Book Reviews
Would you like to add a book review? Email us at goscitylib@gosford.nsw.gov.au . Please include Author, Title, and a maximum of 100 words. If you would like to be acknowledged by your first name please indicate this in your email.
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Title: Sea Music This story concerns three generations of the Tremain family who live in an idyllic cliffside cottage on the Cornish coast. The older couple are Fred, a country doctor now retired, and seriously ill; his Polish wife Martha, for whom he built the house; their daughter Ann, an emotionally cold but successful lawyer; son Barnaby, a local vicar; and the much loved granddaughter Lucy, who is on the eve of reluctantly leaving her home and family. Before she leaves however, Lucy discovers a case of long-hidden documents that forces the family to confront wartime secrets and domestic disputes. From these revelations come new beginnings and new loves. This is a beautifully written and profound novel. Submitted by: LC |
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Title: The hour before dawn This story is set in Singapore, Malaysia, England and N.Z. However tragedy strikes and Fleur is left widowed with her 5 year old twin daughters, Nikki and Saffie. Devastated by grief she prepares to move back to England, but then one of the girls mysteriously disappears. Years later Nikki, now pregnant and living in N.Z. is still tormented by the disappearance of her twin sister. She is unable to reconcile with her mother, and is haunted by ghosts of the past. Then Fleur goes missing on her way to visit Nikki in N.Z. and Nikki must travel to Singapore to find her mother, and hopefully effect a reconciliation with her. An unexpected discovery binds the two women together. Aided by Nikki's thoughtful and considerate partner Jack, and a Malaysian policeman, the wise and sensitive Detective Sergeant Mokhtar, the family eventually come to terms with Saffie's fate. This is another beautifully written story by MacDonald, whose sensitive style portrays so poignantly the anguish families experience from tragic loss. Highly recommended. Submitted by: LC |
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| Title: Lipstick Jungle
Author: Candace Bushnell
Genre: Chick Lit
From the author who brought us Sex and the City comes another great "chick lit" novel - Lipstick Jungle. Join friends Wendy Healy, Parador film studio producer, Victory Ford, famous fashion designer, and Nico O’Nielly, the editor in chief of popular magazine Bonfire, as they support each other in both business and love in New York City. You might think that getting your name on the coveted New York’s Fifty Most Powerful Women list would be hard enough, but staying on it is even harder. Read on to share in the cut throat business adventures and feisty love triangles of these three women ...
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Title: The lost symbol Clearly written with the big screen in mind, the long awaited sequel to the " Da Vinci code " is an action packed account of Robert Langdon's twelve hours in Washington. Rich in Masonic history, the United State Capitol, the Library of Congress and the Washington monument play host to CIA agents and religious fanatics after the small pyramid that Langdon possesses. Langdon has to decode the pyramid to unlock the Ancient Mysteries therefore saving the life of his friend. Brown shares his knowledge of symbols, architecture and comparative religion told in a fast moving thriller. Submitted by DW |
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Title: The Memory Keeper's Daughter This story opens in 1964 when Dr David Henry is forced to deliver his own twins because a blizzard prevents other medical help arriving. His wife delivers a healthy boy and then a second child- a girl, who the doctor immediately identifies, has Down syndrome. David hands the second baby over to his nurse assistant and asks that she puts the child in a home thinking that would be best for the family. His wife is told that the second child has died at birth and is denied knowledge of the child from that day on. Carolyn, the nurse is unable to leave the tiny baby at the orphanage as directed by the doctor and decides to keep the child and raise her in another city. The doctor is aware that his daughter is living with the nurse and supports them financially, keeping her a secret from his wife and son. Norah the doctor's wife is haunted by the loss of her child and the couple become distant as the story unfolds. Dr Henry has to live with his disastrous decision all his life and he too has a troubled time. His relationship with both his wife and son is strained and detached. His character is complex and the journey he carries the reader on is a twisted journey. The story follows two parallel lives and is brilliantly shaped by Edwards. It is a page turner from beginning to end. It makes the reader reflect on decisions that they have made which have led them down a different path in life. This story is highly recommended. Submitted by: Chris G |
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Title: Tithe Tithe is a modern day fairy tale, but don’t let the concept fool you! Quite dark in places, you’ll find this novel and its sequel by Holly Black in the Young Adult collection. The story centres around a girl called Kaye who discovers she was swapped at birth for a human baby by the fairy folk. Kaye, believing she is human her whole life, comes to terms with her new identity and joins forces with the solitary fey in a rather complicated battle between good and evil. Submitted by LB |
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Title: Bright air This book is set in Sydney, Tasmania and Lord Howe Island. After spending 4 years in England Josh returns to Australia to be told by one of his climbing friends, Anna, that his old girlfriend Luce had died in a climbing accident shortly after he left. However, Anna was also present at the death bed of one of their friends after another climbing accident and he confesses to killing Luce. Josh and Anna set out to discover the circumstances of Luce's death, whether it was an accident or not or even if she died at all. There were a few different ways this story could have gone and it kept me guessing right to the end. Submitted by: JS |
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Title: Paper Towns This young adult novel was the first book I'd read by John Green and I was impressed, so I'm now looking for all his others. The writing was so good that instead of racing through it to see what happened, I read slowly and savoured it. The narrator of the story is Quentin or "Q", who has been in love with his neighbour, Margo Roth Speigelman, all of his childhood. Now a senior in high school, they have little to do with one another, Margo is part of the cool crowd and Q is decidedly not, until the night she appears at his window and persuades him to join her for a night of incredible revenge and adventures. Q assumes everything will be different the next day in school, and it is, but not the way he dreams it will be. This book is all about relationships and perceptions of people and Q's dawning realisation of the difference between the real and imagined Margo. The beauty of this novel is that it encourages the reader to think about the themes and ideas in the story. Submitted by NS |
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| Title: Watchmen
Authors: Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Genre: Graphic Novel (adult)
Watchmen is set in an alternate 1980's USA during a period of heightened cold war tension. The story focuses on a group of 'costumed' heroes called the Crimebusters - ordinary men and women who fight crime and bring hope to society. Now outlawed by the government, these retired heroes are living out their days as ordinary citizens. But, one of the Crimebusters is brutally murdered. Investigation reveals other retired heroes have died in mysterious circumstances. Is there a conspiracy to kill costumed heroes or are past actions catching up with them? Watchmen blends an intriguing detective story with social commentary.
