I loved this book, even though I felt the last third began to drag a little. As an author who knows nothing about gaming, I was surprised at how much I loved this book, even though I felt the last third began to drag a little. As an author who knows nothing about gaming, I was surprised at how much the discussions about creativity resonated with me - in fact I think the descriptions of story and world building were my favourite part of the book, as the characters were sometimes frustrating. An excellent book club choice for initiating discussion. ...more
A lovely, gentle picture book for ages four to six about building up your courage, and trying - giving something hard or scary a go. Skating is a perfA lovely, gentle picture book for ages four to six about building up your courage, and trying - giving something hard or scary a go. Skating is a perfect example to use, as we see Clancy wobble and feel his fear - and finally, his triumph. A great addition to any home, school or library shelf. ...more
The fact that I read this 650 page book in three days is a fairly solid proof of how much I loved it. It's impossible not to be engaged with the charaThe fact that I read this 650 page book in three days is a fairly solid proof of how much I loved it. It's impossible not to be engaged with the characters, and the writing flows beautifully and vividly, so that we are living the train wreck of their lives with them. I have somehow missed his previous work, but I will be looking for it now. So don't be put off by the bulk - even if you're not reading this on holiday, it's thoroughly enjoyable, accessible, and every bit as worth reading as its Booker Prize shortlisting suggests. ...more
I enjoyed this book so much I immediately loaned it to a friend, so unfortunately I can't quote from it here - but trust me, there are many memorable I enjoyed this book so much I immediately loaned it to a friend, so unfortunately I can't quote from it here - but trust me, there are many memorable quotes to be found. Lukashenko manages to combine wit and humour with the inevitable darkness of any book about Australian history and its treatment of the traditional owners. Highly recommended. ...more
I love having my preconceptions of history overturned and meeting the 17th century female playwright Aphra Benn does exactly that. In introducing her I love having my preconceptions of history overturned and meeting the 17th century female playwright Aphra Benn does exactly that. In introducing her fictitious niece - the eponymous and wonderfully named Tribulation - Brooks brings the story together and brings the theatrical and political world of Restoration London to life. Lush and extraordinarily detailed - I found the Cast of Characters essential – it is most of all a fun, rollicking read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
This is brilliantly plotted - Mum is a cop, Dad a not particularly successful robber, with all the complications that entails, including some very thrThis is brilliantly plotted - Mum is a cop, Dad a not particularly successful robber, with all the complications that entails, including some very threatening bad guys - but a plot outline doesn't prepare you for the depth and complexity of this excellent middle grade novel. And although there are moments of humour, Bancks doesn't pull any punches with the realism of the ending, which brought me to tears. Highly recommended. ...more
Lovely, warm-hearted historical fiction about grim times; this middle grade novel follows motherless Tilda and the mystery of why Sister Agatha is so Lovely, warm-hearted historical fiction about grim times; this middle grade novel follows motherless Tilda and the mystery of why Sister Agatha is so determined to keep her in the orphanage even when Tilda is sure her father has returned from the war. Like Tilda, despite the grief and tribulations, the reader never quite loses hope......more
An important book for Australian literature - a fascinating and illuminating look at Garner's life and work, which led me to lots of reflections, deepAn important book for Australian literature - a fascinating and illuminating look at Garner's life and work, which led me to lots of reflections, deeper understanding and sometimes reappraisals on the titles I've read. ...more
A delightful new middle grade fantasy, the first in the Talismans of Fate series. Fast moving - I felt a bit breathless at times - with a complex worlA delightful new middle grade fantasy, the first in the Talismans of Fate series. Fast moving - I felt a bit breathless at times - with a complex world and lots of fun and humour despite the perilous situations the characters found themselves in. But it’s the characters who really made it for me, well rounded, imperfect and of course courageous when they beed to be - I loved them. (I would especially love to have a Huggle as a friend.) Highly recommended. I was given this book by UQP in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I received this book from Better Reading in exchange for an honest review. A tale of sisterly love and family mysteries. Shortly after her free-spiritI received this book from Better Reading in exchange for an honest review. A tale of sisterly love and family mysteries. Shortly after her free-spirited sister Susie dies on the eve of her fortieth birthday party, rule-abiding Mills receives a bundle of letters. Susie’s instructions, apart from declaring they’re only to be read in the event of her dying young, stipulate that Mills must read these letters one at a time, traveling to the place mentioned at the end of each letter – starting by leaving Sydneay for London. At each place, as well as scattering a portion of Susie’s ashes, she will uncover more of her sister’s story – and a totally unexpected family mystery. The reader sees even more, as much of the story is told directly from Susie’s past. The settings are evocative and skillfully painted, and although I was never able to completely suspend disbelief in the characters, it was well plotted, well written and a thoroughly enjoyable read. ...more
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