tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78700840866982337962024-03-14T05:56:34.379+11:00The Reading StackUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger651125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-59440540519988594772017-02-06T09:25:00.000+11:002017-02-06T09:25:31.414+11:00Gotham: Wisdom Tree - Novella #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUYXR9BfdHgAVyOKqGHfb6D8lmsqr6ZEl4C21ZLINg2XjiaTTNdIzxKxO6wYB8MjJTLWe9Uw4fHWpz4XVb_kNbcrQmpb23Me9Hl4yMEV6ViX9JR_xAiqW4r7E52tLkoP-jDAf8xK5m8g/s1600/gotham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUYXR9BfdHgAVyOKqGHfb6D8lmsqr6ZEl4C21ZLINg2XjiaTTNdIzxKxO6wYB8MjJTLWe9Uw4fHWpz4XVb_kNbcrQmpb23Me9Hl4yMEV6ViX9JR_xAiqW4r7E52tLkoP-jDAf8xK5m8g/s320/gotham.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Nick Earls has begun an ambitious project with his new writing. Gotham is the first story of five linked novellas, being released in May 2016. The other four will follow with one each month.<br />
It introduces Jeff Foster, an Australian journalist who has come to the US to interview the over-indulged and newly famous rapper, nineteen year-old Na$ti Boi. To get his interview, he must spend time at Bloomingdales with the rapper and his keeper Smokey. He is then forced to accompany them around town while Na$ti feeds his ego with sex, drugs and name-dropping, as he builds ‘the present to write over the past’. <br />
<br />
The story is half way through before we learn that the reason Jeff needs this interview to succeed, is so the money he’s paid, can cover his sick daughter’s treatment. It is as if two stories converge, to prepare for another direction. This no doubt, sets up the following novella, titled, Venice.<br />
<br />
This brilliant piece of work has prose that is sharp, clever and precise. It showcases the price of fame, how it can destroy not only the very young and famous, but also their minders. The character Smokey’s role is highly significant to the story. Through him we see what he sacrifices of his family life to keep his job. We witness his personal ethics compromised to satisfy the selfish and pampered whims of the superficial Na$ti, who while having everything wants more, but is never satisfied.<br />
<br />
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis<br />
<br />
Title: Gotham: Wisdom Tree – Novella #1<br />
Author: Nick Earls<br />
Publisher: Inkerman Blunt<br />
Publication Date: May 2016 $19.95RRP<br />
Format: Paperback<br />
ISBN: 9780992498580<br />
Type: Contemporary Fiction<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-37478533524857288272017-02-06T09:22:00.000+11:002017-02-06T09:26:36.357+11:00Dance, Bilby, Dance<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZCkVa7AREdvjsnBV6ild-63Sn9C5lTo4jyPIKaTNB2yE6Lsg3nuqjcgzZ-NZO14T6rdgLaPp34oC87l3zEKI0Bp8UZ5d6ToiJwInr38XqLkQkt2J40drDioDM9CDHCjeuOWOKpAxFj8/s1600/Dance-Bilby-Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZCkVa7AREdvjsnBV6ild-63Sn9C5lTo4jyPIKaTNB2yE6Lsg3nuqjcgzZ-NZO14T6rdgLaPp34oC87l3zEKI0Bp8UZ5d6ToiJwInr38XqLkQkt2J40drDioDM9CDHCjeuOWOKpAxFj8/s320/Dance-Bilby-Dance.jpg" width="237" /></a>Little Bilby wants to dance. Everywhere he looks, something
is dancing – leaves, ants, willy-willies, <o:p></o:p></div>
moths and emus. Even his shadow is
dancing.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bilby copies his shadow and soon he is prancing and
twirling. Until another shadow arrives, a huge, scary bunyip. Bilby runs away
but the bunyip catches him. Fortunately, the bunyip wants to dance too. Bilby
has found a dancing partner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bright, bouncing illustrations are a highlight of this book.
Each page is alive with movement as Bilby dances, runs and falls in a tangled
mess. On my favourite page, the willy-willy whirls furiously, gathering up
gumnuts, eucalyptus blossoms, leaves, feathers, ants and a very surprised
looking gecko. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tricia Ocktober has won numerous awards for her wonderful artwork
showcasing Australian flora and fauna. In this picture book, she cleverly
manages to make Bilby both realistic and adorably cute. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Bilby Wants to Dance is a simple but captivating story for young children, perfect for reading aloud at
Easter.
<br />
<br />
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell<br />
<br />
Title: Bilby Wants to Dance<br />
Author: Tricia Oktober<br />
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing $14.95 RRP<br />
Publication Date: 2016<br />
Format: Paperback<br />
ISBN: 9781925272130<br />
For ages: 4+<br />
Type: Children's Picture Book<br />
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-68455185229929573722017-01-27T14:23:00.000+11:002017-01-27T14:24:29.005+11:00Something Wonderful<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhI47GUWVMzfGNB1E-dwMryZfv1xms4ab7WSpPMpv0Gab_EFgMIgH04ZmjNdHT1s7BjoMpDWq3PTHYDFAsXjA9goMxDd8hCwNpeh3CxhBxOC5-iXyNZRh5gw1kI6ktyHi5CjIkYlV70w/s1600/something+wonderful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhI47GUWVMzfGNB1E-dwMryZfv1xms4ab7WSpPMpv0Gab_EFgMIgH04ZmjNdHT1s7BjoMpDWq3PTHYDFAsXjA9goMxDd8hCwNpeh3CxhBxOC5-iXyNZRh5gw1kI6ktyHi5CjIkYlV70w/s320/something+wonderful.jpg" width="271" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sam
is a dreamer; a free spirit with a curious mind. He is interested in everything
around him to the point where he forgets his chores. He tests things to
discover how they work. He takes them apart and puts them together again to see
how they are made. He invents things from bits and pieces of all shapes and
sizes and scrap materials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is on a rainy day that he discovers the shed and all its magic contents. That’s
the day that dad realizes that Sam has a special gift.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
meaningful picture book dwells on themes around children’s need to explore,
understand, investigate and create. Curiosity about, and absorption in, their
world and things around them, can be misconstrued as apathy, indifference, or some
other mistaken emotion. Here those perceptions are addressed, from a child’s
view.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
found the illustrations created with pencil and watercolour, stunning and
detailed. They stretch the story to a greater proportion by showing what Sam thinks
and feels. Karen Blair has done an exceptional job at translating this text.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
could be a valuable book to initiate discussion in the classroom or at home
about the importance of dreams and making things with your hands. It will
inspire children to create and believe they can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reviewed
by Anastasia Gonis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Title: Something Wonderful</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Author: Raewyn Caisley</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Illustrator: Karen Blair</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Publisher: Penguin Random House, $24.99 RRP</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Publication Date: February 2016</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Format: Hardcover</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ISBN: 9780670078455</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For ages: 5+</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Type: Children’s Picture Book</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-13758743578410163292016-10-18T23:11:00.001+11:002016-10-18T23:11:44.043+11:00We're All Going to Die<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV6wQH4MJYyG4t0qB6JJVay-90maFKQdMrOqtBgH57M16H0JoNlqFZm2SO5tGZdBEsMnY4RmSzpA5wEF6KIqs1Hsq-yDFzc1k5Pp2nVyYzXyip0rI3pmxDntNwwP0q6p-EO3VFiC5fec/s1600/we-re-all-going-to-die.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV6wQH4MJYyG4t0qB6JJVay-90maFKQdMrOqtBgH57M16H0JoNlqFZm2SO5tGZdBEsMnY4RmSzpA5wEF6KIqs1Hsq-yDFzc1k5Pp2nVyYzXyip0rI3pmxDntNwwP0q6p-EO3VFiC5fec/s320/we-re-all-going-to-die.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
'All living
things are structured for death. It is an intrinsic part of us.’ <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If the title
suggests that this is a morbid book, I can assure you it’s not. <i>We’re All Going To Die</i> is a
well-researched, cleverly written book about the inevitable in every living being’s
life. This book will enrich your life, for it teaches you to embrace each day
and live it as if it was your last; mindfully and with gratitude. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><o:p>~ </o:p>The passages shared by Kaminsky about her own life and feelings are candid and brave. She’s not an observer. She is part of it all. ~</b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dr Leah Kaminsky
has taken four years to write this book. She has gone to great lengths to
collect data and information through countless research methods, interviews,
and personal experiences about dying from famous and not-so-famous people. She uses it all to inform and entertain, and
teach people to except the word <i>death</i>
as part of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Kaminsky is one
of the many people that live in fear of death. She confesses death has been her
greatest anxiety. Writing this book helped her accept the truth and become a more
compassionate healer. She delves into the many fears associated with death - including
suicide, ageing, Aged Care, and assisted dying-in an insightful and enlightened
way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I found this book
inspirational. The passages shared by Kaminsky about her own life and feelings
are candid and brave. She’s not an observer. She is part of it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each story and
experience has been perfectly positioned so that the whole book is interspersed
with surprises that produce gasps of pleasure just when you think you’ve read
the best part. The stories amuse, make you reflect, and count your blessings. Lots
of extended reading is noted in detail for those interested in more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So many things about
death are hidden from us in dark places. Kaminsky moves them into the light. I applaud
her courage and craftsmanship in creating such an entertaining and informative
book about such a difficult subject.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
‘Thinking about
death and dying is an important part of finding a better way to live.’ Therefore,
while the book reminds us how fragile and temporary life is, it simultaneously
encourages us to live boldly, and accept the changes that life brings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Title: </b>We’re all Going to Die<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Author: </b>Dr. Leah Kaminsky<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Harper Collins<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publication Date: </b>June 2016<b>
