ALBOM, MITCH, 1958-, Five people you meet in heaven. (Published: 2003)
If you're looking for another book like Tuesdays with Morrie, this may disappoint you. This fable tells the birthdays, death and journey to heaven of Eddie, the maintenance man at an amusement park, a man who lost the optimism of youth and found a mixture of bitterness, regret and loneliness. Eddie meets five people who have influenced or been influenced by him. As we meet each new person, Eddie learns more about himself, though, only at the end do we learn if his last act in life was a heroic success or a devastating failure. If you believe that it's the little things in life which are important, or if your spiritual side needs some nourishment, read this novel.
Reviewer: Nella
ALDERSON, MAGGIE., Mad about the boy. (Published: 2002)
Antonia, a vicar's daughter married to Hugo, the youngest son of an aristocrat, doesn't quite fit into the Woollahra/Double Bay scene. Even more so when nauseatingly posh Hugo announces that he is gay and he's moving out to live with Greg. Hugo's lavender haired and very camp Uncle Percy arrives to take Antonia in hand, to show her the joys of exercise over comfort eating and to help her with her 6 year old son, Tom. Antonia meets the mysterious James, falls into lust, gains an evasive business partner and regains her life.
Reviewer: Nella
BLAIR, EMMA., The water meadows. (Published: c1994)
She researches her books well, historical background. Exciting, sad and I couldn’t put it down. Wonderful writer. You can picture everything she writes about, and feel as if you are there. Family stories I love.
Reviewer: Davena
BOYLE, T. CORAGHESSAN., The inner circle. (Published: c2004)
Boyle vividly reconstructs a fictional account of the life and work of Dr. Alfred Kinsey. The narrator is John Milk, a faithful and unquestioning disciple whose very life is profoundly influenced by Kinsey’s study of human sexuality. A fascinating, yet confronting story full of insights.
Reviewer: Steve Davis
BREWER, GENE., K-Pax 111: the worlds of Prot. (Published: 2002)
This is the story of “Prot”, a man who claims he is from the planet K-PAX and claims he will return there with other psych ward patients. It follows his incredible story through a series of books which give some insight into multiple personality disorder.
Reviewer: Melissa
BROOKS, KIRSTY., The vodka dialogue. (Published: 2003)
29 year old Cassidy Blair has taken control of her life. Her Visa card bill has hit the $10,000 mark (well, this girl is addicted to matching underwear). The job at DVDWorld won’t keep the creditors from the door so she supplements her income by some private eye work – after all, she has the perfect credentials – she’s tense, grouchy, cynical and she eats junk food. But why is Sam Trasker, the Dungeons and Dragons nerd of the 1980s, who has hybridised into a cop epitomising “sex on legs” always around? Romance, humour and crime – what more can a girl want?
Reviewer: Monica D.
BROWN, DAN, 1964-, The Da Vinci code. (Published: 2003)
Love an enthralling thriller with sizzling action, interspersed with conspiracy, intrigue and an ingenious mixture of puzzles, codes, history and religious symbology? Then this gripping, heart-racing, stunning book was written for you. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Reviewer: Cecily Van Galen
BYRSKI, LIZ., Gang of four. (Published: 2004)
Isabel attempts to trace her mother's footsteps in Europe; Sally goes to the United States to come to terms with a thirty year grief; Robin decides that she can no longer live a life of deception and Grace learns that she has a right to be herself and uncovers a person she didn't know existed. This is the rite of passage novel for middle aged women. One small quibble - watch out for the poor editing when Lisa suddenly becomes Sophie!
Reviewer: Nella
CAMILLERI, ANDREA., Voice of the violin. (Published: 2003)
A beautiful young woman is killed; clues confuse and Montalbano's bosses always take the easy (and notoriously wrong) course. Couldn't put it down - I was late for work!
Reviewer: Anon
CAMILLERI, ANDREA.,The shape of water. (Published: 2002)
When two garbage collectors find the body of local politician Silvio Luparello locked in his BMW with his pants down, in "the Pasture," a place frequented by whores and drug dealers, the coroner rules that he died of natural causes, despite clear evidence to the contrary. Detective Montalbano is an enigma. He refuses to oblige his superiors who want a hasty close to the case, and he doesn't hesitate to destroy clues or extract money from a crook to help a child. Not for those who want an action-packed thriller. This is reminiscent of Chandler ’s Marlowe or Simenon’s Maigret.
Reviewer: Monica D.
DEAVER, JEFFERY., The vanished man. (Published: 2003)
If you enjoy an outstanding detective story, this is the book for you. The murderer stays one step ahead of the police all the way, with twists you can never anticipate. Deaver puts you into the story with compelling realism. You will have difficulty putting the book down until the end!
Reviewer: Brian Hargreaves
DE BERNIERES, LOUIS., Red dog: an Australian story. (Published: 2001)
This is a funny but very moving story of a stray red dog. The trials and tribulations were many. He did not have a home but was seldom without a friend. He always seemed to be there – just the special red dog people couldn’t resist from locals, tourists and especially truck drivers. Really enjoyable.
Reviewer: Marjorie Beaumont
D'HAGE, ADRIAN., The omega scroll. (Published: 2005)
I found this book a captivating and enthralling read of what could be possible in this uncertain world of terrorism and religious beliefs. It was hard to put down after reading the first few chapters, and I couldn't wait for my next opportunity to pick it up and read on.
Reviewer: W.V.
Du Maurier, Daphne, Dame, 1907-, Rebecca. (Published: 1938)
I was most impressed by the vivid description of the characters, the intrigue and the fact that although the book was written in the first person, we never got her name. In the end Rebecca dominated the whole story and this had her revenge. But why the lovers have to spend their whole lives in dowdy circumstances afterwards dates the book. Nowadays they would have had a bit more fun.
Reviewer: Louise
ELLIS, DEBORAH, 1960-, A company of fools. (Published: 2002)
Henri enjoys the quiet routines of the abbey. All their regulated lives are thrown into chaos by the arrival of Micah who does not know how to behave as circumspectly as is expected of a member of the abbey community, but whose voice forgives him many things. He leads Henri astray and Henri sees a side of living that he could never imagine. Then the plague comes to France and it stops being a place of joy. The Company of Fools is established to cheer the population and to take away the constant sorrow caused by death and the threat on their lives. A Company of Fools shows readers a world very different from that in which they are now living, but peopled with characters who could be alive today.
Reviewer: Anon
ELTON, BEN, 1946-, Past mortem. (Published: 2004)
Ben Elton has done it again. He has created a whodunit using real characters from the real world, with all their foibles, that is ‘unputdownable’.
Ed Newsom, one of the youngest detective inspectors at Scotland Yard (so you can tell it is set in London) is on the case of a serial murderer who seems to be targeting bullies, both historically and in the present. Tracing the perpetrator is married with Ed’s development of his own relationship problem.
In Elton’s typical style, he pulls no punches in terms of the language or the issues he discusses and, thus is a cogent, even black, commentary on the state of things in urban Britain in the 21st Century. It is light, in terms of readability, but confronting when reflecting on the behaviour of people.
Reviewer: Mark
FALCONER, COLIN., Anastasia. (Published: 2003)
A novel based around the question "what happened to Anastasia Romanov?" Even if you aren't already fascinated by this issue, the fast-paced story reveals an insight into the 1920's in China, Europe and the USA. The characters and their predicaments are very believable and the ending leaves you with questions as well as answers. Excellent.
Reviewer: Barbara Wood
FFORDE, JASPER., Something rotten. (Published: 2004)
Thursday Next and her son Friday accompanied by the dithering Hamlet leave Jurisfiction for the real world. Undoing Landen’s eradication is her major task. Meanwhile, she has to defeat the would-be dictator Yorrick Kaine by finding the fictional character, understand why he has whipped up an anti Danish frenzy, ensure the Swindon Mallets win the SuperHoop and stop Goliath turning from an oppressive multinational conglomerate into an oppressive multinational religion.
Reviewer: Anon
FOLEY, JESS., Saddle the wind. (Published: 1989)
Blanche was born to a poor family. Her mother let her go to a wealthy family as a companion to a little girl whose mother had died. It shows the tribulations and happiness and sadness the girls have through their lives. A book worthy reading.
Reviewer: Valma
GABALDON, DIANA., Cross stitch. (Published: 1991)
The setting of this novel is Scotland, and the year at the beginning of it is 1946, but for two thirds of the book the story is set in the 18th century, a few years before the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.
Written in the first person, the reader experiences through the heroine Claire Randall’s eyes, the comparison between twentieth century comforts and eighteenth century privations with realistic, but often chillingly uncomfortable, clarity. Portrayed as a feisty witty and resourceful character, Claire soon reveals herself to be a worthy heroine, who adapts to her unplanned, bewildering lifestyle change with remarkable pragmatism, and a sanguine acceptance of her predicament.
Her goal however, is always to return to her own time. And she makes every effort to achieve it, despite her growing attraction to Jamie Fraser, a six foot three, and very personable Highlander. Claire’s experience as a WWII nurse, combined with a genuine interest in herbs and healing, gives her an immediate role and valued occupation in her new environment. But it’s an occupation which unwittingly attracts personal danger when she’s wrongfully arrested and tried as a witch.