And the ending…
Submitted by: BH
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Author - Gillian Bradshaw Memnon is an African Scout in the Aurelian Moors, a small part of the Roman Army sent to conquer Britain. Whilst heading north for the first campaign he saves the lives of a member of the Emperors staff and a pretty attendant of the Empress. Through his new contacts in the royal househould Memnon becomes aware of the power struggle between the Emporer's sons. After one bloody campaign into the north the power struggle threatens to bring on another uprising and to put the lives of the Aurelian Moors on the line as one brother tries to make the other brother look bad. Memnon is promoted for his bravery throughout the book against his wishes until he is finally in charge of his unit. This is an interesting book as we see the attempted occupation of Scotland by the Romans through the eyes of a lowly scout. Submitted by J.S. |
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Author: Joanne Fluke
Title:Cream Puff Murder
Genre: Cozy mystery Hannah Swensen's life is already busy running a successful cookie shop, catering for the town's social events and being a part-time sleuth. In Cream Puff Murder she is also madly dieting to fit into a dress in time for her mother's book launch, along with trying to discover the reason for her favourite feline Moishe's gluttonous appetite. While working out at the local gym one morning, Hannah stumbles across the body of Ronnie Ward, notorious "man-eater" of the town. One of Hannah's love interests, Detective Mike, is under suspicion during this murder investigation, so Hannah jumps in to help solve the mystery and clear Mike's name. Hannah's other love interest, Norman the dentist, along with her 2 sisters Andrea and Michelle help out with the hunt for the killer. Another great easy mystery by Joanne Fluke, complete with a full cast of Lake Eden townsfolk, and lots of yummy recipes included. Enjoy with a cuppa! Submitted by: V |
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Author: Patrick Ness Set in an primitive society in an alternate world, this is the first book in an exciting new trilogy by Patrick Ness. Todd is a 12 year old boy, about to turn 13 in one month and become a man according to Prentisstown law. He is the last remaining boy in Prentisstown, where the population is 147, all male. All the female members of the town apparently died from a germ that was released into the community by the Spackle, the original inhabitants of this new land. A side effect of this germ was that all the men can now hear each others thoughts, as well as those of animals too. The town is not a happy place to live, with many of the men struggling to drown out the sounds of this "Noise", and the knowledge that none of their lives are private. When Todd discovers the unthinkable in Prentisstown, a fast paced thrilling chase follows, with the town's men out to destroy this discovery and Todd also. P.S. Todd's faithful sidekick, Manchee the dog, provides one of the best opening paragraphs of a book ever - worth reading to also gain an insight into the inner workings of a dog's mind! |
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Title: Year of Wonders Numerous recommendations by library customers and a curiosity with this Australian author, led me to pick up this historical novel. Geraldine Brooks was a former war correspondent writing for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and the Guardian. This was Geraldine Brooks' first novel. It was set in a small English Village based on the village of Eyam in England, which lost two thirds of its inhabitants during the Bubonic Plague of 1665 to 1666. It is told from the perspective of Anna a young woman who has lost her husband and many of those dear to her during the course of the story. The novel focuses on the horror of the plague and how it affected the lives of ordinary folk in a village that was isolated from the rest of England. Anna together with the rector and his wife are the main characters who administer to the sick and dying. Its graphic descriptions of the suffering of the townsfolk led to an understanding of the enormity of the impact the Bubonic Plague had on the people of the era. The characterisation of Anna as a strong ordinary woman who was able to overcome great grief to help the suffering townsfolk is a strength of the novel. It's not a book you can put down easily as the story is compelling. The vivid descriptions and storytelling help the reader gain an understanding of what life was like in these hard times. This novel would appeal to all avid readers as it explores love and fear in a horrendous period in world history. Submitted by CG |
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Title: Tea time for the traditionally built Fans of this endearing series will be pleased to learn that Mma Ramotswe is back in the 10th installment of the No. 1 ladies detective agency. The only female private detective in Botswana, Mma Ramotswe solves a range of crimes. In "Tea time for the traditionally built" her task is to find the player responsible for the dramatic losses of the previously successful Kalahari Swoopers Soccer club. Is there a traitor on the team? And will Mma Makutsi lose her fiance to her arch nemesis Violet Sephotho? And is this the end of the road for the "tiny white van"? The appeal of these novels lies in the gentle storytelling and insights into the human condition. It is not necessary to start a the first book, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, but it is highly recommended! Submitted by PJ |
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Title: The girl with the dragon tattoo This is the intriguing first episode of the Millennium trilogy. Blomkvist is a journalist caught up in the exposing of international corruption, sexual degredation and the missing girl who links all the stories together. Submitted by S |
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Title: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie society sprang to life during WWII, when the Channel Islands were occupied by the German troops. London author, Juliet Ashton corresponds with members of the society, and feels compelled to write their story. To this end, she travels to Guernsey and falls in love with the characters and charm of the island, as the author Mary Ann Shaffer did in 1976. Sadly, the author passed away in 2008, before seeing her epistolary novel become successful. The character are well developed and the story told with sensitivity - hard to say what genre this book is, unless there is a " feel good" genre. Submitted by: Debbie |
