a bank robbery, which he achieved largely through apathy towards his own life, Ed is hailed as a local hero. The novel proceeds as Ed receives playing cards marked with strangers’ addresses from an anonymous sender, each prompting a mission to help someone. With every new card, the challenges become progressively more morally and physically confronting.

For me, this was the first time reading a novel where I felt truly seen.  Analysing Ed’s character, at times, felt like a personal dissection; everything from his humour to certain relationship dynamics resembled an alternative version of myself.  Witnessing his character development made me reevaluate how I view success in my own life and helped me cherish the beauty within everyday encounters.

I read this book twice in one term, which I think says a lot.

What’s a book you remember reading/having read to you when you were little? Describe why that book is memorable to you.

I clearly remember being reprimanded for reading the His Dark Materials trilogy, partly because I was seven, and partly because its controversial themes made it one of the most targeted books for censorship of its time; needless to say, after hearing all of this, I had never wanted to read a book more.

Who are you? 

I am Ms Roberts, one of the English teachers and the Curriculum Leader for Year 13 English. 

When you’re not reading, what do you love doing? 

I love playing TTRPGs, mainly Dungeons and Dragons, with friends as a fun creative outlet. It’s such a fun way to engage with storytelling, and also to see just what kind of insane shenanigans you and your friends can get into. On top of that, I spend a lot of time jumping from hobby to hobby, like crocheting or cross stitch. 

What do you love about our library/working at Rangitoto College? 

 I love the diversity of our library and in our school. The librarians in particular have some amazing recommendations and have helped me find so many books I would never have read otherwise, and talking to students about their reading habits has done the same. We have so many different people with different interests, which makes it a great place to expand your horizons. 

What was on the family bookshelf growing up? 

I have a huge stack of my old Famous Five and Secret Seven books that had also been my mum’s. They were probably the main thing on the family bookshelf, and I would read through them again and again. Other than that, I remember reading fantasy books again and again as a kid, and making my parents take me to get books the day of their launch. 

Do you remember reading/loving any books at school? 

I remember being at school when there was the big surge in dystopia films and novels, with The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner all coming out as films, and so of course we were all frantically reading the books before the films would come out. It led me to read some really terrifying dystopia which really made me think about the way the world is heading, especially the novel Unwind by Neal Shusterman, which used to terrify me with the body horror aspects of it. 

What are you currently reading? 

I am currently reading the novel Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir since I saw the film and loved it. I am not normally a hard Sci-Fi reader, but this one is really interesting and I love the humanity and connection that is at the core of it. I adore the humour in a book that is about something so terrifying as the end of the world, and Rocky is one of my favourite depictions of a character that I have read in a long time. 

What do you always recommend?

 I always recommend anything by Nikita Gill. Her poetry is what convinced me that I didn’t completely hate all poetry, and has become some of my favourite books and poems to read. If you come by E13, some of her poetry is up above the door on the glass. 

What’s your favourite book? 

This is such an incredibly hard choice that changes all the time. At the moment, it is Hekatee by Nikita Gill. It is the first novel in verse I have read and it was just such a beautiful read and blends my love of Greek Mythology with some really beautiful descriptions. 

Describe your perfect Saturday/Sunday? 

My perfect weekend would have to involve a sleep in, then some reading with my cat, Yennefer, preferably on a nice autumn day when it’s raining outside and I have a mug of tea, and then an evening playing D&D with friends. Especially if they actually follow the campaign I have set out for them, but I can only dream. 

What advice do you have for teenagers today?  

Find something that you love and dive deep into it. One of the best things I did as a student was get interested in Greek mythology and started reading more and more about it, and this has led me to, not only read some of the best books and films that I have ever read or seen, but also helped me to choose what I wanted to study at university and helped me find friends who had similar interests. Being unapologetically excited about things that you like is always the best choice and will make you a better, happier person overall.