</b>$27.99<b> </b>RRP<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b> Format: </b>Paperback<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>ISBN: </b>9781460749999<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Type: </b> Non Fiction<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-72982428512874645032016-10-17T22:46:00.000+11:002016-10-18T23:09:18.666+11:00The Fourteenth Summer of Angus Jack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtljyNGvolmP17us1XXeLGDXtYt4dk83EzWLeI4gl1BE4-UPCEEWxxart3G5O3XzBjLljGOT66tHta1EpP-kNPIjydbc2jQJV6nj7CW0eWQIRILYf5hha8cOlFRfikgejCT-gJyzhOM24/s1600/angus+jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtljyNGvolmP17us1XXeLGDXtYt4dk83EzWLeI4gl1BE4-UPCEEWxxart3G5O3XzBjLljGOT66tHta1EpP-kNPIjydbc2jQJV6nj7CW0eWQIRILYf5hha8cOlFRfikgejCT-gJyzhOM24/s320/angus+jack.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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Angus Jack, his sister Martha and his almost always
distracted father, the Prof, moved to Australia four years ago to start a new
life. They continued moving from place to place every six months but this last
move is the strangest of all. It is about to get a whole lot stranger.<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white;">~ There are no boring bits in this story. </span><span style="background-color: white;">A quirky fantasy adventure for readers 8-12 years ~</span></b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Fourteenth Summer
of Angus Jack</i> is packed with fantastical characters<span style="background: white;">. There’s Reafen, the strange old woman who
opens a curiosity shop next door. Something is very unusual about her and her
wares, especially her snow globes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Then there’s the Donut Lady who lives in the Caravan of
Delight on the beach and makes the most delicious donuts ever. The goblin girls
Ava and Graini arrive on a living Viking ship. Evil Varla appears in a mirror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">The story is underpinned by strong elements of Norse
mythology. Wild Magick is afoot because an object has passed from the Old Realm
into the human world. When the Wishing Stones are cast, secrets are revealed
and Angus Jack must risk everything for his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Black and white illustrations add emphasis to exotic
descriptions and full page drawings are rich with detail. Short chapters and
odd happenings move the action along. There are no boring bits in this story.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white;">A quirky fantasy adventure for readers 8-12 years</span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Title: The Fourteenth Summer of Angus Jack</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Author: Jen Storer</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Publisher: ABC Books</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Date: September 2015 </span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Type: JuniorFiction</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-5972853449653226052016-07-30T17:43:00.004+10:002017-02-06T09:09:07.564+11:00Don't Think About Purple Elephants<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrB1VbWVVal8VW9_zT7S9_l3bYQ7Unfvb-KCI6g2ScZWBCsaJ_QIydlUj4cqkBEQ-Pe1QyXUqnFwZC6uNOHr3ykoZS1eEXBkaglq5qqb0rk3t_574jB9YHGZrN7y7DN8MVw6k9_9hyphenhyphenjM/s1600/Don%2527t+Think+About+Purple+Elephants+72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrB1VbWVVal8VW9_zT7S9_l3bYQ7Unfvb-KCI6g2ScZWBCsaJ_QIydlUj4cqkBEQ-Pe1QyXUqnFwZC6uNOHr3ykoZS1eEXBkaglq5qqb0rk3t_574jB9YHGZrN7y7DN8MVw6k9_9hyphenhyphenjM/s200/Don%2527t+Think+About+Purple+Elephants+72dpi.jpg" width="200" /></a>Sophie doesn’t worry during the day, when there are friends and
family to play with and new things to learn at school.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She worries at night when she’s lying in bed, waiting to
fall asleep. What if she forgets to take her lunch to school? What if Mum cooks
brussel sprouts for dinner? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her family tries to help. Emily offers her teddy but Sophie
worries Emily won’t be able to sleep. Dad suggests warm milk but Sophie worries
she might wet the bed.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mum tells Sophie not to think about purple elephants. Now
Sophie can’t think of anything else, until she falls asleep.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clever illustrations reflect Sophie’s feelings. When she
worries, the world is grey. When she is happy, it is bright and colourful and
when the elephants arrive the pages are filled with purple exuberance.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
Written with gentle humour, this is a special
book – a story that a child will want to hear over and over again and a resource
for parents with children who worry.<br />
<br />
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell<br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" />
Title: Don't Think About Purple Elephants<br />
Author: Susan Whelan and Gwynneth Jones<br />
Publisher: Exisle Publishing<br />
Date: April 2015 $24.99 RRP<br />
Type: Picture BookUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-52038464096579488962016-06-18T20:22:00.002+10:002016-06-18T20:23:38.502+10:00Gotham: WIsdom Tree<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBGdAKrNBqEZltTnvN-uyIeSD1YoMWk8nEak_RVk2E7Nwvvel8gKrg0eFyp1kUS8qiGJmnh-3IeVr0pxMMWyhB2OCP8NCQCQKSgmGQSBdGtaiVqW7Wq2OUDb6YqNzXrtQgXD4IH3tDWM/s1600/gotham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBGdAKrNBqEZltTnvN-uyIeSD1YoMWk8nEak_RVk2E7Nwvvel8gKrg0eFyp1kUS8qiGJmnh-3IeVr0pxMMWyhB2OCP8NCQCQKSgmGQSBdGtaiVqW7Wq2OUDb6YqNzXrtQgXD4IH3tDWM/s320/gotham.jpg" width="240" /></a>Nick Earls has begun an ambitious project with his new writing. Gotham is the first story of five <br />
linked novellas, being released in May 2016. The other four will follow with one each month.<br />
<br />
It introduces Jeff Foster, an Australian journalist who has come to the US to interview the over-indulged and newly famous rapper, nineteen year-old Na$ti Boi. To get his interview, he must spend time at Bloomingdales with the rapper and his keeper Smokey. He is then forced to accompany them around town while Na$ti feeds his ego with sex, drugs and name-dropping, as he builds ‘the present to write over the past’. <br />
<br />
The story is half way through before we learn that the reason Jeff needs this interview to succeed, is so the money he’s paid, can cover his sick daughter’s treatment. It is as if two stories converge, to prepare for another direction. This no doubt, sets up the following novella, titled, Venice.<br />
<br />
This brilliant piece of work has prose that is sharp, clever and precise. It showcases the price of fame, how it can destroy not only the very young and famous, but also their minders. The character Smokey’s role is highly significant to the story. Through him we see what he sacrifices of his family life to keep his job. We witness his personal ethics compromised to satisfy the selfish and pampered whims of the superficial Na$ti, who while having everything wants more, but is never satisfied.<br />
<br />
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis<br />
<br />
Title: Gotham: Wisdom Tree – Novella #1<br />
Author: Nick Earls<br />
Publisher: Inkerman Blunt<br />
Publication Date: May 2016 $19.95RRP<br />
Format: Paperback<br />
ISBN: 9780992498580<br />
Type: Contemporary Fiction<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-48058717229802254142016-05-01T23:53:00.001+10:002016-06-18T20:24:00.029+10:00Choosing Xaverique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV12k0O7UvxNFHz-GGez3DBoQ7-GeQ0OKaxxDOUVA3RJZXbuLlCKIzsamIqfWiBryS_85RkA7QI2PrFZkyb_uFl1HeLXYgMVgLBqToclVlsXKJUG4qIB3qaghbgeSBoiLsZiiznRCoi8/s1600/choosing+zaverique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV12k0O7UvxNFHz-GGez3DBoQ7-GeQ0OKaxxDOUVA3RJZXbuLlCKIzsamIqfWiBryS_85RkA7QI2PrFZkyb_uFl1HeLXYgMVgLBqToclVlsXKJUG4qIB3qaghbgeSBoiLsZiiznRCoi8/s320/choosing+zaverique.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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From the very first paragraph, the story reaches
out to pull the reader in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>I died this morning. At exactly 8.17 am my heart stopped beating and I
lay cold and still in the street. At 8.24 am my heart resumed beating, and I
jumped up from the dusty pavement and ran home. Confused? Well, that makes two
of us.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Gabby discovers she is a Xaverique, a species
similar to humans, but more advanced. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Her father, who is also a Xaverique, explains that
on her fifteenth birthday, her Xaverique DNA changed from being human but if she
doesn’t use her powers, it will revert and she can live a normal life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If she chooses to be a Xaverique, she will be stronger
and faster than any human. Even more amazing, she’ll be able to heal herself
and no-one will be able to kill her. The accident when she first died doesn’t
count because she didn’t choose to use her powers. Her body automatically
reacted to ensure she survived.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gabby decides she doesn’t want to be different but
there are other Xaveriques, a renegade group, whose powerful and cruel master has
plans that include her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When she meets Noah at school, Gabby is smitten for
the first time. Noah is a complex character and the emotive heart of the story
pivots on his inner struggle and his deepening relationship with her. Noah is a
renegade but he didn’t choose to be that way. He cares deeply about Gabby and
is conflicted by the role his master, <span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 10.5pt;">Zlanythe</span>, has given him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Can Gabby trust him after he lied to her? Can she
forgive him because he tried to help? Is Noah able to change? Is he free to
choose love?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Xaverique is a story about the struggle between
good and evil, between darkness and light but it is equally about how choosing
between the two is far more difficult than it appears.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The ending will surprise and it will leave some
readers wondering if there is more to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reviewed by Sandy Fussell <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Title: </b>Choosing
Xaverique<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Author:
</b>Karyn Sepulveda<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Publisher: </b> Vivid Publishing<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Publication