This is only one of several incidents which ensures neither the action nor the developing romance between Claire and Jamie ever flags. Their lively story is set against a historical background which oozes authenticity. Intelligent, sparkling dialogue and a cast of interesting, well-rounded secondary characters all help to propel the story forward.
Cross Stitch is a well-written and researched historical romance. And by incorporating elements of both fantasy and generous dollops of humour, it’s also refreshingly original.
Reviewer: Anne Layton-Bennett
GALGUT, DAMON, 1963-, The good doctor. (Published: 2003)
A dilapidated hospital out in the South African bush where life for the few staff and patients is a dull routine. The good (and naïve) doctor arrives and from the outset, makes decisions without considering the consequences. This tale is a riveting examination of daily conflicts caused by our differing expectations of life.
Reviewer: P.S.
GREENWOOD, KERRY., Earthly delights. (Published: 2004)
Corinna Chapman's day starts at 4:00pm when she mixes the first lot of dough at her bakery, Earthly Delights. Life becomes complicated when someone starts sending vicious messages to the building's female occupants and junkies are mysteriously overdosing all over Melbourne, including in Calico Alley outside her bakery. And who is the beautiful Daniel? Funny and fast paced.
Reviewer: Nella
GREGORY, PHILLIPPA., The other Boleyn girl. (Published: 2001)
Before Henry VIII married Ann Boleyn, her older sister Mary was the King's mistress and mother of two of his illegitimate children. This atmospheric novel evokes how claustrophobic the Tudor court could become to its womenfolk. This book illustrates the lucky escape Mary Boleyn had, simply by virtue of her not being ambitious, unlike her sister.
Reviewer: Jane
HARRIS, CHARLAINE., Dead until dark. (Published: 2001)Reviewer: Chris Weatherilt
HARRIS, JOANNE, 1964-, Jigs and reels. (Published: 2004)
22 malevolent and mischievous short stories! (Available also as audiobook on compact disc). Harris combines ordinary situations and characters with the extraordinary and the unexpected. The characters include pensioners with a penchant for Manolos, ladies who breakfast at Tesco's, limbless swimmers who fall dangerously in love, honeymooners who fall prey to the aphrodisiac qualities of fish, authors whose long-forgotten, half-finished novels come back to haunt them and lottery winners who bet on the ultimate, impossible odds. Read or listen to each story individually; otherwide the vengeful and malevolent will dominate.
Reviewer: Nella
HIRAHARA, NAOMI, 1962-, Summer of the big bachi. (Published: 2004)
This unlikely book about Japanese Americans, Hiroshima, a macabre secret and a 40 year old bachi (akin to bad karma) homing in on the culprit, grades from “interesting” to “un-put downable”.
Reviewer: P.S.
HORNBY, NICK., High fidelity. (Published: 1995)
Rob Fleming is having a mid-life crisis (at 36) and wants us to feel sorry for him. The message of this book, however, is should we, or, like his current partner, Laura, walk out on him and suggest ‘he gets a life’?
Set in London during the 1980’s, with some naval gazing about his early life experiences, we are taken through Rob’s formative years and the music that accompanied it, as befits a struggling record shop owner. Past loves and his perspective of them, and relationships with shop staff massage his philosophy about where his life is headed. Hornby writes with self-depreciating humour and the understanding of a mind of a 30 something male in the 1980’s who is afraid of commitment to a long term relationship, to craft a novel that is both interesting and thoughtful. Rob may come across as not a particularly nice person, but you can see him change under the influence of Laura, and isn’t that the way it should be?
Reviewer: Mark
JANKE, TERRI., Butterfly song. (Published: 2005)
In her first novel, Aboriginal lawyer Terri Janke draws on her family history to create a love story and unravel the mystery surrounding a pearl shell brooch that has been put up for auction. New law graduate Tarena Shaw is given the task of proving ownership of the butterfly carving as she discovers the secrets of her past.
Reviewer: Marion
KELLERMAN, JONATHAN., Therapy. (Published: 2004)
Another good yarn from Kellerman who never fails to please. Enough plot twists to keep you guessing with an unexpected by satisfying conclusion. A good read.
Reviewer: MB
KILWORTH, GARRY DOUGLAS., Attack on the Redan: Sergeant Jack Crossman and the battle of Sebastopol. (Published: 2003)
Fifth book in the series. Don’t compare them to Cornwell’s Sharp, and enjoy them as is. Unfortunate saccharine ending which does not feature in the earlier novels. Still, it’s an historical read that may whet the appetite for a more serious look at the Crimean war.
Reviewer: R.P.
KING, LAURIE R., The beekeeper's apprentice. (Published: 1994)
A retired Sherlock Holmes finds an unlikely ally as his past catches up with him most unexpectedly. Fifteen year old orphaned misfit and near genius Mary Russell, and Holmes get under each others emotional guard, as Russell (as Holmes calls her) progresses through her apprenticeship as a detective. A well written, well-above-average addition to the post-Conan Doyle Holmes' canon!
Reviewer: Gerald
KING, LAURIE R., The game. (Published: 2004)
In this Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes adventure, we travel even further east to India’s northwest frontier, where men are dying and trouble is brewing to find a missing English spy, Kimball O’Hara, the man who was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s Kim.
Reviewer: N.P.
LEE, MAUREEN., The old house on the corner. (Published: 2004)
A surprising read. Much better than her previous books. Along the lines of Maeve Binchy this is an excellent book – I could not put it down. Highly recommended for lovers of Binchy and similar authors.
Reviewer: V.R.
LESSING, DORIS., The making of the representative for planet 8. (Published: 1980s)
This is the story of a group of people who are experiencing happy carefree times. Then the planet begins to freeze over and residents must pull together and struggle to survive. Fans of science fiction and adventure stories will love this book.
Reviewer: Melissa
LIGHTMAN, ALAN P., 1948-, Einstein’s dream. (Published: 1993)
Lightman’s lucid combination of science and imagination takes his readers on an exploration through the natures of time. Lightman wakes up Einstein’s sleeping thoughts and conveys in each written moment the force and sense of time that stills and propels us both backwards and forwards in unpredictable ways.
Reviewer: Stella
MCCAFFREY, ANNE., Damia. (Published: c1993)
Set in an enthralling world (or chain of worlds) ruled by the FT & T, a society of people of mental talent, who can speak to one another, move large shipments mentally and even people over large distances between worlds. Damia is a riveting tale of the greatest Prime ever known whose destiny it is to protect all mankind from a danger even greater than the Beetles-Sodan, a super-powerful mega-mind, who wishes to invade her homeland. This book is an enthralling, cannot-put-it-down read, and it will stay in your heart forever.
Reviewer: Ariana
McCALL SMITH, ALEXANDER, 1948-, The Kalahari typing school for men. (Published: 2002, 2004)
An excellent book. McCall Smith has a minimalist yet descriptive writing style that vividly paints a word picture of Botswana.
Reviewer: Amanda
McCALL SMITH, ALEXANDER, 1948-, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. (Published: 2003, 2005)
Have you ever experienced life in Botswana or do you like to stay at home and curl up with a good book? Like me, you can do both on the same day!
Allow Mr Alexander McCall Smith to transport you to Africa and enjoy the people, scenery and culture to be found in Botswana. Through the eyes of the delightful private detective, Precious Ramotswe, you are able to take a humorous and highly moral look at life in her beloved country.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is easy to read and very satisfying, as each "case" has an ending. It is worth knowing that this book is the first in a series and there are plans to make a television series about Precious Ramotswe's Detective Agency. Look out for these, but above all, give yourself a treat and enjoy this novel.
Reviewer: Judith Gardner
McCALL SMITH, ALEXANDER, 1948-, The Sunday philosophy club. (Published: 2004)
The creator of No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency has a new series. The heroine, Isabel Dalhousie, is quite different to Precious Ramotswe in lifestyle. She is wealthy, lives in Edinburgh, collects art, doesn’t eat pumpkin at every meal and edits a journal of ethics. She tries to judge every situation ethically; to have a spy hole in one’s front door? To inform a dear friend that her fiancée has a lover? At a concert, she sees a young man fall to his death from the gods to the stalls. Was it an accident? Does she have an ethical duty to look deeper into it? Will there be a satisfying ending? Very readable.
Reviewer: Lance Patford
McCALL SMITH, ALEXANDER, 1948-, Tears of the giraffe. (Published: 2000)
Precious Ramotswe is the owner of Botswana's only ladies detective agency. In this delightful and understated book, we learn the correct way to shake hands while uncovering mysteries about unscrupulous maids and wayward wives; we learn the truth about a death many years earlier and give hope to an orphaned family.
Reviewer: Nella
MANKELL, HENNING., Before the frost. (Published: 2004)
Fans of the Swedish detective will find that the latest in the series has earlier pleasures and new developments. The first chapter introduces a mysterious central character, a survivor of the massacre of the Jim Jones cult in 1978. Then, in the present (ie 2001) horrible crimes occur around Ystad. Animals are burned. A woman is killed, but only her head and hands are found. A young woman disappears and her best friend starts to look for her. Who is this best friend? Linda Wallender, Kurt’s daughter, a policewoman about to join her father on the job. So familiar routines and characters are seen from a new perspective.