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Title: Sun at Midnight This book was recommended to me by a customer who informed me that the author actually went to Antarctica to research her book. This research shows throughout. Alice Peel a promising young geologist is persuaded by her famous mother to follow in her footsteps and do a season of research in Antarctica. When Alice breaks up with her boyfriend she decides to go. The trouble is once she is there she discovers that she is pregnant. She decides to keep this news to herself for fear of being sent straight home, but one by one her chances to leave pass. She gradually falls for Rooker, a man who unknown to her is on the run. There are simmering tensions between the team members and the leader is heading for a nervous breakdown. The story builds to a catastrophe where everyone needs to be rescued and the inevitable happens. Alice is separated from Rooker after being rescued and is faced with the problem of trying to find a man who does not want to be found. Submitted by J.S. |
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Title Whiskey Sour I thought by the cover that this book was going to be a pretty light read and was surprised to find it was a more intense book then it looked. It moved along at a pretty good pace. The main character is lieutenant Jack Daniels, short for Jacqueline Daniels, and the murderer calls himself the Gingerbread man. The murder/torture scenes are a little bit graphic if you don't like too much violence. However, the violent chapters are offset by the comedy of a couple of inept FBI profilers, a bear of a partner who eats all the time and Jacks social life which results in a bar room brawl, a disastrous first date and her boyfriend getting shot on their second date. Altogether, I enjoyed this book which is the first one with these characters and would not hesitate to read more of them. |
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Titles: The Naming of Tishkin Silk; Layla, Queen of Hearts; Perry Angel's Suitcase Perry Angel's Suitcase is Glenda Millard's third book about the Kingdom of Silk and having just read it, I thought I would review the series. In The Naming of Tishkin Silk, Griffin Silk has a secret which is weighing heavily on his heart, until he meets a new friend and shares it with her. Together Griffin and Layla find a way to deal with it. In Layla, Queen of Hearts, Layla wishes for someone special to take to Senior Citizens Day at school and Grandma Nell and Griffin help her find Miss Amelie and put her to the top of the Main Contenders list. The newest book, Perry Angel's Suitcase, is the story of how Perry comes to join the Kingdom of Silk and to understand that he has found a place where he belongs.
At around 100 pages and designed for a young reader, each book is small but perfect. They deal with subjects like friends, family and belonging, but also with grief and loss, individuality and finding your place in the world. These books are just beautiful and the descriptions of the Silks and their friends, and life in the Kingdom Silk is heartwarming and uplifting. To quote an analogy from the books, they are golden syrup dumplings for the soul.
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Title: Standoff When Tiel a reporter on holiday hears about a kidnapping of Sabra a wealthy mans teenage daughter by one of her schoolmates she starts heading toward their supposed destination. However, she gets lost and stops at a convenience store for instructions. The store is held up by the girl and her supposed kidnapper and Sabra suddenly goes into labour. A hostage situation occurs but as the book unfolds you have to wonder who is the most dangerous person, the boy with the gun, one of the hostages, an FBI agent or someone else just waiting outside. Once the action started I couldn't put this book down. From Jane |
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Title: Finnikin of the Rock This book is a sidestep for the award winning Australian author as she ventures away from the regular and into fantasy with her new novel Finnikin of the Rock. Finnikin lives in a world where his family and his kingdom were decimated during the five days of the unspeakable and where the survivors of this dark time have been forced to roam the land as refugees; homeless, leaderless, abused and unwelcome. While searching for a place to gather the remnants of their people Finnikin and his guardian are sent to the cloister of the Goddess Lagrami to find the novice that will lead them to a survivor from the Royal family, Prince Balthazar, Finnikin's childhood friend. From there we are lead into a story of twists and turns, tragedy, horror, revelations, survival, hope and even love. I recommend that you read this book once for itself and a second time to see the echoes of our past and our present. Sadly, as atrocities and genocide still occur across the globe, it seems that while we are taught history through school few of us have managed to learn from what has gone before and use it to create a better future. Unable to leave the review on such note however, I will add that this book has humour and light and strong leading characters that will capture your heart. It's a fabulous read, one I highly recommend. Submitted by: KM |
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Title: The Reader The story is set in Germany in the immediate years following World War 11. It is told in first person by Michael a 15 year old boy who meets a woman Hanna who is twice his age. Hanna and Michael have an affair which is central to the first half of the story. The rituals of the relationship are exposed and the peculiarities of the relationship explored. Hanna leaves her home suddenly and Michael is left wondering where she has gone. The second half of the story is set a number of years later. Whilst Michael is studying law he visits the law courts and encounters Hanna once more. She is on trial for the part she played in the Nazi Concentration camps during World War 11. It is an interesting topic to touch on as the German perspective of the Nazi Concentration Camps is often not discussed probably because of guilt and shame. Hanna is sentenced to imprisonment for her involvement in Nazi atrocities and it is here that Michael's relationship with Hanna continues. At this point it is interesting to note that the author touches on the way how average German citizens were swept up in the Nazi movement and led to perform acts that history now views as horrific. The book is written in a subtle style. Although an easy read it has many themes through the work. It is interesting to read a work that has an easy style but address underlying themes that very few authors have touched on. If you enjoy a beautiful writing style with interesting and unusual themes this book is for you. Submitted by CG |