Date: </b>$18.95 RRP<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Format:</b> Paperback<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Type: </b>Young Adult
fiction <o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-40168585328340643852016-03-29T21:11:00.001+11:002016-06-18T20:24:09.391+10:00Good + Simple <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyFRhYhxpaZMRsL3xWAClVemaJBhJpenAQSewoiHCxrVU25VbdicDO1shSictb-kzvogkfXsBLVYTDtTsvba1Sl2eOMBD4bIbl5LjiabHtq8LQ0q3tvpd5MI6Ta9Cal2BJBb_Q_UejIQ/s1600/good+and+simple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyFRhYhxpaZMRsL3xWAClVemaJBhJpenAQSewoiHCxrVU25VbdicDO1shSictb-kzvogkfXsBLVYTDtTsvba1Sl2eOMBD4bIbl5LjiabHtq8LQ0q3tvpd5MI6Ta9Cal2BJBb_Q_UejIQ/s320/good+and+simple.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
In this hefty (350 page) book, these two sisters have developed over 140 recipes which they say make use of ingredients that are readily available and which are ‘delicious, nourishing home-cooked foods made with love.’ Their focus is on healthy food. One breakfast dish which caught my eye was butternut and almond butter porridge, made with squash, which can be served with fruit such as blueberries -- certainly different and ideal for anyone wishing to eliminate grain from their diet!<br />
<br />
Advocating ‘mindful eating’, the Hemsleys outline 15 principles for eating well which includes ‘forget calories, think nutrients,’ ‘fat is your friend’ and ‘prepare, chew and combine.’ The book’s first pages really establish the theory behind the recipes.<br />
<br />
In the contents pages are listed the various types of meals, including soups and stews, and sides and snacks which too often seem left out in cooking books.<br />
<br />
There are also notes for readers on how to plan ahead, stocking the kitchen and eating on the go, while there are two weekly menu plans (complete with shopping lists). Checking over the meals offered, one can see the following for a one-day meal plan: breakfast – leftover cinnamon, raisin and quinoa muffins; lunch – leftover flaxseed bun with leftover squash and ginger soup, and dinner – slow-cooked no-fry chicken curry with cauliflower rice. Certainly nutritious and healthy foods!<br />
<br />
The book is beautifully designed with frequent, brightly coloured photographs that make all of the dishes sing with appeal. As I flicked through the pages, I came to a double-page spread introduction to vegetable mains. The dishes all sound delicious – beetroot feta cake, green goddess noodle salad, easy cheesy broccoli risotto, simple and spiced mung bean salad to name a few of the 15 dishes.<br />
<br />
Good + Simple has inspired me to work from it when guests come next weekend. The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding (and the entrée and mains)!<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Reviewed by Dianne Bates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<b>Title: </b>Good and Simple<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Author: </b><o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Jasmine Hemsley and Melissa Hemsley</span></div>
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<b>Publisher: </b> Random House Australia <o:p></o:p><span style="background-color: transparent;">(Ebury Press)</span></div>
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<b>Publication Date:</b> 1 March 2016</div>
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<b>Cost:</b> $55.00 RRP<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Format:</b> Hardback</div>
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<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
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<b>Type: </b>Non-fiction</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-55541916191609945882015-12-04T01:11:00.000+11:002015-12-04T01:25:11.149+11:00The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcAAnXATB6GCQ-iazBzMxHOTDaEnwLFjZRIFMKTgZBlzoe4aQxbq8We-QH3Z6FzIzDGM0wnXoxnz5cTYX9Joc_gbA2JG8CYlDfw08DQid4Q8eBtcbsyu8USUKfeTzJt-aYIpp-d5bYGk/s1600/the-sacred-lies-of-minnow-bly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcAAnXATB6GCQ-iazBzMxHOTDaEnwLFjZRIFMKTgZBlzoe4aQxbq8We-QH3Z6FzIzDGM0wnXoxnz5cTYX9Joc_gbA2JG8CYlDfw08DQid4Q8eBtcbsyu8USUKfeTzJt-aYIpp-d5bYGk/s200/the-sacred-lies-of-minnow-bly.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">This powerful and riveting cross-over novel
is not for the faint-hearted. It begins: <i>‘I
am a blood-soaked girl. Before me, a body. Pulped. My boots are drenched with
his blood.’</i> The girl, seventeen year old Minnow Bly, raised in the Kevinian
cult from the age of five, goes on to say, ‘I wonder if this is how the Prophet
felt the moment he ordered my hands ripped from me.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Is the Minnow handless? The answer is yes,
and it was her father who used a hatchet to dispatch them. Within minutes after
this scene, Minnow is arrested by the police (‘blurry white shapes, like
ghosts, stuffed inside tight uniforms’); subsequently she appears in court and
is sentenced to juvie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It is never clear who the victim of her
crime is, or what eventually happened to him, or even why Minnow attacked him.
Suffice to say, most of the story is set – despite frequent flash-backs --
inside a correctional centre. There the brain-washed, illiterate girl tries to
scratch at The Truth. She does this by questioning all around her who have
different beliefs, and by learning to read. She befriends Angel, a convicted
murderer who is wise beyond her years, and gradually forms a relationship with
Dr Martin, an FBI detective who tries to make a deal with her to solve the mystery
of the death of The Community and its leader, a man who once tried to ‘marry’
Minnow and her younger sister, Constance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At almost 400 pages, this is a long read
but the writing is always poetic and compelling. Constantly one is wondering
what will become of Minnow; will she survive the endless internment away from
the woods where she has lived for so long, will she confess to Martin, will she
go to live with her lover Jude when she is released.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Stephanie Oakes’ debut novel is a powerful, <span class="readable">dark, horrifying and atmospheric novel</span> that totally
engages the reader and lingers long in the memory. It is highly recommended for
those who can cope with the dark side of life.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Reviewed by Dianne Bates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<b>Title: </b>The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Author: </b>Stephanie Oakes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Publisher: </b> Harper Collins<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Publication Date:</b> 1 July 2015</div>
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<b>Cost:</b> $19.99 RRP<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Format:</b> Paperback</div>
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<b>Type: </b>Young Adult fiction</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-52443035373942952612015-12-02T09:28:00.000+11:002015-12-04T01:07:24.510+11:00The Looking Glass House<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKjxpGcJe4_BSgvlMynV5_wzizoI3pj6070MLPpVEdn4lwoHDzFwSNnOTPZH8L-agokmdp4LYJt8K5tLgZhVD4dFMLD0UTEH7tH6x1iGMD1bkwZ2LMAgh3wvo16BjcecWP-Pz0_CfBWA/s1600/looking+glass+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKjxpGcJe4_BSgvlMynV5_wzizoI3pj6070MLPpVEdn4lwoHDzFwSNnOTPZH8L-agokmdp4LYJt8K5tLgZhVD4dFMLD0UTEH7tH6x1iGMD1bkwZ2LMAgh3wvo16BjcecWP-Pz0_CfBWA/s200/looking+glass+house.jpg" width="127" /></a>Readers who love Alice in Wonderland will delight
in this fictional telling of the relationship between young Alice Liddell and Christ
Church mathematics tutor Charles Dodgson, who would eventually publish under
the pen name Lewis Carroll.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The Looking Glass House</i> is told through the eyes of
Mary Prickett, governess to Alice and her sisters. Mary is a real person in
history but much of her narrative is fictional. Mary aspires to an increase in
station, one she hopes to gain from her association with the Liddell family,
the most important family in Oxford.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The role of governess quickly proves limited and
tedious. Her charges are unappreciative, her life is bland and her suitor Mr
Wilson is much less than she desires and feels she deserves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr Dodgson gradually becomes part of the family and
develops a close relationship with Alice. Mary looks at the educated,
cultured young teacher with different eyes, mistaking his eagerness to be
included in Liddle family occasions as an expression of his interest in herself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mr Dodgson is fascinated by young children and in
particular Alice. He takes her photo, writes her letters professing his
affection and lavishes her with attention. One lazy afternoon on a boat trip down
the river, Alice demands a story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“Alice,’ he said. His voice was unsure. “Alice… Alice was beginning to
get very tired of sitting on the riverbank and of having nothing to do.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Mary sabotages the friendship by presenting it in
an unsavoury light to Mrs Liddell and Charles and Alice are separated. Charles
focuses on his stories and the rest is literary history.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Vanessa Tait is Alice Liddell’s granddaughter and
provides a section at the end of story explaining what is fact and what is
fiction. The two are cleverly and closely woven together as Vanessa had access to family letters and oral
history in addition to public references. The fiction has a deliciously believable flavour.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I found the issue of Dodgson’s relationship with
Alice thought provoking. It came under scrutiny at the time and led to Mrs
Liddell ending his relationship with Alice and her family. While this was
portrayed as the result of Mary’s rumor mongering and that the affections was
excessive rather than inappropriate, I found myself wondering. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the summary explanation, Vanessa Tait notes: <i>The gossip at the time in Oxford and the
tradition in my family too, was that Dodgson was too fond of Alice</i>. But she
decides based on her research that Dodgson’s intentions were not romantic or
otherwise but “<i>that does not mean is was
not in love with her in his own way.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I felt visibly relieved that the fairy tale was
still intact.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The Looking Glass House</i> is an
entertaining read and lovers of historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy it.