Reviewer: Lance Patford
MINICHINO, CAMILLE., The hydrogen murder. (Published: 1997)
Gloria Lamerino, a physicist, has previously helped the police as a scientific consultant and expert witness. When a young scientist is killed, her services are required. This gives her a wonderful opportunity to work with the enigmatic detective Matt Gennaro.
Reviewer: N.P.
MORRISSEY, Di., Heart of the dreaming. (Published: 1991)
I have only recently discovered why Di Morrissey is such a popular author. Her first novel, Heart of the Dreaming, is an enjoyable, easy-to-read saga set mainly in outback Australia. The almost perfect horse-loving heroine, Queenie Hanlon, faces many hurdles in her life. From the remote Queensland station of Tingulla to Sydney and the Blue Mountains, against all odds, Queenie wins back her beloved home and man.
Reviewer: Marion
MOYER, MARSHA., Dancing to the moon. (Published: 2003)
Lucy Hatch, a spunky young widow is in love with the irresistible Ash Farrell, day-job carpenter and nigh time singer of country blues. Lucy and Ash are stunned by the arrival of Ash's 14-year-old daughter, Denny, who's dumped on their doorstep by their mother. Lucy is knocked askew. Not only is she suddenly a surrogate parent, she also discovers that she's about to become a mother herself. When Denny's friendship with a black boy incites racism, the plot twist is predictable. This is a funny, lusty and a wholly satisfying read.
Reviewer: Nella
NIFFENEGGER, AUDREY., The time traveler's wife. (Published: 2004)
Henry DeTamble, a librarian, and Clare Abshire, a paper artist have known each other since Henry was 30 and Clare was 6. They marry when Clare is 22 and Henry is 30. Henry has Chrono-Displacement Disorder. When he is stressed he travels in time, always arriving stark naked which causes more than a few problems. The effects of Henry’s travelling are seen from both points of view. If you want a traditional fairy tale ending romance, you’ll be disappointed. Read it – this has so much more!
Reviewer: N.P.
O'REILLY, VICTOR., Games of the hangman. (Published: 1992)
A good thriller with plenty of action. One of those books that you don’t want to put down. His second book, Rules of the hunt carries on the action and moves to Japan.
Reviewer: Charles Cawkwell
PATTERSON, JAMES, 1947-, Judge and jury. (Published: 2006)
I enjoy all his books. They keep you guessing as to who is the bad guy! Once I start reading, it is hard to put down until the last page! So I am collecting quite a few for myself to keep, which I will read again as time goes by.
Reviewer: K.D.
PATTERSON, JAMES, 1947-, Roses are red. (Published: 2000)
I am not the best reader, but this book I could not put down, finishing it within four days! The author keeps the interest with every chapter, which are very short and to my liking, with the thrilling suspense held right throughout and concluding in the last sentence. I will definitely be reading more James Patterson!
Reviewer: Trevor
PIERRE, D. B. C., Vernon God Little: a 21st century comedy in the presence of death. (Published: c2003) Really enjoyed this. This book starts just after a school shooting, and Vernon is the shooter's best (almost only) friend. He is implicated by association and the media mania carries everything to a higher (read surreal) plane of being. Amongst the manic language and plotting of this amazing story, are moments of pathos, as Vernon recalls the trauma of the event and his sadness about his friend. There are also moments of maybe bathos - certainly self indulgence. I admit to being influenced by my knowledge of the author's strange journey to literary success, and thought the self indulgence may have been authorial. However, in the context of the book, maybe it was just the mixed up narrator, who isn't given a moment to grieve. The language is amazing - horribly so at times - but very inventive and fresh (in a dirty kind of way!). I was going to comment on the ending, but won't. You should remain in suspense.
Reviewer: Marita T.
PORTER, DOROTHY FEATHERSTONE, 1954-, Wild surmise. (Published: 2002)
A novel written entirely in verse was something I never imagined reading, much less reviewing. But after discovering Dorothy Porter’s fabulous whodunit "The Monkey’s Mask" and finding it a real page-turner, I couldn’t wait to read the next novel by this talented Australian writer of literary fiction.
Wild Surmise does not disappoint. “Astronomy’s glamour girl” is how Porter describes her main character, Alex Leefson. She's married to Daniel, an overly cerebral academic, but has the hots for fellow astrobiologist, Phoebe. While Alex speculates about what life forms may lurk in the depths of our oceans or on Jupiter’s satellite moons, Porter explores the emotional highs and lows and the shifting forces within this triangle. Reflecting on meditations on love by poets that have preceded her, Porter's pithy, sizzling verses take us on a journey into the microcosmos of three human hearts that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Reviewer: E.C.
REASONER, JAMES., The Civil War battle series. (Published: 1999 - 2003)
A great look into the lives of one poor white Southern family devastated by the American Civil War. Lots of love and hate, great battle descriptions, easy to believe story mixed with good history about the country and people involved in this savage war of American versus American. Good reading for 20 year olds and over or anyone who likes history.
Excellently written.
Reviewer: Trevor Roney
REICHS, KATHY., Monday mourning. (Published: 2004)
Dr. Temperance Brennan Series 7 - another good yarn from Kathy Reichs. While the plots may seem unreal they are based on factual events. The characters are realistically drawn and interesting. More believable than Patricia Cornwell’s latest books.
Reviewer: M.B.
REILLY, MATTHEW, 1974-, Hover car racer. (Published: 2004)
Think Hover car racer; think Spy kids; think Star Wars; think Alex Ryder.
This exciting book by Matthew Reilly combines all the best elements of these stories. In the near future all cars are powered by magnetos drives, harnessing the magnetic forces of the Earth, and a huge racing industry and spectator sport has grown up around these hover cars. Jason Chaser and his mysterious brother, Bug, own and race one such hover car, the ‘Argonaut’. Despite losing a qualifying race, Jason and Bug are offered the chance to attend the International Race School (a school which owns Tasmania!!!). He meets a new nemesis, Xavier Xonora, and a challenging mentor, Scott Syracuse, along with feisty Mech Chief Sally. Together they all take on not only the race school, but the world, all the time battling sabotage and hostile competitors . Jason and his friends soon learn that just being the best isn’t good enough. This book was originally written as an 8 part e-serial online, but it loses none of the excitement or suspense, reading like a non-stop action comic. Although targeted at a ‘young adult’ audience, anyone who has already enjoyed Reilly’s other books will thoroughly enjoy reading ‘Hover car racer’ and finding the in-jokes and allusions. The only way this book could be better, is if there was a sequel!
Reviewer: Cindy Jarvis
ROSE, HEATHER., The butterfly man. (Published: 2005)
This is a gripping fictionalised account of what could have happened to Lord Lucan after he murdered his children's nanny Sandra Rivett in 1974. After escaping England he was cocooned in Africa where he was transformed into a new identity. In Tasmania, as far away as he could possibly go, he found love and contentment, but would all that be destroyed as he became ill and inadvertently revealed his past life?
Reviewer: Marion
RUIZ ZAFON, CARLOS, 1964-, Shadow of the wind. (Published: 2004)
Love at first sight but doomed; the cemetery of forgotten books; a man with a burned face; a Mont Blanc pen once owned by Victor Hugo; an author tracking every last copy of his novels, to destroy them; a deserted mansion with 2 sepulchres in the crypt; vengeance pursued over decades; a rogue who knows all about women.
What more could you want? This intriguing novel set in Barcelona, Franco’s Spain, after World War 11 has all this and more.
Reviewer: Lance Patford
SILER, JENNY., Flashback. (Published: 2004)
I was pleasantly surprised at this gripping story of a woman who has amnesia. She endeavours to find the reason she was shot and left to die in a field, found and nurtured by a group of Benedictine Nuns in France. The woman is an American a long way from her home. She finally pieces it together and returns to the USA. She does not do what I expected her to do, catch up with her daughter. The character "Eve" came across as a strong woman, liking to trust her own intuition, very badly treated physiologically. I would like to think I could have survived her traumas.
Reviewer: M.S.J.
STEPHENSON, NEAL., Quicksilver. (Published: c2003)
This is a most unusual book. It is a combination of a history and a picaresque novel. Set at the aftermath of the Thirty Years and all the unresolved conflicts both religious and political, it is a mixture of characters both historical and fictitious including the natural philosophers such as Newton, Leibniz and Locke. To read it is to undertake a journey through time.
Reviewer: Vicki Riette
STONE, KATHERINE., Another man's son. (Published: 2004)
Interesting story! The characters James and Ian sounded too good to be true! Kathleen came across as a bruised and emotionally damaged woman who became successful. I guess there are some people in this world who are like her and Natalie, but I don't believe they would be so successful as defined in this book. It was well written as to the connection the characters had with each other. I would have liked Katherine's baby to have been Sam's, but as in real life, there's nothing stranger than fiction. I did enjoy the book.
Reviewer: M.S.J.
