{"title":"Simon Bridges","description":"\u003cp\u003eDive into the compelling world of Simon Bridges, a prominent figure celebrated for his insightful writings that blend personal reflections with a deep understanding of sociopolitical landscapes. Known for his significant contributions in the Biography \u0026amp; Memoir genre, Simon Bridges invites readers to explore themes of identity, leadership, and national narrative with authenticity and clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong Bridges' noteworthy works is \u003cem\u003eNational Identity\u003c\/em\u003e, a captivating exploration of what defines a nation and its people. Through his narrative, he shares a unique perspective shaped by his political background, providing readers with both personal anecdotes and broader societal observations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are seeking to understand the intricacies of national consciousness or desire a nuanced perspective on leadership and identity, Simon Bridges' writings offer a riveting reading experience. His books are perfect for readers who appreciate a thoughtful blend of personal memoir and insightful commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEmbark on a literary journey with Simon Bridges and uncover stories that resonate on a deeply human level, encouraging reflection and dialogue about the world around us.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"national-identity-by-simon-bridges-9781775541967","title":"National Identity","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn open, honest and at times intensely personal memoir about race, fatherhood, marriage, masculinity, fitting in, and the things that shape our national character.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Bridges grew up as the son of a working-class Baptist preacher in Te Atatu, as the youngest of six children. In many ways, he had a typical Kiwi upbringing at a time when having little didn't seem to matter much. Yet, for Bridges, his was the life of an outsider: experiencing otherness for being Maori, and yet an otherness from other Maori; a Westie with a thick accent, trying to break into the upper reaches of society; distanced from his father, an aging man in his own world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a young politician, Bridges soon came to realise he was an introvert in an extrovert's world, and a male leader who has never identified with New Zealand's idealised version of the strong, laconic, rugby-loving man.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eNational Identity\u003c\/em\u003e, Bridges offers an attempt to question himself and the country he loves. Politics, crime, kai, music, nature: these are the stuff of a life. Through candid and self-aware reflections, he points out that politicians have become less robust and that people don't participate as much anymore, eroding our institutions and national life. He speaks his mind on an education system in crisis, the decline of Christianity, and how being the smallest, most isolated developed country in the world explains why we are how we are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic, brilliant, humorous and poignant, \u003cem\u003eNational Identity\u003c\/em\u003e is a must-read New Zealand memoir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46628046045420,"sku":"9781775541967","price":35.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4291873482820.jpg?v=1751898133"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/simon-bridges.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}