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Title: Tears of the Moon Di Morrissey has written many books set in different Australian places. This book is set in Broome Western Australia. She has excelled in capturing the readers interest from the beginning to the end. The story commences in the present time. Lily Burton sets out to find her family's heritage. The story winds back to the late 1800s to Broome where her great grandmother- Olivia Hennessey arrives with her husband to be greeted by the harshness of the West Australian coastal environment. Olivia meets the handsome dashing Captain John Tyndall under extreme circumstances and a business relationship is commenced in the pearling industry. The backdrop of the pearling industry and the adventures on the sea add a beautiful descriptive element to the story. The romance that develops between Olivia and John Tyndall is true but circumstances make it impossible for the couple to be together. The story is entertaining a mixture of finding ones family identity, adventuring in a pristine setting and impossible romance. Every page is riveting and it is a book that cannot be put down as the reader is swept up in the adventure. This is one of Di Morrissey's best books. Di Morrissey fans will not be let down. It is gives the reader insight into the pearling industry at its very beginnings and the Aboriginal culture in these times. Readers of Australian fiction, romance and old world adventure will love this novel. Don't miss this novel - a Di Morrissey masterpiece. Reviewed by CG |
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Title: Household Guide to Dying Delia is a happily married, domestic goddess with two young daughters and dying of cancer. Delia has written a number of best selling "Household Guides" and decides she is the obvious person to write one last guide on the practicalities of dying. While researching her last book she returns to the small country town she once lived in to confront a tragedy from her past and tie up some loose ends in her life. This book is moving without being maudlin, sometimes funny and sometimes confronting but well worth a read. |
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Title: The name of the wind Entertainer. Assassin. Wizard. Dragon slayer. Kvothe has been them all… Patrick Rothfuss makes a stunning entrance into the word of science fiction fantasy with his debut novel The name of the wind. The first part in a planned trilogy, this novel recalls the life of Kvothe ('Quothe') and the formation of his legend. His name is spoken in equal parts fear and awe as he is considered one of the most notorious figures ever to have lived in the Four Corners of Civilisation. The story is told Kvothe's own voice, as for the first time, he sits down with a biographer known as the Chronicler to relate his tale. From his humble beginnings in a troupe of travelling players, to his time as a runaway on the streets of Tarbean and then on to the University of the Arcane, Kvothe's tale is a moving story of adventure, mythical beings, magic and loss. Rothfuss masterfully weaves this tale of one man's life and how a legend is born. His writing style is easy to read with paragraph structure that makes it possible to pick it up and put down without losing the plot. The only problem with the novel is the wait for the next in the series! If you like a well told story that will keep you engrossed then treat yourself to The name of the wind. You won't be disappointed. Submitted by BH |
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Title: Down by the riverside Author: Jackie Lynn When her husband leaves her for a younger woman, Rose Franklin buys a travel trailer and sets off in an attempt to leave behind her heartache and anger. Due to mechanical trouble she is forced to spend a couple of days at Shady Grove campground on the Mississippi river. Whilst there she witnesses the recovery of a body from the river, an apparent suicide. As Rose comes to know the characters of this small community, she begins to unravel the mystery of why a man loses his faith and the consequences of his loss. This is a gentle mystery, beautifully crafted, and where simple moments become profound truths. Rose finds love, redemption and a new family as she becomes deeply connected with the other inhabitants of Shady Grove campground. The watercolour cover design is also a delightful addition to the book's presentation. Other titles by this author that are held by Gosford City Library, include 'Jacob's ladder' and 'Swing low, sweet chariot'. Submitted by L.C. |
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Title: Acts of Faith Author: Eric Segal This is a story of three people, a Rabbi, his sister and a Catholic Priest. It looks at their families, their culture and religion which influence the choices each of these people make during a time of religious turmoil post WW11. It also introduces the background to some of the rituals of the religions. A great yarn. Submitted by S.H. |
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Title: The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy Author: Jeanne Birdsall The Penderwicks go on their summer holiday expecting to find a tumbledown cottage in the Berkshire mountains, but instead find a very beautiful estate called Arundel, Jeffrey Tifton; a Very Interesting Boy and the son of Arundel's rather chilly owner and two rabbits called Carla and Yaz. The girls have a summer they'll never forget and the readers get the treat of a perfect children's book. This really is a summer tale, warm and happy and full of good things, it is a book that will appeal to young readers and remind older ones of all their favourites from childhood. Submitted by N.S. |
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Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy Rather than limit myself to reviewing just one book I thought I'd introduce a whole genre today. Dark Urban Fantasy is set in a world where legends, monsters, gods and myths stalk beside us, whether we know it or not. Werewolves, vampires, faeries, witches, wizards, monsters and more are the main characters and they live 'our' world protecting humans, ignoring humans, working for them or against them depending on the author. Romance is not necessarily a feature of the Dark Urban Fantasy novel; there may be romantic tension or a romantic subplot but unlike Paranormal Romance it is not usually the main focus. Instead there are interspecies wars, battles to save the human race from the hordes that wish them gone, the fight for survival when humanity decides you should not exist, the fight to remain unnoticed or to become accepted, battles between the dark and the light, the fight for, by, or against magic, the struggle to learn new powers or a new identity and so forth… All in all Dark Urban Fantasy is a wild ride with plenty of action, power and grit. It's usually a bit seamy with noir overtones (hence the genre name) and has characters could never be considered 100% perfect, good or upstanding, but you love them anyway. If you'd like to check out my favourites try: Jim Butcher, Ilona Andrews, Holly Black, Rob Thurman, Lilith Saintcrow, Mark Del Franco, Jennifer Rardin, Kim Harrison, Cassandra Clare, Karen Chance and Jennifer Armintrout (in no particular order) Submitted by K.M. |