Fans of <i>Alice in Wonderland </i>will
enjoy it even more<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Title: </b>The Looking Glass House<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author:
</b>Vanessa Tait<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Allen & Unwin (Corvus)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Publication
Date: </b>August 2015<br />
<b>RRP:</b> $39.99 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Format:</b> Paperback</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Type: </b>Adult
fiction</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-61718244076264330842015-11-13T00:13:00.000+11:002015-11-13T01:16:15.119+11:00What We Left Behind<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWONfrGLKcMav_hjWzII_vjlfqM1fNjnhvAwKqMhAxXIrleO-0YD37WI7XNPwxLThpqS9LWaUCKxr0uQ8uCHFbxCHZH6kyf0ZKwjYhIE-KUhFtq-t5PZWtWGOuyRwR3fKBr5UoxACkp7Q/s1600/what+we+left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWONfrGLKcMav_hjWzII_vjlfqM1fNjnhvAwKqMhAxXIrleO-0YD37WI7XNPwxLThpqS9LWaUCKxr0uQ8uCHFbxCHZH6kyf0ZKwjYhIE-KUhFtq-t5PZWtWGOuyRwR3fKBr5UoxACkp7Q/s200/what+we+left.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
For Gretchen and Toni (also known as T), it was
love at first sight. The only gay couple in high school, they were popular and
happy, absolutely devoted to each other.<br />
<br />
They carefully plan for the inevitable
separation college will bring, but with Toni at Harvard and Gretchen at a college
in Boston, they knew they won’t be very far apart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Except Gretchen accepts a waiting list offer for
NYC when she hasn’t even told T she applied. The first crack in their perfect
relationship appears just as they separate for the first time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Although Gretchen instigates the change, she has
the greatest difficulty coping with her new circumstances. T, who identifies as
genderqueer, finds immediate friendship with a group of older transgender
students and slowly develops a sense of belonging. She gradually detaches
herself from Gretchen, finding excuses not to meet up, as she becomes less sure
of her identity and consequently, their relationship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As T is finding her way, Gretchen becomes more
disorientated. <span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“</span><span style="background: white;">What
does it mean if your girlfriend is a guy?” … “Do you still get to tell people
you’re a lesbian?”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span> Gretchen struggles to accept the changes in Toni and their relationship.
Her confusion leads to hasty decisions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
T and Gretchen are both powerful personas, taking
it in turn to drive the narrative. I strongly disliked one and I really liked the
other but I cared about both their stories. I found T selfish and self-righteous
but I felt for her struggle to find herself and her growing awareness of what
this meant for her and Gretchen. Gretchen irritated me with her dependence on
others but I empathised with her need for love and support, and her growth into
a stronger, more singular person. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I believe <i>What We Left Behind</i> will read very differently for
different people and I can only speak from my own experience which I would frankly
describe as narrow in terms LGBT issues. So for me personally, this was a book
that packed a wallop. It felt honest and real. My eyes were opened to sexual
and gender identification issues I’d never thought about. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I finished the book realising I need to read more widely.
I’m going to start with Robin Talley’s earlier novel, <i>Lies We Tell Ourselves</i>, about an interracial lesbian love affair
set against a background of school desegregation. Already nominated for the
2016 CILIP Carnegie Medal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>What We Left Behind</i> is a must-have title for any YA diversity
bookshelf. One that entertains and elucidates, whatever direction you’re reading
from. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Highly recommended. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Title:
</b>What We Left Behind<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author:
</b><a href="http://www.robintalley.com/">Robin Talley</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Harlequin Teen<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Publication
Date: </b>Nov, 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>RRP:
</b>$17.99</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b>Format: </b>Paperback<br />
<b>Type: </b>Young Adult Fiction</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-72127409736138986592015-11-02T16:08:00.000+11:002015-12-02T23:47:46.986+11:00Resonate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-XbtZhd5Q66dnBZQekcp6hKVSR_pfKy2AGCrDoaZDlzAi2NKrFaKVyulkhzNu9Q_P3Lo4AfPwuFZ0njGL7rlW9k0VQ37EeuuypCj30m1Wb9uIlDDh5WViwUp_VaW4HYzjNZkzGhpw0Y/s1600/resonate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-XbtZhd5Q66dnBZQekcp6hKVSR_pfKy2AGCrDoaZDlzAi2NKrFaKVyulkhzNu9Q_P3Lo4AfPwuFZ0njGL7rlW9k0VQ37EeuuypCj30m1Wb9uIlDDh5WViwUp_VaW4HYzjNZkzGhpw0Y/s200/resonate.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Are you having
problems being heard? Does your voice come out in a whisper when you’re trying
to convey an important message? Help is at hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Voice coach <a href="http://www.louisemahler.com.au/" target="_blank">Dr Louise Mahler </a>has created an
intelligent how-to book full of helpful ideas on how to use the link between
voice, body, posture and state of mind. Through her own experience as an opera
singer which she left to study communication skills, Louise’s pioneering PhD
research demonstrates how life can be improved in boardrooms and business, speaking
engagements, interviews, and leadership roles of every kind – minor or major
ones. In fact, whenever the voice is used. It addresses how the response and
perception of an audience or listener depends on voice control, gesture,
correct posture and breathing, and how results can be achieved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Have you ever
watched how famous people present themselves in front of an audience? They
exude ease and confidence. They use their hands and voice in a specific way,
they work the audience from varying points of the room or stage with ease. This
ease be learnt by everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This book is an
outstanding tool for anyone who’s looking to overcome nerves, or any other
mental stumbling block that is keeping them from success. Endorsed by countless
well-known people, Dr Louise Mahler teaches you how to ‘Lift the Seven Veils’
and release yourself from limitation. Her book is filled with personal,
inspiring stories from people who have benefited from ‘vocal intelligence’ and
have reshaped their lives by reclaiming their voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If none of the
above interests you, this book is still a great read. It will teach you amazing
things about your body that you didn’t know, and that you can apply to other
areas of your life. I found this an enlightening and inspiring read. It left me
with tasty food for thought, and skills to put into practise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Title: </b>Resonate: For People Who Need to be Heard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Author:</b> Dr Louise Mahler<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b>Penguin Random House Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publication Date: </b>26 August 2015<b> </b>$32.99 RRP<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Format: </b>Paperback<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>ISBN: </b>9780670078905</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Type: </b>Self Help<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-33622864763992014042015-09-04T14:58:00.000+10:002015-09-04T15:05:29.652+10:00Why Did They Do it? Inside the Minds of Australia’s Most Unlikely Killers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBuBjWos-xLHeamHVU4aMQc5IkurLrBgk_75Owj1GtBggVxGZtRnstmuvOdYcoHIBX0QhpN3HEzjnLXNumATORrMBupDppYHN6TkJbVA3cBnlDUIphr7CGjBJvh1W0WBDy0FS1RRkOG0/s1600/why-did-they-do-it-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBuBjWos-xLHeamHVU4aMQc5IkurLrBgk_75Owj1GtBggVxGZtRnstmuvOdYcoHIBX0QhpN3HEzjnLXNumATORrMBupDppYHN6TkJbVA3cBnlDUIphr7CGjBJvh1W0WBDy0FS1RRkOG0/s200/why-did-they-do-it-.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
Here’s a terrific book for readers who are interested in analysing personalities and their motives, especially where a crime is involved. An investigative journalist and a psychologist have here collaborated to write a book revealing reasons for murders committed in Australia over our more recent past. There’s Kathryn Knight, for instance, who stabbed and skinned her partner with the intention of serving his cooked body to his children, Peter Caruso who bashed his wife to death after almost fifty years of seemingly happy marriage, and eight murderous others. All of their cases have been on the public record, making headlines all over the country.<br />
<br />
Why did these people kill (usually loved ones)? Motives differ in each case, but co-writer McGrath shifts most of the blame on personality disorders that all of the killers suffer from. She is at pains to point out that personality disorder is not a mental illness; instead it is a mental disorder (such as avoidant, narcissistic and antisocial borderline personality disorder). All the killers in this book have problems with appropriate response, interpersonal relations and impulse control. People with personality disorders have difficulty dealing with everyday stresses and problems; under stress they try to control an outcome which can lead to an interpersonal crisis – and sometimes to committing hideous crimes.<br />
<br />
Of great interest, especially in the book’s introduction, is an insight into the effects of parenting styles; later, as each murder case is analysed, the reader learns about each killer’s childhood, how they were parented and how their life experiences led them to commit the crimes that stunned the nation. In the body of the book, the journalist and the psychologist dissect the crimes, the evidence, the testimony, the confessions and the overwhelming diagnostic evidence to analyse the minds and motivations behind the murders.<br />
<br />
The setting out of each chapter is different from the usual, starting with a cast list of those involved in the crime – victims, murderers and relatives and friends. Sub-headings include motive, lead-up to the crime, the murders, the sentencing and the perpetrator’s background. Following this is a diagnostic chart with DSM 5 indicators such as that used by psychologists and psychiatrists when diagnosing mental disorders (and mental illness). Then there’s a timeline of key events.
