Gillian Bremner is the chief executive of Presbyterian Support Otago, and the convenor of a conference on aged care, called 'Values - Cost or Investment? Dare to Care', held in Wellington in March. (story p20)

She recommends two recent publications - 'Killing Us Softly' by John Bluck (Shoal Bay Press 2001) (review sPanz, Issue 4) and 'Authors' Choice', edited by Owen Marshall, (Penguin Books 2001).

The first, 'Killing us Softly' describes kiwi culture rather negatively as being full of "complainers and knockers", and prompts readers to consider how they might be adding to this phenomenon. Though she found it somewhat ironic that the author appeared to be complaining somewhat himself, Bremner said she found the book thought-provoking.

She commented, however, that Presbyterian Support staff try hard to "accentuate the positives" and build on people's strengths - particularly with children, families and the elderly.

'Author's Choice,' the second book Bremner recommends, is a book of short stories chosen by leading New Zealand writers, with explanations about their choice of their own work by the writers themselves.

"As a busy executive, wife and mother the opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of New Zealand writers and gain some insight into what inspires their stories is welcomed at the end of a busy day," says Bremner.