TANENBAUM, ROBERT K., No lesser plea. (Published: c1987)
If you liked the gritty realism of TV's 100 Centre Street, here's more of the same. D. A. Butch Karp knows that Louise Mandeville is not insane - he's a cool and calculating murderer who knows how to work the system. But how to prove this evil when plea bargains are the norm when dealing with the huge numbers of offenders flowing through Manhattan's courts?
Reviewer: N.P.
TOIBIN, COLM, 1955-, The master. (Published: 2004) Two leading novelists, Colm Toibin and David Lodge (Author, author) have written on the same subject, their great predecessor, Henry James. Both highlight the same episode. After early success, James’s popularity waned, and so did his income. He turned to writing plays; but this 5 year phase ended at the premiere of Guy Domville, when he was booed and humiliated, as he took his bow, by an unappreciative audience. Both books describe his warm friendship (but no more) with Constance Fenimore Woolson, and his guilt when she committed suicide in Venice. Both are novels but closely based on fact (James left 10,000 letters to draw on). And both are a pleasure to read. Toibin gives more attention to James’ creativity, his inspirations and the act of writing. Lodge’s book is longer; it contains more detail and narration. It does not have the satire and humanity that are found in his previous novels. Read either, read both, re-read Henry James.
Reviewer: Lance Patford
TROLLOPE, JOANNA., Brother & sister. (Published: 2004)
Joanna Trollope's latest novel explores the emotional challenges faced by David and Nathalie, who were adopted and grew up as brother and sister. The turmoil caused by the journey to find their birth mothers affects their relationships with their adoptive parents, partners, children, natural mothers and workmates. All their lives are changed as a result of the discoveries that are made and the need to know satisfied.
Reviewer: Marion
VICKERS, SALLEY., Mr Golightly's holiday. (Published: 2003)
Mr Golightly has gone to the country to seclude himself while he updates his runaway bestseller – maybe for television. He is recovering from the death of his son and wants nothing more than to stroll in the countryside and to have ale at the local. He meets Johnny the truant schoolboy, Ellen Thomas the grieving widow, the feisty barmaid and many other local characters.
This is an old-fashioned story, almost a fable with an unexpected twist in the end.
Reviewer: Monica D.
WINTERSON, JEANETTE, 1959-, Lighthouse keeping. (Published: 2004)
I loved this book! It was so good to read something so gentle and beautifully written. It is a collection of interwoven stories which revolve around a lighthouse in a coastal town in the United Kingdom called Salts. The main character is an orphaned girl named Silver who is taken to live with the blind lighthouse keeper Pew. Lighthouse keeping, according to Pew is all about the telling of stories. The one which most interests Silver is the story of Babel Dark, a respectable man who was the pastor in Salt, but who lived a double life. Robert Louis Stephenson’s book Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde is apparently based on Babel Darks’ life. As Silver grows up she uses the stories to make sense of her life.
I found the part about the nasty librarian very amusing. Even though I felt the book became a bit vague, and the stories too tangled towards the end I still loved the feeling it gave me. It was such a mysterious and atmospheric book.
Reviewer: Rachele
WOOD, DANIELLE, 1972-, The alphabet of light and dark. (Published: 2003)
The Cape Bruny lighthouse, in its isolated splendour is central to the journey that Essie Davis takes after the death of her grandfather, Charlie. It is here that Essie retreats to piece together her past. With a few tangible relics in an old sea chest, her grandfather’s stories and memories of a visit to England and Scotland, Essie writes in her new notebook. Against the backdrop of another ancient people who lived on Bruny Island once, Essie discovers that Pete Shelverton, a sculptor who cleans the lighthouse is also part of her history.
An interesting read with a Tasmanian setting, by a Tasmanian author, and winner of The Australian Vogel Literacy Award.
Reviewer: Marion
ZABLE, ARNOLD., Café Scheherazade. (Published: 2001)
This is a beautifully written tale of Jewish immigrants reminiscing about their lives and the horrors of World War II in a Melbourne café, displaying their strength of spirit, love and survival despite the overwhelming forces of history against them.
Reviewer: Ruth
After Exizabeth: how James, King of the Scots won the crown of England in 1603 / De Lisle, Leanda. (Published: 2004) 941.065 JAM
This is the kind of book that spends some considerable time setting the scene before the main event, the death of that 'virgin reincarnate', Elizabeth I! De lisle is a delight in her story telling of the machinations and the jockeying for position of all those who thought they would get a piece of the Tudor power play succession prize. So much competition for one prize that that old woman was not going to let go of lightly!
The winner of course was James of Scotland, a Stuart who enjoyed his new position of power, prestige and access to some damn fine palaces and jewels. Fascinatingly, this work is also somewhat of an eye opener to the largesse acquired, both somewhat legally and illegally by today's ethical standards, by those surrounding the English court...well has anything changed, one wonders!
Reviewer: Garry Conroy-Cooper
Bad thoughts: a guide to clear thinking / Whyte, Jamie. (Published: 2003) 160 WHY
The author exposes sloppy or downright deceitful thinking that enables politicians and other persuaders to get away with “crimes against logic” and yet bamboozle a gullible public. In the vein of Robert Thouless’ Straight and crooked thinking.
Reviewer: R.P.
Benedict Arnold's navy : the ragtag fleet that lost the Battle of Lake Champlain but won the American Revolution / Nelson, James L. (Published: c2006) 973.35 NEL
If you believe Benedict Arnold is a synonym for traitor, read this account of a fearless and talented officer who, unlike his fellows, did not seek to ingratiate himself with his superiors but instead fought a naval battle against staggering odds. This battle ultimately convinced France to join America against the British and turned the tide of war. This dramatic true story is written by a master storyteller.
Reviewer: Anon
The best of Black Mountain quilts / Christopherson, Teri, 1962- (Published: c2002) 746.46 CHR
Lovely quilt book; very easy to follow instructions; so many patterns which are very tempting! Very appealing colour choices. Could very happily work my way through this book making one quilt after another! Liked the book so much that I purchased my own copy!
Reviewer: S.T.
Better Crocker's good and easy cookbook / Crocker, Betty. (Published: 1996) 641.555 CRO
Crustless Spinach Quiche (with pesto) is one of my favourite recipes from this practical collection. Handy for busy people, the book has tabbed sections with names including Do ahead, Super express, and Great grilling. Some of the ingredients will need to have Australian ones substituted for those with American names, but I haven't found this to be a problem. Not the most glamorous from the library's excellent cookery collection, but it is still one I have borrowed more than once!
Other titles shelved along side at the same Dewey number include: Graze: lots of little meals fast by Jason Roberts, and The best of Annabel Langbein: great food for busy lives.
Reviewer: Jenny Moore
Between the rock and a hard place: being Catholic today / Collins, Paul, 1940- (Published: 2004) 248.48 COL
As a practising Catholic, I found Paul Collins interpretation of the true meaning of Catholicism to be very refreshing. His research and knowledge of his faith appear to stem from his profound love of God. A truly inspired writer, hoping to connect with disillusioned Catholics.
Reviewer: Jean C. Harley
Breaking the patterns of depression / Yapko, Michael D. (Published: c1997) 616.8527 YAP
Although Yapko’s theories on beating depression are not revolutionary, it is still, however, very eye-opening. Not just dealing with depressions, but also it teaches to view the world from a more realistic and positive point of view. I’d personally recommend this book to any age or gender. So, don’t be scared to face your problems! You’re more than they’ll ever be!
Reviewer: Brad Heger
Cat world: a feline encyclopedia / Morris, Desmond. (Published: 1996) 636.8 MOR
A comprehensive guide to all aspects of the amazing animal the cat, including breeds, care, health, history, daily life and other interesting facts about behaviour. A great book for any cat owner or fancier, or anyone interested in cats. Did you know Napoleon hated cats?
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
Catherine: the story of a young girl who died of anorexia / Dunbar, Maureen. (Published: 1997) 616.8522 DUN
This is the true story of Catherine, a young lady who died as a result of anorexia nervosa. It gives an insight into her tragic life through her own diary entries, input from other people in her life and a complete overview of her illness. It is worth reading so people can try to understand what a person with an eating disorder goes through.
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
The city garden bible: simple solutions for small places / James, Matt. (Published: 2005)
635.967 JAM
You will be sure to find some inspiration for designing your city garden from this comprehensive book. Be it the front garden, courtyard, balcony, alleyway or rooftop or any other place where a garden can be made, Matt James presents design ideas with plants and containers. He discusses boundaries, basements, steps and paving, cottage gardening and minimalist design too. Although the author is London based, the ideas can be transferred to Launceston.
Reviewer: Marion
A collector's guide to fans over the ages / Green, Bertha De Vere. (Published: 1975) REF 391.44 GRE
Very informative, and easy to read! And details - historical, yes, but practical also! (i.e. if one has antique fans, or wants antique fans, etc, etc)
Very good book, available in the Launceston Reference section.
Reviewer: P.J.
Death sentence : the decay of public language / Watson, Don, 1949- (Published: 2003)
427.994 WAT
Remember Orwell's Newspeak? Don Watson believes we've gone further than Orwell could have imagined. If you think politicians and other public speakers talk in clichéd, impenetrable, lifeless sludge, you'll appreciate Watson's brilliant and funny reflection on the Australian language.