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| Title: Breath Author: Tim Winton Beautiful from start to finish, Winton once again captures the magnificence and frailty of life. The story revolves around two teenagers - Pikelet and Loonie, who are befriended by an older surfer Sando and his mysterious wife Eva. Spanning several years, the book deals with the complexities of friendship, teenage risk taking, and the realisations we all face as we get older. The surfing world is described in great detail, with the reader being taken on a mammoth journey with these characters. Newcomers to Winton will become fans after reading this book. Submitted by Kira |
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Title: The Morning Gift The Morning Gift is set during the Second World War and is the story of Ruth, a Jewish girl accidentally left behind after her parents are evacuated from Austria. To escape Ruth accepts a marriage of convenience with a young English professor of palaeontology, both of them intending to annul the marriage once they are safely in London. Annulling the marriage, however, proves to be rather more difficult than they had first imagined. This is a beautiful love story, and though the main plotline concerns Ruth and Quin (the professor), there are many supporting characters and Eva Ibbotson has given such background for each, that you really feel you know them. She also paints what I imagine to be a clear picture of life for wartime emigrants in Britain and in a lot of respects this book reminded me of Michelle Magorian's wonderful novels about the same era. At times funny and sad, the Morning Gift is simply a lovely story. Submitted by N.S. |
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Title: Twilight Bella moves to Forks to live with her father, the local police sergant. Upon starting at the High School, Bella can't help but notice something different about a few of the students. The Cullen family to be exact. None of the other students talk to these 'adopted' siblings because they are too "weird" and act superior to everyone else. Bella finds herself fascinated by one of them in particular - Edward Cullen, the most beautiful and graceful human being she has ever laid eyes on. |
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Title: The Spare Room Submitted by Kira |
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Title: No 1 Ladies Detective Agency Every book in the series, beginning with ‘No 1 Ladies Detective Agency’ is a delight. From the moment we are introduced to Mme Ramotswe we are enchanted. Mme Ramotswe is proud of being who she is: a citizen of the best country in the world, Botswana. But she is not nationalistic. Mma is proud of her traditionally shaped body and is conscious that stripes going around the body do not suit a traditionally shaped lady. Neither do fashionable shoes feel comfortable on traditionally shaped feet. The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency seeks to solve crimes and dilemmas. Mme Ramotswe promotes moral behaviour but is never moralistic. She makes judgements but is never judgemental. Mme Ramotswe’s tiny white van can be seen chugging all over the village with Mme Ramotswe behind the steering wheel. She is off again in her capacity of No. 1 Lady Detective. So make yourself a cup of bush tea with a large slice of fruit cake and settle down to some enchanting reading. These books, like Mme Ramotswe’s Christian name, given to her by her beloved father (who is now ‘late’) are Precious. Submitted by D.J. |
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Title: Crocodile on the sandbank Move over Poirot and Miss Marple: Peabody is on the way. Peabody knows about everything. Nothing seems to be beyond her intellect – British of course. Medicine? Peabody is prepared to amputate a finger, or a limb if needed. Egyptology? Peabody has read and digested all, and is ever ready to regurgitate. Relationships? Peabody is an expert. Then of course there is a mystery. But Peabody is on the trail of a villain. Look out, villain! Sickeningly British ‘don’t you know’ of the worst kind. How the ‘savages’ and the 'natives' must have hated the smugness and the attitude of ‘Do it like we do in good old Britain.’ I must read another novel by Elizabeth Peters to see if the main character is quite as annoying as Peabody. So why did I finish reading this novel? Ask Peabody: she’ll know. Submitted by D.J. |
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Title: The Host Living forever….the ultimate dream and not just for humans. There are aliens out there that have worked out the secret of eternal life and they need your body to do it. But what happens if the body you take over keeps its original occupant and she hates you, vocally? What if she remembers her family? Her lover? What if she wants desperately to get back to them and she's convincing you that you want it too? And just who are the bad guys anyway? The humans who have squandered the world's resources and seemingly revelled in violence and destruction or the aliens who live peaceful and full lives (once they've taken over your body and destroyed your essence of course)? Part 'invasion of the body snatchers', part exploration of the human will to live, it’s a love story, an action adventure and a look into what it's like to be the invader and the invaded. After wading through the first part and finding excuses to start other books I found that I ended up loving this story. I feverishly read it at every opportunity, including at traffic lights on my way to work, to see how it panned out! I could go on now about the characters, the conflict, the action, but to say much more would give the story away and I'd hate to ruin it for you! Submitted K.M. |