The authors have worked hard – and succeeded – in trying to make the book comprehensive, and yet the whole is easily accessible to any curious lay-person. At the conclusion of each part of the book is an oversight into what we can learn from the murders committed – say, for example, by Robert Farquharson (who drowned his three small sons as an act of revenge against his wife) and John Myles Sharpe (who murdered his small daughter and his wife because she was pregnant and he couldn’t cope with the thought of another child).<br />
<br />
In most of the cases written about here, the perpetrator is generally described by people who knew them as average, ordinary or normal. But, as the book reveals, they all carry the burden of disorder. Words to describe Why Did they Do It? Fascinating, well-researched and documented, highly readable, and recommended if you can stomach what some people will do some of the time.
<br />
<br />
Reviewed by <a href="http://www.enterprisingwords.com.au/" target="_blank">Di Bates</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i><br /></i></span>
<b>Title: </b>Why Did They Do it? Inside the Minds of Australia’s Most Unlikely Killers<br />
<b>Author: </b>Cheryl Critchley and Dr Helen McGrath<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Pan Macmillan<br />
<b>Publication Date: </b> August 2015<br />
<b>RRP: </b>$32.99<br />
<b>Format: </b>Paperback<br />
<b>ISBN: </b>9781743533178<br />
<b>Type:</b> Non Fiction - True Crime</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-77702766878915951202015-09-04T14:50:00.001+10:002015-09-04T14:50:35.332+10:00Musing From the Inner Duck<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DmzzGitz0oc6-wOTk6bU73xb-Su_zTBAEd1saFXZZjzO4H7QTEPVtr8F45TlEFC-oAMC_antOF6C5lCd7dgWwGbP5URNiDnFWiaakznvHR4Iut79qxBoli-oaIt1tgrIqzqWRklIvNY/s1600/musings-from-the-inner-duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DmzzGitz0oc6-wOTk6bU73xb-Su_zTBAEd1saFXZZjzO4H7QTEPVtr8F45TlEFC-oAMC_antOF6C5lCd7dgWwGbP5URNiDnFWiaakznvHR4Iut79qxBoli-oaIt1tgrIqzqWRklIvNY/s200/musings-from-the-inner-duck.jpg" width="200" /></a>Michael Leunig’s
new creation has 138 cartoons that illustrate the many forms of Man’s
existential <o:p></o:p><br />
angst, the cause of it, and the simple remedies which few people
access. There are poems, reflections, recommendations, musings, mysteries, humour,
thought-provoking issues, road rage, and so much more. Leunig touches on
politics and politicians, the loss of humanity’s most valuable assets due to
technology, Man’s obsession with power and material belongings, the lost art of
moping, the loss of thought and creativity, and so many more personal,
spiritual, philosophical and environmental issues.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
‘How long will my life be? As long as a piece
of string! Will my life have knots in it with loops and tangle-ing?’ When there
are too many labyrinths to find a way through, Leunig’s captions and cartoons
inspire. When forgetting who and what we are, where we began, and what our end
is, Mister Curly and the man are always there to set you straight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Leunig’s
meaningful words and cartoons are profound, entertaining, and of great worth. There
is comfort to be found in this book as with all his others. Reminders are
logged to renew one’s self and recall what is important in life; that the world
will keep on turning and the daily grind will go on regardless. There is visual
reinforcement of these truths to be found in the reflection and silence
promoted here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There is no
question that this is a valuable book for those who forget to soul search, turn
inwards, examine, simply sit quietly, and persevere against the odds, and for
those that do. When we lose our way, there is always the duck to give us
direction. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Title: </b>Musings from the Inner Duck<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Author: </b>Michael Leunig<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Penguin<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publication Date: </b>May 20105<b>
</b>$24.99<b> </b>RRP<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b> Format: </b>Paperback<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>ISBN: </b>9780143573173<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>ISBN: </b>9780143573173<o:p></o:p></div>
<b>Type:</b> Reflections/Gift BookUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-37139426713103488452015-08-20T12:11:00.000+10:002015-08-20T12:16:46.422+10:00The Ratcatcher's Daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC3uTmcXfEogfIUAhWdaEjM7n2DltxHHHrN-nz1lpFRmJLqpNSw_6BWdf8y_xNXFcG9i9trcbE1OWSBhDyLEHr0sug0B_jn7eo3ZiSZdEIAqzMzdsYskKOYo68-8cEN2QAHzlOM7f3kc/s1600/the-ratcatcher-s-daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC3uTmcXfEogfIUAhWdaEjM7n2DltxHHHrN-nz1lpFRmJLqpNSw_6BWdf8y_xNXFcG9i9trcbE1OWSBhDyLEHr0sug0B_jn7eo3ZiSZdEIAqzMzdsYskKOYo68-8cEN2QAHzlOM7f3kc/s200/the-ratcatcher-s-daughter.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In Brisbane, early 1900,
a new disease has broken out. Thirteen year old Issy, a strong-minded and
courageous girl, goes to work as a maid for an undertaker. It is a time of
rat-infested houses, factories and warehouses. Smart people keep and train
terriers to catch rats for a living. Issy’s dad is one of them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Disease breaks out, and
the first death from the Black Death occurs, spread from the fleas on rats. All
contacts are isolated and quarantined. Everyone is filled with fear and
suspicion. People in the town report their neighbours at the slightest hint of
sickness. Even so, people refuse to be inoculated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
After Issy and her family are quarantined,
they return to find their home stripped bare of furniture and household belongs
and everything burnt in the yard. Everyone stays away from them believing them
to be contaminated, although cleared by the authorities. Friendless and alone,
the family fights for survival.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Issy’s father’s dogs have
been cared for by a friend and he launches back into the ratcatching business,
making a good income now with the increased demand. When he becomes ill and the
business is in danger of collapse, the ingenious Issy steps into the role,
regardless of her distaste for both the dogs and the procedure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Issy discovers that she’s good at business. She saves the
extra money people give her for doing a good job, to build the life she wants
for herself. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This interesting novel shows the social culture of the day;
the double-standards and differing rules that applied for the rich, and the way
they were protected, in contrast to those for the poor and powerless. There is
a strong sense of time throughout the story and a clear picture of living and
working conditions. A well-researched book, that that makes riveting reading,
and brings to life an era of death and condemnation, but also one of courage
and resilience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by
Aurora Bale <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Title: </b>The Ratcatcher’s Daughter<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Author: </b>Pamela Rushby<b> </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b>Harper Collins<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publication Date: </b>April 2014<b> </b>$ 16.99 RRP<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Format: </b>Paperback<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>ISBN: </b>9780732297138</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Type: </b>Junior Historical Fiction <o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-42645764043361580082015-08-07T23:53:00.001+10:002015-08-07T23:59:02.016+10:00The Warlock's Child Series<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIrS36tZcAuX0d0NkVq7fZB1kj8luTe0d_UCjy5vAiWqL1ekBi_9HjPyz6hQjByHvvvkUR28q3diH3G5MUX5DFfwvtempuyttcnbdkAmM_J445Op3vIKVIw4An6cnYSMxNczNbrxsCpI/s1600/warlocks+child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIrS36tZcAuX0d0NkVq7fZB1kj8luTe0d_UCjy5vAiWqL1ekBi_9HjPyz6hQjByHvvvkUR28q3diH3G5MUX5DFfwvtempuyttcnbdkAmM_J445Op3vIKVIw4An6cnYSMxNczNbrxsCpI/s320/warlocks+child.jpg" width="320" /></a>Book 1 The Burning Sea, Book 2 Dragonfall Mountain,
Book 3 The Dragon Claw.</div>
<br /><o:p></o:p>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It’s not very often I start a review with the front
cover but when the covers contain dragons of all shapes and hues, drawn by the
Dragon Master himself, Marc Mcbride, it’s a good place to begin. The covers are
eye-catching and glorious. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The series is complete with Book 6 to be released
in September 2015. Each of the first five books ends with the greater story still
unresolved and a cliff-hanger leading the reader directly into the following
book. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This structure suits a reluctant reader who
is overwhelmed by a wad of pages but will devour the longer story as action-packed,
manageable block-sized books. For the more avid reader, as all six books are
being released in quick succession, it’s not long to wait for the final resolution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
On the first pages of each book, there’s a map which
the reader will find invaluable as the story unfolds in Savaria and Darvinia
and on the Centralian Sea that separates the kingdoms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a grand tale of dragons and forbidden magic,
of warlocks and sewer rats, of battles and capture, of devious plans and an unlikely
hero. And that’s just the first three books.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <i>The
Burning Sea</i>, war has been declared by the Emperor of Darvinia. The Savarians
are suspected of working forbidden magic. Long ago the four magics, earth, air
water and fire, were divided by the Dragons who continue to ensure no human will
ever wield the magics together again. The last time a human did that, it caused
the greatest war ever imagined.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We meet Dantar and Velza, brother and sister, travelling
on the ship Davarian <i>Invincible</i> with
their father, the warlock, Calbaras, Dantar is a lowly overworked cabin boy but
Velza is a shapeshifter and an officer. It’s not surprising they don’t get
along. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Somewhere hidden on board is a dragon chick and the
Dragon Drauvard is taking a keen interest in the ship<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In <i>Dragonfall
Mountain</i>, the <i>Invincible</i> is sunk
in battle. Velza learns some unpleasant
truths about her father and brother and sister find themselves on the same side.
