A Rose For the Anzac Boys has been on my mind again lately, thanks to all the talk about WW1 commemorations.It's a wonderful story about three young girls, Midge, Ethel & Anne, at finishing school in England. They help with the war effort by rolling bandages...until they hear that Midge's twin brother, Tim has been listed … Continue reading A Rose For the Anzac Boys by Jackie French
We have been enjoying the most glorious of autumns in Sydney this year. The warm, sunny days, stunning sunsets and balmy nights have everyone extolling the virtues of autumn.A trip to Mudgee last weekend reminded me of my favourite autumnal phrase from John Keats "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness..." I was first introduced to this poem at … Continue reading Ode to Autumn – John Keats
When I was a sweet young thing of 19, Mr Books first introduced me to Stephen King, by giving me It for Christmas (so romantic I know!)But it was love at first sight on both accounts.It was also a love that waxed and waned over the years on both accounts!After nearly 15 years apart, Mr … Continue reading Flashback Friday – The Gunslinger series
I haven't participated in the Friday features for quite some time. We've had such a lovely, busy, social summer that has left me little time for regular blogging habits.But a quiet weekend looms ahead and it's time to catch my blogging breath!I've had Paris on my mind again lately, so this week I'm going to … Continue reading Freaky Friday
I have heard so many rave reviews and glowing testimonials about this book from my younger colleagues in the bookshop over the years, that I've been wondering how on earth I missed hearing about The Secret History when it first came out.What was I doing in 1992/3 that allowed me to completely miss the hype surrounding this … Continue reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt
After reading Eyrie recently, I'm feeling more ambivalent about Tim Winton than I've ever felt before. I went through a similar phase after trying to read The Riders - a novel I miserably failed to engage with on any level. It also had the dubious honour of being one of the first books I decided … Continue reading Friday Flashback – Dirt Music by Tim Winton
Seven Little Australians was published in 1894 but first came to my attention in the mid 1970's thanks to a wonderful 10 part tv series on the ABC. I was only about 8 or 9 at the time but I was blown away by the story. After the tear-jerker tenth episode ending, I sat down … Continue reading Seven Little Australians | Ethel Turner
This weeks Friday Flashback is for younger readers. It is still a favourite of many Australian teacher's and features on State premier's reading lists.It won the CBCA award for junior readers back in 1983.Thing written by Robin Klein & illustrated by Alison Lester is a sweet tale about a girl called Emily who dreams of having a pet. But … Continue reading Thing by Robin Klein
Today I was chatting with one of my book reps about what we were reading. She mentioned she would like to read McCullough's new book, Bittersweet as she preferred her earlier works and this seemed more in line with the those books. I tentatively agreed as my experiences with McCullough had not necessarily been rave … Continue reading The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough
This weeks Friday Flashback is a modern day classic that regularly features on school reading lists and 'must-read' Australian books lists.It won the CBCA award for older readers back in 1981.And it was made into a movie in 1986 (see below).Ruth Park wrote novels for adults and children. She was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia when … Continue reading Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park
This week's Friday Flashback (hosted by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies) is one of my all-time favourite past Booker winners (1981).It was my first attempt to read anything by Salmon Rushdie.It was also one of those books that evoked a sense of place so strongly that I still feel myself back there simply by talking about it.But … Continue reading Midnight’s Children by Salmon Rushdie
This weeks Friday Flashback has become a modern day Aussie classic in a very short period of time. It won the CBCA award for older readers back in 1993. And it was made into a movie in 2000 with Melina Marchetta writing the screen play.It was via this movie starring Pia Miranda, Kick Gurry, Greta … Continue reading Looking For Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta
Flashback Friday hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies is a new meme that encourages us to remember a book we read over 5 years ago that is still in print and that we haven't blogged about previously.Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French won the CBCA Younger Reader's award in 2000. It is regularly set as a school text … Continue reading Flashback Friday – Hitler’s Daughter by Jackie French
Flashback Friday hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies is a new meme that encourages us to remember a book we read over 5 years ago that is still in print and that we haven't blogged about previously. This week the news has been full of Nelson Mandela's failing health. Mandela has been such an inspirational leader and … Continue reading Flashback Friday – Mandela The Authorised Biography
Bertie is the latest offering from Pamela Allen. Bertie is a 2-sided book; one side shows a happy Bertie. Flip the book over to see a grumpy Bertie. Bertie's mood influences that of his family and dog in a simple story about the impact our emotions have on those around us.The illustrations and family of Bertie will … Continue reading Pamela Allen – Bertie and Mr McGee
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