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Title: The uncommon reader The uncommon reader portrays the current Queen of England’s transformation into an avid reader after she accidentally discovers a mobile library on the palace grounds and borrows a book so as not to seem rude. eveloping this interesting premise Bennett creates a book that is both funny and thought-provoking. Much of the comedy arises from the conflict between the Queen’s growing passion for reading and her position as Head of State but beneath the humour lies a commentary on the restrictiveness of being royalty, where public persona is more valued than private self and duty to the position is expected to come before personal interests and inclinations. Above all else the book is a celebration of reading. Following the Queen’s journey as she becomes a more intelligent, inquisitive and reflective reader causes us to contemplate the ways in reading changes us by transforming the way we view ourselves and the world around us. It also reminds us of the joys of discovery reading provides, such as the excitement of one book leading us to another in a progression of endless possible pathways through literature. Don’t be put off reading this book by the fact this review is starting to sound like an English essay, I promise The uncommon reader is not at all like that. Although it packs a lot of ideas into a very short story (only 124 pages) it is written with such humour and skill that it is an absolute joy to read. The Queen, as Bennett depicts her, is a great character and you’ll be cheering for her when she delivers her surprise at the end of the book. Submitted by R-J |
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Title: Belonging Belonging is a story about the life of Sameem Ali. Sameem's family lived in the UK and were immigrants from Pakistan. Sameem spent her infancy in a children's home and recalls these years as happy. Her happiness doesn't last as she is returned to her family home and is subjected to years of physical abuse from her mother and later from her brother. At the age of 13 she is sent to Pakistan to marry against her wishes. Her mother engineered this marriage to cover debts accrued by an uncle. She finds herself pregnant at 14 and returns to the UK. The family shuns the baby and the physical and mental abuse continues. Despite putting her life in danger Sameem runs away with a male family friend. She lives in hiding but is eventually tracked down by her cruel brother. He was plotting to kidnap her and return her to Pakistan to the arranged marriage. The book is an insight into arranged marriage and abuse in ethnic communities in Britain. Sameem wrote the book to heal but the book has become a voice for all women who have found themselves living in similar circumstances. It is a true story of overcoming adversity and a must read for those who like to learn about the cultural differences in society. It is an easy to read book and one where the readers find themselves searching for a positive outcome after such a tragic childhood. If you like to read inspirational stories about people who have overcome great hardships then this is the book for you. Submitted by CG |
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Title: Enders Game This is actually not new to me and a book I've re-read twice now and with good reason. The story revolves around Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a brilliant and compassionate young boy who is taken from his family to a space station near earth called Battle School (a school made for the sole purpose of training children to be soldiers) at the tender age of eight. It is here where we are lead to believe through attention grabbing cut-back scenes to military commanders, that Ender is being groomed to lead the world's forces, The International Fleet in a war against the 'Buggers'. The Buggers being a race of aliens whom mankind have already been invaded by twice and barely survived. We soon delve into the murky depths of Battle School and the mind games that come with it.... What makes this book really enjoyable is that even though it is a sci-fi novel it takes a very interesting look at human behaviour (in particular the interaction between young stong-minded boys). It also has a good dose of politics which gives it a realistic touch. The author really makes you feel for the intelligent young Ender who is pushed into a world that expects everything from him yet gives him nothing in return. Though classed as a young adult book in our collection this is suited from anyone aged 14 to 40 and beyond. I thoroughly recommend this book to sci-fi & non-sci-fi readers or any brilliant young men who have sometimes felt the burdens and the isolation of being the best. ; ) Submitted by B.A.P.S. |
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Title: Crocodile on the sandbank Crocodile on the sandbank is the first book in Elizabeth Peters’ brilliant Amelia Peabody mystery series. For the uninitiated Amelia Peabody is a Victorian-era Englishwoman of formidable self-confidence, determination and intelligence who decides, upon receiving an inheritance, that she will travel to the ancient lands she and her father had studied. It is in Egypt that she discovers her life’s destiny both personally and professionally. This very funny book follows Amelia’s adventures as she rescues a “ruined” woman, meets her future husband (Egyptologist Radcliffe Emerson), and excavates at the ancient city of Tell el Amarna, while combating the attacks of a mysterious walking mummy and foiling the schemes of the first of the many villains she will encounter over the course of her years in Egypt. The Amelia novels are a delight that should not be missed. Peters’ knowledge of Egyptology and the world of 19th Century Egypt add depth and interest but their chief pleasure lies in the many unique and brilliantly written characters with which she populates her witty tales. There are to date 18 Amelia Peabody mysteries … enjoy! Submitted by R.J.F. |