Reviewer: Nella
Dress your house for success: 5 fast, easy steps to selling your house, apartment, or condo for the highest possible price! / Webb, Martha and Zackheim, Sarah Parsons. (Published: c1997) 643.12 WEB
The author shares her secrets of uncluttering, cleaning, repairing, neutralizing and finally dynamizing your home in just ten days in preparation for "show time" at the Open House. Even if you don't want to sell, this book provides the reader with strategies for a good spring clean. It includes a section on how to hold a successful garage sale to sell all those unwanted items that were cluttering your home. Feel inspired!
Reviewer: Marion S.
The dust diaries / Sheers, Owen, 1974- (Published: 2004) 920 CRI
A wonderful read, partly biography, partly history, partly travel journal. The author not only writes of his distant relation Arthur Cripps, who travelled to Africa as a missionary in 1901, discovered a love of Africa and her people and stayed for most of his life, but as the story unfolds it reveals some of the possible causes of the situation in Zimbabwe today. Sounds dry, but most certainly is not. One of the most moving and interesting books I have read for a long time.
Reviewer: Barbara Wood
Eats, shoots & leaves : the zero tolerance approach to punctuation / Truss, Lynne. (Published: 2003) 428.2 TRU
Do these offend: "DVD's sold here", "pansy's ready", "tomatoe's"? Do you care if someone has used a comma when they should have used a semicolon? Read Lynne's book; soon you too will join the new army who returns letters with the punctuation corrected. She advises, "Do not accept sloppy emails...Climb ladders at dead of night with a pot of paint to remove the redundant apostrophe". This is not a grammar text; this is a stirring defence of those little marks, which are so much more than printing conventions.
Reviewer: Nella
Eli’s wings / Best, Elizabeth, 1977- (Published: 2002) 616.85262 BES
This is the triumphant true story of Elizabeth Best who was suffering from chronic anorexia nervosa. Even though Eli was a promising sports star, it seemed as though her life was coming to a close. She was given a week to live. But Elizabeth came through and is now assisting others like her to recover. It gives a true to life account of the much misunderstood world of an anorexic. People should read it to understand. Also good for sufferers themselves, as it gives a re-assuring hopeful message.
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
Emperors don't die in bed / Meijer, Fik. (Published: 2004) 934.06 MEI
A new look at the appealing, yet dangerous, position of Roman emperor from Julius Caesar in 44 BC to Romulus Augustulus in AD 476. Very few died natural deaths - Caligula was murdered after leaving the theatre, Otho was dragged into the Tiber with a flesh-hook....A great read but reader had to wonder how one of history's greatest empires survived for so long.
Reviewer: R.P.
Fermat’s last theorem: the story of a riddle that confounded the world's greatest minds for 358 years / Singh, Simon. (Published: 1997) 512.74 SIN
There is an old saying “Do not judge a book by its cover”. It appears to be only of interest to people mathematically inclined, but the author gained my interest early with Pythagoras ( a name vaguely remembered from primary school) and then retained it as others were introduced in their historical settings and their influences reported. Ranging from 600 BC to 1997 AD the lives of men and women who have pushed the boundaries of their knowledge with passion are told. Despite my lack of mathematic expertise I found myself swept along by the research of Simon Singh and his presentation of it. Highly recommended to those who enjoyed Simon Winchester's The Surgeon of Crowthorne and The map that changed the world, or Dava Sobel's Longitude.
Reviewer: Esmee Dye
Five months in a leaky boat : rowing through Mongolia and Siberia to the Arctic Ocean / Kozel, Ben. (Published: 2003) 915.75 KOZ
This is an adventure/travelogue of an epic 5000km trip for two Australians and two Canadians, on the Yenisey River to the Arctic Ocean. It’s full of fascinating cultural and geographical experiences where the travellers learn too, more about their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses. An enjoyable read! Australian Tim Cope, one of the expedition members, co-wrote the book Off the rails: Moscow to Peking by bike, an adventure where he and another young Australian cycled 10,000km in 14 months. It’s also an enjoyable travel read, revealing many admirable qualities of these two gutsy young Australians.
Reviewer: Ruth
Forget you had a daughter: doing time in the 'Bangkok Hilton' / Gregory, Sandra and Tierney, Michael. (Published: 2002) 364.177 GRE
The title of this book is taken from a letter Sandra Gregory wrote to her parents from the Thai prison Lard Yao or "The Bangkok Hilton", where she spent four years in unimaginable conditions. After those four years she was transferred to British prisons. These were an improvement physically, but were psychologically much more of a nightmare. Sandra's courage backed by the love of her family and the generosity of the public was all that helped her through her seven and a half years of incarceration.
Reviewer: Grace Rogers
Forgotten voices of the Holocaust / Smith, Lyn. (Published: 2005) 940.5318 SMI
Over one hundred Holocaust survivors tell their stories of the horror of the Nazi persecution of Jews in Europe: covering ghettoes, death camps and resistance groups, often only a paragraph long. Most readers would find someone's story to identify with and visualize standing there and experiencing the horror. Recommended!
"A unique collection of personal testimonies" - Sunday Express
"These stories are so harrowing, their witness so precise nd devastating" - The Times
Reviewer: Pamela Lidl
From China with love: a long road to motherhood / Buchanan, Emily. (Published: 2005) BIO 920 BUC
On the one hand, this is a heart-warming story about Emily and Gerald's journey to adopting two little girls from China. But it is also a heart-wrenching story about the centuries old practice of selecting boys over girls. Emily Buchanan, a journalist with the BBC writes also about her experiences reporting on wars and disasters throughout the world. Shocking at times, but couldn't put it down!
Reviewer: Marion
Future Eaters: an ecological history of the Australasian lands and people / Flannery, Tim, 1956- (Published: c1994) 304.2099 FLA
An important book for Australia’s future. I found it interesting and challenging. The first few chapters were a bit “slow”, with lots of dates and details, but Part 2 of the book – about the coming of humans to Australasia – is fascinating and full of surprises! A “must read”.
Reviewer: C.C.
Future: tense: the coming world order / Dyer, Gwynne. (Published: 2006) 327.73 DYE
If you are becoming increasingly confused by the methods and motives of those conducting world affairs, this book will help you to put matters such as Iraq, Islam, the neo-conservatives and American hegemony into perspective. Canadian Gwynne Dyer has a clear-headed, rational interpretation of events and, perhaps more importantly, gives their background and the logical outcome. An excellent book.
Reviewer: M.J.B.
The garden at Buckingham Palace: an illustrated history / Brown, Jane, 1938- (Published: c2004) 635.90941 BRO
Lavishly photographed, a must for anyone who ever wanted to attend a Queen’s garden party, has an interest in British historical gardens or history of the Royal family. A beautiful book about one of the “best known, secret gardens in the world”!
Reviewer: R.H.
Garden party : appliqué quilts that bloom / Tomaszewski, Cynthia, 1953- (Published: c2003) 746.46 TOM
A beautiful book with very easy to follow instructions for appliqué four different ways. Good diagrams and 12 projects to keep anybody who enjoys, or would like to learn appliqué and quilting, happy.
Reviewer: Sharon
Hearing birds fly: a nomadic year in Mongolia / Waugh, Louisa. (Published: 2003) 915.173 WAU
In 1998 intrepid English woman Louisa Waugh spent a year with semi-nomadic, yurt-dwelling people of Tsengel in Western Mongolia. The book offers the reader a fascinating insight into a vanishing, traditional way of life. The people’s warmth of spirit shone through despite the climatic harshness of the region.
Reviewer: Anon
How to be a megalomaniac, or, Advice to a young politician / MacCallum, Mungo. (Published: 2002) 320.994 MAC
When Terry Dobbin decides on a career in politics, Uncle Mungo helps with core matters such as creation of an acceptable past, future imposture, cozening the loathsome electorate, etiquette for pre and post election functions and learning the black art of campaigning for fun and profit. Essential reading for all who believe in democracy!
Reviewer: Nella
The Howard miracle : interviews from "The 7:30 Report" / Clarke, John, 1948- (Published: 2003) 827.A CLA
Vintage Clark and Dawes from 1998 - 2003. Includes "An audience with His Imperial Holiness Brigadier-General Sir John Donald Bradman Menzies Winston Churchill Howard VC, AO, US, GST with bar and clasp" and "Valedictory remarks from Lord Howard, Hero of the Hour, Defender of the Ill at ease, Keeper of Family values, Master of the Sunk Ports."
Reviewer: Nella
If I'm so wonderful why am I still single? / Page, Susan. (Published: 2004) 646.78 PAG
A self-help manual for single people who want to find the perfect partner! Practical exercises help the reader to identify the reasons for their single status. Ten strategies reveal ways in which obstacles to finding true love can be overcome. These include examining your ambivalence, keeping high standards and increasing your self-esteem. Susan Page assures the reader that with persistence and patience, they may kiss a few frogs along the way, but will eventually find the person who is just right for them. In the meantime live life to the full as a single.