Dantar discovers a new strength and the possibility of his own magic. And a
dragon dies, the first dragon death in over a thousand years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Ironclaw</i> opens with the Dragons demanding the Savarian
king explain why forbidden magic is being practised in the city of Teliz:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>In the entire world there are few things that can strike fear into the
heart of a king. The sight of his army retreating would be high on the list… at
the very top, however there could be nothing to rival three very angry dragons
the size of warships towering over you and asking questions for which you have
no answers.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The story progresses with multiple plot strands. Calbaras
has created a copy of Dantar and this shell now needs to be filled. Dantar continues
to emerge as the one who matters and it seems a shapeshifting dragon always appears
to protect him when he is in danger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
At the end of <i>Iron
Claw</i>, Dantar, his friend Marko and Merikus the sewer rat are captives,
waiting to be hung and arguing about which one of them might be a shapeshifted
baby dragon in disguise. The young reader is perfectly primed and positioned to
read on to the next book in the series<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Recommended for children 9 years and up, in
particular suitable for those who like their books short but their fantasy story
a little longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Title: </b>The Warlock’s Child Series – Book 1: The Burning Sea, Book 2: Dragonfall
Mountain, Book 3:The Iron Claw<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author:
</b>Paul Collins and Sean Mullins<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Illustrator:</b> Marc McBride<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Ford Street Publishing <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Publication
Date: </b>$12.95 RRP<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Format:</b> Paperback</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Type: </b>Junior
Fiction, Fantasy<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-88560508514370036932015-07-27T04:00:00.000+10:002015-08-13T17:12:28.542+10:00Arkie's Pilgrimage To the Next Big Thing<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnukgtBif5jvXsHzL-MV8EBgWmh9ta-Nst_rgqsqtNZMPXPWAX2bcJCAGTYe4DVw9G46Z9MO8IHP-x9qwEBhSL3fGNF4RinmnWlaB9EBF00G_lSJCyJ5_ovQxihSZKbdAq9PEzy_9wvYM/s1600/arkie-s-pilgrimage-to-the-next-big-thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnukgtBif5jvXsHzL-MV8EBgWmh9ta-Nst_rgqsqtNZMPXPWAX2bcJCAGTYe4DVw9G46Z9MO8IHP-x9qwEBhSL3fGNF4RinmnWlaB9EBF00G_lSJCyJ5_ovQxihSZKbdAq9PEzy_9wvYM/s200/arkie-s-pilgrimage-to-the-next-big-thing.jpg" width="130" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arkie, a former (and now failed) professional trendspotter, is
in Byron Bay, having recently lost her partner and considering suicide. For
her, the world seems deeply mysterious in a way it isn’t for others. She is
contemplating the final step to end her life when she is unexpectedly
approached by a young Japanese tourist with a radical agenda, who instantly
engages her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a result of this meeting, Arkie convinces the woman, Haruko
(a former prostitute), to help her revitalise her flagging career. Pilgrimages,
Haruko claims, are the next big thing, a way in which people can transform
themselves. Haruko’s behavior leads Arkie to believe she has the gift of
trendspotting -- in fact, she is even better at it than Arkie was in her prime.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Haruko, she decides ‘is a genius of metamorphosis’, and it is
through her new friend that Arkie begins her own metamorphosis – leading her
away from destructive thoughts and into a whole new life. With Haruko as her
guide, Arkie undergoes a pilgrimage where she discovers a new, unimagined and
fascinating life right in her own country, a land of ‘Big Things’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This highly readable, fast-paced book is really an adventure
story, not just in a physical sense, but it’s also a psychological adventure,
leading Arkie to realise that despite her previously celebrated foresight, she
had been missing what was right before her eyes. Thus she is informed -- and
transformed -- all because of a chance meeting with an eccentric (and
endearing) stranger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is no doubt that any perceptive reader can travel in
tandem with Arkie, not just on her adventure, but on realising, through
exploring this whimsical and inspiring world that Walker has created, that
their own life can possibly be opened up and a whole new dimension added to it.
Big things are all around us, not just standing on the side of Australian
roads!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reviewed by Di Bates <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Title: Arkie’s Pilgrimage to the Next Big Thing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Author: Lisa Walker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Publisher: Bantam Books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Publication Date: 2015 $32.99RRP<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Format: Paperback <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">ISBN: 9780857984401</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Type: Adult Fiction</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-74034804501345081852015-07-26T01:07:00.001+10:002015-07-26T01:30:56.930+10:00Night Bird<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJDqVpE6aWqwaCQJyybyHD5A3K3MOBEGJza0ortPhfjsCeW4eHKN70DVGrvDvq5FKp2bPbkWlHd2b2Im2BMHso2RG3CQxUM8tv5uaucXiFQduhB0dp-uXJZVtlFPuesPR1FQZBIWajOQ/s1600/nightbird-+cover+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJDqVpE6aWqwaCQJyybyHD5A3K3MOBEGJza0ortPhfjsCeW4eHKN70DVGrvDvq5FKp2bPbkWlHd2b2Im2BMHso2RG3CQxUM8tv5uaucXiFQduhB0dp-uXJZVtlFPuesPR1FQZBIWajOQ/s200/nightbird-+cover+image.jpg" width="133" /></a>‘People should
be careful about the stories they spread’, Twig Fowler says about the rumour
that a mysterious creature is living in Sidwell. Twig, the narrator, is twelve
years old, gawky, awkward and shy, and too tall for her age. She is nothing
like her mother - graceful and beautiful, and the best cook in the county.
Their farmhouse is 200 acres of apple orchards. It is here they come back to
hide after leaving New York.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Twig and her mum
have a secret and he hides in the attic. It’s her seventeen year old brother
James, who was born with wings. It was the result of a spell cast by Agnes
Early, witch of Sidwell, on the Fowler male line two hundred years ago, after
being left by the man she was to marry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
James is a night
bird. He has learnt the language of all the birds in the Montgomery Woods and
they flock around him when he appears, especially the small saw whet owls. Twig
knows this because James takes her on his outings. This is a secret she keeps
from her mother.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A family with
two delightful and friendly girls, Agate and Julia, moves into Mourning Dove
Cottage next to Twig’s property. She tries to keep her distance. It is too
dangerous for James if she makes friends. But life has its own plans and
secrets are there to be discovered. Friendships take root in the strangest
ground and sometimes nothing can stop them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How will Twig
and Julia find the way to break the spell and save James?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Then she finds
the diary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a
mesmerising, magical tale. A story of love and mystery told in lyrical
prose. It carries themes of friendship
and trust; community and sharing. There is a search, a journey, and a discovery
that demonstrates how tightly the past is tied to the present and the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The story is
powerful; elemental and environmental, filled with an energy that comes from
the children’s characters, and that stems from their passion for the natural
world that surrounds them. It focuses on the importance of living things, and
reflects on how things aren’t always how they appear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Quite a lot in
one book, you may say. I loved this book: the storyline, characters, settings,
images, descriptions and language. It’s perfect in every way. Alice Hoffman has
a gift, and each book she writes is her gift to her readers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Title: </b>Night Bird<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author: </b>Alice Hoffman<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher:</b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>Simon & Schuster<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b> Publication Date: </b>April 2015 $16.99RRP<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Format: </b>Paperback<b> </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>ISBN: </b>9781471124211</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Type: </b>Teenage<b> </b>Fiction<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-1878040609099592402015-07-08T15:22:00.001+10:002015-07-08T15:24:17.323+10:00An Aussie Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo-DuKi7wkjZom55WlaniethRvcq-Dlp8gDq4n0ubVRlgAwmpZxQdp7FCWyqzikPuhcCF186C-aYq66HWfDCIGVaTe2jdaPOfCjRKmLEFAlvjyRTK_WLc0n-DNlcKJLigO6-UPyupAis/s1600/aussie+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo-DuKi7wkjZom55WlaniethRvcq-Dlp8gDq4n0ubVRlgAwmpZxQdp7FCWyqzikPuhcCF186C-aYq66HWfDCIGVaTe2jdaPOfCjRKmLEFAlvjyRTK_WLc0n-DNlcKJLigO6-UPyupAis/s200/aussie+year.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>An Aussie Year</i> is a fun-filled peek into the lives of
five young children, and Warrigal, the dog. Each child has a different cultural
background and together they introduce readers to the wonderful multicultural
mix that is Australia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I love the format of this book. It’s about learning
while having a lot of fun reading. Each page is full of details to find and things
to investigate as the reader follows Ned, Zoe, Lily, Kirra and Matilda on a
year-long journey. They go to school, play, celebrate cultural diversity and
visit amazing Australian places. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Special days are emphasized including those associated
with other cultures. I challenge any reader, young or old, not to open the page
for their birthday month without hoping to find something on their special day.