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Amelia Peabody Mysteries review: Part 2 I have decided after finishing my recommendation of Crocodile on the sandbank that there really are too many wonderful characters and stories in this series to limit to a single review. So, in an effort to convince more of you to read what I consider to be among the most enjoyable books ever written, here follows a brief (well maybe not so brief) overview of some of the highlights of the remaining 17 stories. Although they can be enjoyed individually it is best to read the series in chronological order as it follows Amelia and Emerson’s family, friends and numerous enemies from the 1880’s until the discovery of Tutankhamon’s tomb in 1922. The conclusion of the first book finds Amelia happily married and convinced that pregnancy will not interfere with her archaeological activities in any way. “I can fit the child in quite nicely between seasons, and be back in Cairo ready for work in November.” The curse of the pharaohs (book 2) opens with the shattering of this illusion, or as Amelia puts it “Then our doom came upon us … in the form of our son, ‘Ramses’ Walter Peabody Emerson.” However annoying he may initially be to Amelia, Ramses is a character to fall in love with as we watch him grow from an extraordinarily intelligent and, in his mother’s words, “catastrophically precocious” and “hideously verbose” child, into the extremely attractive romantic lead of the later books. But Ramses isn’t the only intriguing new character. The mummy case (book 3) introduces us to the mysterious Master Criminal, whose relationship with the Emerson family over the course of the series develops from chief nemesis to … (you’ll have to read the books to find out!) He also develops a great passion for Amelia much to Emerson’s outrage, though as she sensibly comments “a lady cannot be blamed if a master criminal takes a fancy to her.” In The last camel died at noon (book 6) the Emerson family follow a treasure map and discover not only a hidden city with a population still living according to the customs of ancient Egypt but also a young girl of English parentage who has spent all of her thirteen years in this lost civilization. Enter Nefret, object of Ramses’ adoration from the moment he meets her at the age of ten, though he has to wait a long time and many books to win her love in return. During this time the Emerson family continues with their archaeological excavations and criminal investigations, encountering an exceptionally high number of enemies and crimes (in the words of Abdullah, their Egyptian foreman, “Every year another dead body!”) Distracted from their work by “detectival fever” Amelia and Emerson are forced to solve each new mystery and a great time is had by all, reader included. Submitted by R.J.F. |
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Title: Hot Target Hot Target is book 8 of Suzanne Brockmann’s romantic suspense series following the lives and relationships of a team of US Navy SEALs and the operatives of the security firm Troubleshooters Incorporated founded by the team’s former leader. Like all Brockmann’s heroes Hot Target’s Cosmo Richter is really too good to be true but who wants reality when you can have such well written romance? Tall, dark and sexy, super-tough and almost scarily quiet on the outside, but warm and compassionate once you get to know him, Cosmo meets his match in Jane Chadwick, the movie producer he has been assigned to protect while on leave from the navy. Once they get past their initial dislike, Jane’s humour, integrity and passion break through Cosmo’s reserve and in true romance fashion the bodyguard and the woman he is protecting fall in love. Don’t be put off by the fact that the synopsis sounds like standard romance fare, Jane and Cosmo are great characters and Brockmann is one of the best romance authors currently writing. Plus, as an added bonus, each book in this series has at least one subplot and Hot Target’s is anything but standard for traditional romance. It is in this book that popular recurring character, the unlucky in love FBI agent Jules Cassidy, meets his future partner, Jane’s brother, actor Robin Chadwick. Real-life mother of a gay son, Brockmann writes this homosexual romance in a sensitive and empathetic manner. While Cosmo and Jane reach their happy ending in Hot Target you will have to read later books, Force of nature (book 11) and All through the night (book 12), to follow Jules and Robin’s rocky path to true love. But that’s one the best things about reading a series, there’s always more to look forward to and you don’t have say goodbye to characters you have grown to love at the end the book. A note of warning, Brockmann’s books do contain reasonably graphic sex scenes so if you don't like that kind of thing and aren't prepared to skip those bits this is not the series for you. Submitted by R.J.F. |
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Title: Jane Austen in Boca Jane Austen in Boca is a reworking of Pride and prejudice that shifts the setting from 19th Century England to contemporary Florida where we follow the romantic entanglements of three elderly Jewish widows living in one of the many local retirement villages. The characters and plot are clever and funny in the ways they both mirror and differ from Austen's original and by making her "Darcy" an English professor who teaches a course on Pride and prejudice for the retirees Cohen is able to give her elderly cast a chance to comment on the book that inspired their creation. Their passionate support of Mrs Bennett is particularly funny and thought-provoking, causing you to question why Austen chose to make her such a thoroughly unlikable and unsympathetic character. This is a very entertaining book of great wit and humour which also has the added bonus of encouraging the reader to think about aspects of Austen's original novel in new ways. Highly recommended. Submitted by R.J.F. |
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Title: Obernewtyn Series Isobelle Carmody started writing this series when she was in year 12. As she has grown so have her novels in complexity and quality. Her first book, Obernewtyn is a simple tale about a teenager, Elspeth Gordie who has telepathic powers, born after a mysterious cataclysm, the Great White, which has changed her world forever. Labelled a misfit and exiled to the strange and distant Obernewtyn, Elspeth embarks on a journey to both discover herself and help her fellow talented Misfits. Each of the following novels takes Elspeth further in her quest to discover what was behind the Great White and to find a way to prevent the dormant weaponmachines of the before time from being used to start another holocaust. Elspeth is helped by a increasingly large group of Misfits who are organised into Guilds according to their talents and the beasts she has learnt to communicate with; her horse companion Gahltha and her cat Maruman. Once you read one of the books in this series you will not be able to put them down, they carry you into a fantastical and exciting world. Submitted by Robyn |
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Title: Agnes and the Hitman
Author: Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
Genre: Romance/Comedy/Mystery How can you not love a book who's cast of characters include a food columnist called Cranky Agnes, a hitman, the Mob, a bloodhound, several would-be dog-nappers fended off with a frying pan and two flamingos?
