Our London Lives by Christine Dwyer Hickey. This is wonderful. In 1979 Milly and Pip are misfits, part of the Irish diaspora in London who after a brief romance go their separate ways - but out of sight they’re rarely out of mind over the next 40 years. This is an eloquent and wonderful story of lost opportunity and regret, spanning four decades against the landscape of an ever-present London.

A Voyage Around the Queen by Craig Brown. This is a biography of Queen Elizabeth the second, by the author who wrote the wonderful Yes, Ma’am about Princess Margaret and One Two Three Four about The Beatles. Combining biography, essays, cultural history, dream diaries, travelogue and satire, he presents a kaleidoscopic portrait of a woman who was the most public, and the most private.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel trends are constantly changing, especially in an era where living costs are keeping Kiwis grounded.

According to new data, plenty of people have been able to make room in their budgets for overseas trips - with Europe being the top destination for travellers based in New Zealand.

Australia comes second, with Asia coming a very close third.

BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton unpacks the findings of this poll further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, editor and journalist Jo McCarroll and NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!

Should insurers have access to genetic testing or be able to force genetic testing, to set premiums? Do we need more regulations here?

The Australian Government is looking to ban social media for children, with legislation set to come through by the end of the year. Is a ban the solution? Do we need to educate children to stay safe online?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.