Even if no birthday event exists, every child will find days to identify with.
There’s weather, food, geography, flora, fauna, city life and country life.
Even Book Week.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A sense of humour and a clever way with words,
twisted, wound around and wrapped in speech bubbles make this book perfect for
shared reading. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Tina Snerling’s distinctive images and world trails
are colourful and bold. My favourite picture is Children’s Week where the kids
are jumping through puddles. That joyful sense of fun is everywhere in Tina’s
illustrations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a clever example of an interactive book
with no technology necessary. <i>An Aussie
Year</i> will make children want to plan and share their own stories and adventures.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Recommended for schools, parents, independent young
readers, in fact, recommended for everybody.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Title: </b>An Aussie Year<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author:
</b>Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Exisle Publishing <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Publication
Date: </b>$19.99 RRP<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Format:</b> Hardback</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Type: </b>Picture
Book<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-64269629727767052582015-07-08T15:06:00.000+10:002015-07-08T15:24:48.319+10:00The Eye of the Sheep<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlzwuYtVCfiuFYksZ4Swjsln3SHCUTMAnCpKSqnTiC1KExDX6rYN3BmSQlIKR9HOQQGEKM7uqLgO2o9s6BTOOtHf7oblMrxTAdG_phrsNZrUSwRq2ZNQu1p0_9gPavff9RI9Id22gXcc/s1600/cover+image+of+The+eye+of+the+sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlzwuYtVCfiuFYksZ4Swjsln3SHCUTMAnCpKSqnTiC1KExDX6rYN3BmSQlIKR9HOQQGEKM7uqLgO2o9s6BTOOtHf7oblMrxTAdG_phrsNZrUSwRq2ZNQu1p0_9gPavff9RI9Id22gXcc/s200/cover+image+of+The+eye+of+the+sheep.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="130" /></a><i>The Eye of the Sheep</i><i>,</i> the second adult book by Sofie Laguna,<i> </i>is the winner of the 2015 Miles
Franklin Literary Award. It is a magnificent piece of literary work as was her
previous book, <i>One Foot Wrong. </i>When I
read the first book I sat for a long time in wondrous adoration at the language
and expressive ability of this gifted writer. Right at the beginning of this
six part book, I could see why it had won the award.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Jimmy the
narrator is six years old when the story begins. He is a child with learning
difficulties and small for his age. He is hyperactive and his external mind is
limited and so is his expression. But, his internal world of thought and powers
of observation, are rich and sharp. It
is the internal voice that narrates the story. It is to this voice that readers
will offer accolades.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Robby is Jimmy’s
older brother. He loves Jimmy but feels resentful because his mother pours all
of herself into caring for Jimmy and Robby feels there is nothing left for him.
He retreats into silence which is his salvation as it dams up all the churning
emotions inside that he must at all cost, keep locked away. His body lives in
the house but the rest of him has left his limited life, and gone far away
where it beckons his body to join it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Paula, their asthmatic mother, is physically abused
by her drunken husband Gavin who is the end product of a violent and abusive
father. She offers herself to him when he’s angry at the fact that he with her,
created an imperfect child. This is how she shields her children from any
onslaught. She eats cakes and sweets to fill the emptiness created by promises
that follow each bashing, that things will change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
These powerful
characters and their at times brutal roles weave through themes of family and
generational abuse, alcoholism, love and sacrifice. It is in the outstanding
climax, when the superb character Liam appears, that we see the effect that
abandonment and other mistreatment has on children and how it shapes their
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This book has so
much in it I feel unable to do justice to such outstanding work. The writing
speaks for itself. Sofie Laguna has created a moving book of incredible beauty
and substance. It will be thought about and reread many times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Title: </b>The Eye of the Sheep<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Author: </b>Sofie Laguna<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b>Allen & Unwin <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publication Date: </b>23 July, 2015 $29.99 RRP<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Format: </b>Paperback<b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>ISBN: </b>9781743319598<br />
<b>Type: </b>
Literary Fiction</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-74417755209187029612015-06-24T22:26:00.001+10:002015-07-08T15:24:57.780+10:00Skin: Song of the Kendra<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_riX1u73daNAQNMOs-Mjq-SLIJPTP1QR5gEdCfa2Ssk7XQu0HRQKdYedtvZ4BFIAza9wsK0XXqME60Xy1K81pxzy_9-xIa-U_a2bH-gyT5NoWj-AkZlHcKrvUOPEyFu5KlU87O91fh0/s1600/skin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_riX1u73daNAQNMOs-Mjq-SLIJPTP1QR5gEdCfa2Ssk7XQu0HRQKdYedtvZ4BFIAza9wsK0XXqME60Xy1K81pxzy_9-xIa-U_a2bH-gyT5NoWj-AkZlHcKrvUOPEyFu5KlU87O91fh0/s200/skin.jpg" width="130" /></a>I was only half a chapter into Skin when I started
looking for signs of a sequel. I checked the media release. I checked the
author notes. Unfortunately, there was no mention of more books to follow so I
read this book much slower than I usually would. I wanted to savour. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Skin is my favourite kind of historical
storytelling - a well-researched ancient history backdrop woven into skillful
fantasy story-telling that mirrors the myth and magic beliefs of the period.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The time is 28 AD. The place is Southwest Britain.
It’s a pivotal moment in history, when the Britons are to meet the Romans in
battle for second time. There’s no spoiler here. History has already told us
they didn’t win. This book is about the events in Ailia’s tribelands directly
preceding the Roman invasion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ailia is a young woman of ‘no skin’ in a tribe
where skin is everything. It’s identity, the right to learn and the right to
marry. It’s freedom, choice and spiritual inclusion. Only those with skin can
participate in the tribal ceremonies that celebrate the Mothers, the guardians
of the earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Deer. Salmon. Stone. Beetle. The North wind. Skin was our greeting, our
mother, our ancestors, our land. Nothing existed outside its reach.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Beyond skin there was only darkness. Only chaos.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ailia has a good life, given the times and her lack
of skin. Abandoned as a baby at Cookwoman’s door, the old woman took her in and
treated Ailia as if she was her daughter. Ailia is the favourite of the Tribe
Queen who allows Aila to help her bathe and dress. She even draws the attention
of an elite young warrior.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But Ailia is destined to be more than a maid in Cookwoman’s
kitchen and a warrior’s mistress. Being denied learning can’t smother her
desire for knowledge. When she meets the mysterious Taliesen and falls in love,
she begins an illicit journey. The Mothers have a plan for Ailia. Britain needs
its Kendra and Ailia might be the chosen one. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Every obstacle is placed in her way because without
skin, she is unworthy. Even Ailia doubts her calling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a novel about identity and belonging as Ailia
struggles to find out who she is. She desperately needs to know her skin so she
can be part of the tribe and be found worthy by the Mothers. But skin is more
than a name and the Mothers already know this. Skin is something far bigger
than humanity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What I love most about this novel is it is
tangible. The world is realistic and the fantasy rings true. I felt like I was
walking the grass of Car Cad and the Mothers didn’t mind at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
PS Dear Ilka, please write a sequel. Or a prequel.
