Photography: Petra Mingneau.
From childhood visits to the library with her older sister to teaching children with disabilities, hiding from her family to squeeze in a few more pages and 52 years as a member of what may be New Zealand’s longest-running book club, reading has brought Annette Hill countless moments of joy.
“From day dot, I read anything and everything I could,” shares former principal Annette.
“When I was younger, I even used to love getting fish and chips wrapped up in the Truth newspaper because you never knew what you were going to be able to read.”
Now 84, she is the only remaining founding member of Christchurch’s first Book Discussion Scheme group.
A community built on books
“Sadly, over time, I’m the only one left, but it’s evolved and kept the same feeling of closeness,” says Annette.
“It’s hard to explain – we support one another and always will. But our focus is on the book, and on valuing and respecting people’s opinions of it. It’s the knowledge and experience of others that’s so valuable, and adds to the richness of the group.”
Founded in Canterbury in 1973, the Book Discussion Scheme now sends out titles and notes monthly to around 12,000 Kiwis, from Stewart Island to the Far North and even the Chatham Islands.
Why discussion matters
“Discussion is the key concept,” explains Annette.
“Our group has always held a very strong model, gathering a group of like-minded souls. You read the book, give it a mark, have a brief talk, then go back through the notes and questions.”
And it can be wonderfully perspective-shifting.
“At times, hearing others’ points about the book, I’ve changed my views or original opinion,” she tells.
Finding herself through reading
Annette was a young mother of three when she first joined and remembers, “It was something that was just mine, my thing away from the family. It might sound selfish, but it was a retreat and it also kept me stimulated mentally.”
But Annette’s love of learning began long before she joined the book club. Growing up in Christchurch, she recalls being surrounded by books at home with her mother and grandmother, and she treasured trips to the library with her older sister. She learned to read before she started school.
She says, eventually, teaching was a natural calling.
“My mother had two cousins who were teachers and I thought they were wonderful. They, along with some of the teachers I had, inspired me.”
After Avonside High School, Annette trained at Christchurch Teachers’ College and later became a principal at a low-decile, inner-city school.
Working with children from varied backgrounds, some with disabilities, reinforced her belief that reading transforms lives.
A home shaped by books
“It’s the cornerstone of learning,” she says.
At home, books were central to her parenting approach alongside husband Richard, now 85, with their three children, Stuart, now 60, Sarah, 58, and Anna, 54.
“Our children were read to all the time. I remember trying to miss a few pages of a favourite Dr. Seuss book and there was no way I was getting away with that,” she laughs, before another beloved literary memory pops up.
“Many years ago, I was given a copy of [NZ writer Keri Hulme’s] The Bone People for Christmas. We were packing to go on holiday and the book kept interrupting my packing. I had to sneak away and hide, and keep reading just a little bit more. “Even with our grandkids, who are adults now, all of us have a love of reading and books – it’s part of our DNA.”
When life got in the way
At one stage, Annette’s career became so demanding that she stepped away from the book group, but it never stepped away from her.
“Things were hectic and I said I didn’t think I could keep going,” she explains.
“I had a leave of absence for 11 years and they kept my place the whole time.”
“Truthfully, whether they liked it or not, I was coming back!”
Coming home to books
After retiring, Annette picked up right where she left off.
“I had missed it so much, and since retiring and coming back into the book group, it’s just been bliss.”
Although most groups opt to have them delivered, Annette loves visiting the Book Discussion Scheme headquarters each month to pick up their new titles and connect with like-minded literature lovers.
“They’re just incredible and it’s always delightful to have a chat,” she enthuses.
“The women are all readers and so dedicated.”
Still in love with reading
These days, Annette can read without sneaking away, but the novelty of a good book has never worn off.
“I’ve had a wonderful life, a great marriage and a husband with similar interests who is also an avid reader,” she smiles.
“And it’s good now I don’t have to hide from the family – I can read wherever and whenever I want.”
To find out more about the Book Discussion Scheme, visit bds.org.nz