Reviewer: Melanie
Into thin air: a personal account of the Mount Everest disaster / Krakauer, Jon. (Published: 1997) 796.522 KRA
In 1996, Jon Krakauer found himself in a party of paying clients attempting to reach the summit of Mt Everest. As an experienced climber, he had no illusions about how tough it would be. He writes with great authority and perception about the tragedy that took place, his role in it, and the damage commercial climbing parties are doing to the long held climbers' ethos - work together or risk death.
PS. Avoid the DVD of the same name - a poorly scripted Hollywoodish reconstruction of these events.
Reviewer: Gerald Martin
Joan Sutherland: the authorised biography / Major, Norma. (Published: c1994) BIO 782.1092 SUT
An exciting read, well researched and presented. A tribute to our Dame Joan. It tells the story of her difficulties to become a first class singer, with the help and support of her mother Muriel Sutherland and husband, Richard Bonynge.
Reviewer: Doreen Girvan
Joe Cinque’s consolation / Garner, Helen. (Published: 2004) 345.02523 GAR
In October 1997, a young woman, a law student in Canberra, killed her lover. She drugged him with Rohypnol and injected him with heroin. She had told many people that she intended to do this, and then kill herself, but no-one intervened. Helen Garner attended the woman’s trail, and the trial of a friend charged as an accomplice. She observed how the law tried to cope with this terrible event and how it failed completely to satisfy the parents of the victim. A clearly written fascinating book.
Reviewer: Lance Patford
John Howard: Prime Minister / Barnett, David and Goward, Pru. (Published: 1997)
BIO 324.29405 HOW
For anyone in support of the Liberal Party, this is a must read! It details the story of Prime Minister John Howard and his political career, policy making and a very interesting insight into his background -- some unbelievable facts about our leader!
Reviewer: Trevor
The journals of Charlotte Cleveland : Saturday 14th August 1852- 'Launceston was in sight' / Morris, Gillian Mary. (Published: 2006) 994.61 CLE
Charlotte Cleveland's journals of her sea voyages between England, Melbourne and Launceston provide readers with a fascinating insight into the hazards of ships' life; the monotony, storms, shipwreck and the division between cabin and steerage passengers. Her descriptions of the rough and tumble of Melbourne suffering from gold rush fever and the more sedate Launceston are wonderful. Gill Morris has researched well the background of the Cleveland and Barry families and put together a lovely little book. This is the first in a Local History series published by the Friends of the Library, Launceston and I look forward to the next.
Reviewer: Marion
The Kennel Club’s illustrated breed standards: the official guide to registered breeds / Kennel Club (Great Britain). (Published: 1998) 636.7003 KEN
This encyclopaedia gives breed standards and comprehensive information on all dogs recognized by the U.K. Kennel Club. Information included is grooming, temperament, appearance, traits and behaviours. Worthy read for any animal admirer or person looking to buy a dog.
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
Lance Armstrong's war : one man's battle against fate, fame, love, death, scandal, and a few other rivals on the road to the Tour de France / Coyle, Daniel. (Published: 2006) 796.62 ARM
An impartial account of one year in Lance Armstrong's campaign for total ownership of the yellow jersey in the bike race that counts the most. Coyle details the cost of his wins to Armstrong himself, his family, friends and the sport. A reasonably well-written look at a driven and intensely self-contained champion and the outrageous psychological demands and physical torment that are the lot of professional cyclists.
Reviewer: Gerald Martin
Language report / Dent, Susie. (Published: 2003) 428 DEN
While not as hilariously funny as some of the other recent language titles, The Language Report is informative and easy to read. It is a collection of some of the most intriguing facts and observations on spoken and written English today. It investigates the latest words to have entered English usage (e.g. slackitivism - the desire to do something good as long as it involves minimal effort); looks at the influence of current events on everyday vocabulary; and includes memorable quotes including Sir Michael Peat's comment on his own report "the cover might be cream but it's certainly not a whitewash".
Reviewer: Nella
The last expedition: Stanley's mad journey through the Congo / Liebowitz, Daniel, 1921- (Published: c2005) 916.29 STA
Bypass Survival on the latest reality TV programme and read the real thing! Stanley was an "extraordinary" leader of a 3,000 mile walk/rescue mission in equatorial Africa over two years. A gripping and detailed saga! Shades of Heart of Darkness where Stanley's dark ego is revealed! Find out why he is not buried in Westminster! The detailed use of primary sources provides a gripping and insightful revelation of colonial Africa, slavery, politics and man's endurance. Recommended!
Reviewer: Pam Lidl
Last tango in Toulouse : torn between two loves / Moody, Mary, 1950- (Published: 2003) 920 MOO
In her sequel to Au Revoir, Mary Moody provides us with a rollicking good read as she candidly explores her life, which is divided between her new farm in Australia and her house in France. From the Peter Cundall skit, dancing the can-can, undergoing botox treatment, finding her long-lost sister, to trekking in Nepal, the fun-loving and energetic author shares her experiences, both high and low. The underlying theme of her affair with the man from Toulouse is rather unsettling, but the love of her family enables Mary to face that challenge too.
Reviewer: Marion
Les Murray: a life in progress / Alexander, Peter F. (Published: 2000) BIO 821.3A MUR
The author appears to have a deeply felt empathy with Les Murray as he reveals the poet’s emotionally difficult and poverty stricken childhood with its long term effects. This is an absorbing story of a great literary figure and his remarkable wife, Valerie.
Reviewer: J.C.
The long hot summer: a French heatwave and a marriage meltdown / Moody, Mary, 1950- (Published: 2005) BIO 920 MOO
In Mary Moody's third autobiographical work, she recalls with heart-wrenching detail the consequences of her actions in escaping to the freedom of a solo life in rural France. If readers were inspired by Moody's "Au revoir" to run away when they turned 50, the outcomes revealed in this book would perhaps make them think twice. Another good read by this best-selling Australian author.
Reviewer: Marion S.
The lost king of France : the tragic story of Marie-Antoinette’s favourite son / Cadbury, Deborah. (Published: 2003) 944.042 CAD
Gripping, couldn’t put it down. Extremely well researched, fantastic pace. Evokes sympathy for trapped family and revolution. The horror of errors of human nature revealed in documented steps. Other critics – “Absolutely stupendous” Alison Weir, “Outstanding…pace of top rate thriller” Lucas Financial Times.
Reviewer: Pamela Lidl
Lunch with Madame Murat: food of love in a French village / Moody, Mary, 1950- (Published: 2005) 914.473 MOO
If you enjoyed the three previous books about Mary Moody's life, then you must read this one. Mary describes her first unforgettable lunch at Cafe Restaurant Jeanne Murat. She then explores the history of the last one hundred years of the village, the Murat family, the restaurant building and the food, providing a snapshot of a fast disappearing way of life in rural France. Illustrated with photographs of people and places, the region comes to life even more vividly than with words alone.
Reviewer: Marion S.
Machiavelli : a man misunderstood / White, Michael, 1959- (Published: 2004) 945.51 MAC
Wow! What a fast paced ride through the reality of Machiavelli! Michael White, an Australian author (not that that really matters!) zooms us through the life of a strategic thinker that includes the successes and importantly the failures of an intellectual, very 'misunderstood' bloke. In fact, it's tiresome and very disagreeable to hear people in conversations, dinner parties and other social intercourse referring to the 'Machiavellian' approach by people in and out of power, when they wouldn't have a clue about Machiavelli.
White, in fact, clearly demonstrates to us that Machiavelli was a long term thinker and strategist (how rare to have people in political power think beyond the next election!) who enjoyed good and bad times, but who had the nouse to record the lessons learnt working in the corridors of 16th century power. The people in positions of power may change, but the lessons of power do not, whether one is in the public service or corporate sector.
I bet most of those amongst us who judge actions as 'Machiavellian' wouldn't have been within 20 metres of any of his works!
Reviewer: Garry Conroy-Cooper
A new owners guide to Shar-Pei / Kleinhans, Karen. (Published: c1996) 636.72 KLE
This is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of owning a Chinese Shar-Pei dog (the one with wrinkles). It includes diet, training, health, behaviour and useful information. If you are looking at purchasing one of these "trendy" dogs, I recommend having a look at this book first.
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
Off the rails: Moscow to Peking by bike / Cope, Tim, 1978- (Published: c2003) 915 COP
Tim and Chris spent 2000 riding 10000 km on a recumbent bike. They meet many people from motherly babushkas to old drunks and con men. Although just 20 years old, both had experienced similar adventures previously. They write alternate chapters, giving us different perspectives to the story. Their bickering annoyed me but it was still an amazing accomplishment.
Reviewer: Monica D.
The orchid thief / Orlean, Susan. (Published: c1998, 2000) 635.9344 ORL
Now I know the characters in Elmore Leonard and James Lee Burke could really exist, and perhaps why Florida, USA is such a problem in presidential elections. The publisher classes this book as “crime/travel” but it is unsatisfactory in both definitions. The book is a memoir of time spent and people met in a specific place with orchids as a theme. It is an interesting read within that description. Illustrations of orchid categories would have improved it.