Agnes is holding a wedding for the grand-daughter of a notorious southern mob boss in her gazebo, in lieu of 3 months of mortgage payments. If the wedding doesn't happen Agnes defaults on her contract and loses the house. Unfortunately she now has a body, the first unsuccessful dog-napper, and possibly $5 million dollars in her basement. Enter Shane, her hitman-turned-bodyguard who had been called in to guard "little Agnes".
This book reads like a romantic-comedy-action movie script; it's fast-paced, light and funny and definitely leaves you smiling. I also really liked Cranky Agnes' column excerpts at the start of each chapter!
Submitted by N.S.
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Title: The Crucible Series The Namless Day, The Wounded Hawk and The Crippled Angel make up the Crucible Series by Australian author Sara Douglass. The series is historical fantasy, set in an alternative 14th century. Many of the main characters in the books are based on real historical figures, such as Joan of Arc and Henry IV. The story revolves around the mission of Thomas Neville, a nobleman turned monk, who is chosen by the Archangel Michael to rid the earth of demons who are posing as ordinary people. As the story progresses in becomes increasingly unclear as to who is good and who is evil. The fight for good and evil takes place against a background of the battles, rebellions and plagues of Medieval Europe. Initially the series is a bit hard to get in to, especially as Thomas Neville is an unpleasant character, but by the second volume I was totally involved. Submitted by W.P. |
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Title: Looking for Alibrandi Josephine Alibrandi is in her senior year at high school and it is turning out to be a year of change. Not only does her estranged father come back into her life while she is already considered an outcast in her extended Italian family, but she's having trouble at the private Catholic all girls school she attends in Sydney through a scholarship. The school captain of a nearby boys school takes her fancy, but Josie must contend with social status of her wealthy classmates. As Josie tries to find out who she is, she discovers a secret that will shock her family. Through family crisis, romance, low socio-economical family experience and teen suicide, we see Josie's life change, and not necessarily for the better. Although this book would suit young adults, the issues raised and emotional ride you are taken on is one that almost everyone can relate to. Submitted by FunkyMunky |
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Title: The Two of Me Andrew suffers from bipolar disorder, and has in the past very publicly displayed his problems with excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use. The media hype that surrounded him during his career and the relationships that he has with his family and friends are also well documented in this interesting biography. Submitted by Vanessa |
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Title: Northern Lights This romantic murder mystery published in 2004 is for me the best of the Nora Roberts books. It is set in a small town called Lunacy in Alaska. Nora Roberts has created an atmosphere and imagery that is very realistic. A true sense of isolation and grandeur is maintained for the setting throughout. The suspense is well built as what was thought to be a climbing accident years before develops into a murder. The killer could be anyone in this small town where everyone knows each other so well. At least they thought they did… Submitted by Jane |
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The Thirteenth Tale An intriguing debut by Diane Setterfield, this book is full of unexpected twists and turns, and keeps you hooked until the last page. Vida Winter is one of the century's most popular novelists, but her past is shrouded in mystery. Very ill and close to death, she summons Margaret Lea, a reclusive antiquarian bookseller, to her Yorkshire estate to write her biography. Gradually she reveals the dark twisted secrets of her childhood. This book is a modern take on the Gothic romantic mystery, with a big dilapidated mansion, illegitimate children, mad twins, ghosts and a touch of melodrama! A perfect book to curl up on the couch with on a cold winters day with a cup of cocoa. Submitted by PJ |
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Title: The other Boleyn girl This historical fiction takes the reader through the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn from the perspective of her sister. It is an interesting story that follows a power hungry woman who will stop at little for success. It is a fabulous read that makes the reader wonder what is fact and what is fiction. I am yet to see the movie but it will be interesting to see how they have interpreted the book. Submitted by MSB |
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Title: Escape from Botany Bay: the true story of Mary Bryant This is the true story of Mary Bryant who was convicted to hang for Highway Robbery and then had the sentence commuted to transportation with the first fleet. She marries and has children but always plans to escape. Along with 10 other convicts they succeed only to have her husband brag about their escape when they reach the relative safety of Timor. They are of course caught and transported back to England. She also has the pain of watching her children die on the journey home. When the story of the journey is published in a London newspaper a lawyer takes up her cause and eventually she is given her freedom. Submitted by Jane |