Or another book set in Iron Age Britain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Book Club Notes can be found <a href="https://d2wzqffx6hjwip.cloudfront.net/text-publishing/assets/f9/fe6490bbde11e492ca0d36f0bf5a93/SKIN_Ilka_Tampke_Book_Club_Notes.pdf">here</a>. This book would make an excellent Book Club
choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Title: </b>Skin<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author:
</b>Ilka Tampke<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Text Publishing <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Publication
Date: </b>$19.99 RRP<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Format:</b> Paperback</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Type: </b>Adult
fiction <o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-78781055113973012012015-06-24T22:20:00.000+10:002015-07-08T15:25:32.564+10:00Unsolved Australia<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfEQYPRiM-KJbKgHqmk1ORJJHNoPgio33qjDzjxCUlHpi3zE3yJkM6rs67H_DuZkQg66MrQMHbX5SoE7SRQRplovYJkcXSQh9zj2XNwRUKh79xwmTK3iw2IMJJrVltrGH5xWGgtunfms/s1600/unsolved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfEQYPRiM-KJbKgHqmk1ORJJHNoPgio33qjDzjxCUlHpi3zE3yJkM6rs67H_DuZkQg66MrQMHbX5SoE7SRQRplovYJkcXSQh9zj2XNwRUKh79xwmTK3iw2IMJJrVltrGH5xWGgtunfms/s200/unsolved.jpg" width="131" /></a><span lang="EN-US">To have a loved
one go missing must be one of the worse tragedies that could befall a family or
friend; yet in Australia 38,000 people go missing every year. Some of course,
return home or eventually make contact with loved ones. But this book, with its
sub-heading <i>Terrible Crimes, Incredible
Stories,</i> tells of 18 infamous cases of true life from Australia’s past
where people, from children to adults, have mysteriously disappeared and never
found. The stories certainly make for
gripping reading, but the publication of the book also offers hope. The hope is
a reader – or readers -- of this book might have their memory pricked and thus
provide further clues to help cold case investigators in their quest to solve
find their loved ones – or even the remains of their loved ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Author Justine
Ford has reported on the top-rating TV series Australia’s <i>Most Wanted;</i> as well, she has covered scores of chilling homicides
and missing persons’ cases, has access to police all over Australia, and has
interviewed surviving relatives, all of whom want to know the truth so their
minds can be finally put to rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">All of her
stories here are chilling and sad, but perhaps the story which most lingers in
this reader’s mind is that of seven-year-old Linda Stillwell who disappeared
from St Kilda, a Melbourne suburb, in 1969. Shortly after this, a 21-year
old-sailor, Derek Percy, grabbed another Melbourne girl, Yvonne Tuohy, held a
dagger to her throat and abducted her. In this case there was enough evidence
to convict Percy and he was sentenced to prison. However, detectives then, and
decades later, believed that Percy – a vile, sexually violent man – had abducted
and murdered other children (perhaps nine of them), including Linda Stillwell. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">More than a
decade ago, Detective Senior Sergeant Wayne Newman was handed Linda’s case. By
this time Percy was in the terminal stages of lung cancer. Faced with the
possibility that Percy might confess to his crimes, the cold case detective
spent hours by his bedside trying to build up a rapport. Percy denied harming
Linda, as well as the other innocent victims whose names were sadly associated
with his own. However, he gave enough information for a coroner to decide that
Percy had caused Linda’s death even though her body was never recovered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Not all
relatives of missing people are able to have such closure. There are numerous
stories in <i>Unsolved Australia</i> where
relatives still know nothing about the whereabouts of their loved ones even
decades later. But what is obvious in these stories is that there is always
hope. The stories are all detailed and fascinating, and it is gratifying to
know that detectives still work on cases to try to bring closure to relatives.
The book also includes interesting interviews and profiles of personnel in the
murder ‘industry’, such as a forensic pathologist, a hair examiner and forensic
biologist, an archaeologist, a forensic anthropologist, a defense barrister, a
missing person’s counselor and a victims’ advocate and crime crusader.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It is hoped that
Ford’s well-researched and well-written accounts will achieve one of the book’s
main goals – to have readers come forward to provide evidence which might help
to solve at least one of these dastardly and heart-breaking crimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Reviewed by Dianne Bates</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Title: </b>Unsolved Australia<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author:
</b>Justine Ford<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Pan Macmillan<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Publication
Date: </b>$32.99 RRP<o:p></o:p><br />
<b>Format</b>: Paperback</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Type: </b>Adult Non Fiction<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-67652067684691982752015-06-24T22:09:00.000+10:002015-06-24T22:23:02.129+10:00Lullaby <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSceZA4wW4-f27NHzcCZ326Y4HuT8lrylfXfNEQdoVmiPwgJjKDY_8eJIZRRisku4B2mLdKh5C6QztGQlekD3_oxV1ZDhya5AwyJoQWCiHS8X0MnY9N_Nxbe1VD7NgHPELyHdAhJB42I/s1600/lullaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSceZA4wW4-f27NHzcCZ326Y4HuT8lrylfXfNEQdoVmiPwgJjKDY_8eJIZRRisku4B2mLdKh5C6QztGQlekD3_oxV1ZDhya5AwyJoQWCiHS8X0MnY9N_Nxbe1VD7NgHPELyHdAhJB42I/s200/lullaby.jpg" width="127" /></a>I read the ending three times. I’m still not 100%
sure what happened. I love that I’m still thinking about it and have been for
weeks.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Renee and Theo are twin brothers but there’s little
the same about them. A freak accident leaves Theo with severely damaged brain
functioning. The only hope is a controversial new medical procedure. There are
questions about whether it can even be done and a big question about whether it
should be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Only Renee can give the necessary consent. Without
him, there is no procedure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Renee decides he can make the necessary sacrifice
to hopefully save his brother, but will the medical experts let him? Will the
psychologist deem he is able to make an informed decision?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Maggie begins to question Renee and the more she
probes, the more Renee is forced to unravel his relationship with Theo and
question what he should do. The relationship Renee reveals is not one of loving
brothers but of betrayal and misplaced trust. Sometimes the analysis helps him
collect his thoughts and sometimes it hinders. Is trauma changing the reality
or was it always this way? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Stories never come loose cleanly; everything’s
always tangled up with something else.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The deadline for decision time approaches quickly. Dr
Huxley has his agenda and Maggie finds her own questions to answer. Now, Renee
must decide what he really feels about his brother and whether that even matters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is both a complex and readable book. It’s a
provoking look the ethics of death and technology through the story of two
brothers. It can’t fail to make the reader think long past the last chapter. Or
are there two last chapters? Is that even possible?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Title: </b>Lullaby<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author:
</b>Bernard Beckett<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Publisher: </b> Text Publishing <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Publication
Date: </b>$19.99 RRP<o:p></o:p><br />
<b>Format:</b> Paperback</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Type: </b>Young
Adult Fiction<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870084086698233796.post-57045940677431444992015-05-22T07:00:00.000+10:002015-05-22T07:00:00.832+10:00The First Third<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fx_HdrSeHUbAIk9owlLqDuY05xJJ_AcGpq7eS4i-oop6y8X4EGz51If20JaOUR0MCm1RbdTiV2VXG-uPIMuMaBTXUFxLtUC_kjZKve-gbhvtZ9k7-Qca9aG0BagKuSqWN7ofzhHttiU/s1600/first+third.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fx_HdrSeHUbAIk9owlLqDuY05xJJ_AcGpq7eS4i-oop6y8X4EGz51If20JaOUR0MCm1RbdTiV2VXG-uPIMuMaBTXUFxLtUC_kjZKve-gbhvtZ9k7-Qca9aG0BagKuSqWN7ofzhHttiU/s200/first+third.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Some books sit on my reading horizon for an
inordinately long time. And so it was with The First Third. I’m not sure why. I
knew it would be an excellent read, CBCA Older Readers shortlisted in 2014 and
well recommended by my reading friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
One page in and I regretted not reading it sooner.
This is a story that truly belongs to its characters. Not just the protagonist Billy,
but Sticks (his best mate) Yiayia (his grandmother), Kate (his mum), Hayley (the girl he meets at the hospital) and his
brothers Peter and Simon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yiayia Filyo is an indomitable force in Billy’s
life. Her presence holds the family and the story together. While some people
face possible death by putting their affairs in order, Yiayia puts her family
in order from her hospital bed, providing Billy with a list of tasks to
complete on her behalf.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sometimes the solution she has in mind isn’t quite right
and Billy has to improvise. He also adds a task of his own. Sticks has
cerebral palsy and reluctantly ended a developing relationship before his
partner could find out. But first, Mum needs a husband and there are many humorous
moments as Billy and Sticks try to make that happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Billy’s brothers are an even more difficult task. Simon
is contentedly happy but far away and Peter is so sullen and inaccessible it
makes no difference that he lives in the same house. Billy cannot change their
lives, not even for Yiayia, but sometimes change finds a different way through
and the ultimately life-changing event for them all, brings the family
together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
With Hayley and her young son, Billy finds a new
appreciation for the value of family. One Yiayia knew he had all along, when she entrusted
him with her bucket list, giving it first to Hayley to pass on to Billy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Through skilful characterisation, themes of culture
and identity and of family and friendship are explored.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I loved this book. It’s a testament to why older
adults like myself read Young Adult fiction. We never grow out of the need for
stories like <i>The First Third</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is laughter and love, humour and wit in these
pages. If you haven’t read it, don’t wait like I did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reviewed by Sandy Fussell <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Title: </b>The First Third<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Author:
</b>Will Kostakis<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Publisher: </b> Penguin Australia <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Publication
Date: </b>$17.99 RRP<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Format: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Paperback<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>ISBN:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b><span class="apple-converted-space">9780143568179</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Type: </b><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Young Adult Fiction</span></div>
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