Reviewer: Esmee Dye
Pain-free living: a cookbook for arthritis sufferers / Rennie, Anne. (Published: 1998) 641.5631 REN
As a sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis, I found this book to be full of hope for folk like me with painful hands and feet. It is a challenge to me to get onto this "pain-free living program" and hopefully live a more comfortable and fain-free life. The recipes included are simple and the instructions are clear. I would certainly recommend this book to all who suffer pain from arthritis in one form or other, osteo or rheumatoid.
Reviewer: G.K.
Pennine walkies / Wallinton, Mark, 1953- (Published: 1997) 914.1 WAL
Tells the story of the author and his dog Boogie, who set out to walk the Pennine Way – almost 300 miles “over the roof of England”. A very funny book that will appeal to lovers of the English countryside, or bushwalkers/ramblers who will readily relate to some of Wallington’s adventures. Also available in Large Print!
Reviewer: Liz
Polar castaways: the Ross Sea party (1914-17) of Sir Ernest Shackleton / McElrea, Richard, 1945- (Published: 2004) 998.8 MCE
The well researched Polar Castaways presents the largely untold story of the depot laying party for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. This expedition set out from Hobart aboard the “Aurora”, bound for the Ross Sea.
They were farewelled by Lady Macartney, wife of the Tasmanian Governor and sister of Robert Falcon Scott, who had perished in Antarctica two years earlier.
The Ross Sea Party lay depots of food and equipment across the Ross Ice Shelf to Mt. Hope. The men, including three Australians, were stranded when their ship Aurora was carried away from winter moorings in May 1915. After enduring much hardship and three deaths in carrying out their mission, the men were rescued by a refitted “Aurora” commanded by Capt. J. K. Davis, with Sir Ernest Shackleton on board, on January 10th 1917.
Reviewer: Janelle Scott
Prince Eddy: the king Britain never had / Cook, Andrew. (Published: 2006) 941.081 ALB
Between Edward VII and George V, there could have been another king of Great Britain...Prince Albert Victor, a royal figure who has fundamentally disappeared from history because he carked it before he had a chance to ascend to the British throne in the late 19th century.
Most people seem to remember this character as a potential 'Jack the Ripper' suspect. However, Andrew Cook has been the first biographer, I can recall, to present a mostly well-rounded vision of the fella. His PR hasn't been good; gay, stupid, listless, ungainly, a murderer, hopelessly romantic, and Cook deals with these perceptions or realities with detailed, historical evidence to support a view that this lost figure of history had a bit more substance to his personality than commonly believed.
By the way, for those royal tragics like me, Prince Albert Victor's fiance went on to marry his brother and became the gorgon fantastique known as Queen Mary!
Reviewer: Garry Conroy-Cooper
The Rough Guide to travel health / Jones, Nick. (Published: 2001) 613.68 JON
Easy to read, easy to navigate (needs a better index, though!) and reassuringly practical. Details complimentary therapies as well as traditional mainstream Western medicine.
Oh, and even its size is practical: lightweight and small enough to keep on hand! (Also has specific information for travellers with specific needs).
Reviewer: P.J.
A round-heeled woman : my late-life adventures of sex and romance / Juska, Jane. (Published: 2003) 920 JUS
When 66 year old Jane Juska places a personal advertisement in the New York Review of Books, she was overwhelmed by the response. In her frank memoir the English teacher relates her experiences with the men who made it to the 'yes' pile. She also looks back over her life in small town America, at college and as a teacher, mother and lover.
Reviewer: Marion
A Royal duty / Burrell, Paul, 1958- (Published: c2003) 929.72 DIA
Best read I have had in years. An inside very personal story of the Royals. Couldn't put it down! It details all the workings of the palace, the family and the minders of royalty. Paul tells a passionate moving story of his life, his devotion to Princess Diana, and the real story of his court case.
Reviewer: Gaynor Ralph
Salt: a world history / Kurlansky, Mark. (Published: 2002) 553.632 KUR
This book of 450 pages, with an index and bibliography extra, is true to its title. It has a dense text with many illustrations, and is obviously the result of extensive research. It should be invaluable to a student of any historical subject. The book covers many nations from early BC to its publication in 2002 AD. It was a book to remember and make reference to again. With so much detail and material it is not an easy read but well worthwhile.
Reviewer: Esmee Dye
Shackleton and the Antarctic explorers: the men who battled to reach the South Pole / Mortimer, Gavin. (Published: 1999) 919.89 MOR
Shackleton and the Antarctic explorers is a fascinating account of expeditions to the South Polar region in the early 20th century. It examines the character, ambitions and leadership qualities of Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton. Thwarted in three dramatic attempts to reach the South Pole, Shackleton’s leadership skills became his legacy. The book culminates in the epic survival journey of Shackleton’s 1914-16 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition in the “Endurance”. Tasmania’s Frank Hurley was the photographer for this expedition.
Reviewer: Janelle Scott
Stasiland / Funder, Anna, 1966- (Published: 2002) 943.1087 FUN
Stasiland was Communist East Germany, where the Stasi, or Security Police had an agent for every 63 people. Anna Funder felt that many life stories would never be told. So she advertised for Stasi people to interview, and she talked to victims – separated from a child, having a husband killed in prison, presumed to be a secret informer. This is a fascinating set of stories very well told, very bleak, but at least with a sort of happy ending, for those who survived.
Reviewer: Lance Patford
The story of the Trapp family singers / Trapp, Maria von, 1905-1987. (Published: c1949, 1990) 782.42 TRA
Anyone who has ever seen the Sound of Music film and enjoyed it should read this book. It describes the true story of the Trapp family (who inspired the film) including life in the convent, after the couple wed, and later life. It includes a lot of information not detailed in the film.
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
Suddenly one Sunday / Bingham, Mike, 1941- (Published: 2000 rev. ed.) 364.1523 BIN
Survivors and victims, also their families, wanted a sympathetic, true account of the Port Arthur tragedy. This is how Suddenly one Sunday was compiled. It details the life story of the gunman, and whether you feel for him too, or not, this title certainly details what a horrific life he had as a child.
It shows how terribly the mentally ill are treated, but also provides support for the victims too.
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
Surgeon of Crowthorne: a tale of murder, madness and the love of words / Winchester, Simon. (Published: 1998) BIO 920 WIN
It’s a fascinating read; a testimony to human inventiveness, resourcefulness, perseverance and faith, and explains the story behind the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Not a subject that immediately inspires images of riveting reading, but never again will I be able to consult by Shorter Oxford without remembering the tragic tale that surrounds one of the principal contributors to the OED, and the selfless, inspired dedication of its first editor. The story of the OED is as rich and colourful as the English language itself. It includes murder, and mystery – for who was the literary man of obvious means and abundant leisure, who devised a unique and clever cataloguing system capable of providing a number of skilfully researched words at the exact moment the dictionary’s lexicographers needed them, yet who avoided all invitations to travel the thirty-odd miles to London in order to personally receive the editor’s acknowledgement and thanks?
There is also tragedy. Not only the murder of an innocent victim whose death left a penniless widow and several young children, but that of the murderer himself, victim of an illness that a hundred years later can be controlled with medication.
And it is the enormously interesting historical account of the making of an invaluable reference book, since the OED has provided the equivalent of the gold standard for every dictionary produced subsequently, in any language.
Reviewer: Anne Layton-Bennett
Surgeon of Crowthorne: a tale of murder, madness and the love of words / Winchester, Simon. (Published: 1998) BIO 920 WIN
This is a tragic story of William Minor, a gifted man who contributed immensely to the construction of the Oxford English Dictionary, but who could not tell where he resided. He was, in fact, an insane murderer, held in an asylum. This novel gives a deep insight into his tragic yet intellectual life, and how people with mental illness were treated in the early ages.
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
Teachings of the Jewish Mystics / Besserman, Perle. (Published: 1994) 296.712 WAY
This is a small, compact book with quotes each about three pages long. The words in this book smell of sweet old book-binding, and mahogany, and soapstone bookends. A mystic is a person who has a spiritual, usually monotheistic (believes in one God) outlook on life, seeing mystery in everything. The writers, both old and new, whose quotes and sayings fill the pages of this book, talk about the range of human experience with God, whoever God is. Mystics rarely try to define who God is, relying more on instinct and imagination.
This book is well worth the read for the feeling of the passing of time, a wealth of experiences, and most of all for insight into an ancient faith that has been handed down from generation to generation.
It can be a light read, or simply peruse - depending on what you want.
Reviewer: Rose
The trouble with Islam: a Muslim’s call for reform in her faith / Manji, Irshad. (Published: 2004) 297.2 MAN
Enlightening in many respects for those who understand little of Islam. Written by a Muslim who by her own admission is hanging onto her faith by her fingernails. Her denigration from a woman’s point of view is an attempt to stir fellow Muslim’s toward independent and positive thought but perhaps just gives non Muslim’s fuel for further criticism. A good conversational style dealing with a complex subject.
Reviewer: Robert Neave
The unadulterated cat: a campaign for real cats / Pratchett, Terry. (Published: 1995) 636.8 PRA
Funny… wry…comic…real…truth…amusing…human (and feline too, OK!) …humourous…for cat lovers…and cat haters!...and those who don’t care at all!
An easy read, short book…small segments, so can be picked up and down without angst!
Reviewer: P.J.
