It’s a common trait down here that if a New Zealander moves to Australia to become famous, we Australians take them over and tend to forget their Kiwi origins. Russell Crowe, for example, or the Finn brothers and their band Crowded House; we Aussies like to claim all the popular exports as our own. And it looks like I’ve done the same again with my discussions of Fishpond, the online bookstore down here.

The reason I noticed is that the second book from my original order arrived today, and my curiosity was aroused by a New Zealand postmark. I surfed around and quickly discovered that the original company was actually Fishpond.co.nz, and they later expanded to the Aussie version. Who would’ve thought … not me, obviously. So I stand corrected.

On the same issue, I had a comment suggesting that The Book Depository in the UK was a great place to order books online, because they have free delivery worldwide. It looks like it’s true, and using the same book as an example – What Was Lost – I could get that sent to me from The Book Depository for just A$12.64 – nearly half of what Amazon would charge me.

But it’s not just about the dollars, is it? I was listening to an ABC Radio National Book Show podcast today which discussed the vital role of small, independent bookstores in Australia. I agree, and I’m feeling fiercely loyal again to my two favourite book stores, Planet in Mt Lawley and Oxford Street Books in Leederville, and will plan a trip there soon. According to Planet’s online catalogue I’d have to pay $24.95 for What Was Lost there – and they’re out of stock, anyway – but there is definitely something special about strolling through such a book store and discovering all kinds of new books I haven’t heard about.