Waiting for snow in Havana: confessions of a Cuban boyhood / Eire, Carlos M. N. (Published: c2003) BIO 920 EIR
A great read and a best seller in the USA. The surreal story of a young boy in a privileged household growing up during the revolution in Cuba. Originally planned as a novel, the author Carlos Eire was persuaded to admit it was his own childhood; which makes it all the more powerful. It does not dwell on the antics of Fidel & Co. but tells of the things important to any youngster who has it all and then loses it. You will not be disappointed.
Reviewer: Robert Neave
Welsh journeys / Owen, Jamie and Cavaney, Martin. (Published: 2005) 914.29 OWE
This is a celebration of the beautiful country of Wales as told by Jamie Owen during one summer holiday. He travelled by train through the heart of Wales, by kayak down the Wye Valley, along the old Roman road in the Brecon Beacons, to the top of Snowdonia, around Anglesey and finally to a tacky holiday centre on the north coast of Denbighshire. This personal journey, sprinkled with other writers' tales and Jamie's fond memories, is "great company for armchair travellers".
Reviewer: Marion
The white Masai / Hofmann, Corinne and Millar, Peter. (Published: 2005) BIO 306.846 HOF
Swiss tourist Corinne Hofmann fell in love with a Masai warrior and decided to follow her heart and live with him in his isolated village in Kenya. In this amazingly detailed account of the love affair, marriage and birth of their baby, Corinne describes all the hardships of subsistence living, illness, hunger, jealousy and her perseverance through it all to try to live as a family. The differences proved too much in the end as the dream fell apart.
Reviewer: Marion
Would you like attitude with that? : no limits, no excuses, no ifs, not buts - just attitude / Herald, Justin. (Published: 2003) 158.1 HER
Justin Herald takes us through a speedy and somewhat motivational journey in that traditional guise of a 'rags to riches' tale; note the Australian context. As a small business developer myself, I found his wisdom direct, to the point and useful in terms of rethinking my approach to growing a business or service and that fundamentally, we must take risks to make things change in our business, work and personal lives. There is a bit of 'motivational speak' which can be a bit tedious, but with this one, don't kill the messenger....listen and learn from the message! After all, the only behaviour you can change is your own!
Reviewer: Garry Conroy-Cooper
You back the attack! We'll bomb who we want! : remixed war propaganda / Wright, Micah Ian. (Published: c2003) 973.931 WRI
Have you seen those old war posters encouraging us to serve our country? Micah Wright has taken these posters and modernised them. Brilliant sarcasm though chilling and frightening.
Reviewer: Ian P.
X-Treme Latin: unlease your inner gladiator / Beard, Henry. (Published: c2004) 478.3421 BEA
Need a perfect comeback for those tricky situations? Want to insult your enemies in total safety? Num de hoc dubitas, compagane? (You got a problem with that, paysan?)
Reviewer: N.P.
MASON, DANIEL (Daniel Philippe)., Piano tuner. (Published: c2002)
Don't borrow this book if you want a neat ending. This story will haunt you! On a misty London day in 1886, piano tuner Edgar Drake receives a strange request from the War Office. He must leave his wife and his quiet life in London to travel to the jungles of Burma to tune a rare Erard grand piano. The piano belongs to Surgeon-Major Anthony Carroll, an enigmatic British officer, whose success at making peace in the war-torn Shan States is legendary, but whose unorthodox methods have begun to attract suspicion. Edgar has many questions but will he know if the answers are right?
Reviewer: Nella
PATERSON, A. B. (Andrew Barton), 1864-1941., Man from Snowy River (read by Leonard Teale)
This CD Reading is a must for everyone who loves Banjo Paterson’s poem or anyone who longs to understand this country of Australia that we live in.
My father has just listened to Leonard Teale’s excellent reading and the following are his comments.
“ I first learned about The Man From Snowy River in my early school days - but it was all about the poet A. B. Paterson. I am an old man now so …..’for want of better knowledge’…I let Banjo Paterson (through Leonard Teale) tell me about the Man from Snowy River.
It was a REVELATION! He told me about the love and trust between a man and his horse. About what was wanted as they both strived against any obstacle that their environment offered.
His CD allowed me opportunity to see through this master’s eyes the Australia that I love and have only had opportunity to visit in very different circumstances.
Thank you A. B. (Banjo) Paterson.
Reviewer: Arthur Small
A year in Provence / Mayle, Peter. (Published: 1992) Audiobook cassette read by Andrew Sachs 914.49 MAY
This is a wonderful journey following a retired couple who fulfil a lifetime wish to own a small cottage in Europe. It is funny to the extreme and very believable. The drama they encounter with local builders is so very understandable to anyone who has undertaken a renovation. The story is flavoured with the local cultures and the challenges they face learning to find their niche as foreigners in this diverse and interesting place. The voice of Andrew Sachs brings the whole thing to life with his wonderfully expressive voice. I have borrowed this set twice now as I find it a very relaxing and interesting tale with just the right amount of humour. Anyone who has read Under the Tuscan Sun will find this a wonderful literary experience. The incident with the marble table top is worth a chapter in itself, really funny and so human.
Reviewer: Barbara-Jean White
Get behind me Satan / White Stripes. (Released: 2005) B1 WHIT
The White Stripes’ latest hit album Get behind me Satan is quite a departure from the rock duo’s previous 2003 Elephant. Whilst Elephant focussed heavily on electric guitar riffs, GBMS tends to be more a piano based album. The result, although different is highly recommended for its diversity and the quality of the song writing.
Personal favourite tracks include Blue orchid, Forever for her (it’s over for me), I’m lonely (but I’m not that lonely yet), and the bluegrass sounding Little ghost.
Reviewer: Adrian Poole
Brassed off! / Herman, Mark. (Released: 1997)
This is the story of a small English community who are threatened with closure of their pit due to Margaret Thatcher’s economic program. The colliery band will fold if the pit goes – but band leader Denny refuses to give in. Has lots of good brass band music, triumph and will guarantee to make you feel good.
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
50 years on / Croft, David. (Released: c1999) BBC's Are you being served?
Three hilarious episodes from the comedy of Grace Brother's department store. The first episode concerns Mrs Slocomb's supposed fiftieth birthday, with funny consequences! It is English humour at its best...funny yet not offensive!
Reviewer: Melissa Maher
A new hope: Star Wars; 4 / Lucas, George, 1944- (Released 2000)
Luke Skywalker is a young farm boy who dreams of adventure but when he is swept on a journey with the Jedi master Obi-wan Kenobi he realises that maybe he isn't ready. Along with his friends Han Solo and Chewbacca the furry wookie he shoots down stormtroopers, saves a princess and destroys a battle station. I would give this 5 stars, it’s a great movie for the family.
Reviewer: Dylan
Rebecca / Du Maurier, Daphne, Dame, 1907- (Released: c1940) The Alfred Hitchcock collection.
The 1996 remake of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca is a delight. Almost 3 hours long, it captures the mood of the novel, with wonderful photography and music. Every member of the cast is perfect, from the main characters to the smaller roles. Charles Dance, as widower, Maxim Winter, and Emilia Fox, as the young, naïve second Mrs de Winter, complement each other perfectly. Diana Rigg makes a wonderful cold and chilling Mrs Danvers. My only complaint is the somewhat melodramatic ending, rather than leave things to our own imagination as in the novel. With that one reservation, I would still highly recommend this film.
Reviewer: Margaret Dennis
AVI, 1937-, Crispin: the cross of lead. (Published: c2002)
Avi won the Newbery Medal for this title. It is the story of Crispin who is banished from the village after the death of his mother, and who is declared a "wolf's head', meaning he can be killed by anyone who catches him. Crispin appears to be intellectually retarded but this is a result of having had such a sheltered existence. Bear takes him in, teaches him to juggle as well as the ways of the world. Bear gives Crispin confidence in himself and he thrives. However, he is still pursued and it is not clear why. Avi has created an excellent view of medieval life though including issues with 21st century relevance.
Reviewer: Anon
BRISLEY, JOYCE LANKESTER, 1896-, Milly-Molly-Mandy's adventures. (Published: 2005)
It is comforting to know that the simple pleasures of a by-gone era personified by Milly-Molly-Mandy and her playmates Billy Blunt and little-friend-Susan are still being published today. The six adventures featured in this book give the reader a picture of life in an English village when children had the freedom to roam and knew how to amuse themselves with imaginative play. A nostalgic read, and still enjoyable forty years on!
Reviewer: Marion
DECKERT, TEMPANY, 1978-, The green-eyed monster. (Published: 2002)
When 12 year old Evie and Cameron Billingham join Shooting Stars drama school, friends Dene, Maddy, Tahnee and Louie think it's vomitus. When Louie's little brother Jake is bullied at school, she realises she's been doing the same to the Billingham twins. A must for all drama queens!
Reviewer: Anon
GLEITZMAN, MORRIS, 1953-, Boy overboard. (Published: 2002)
Awesome book!!! I couldn't stop reading. Makes me think twice when the matter of refugees comes up. I love soccer too! READ IT!!!
Reviewer: M.C.
LEWIS, C. S. (Clive Staples), The lion, the witch and the wardrobe. (Published: 1950)
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