Book Reviews
Ghostlines by Nick Gadd1 July, 2008Philip Trudeau has fallen a long, long way from grace.
Fugitive Blue by Claire Thomas1 July, 2008Claire Thomas has an Honours degree in Art History from Melbourne University.
I Dream of Magda by Stefan Laszczuk1 July, 2008George’s life consists of working in a bowling alley, staring wistfully at the tree where he and his ex shared their first kiss, keeping an eye on his grieving brother, and helping out his sad-but-ever-smiling Mum.
The Daughters of Moab by Kim Westwood1 July, 2008In a broken and charred Western Australia, Assumpta Viali is an assassin for the repressive religious council of Nathan.
Crooked by Camilla Nelson1 July, 2008Read three pages of Camilla Nelson’s Crooked and you may put it down, read 20 and you cannot.
The Build Up by Phillip Gwynne1 July, 2008This debut adult crime novel from the author of Deadly Unna is set in Darwin.
Lu-Lu’s Wish by Matt Zurbo, illus. Ben de Quadros-Wander28 June, 2008I am in two minds about this book; the words of the blurb describe it as ‘a whimsical tale of hope and a little girl who wanted something more’, indicating the essence of the storyline, and yet I found it hard to find any clear purpose to the story.
Come on Everybody, Time to Play! by Nigel Grey, illus. by Bob Graham25 June, 2008Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning before everybody else. Has this happened to you? Where is everybody?
The Minister for Traffic Lights by Tony Wilson & Andrew McLean23 June, 2008In The Minister for Traffic Lights, Tony Wilson has created a father whose entire life revolves around traffic lights.
Roadworks by Sally Sutton21 June, 2008‘Plan the road. Plan the road. Mark it on the map. Hammer in the marking pegs. PING! BANG! TAP!’
Glister by John Burnside15 June, 2008Leonard, who tells us this story, is fourteen-and-three-quarters, bright, street-wise and cynical. He is also a voracious reader, starved for writing which is not, as he puts it, " crap, romances and thrillers and cowboy stuff." or "folkloric hemstitching or whatever".
Urthona: Issue 25.' Celtic Connections'15 June, 2008I must declare an interest from the start. I was recently contacted by one of the editors of Urthona, a magazine which I had not previously come across, with a request to use an essay of mine in a forthcoming issue.
Three Wishes by Isabelle Merlin11 June, 2008Rose Dumerle is a 16-year-old orphan who leaves her native Australia after being informed that she is the sole heir to a French castle and estate. Once in France, she is introduced to the luxurious trappings of wealthy aristocracy by her ageing, remorseful grandfather.
Pope Max by David Caddy11 June, 2008A brilliant story with a great twist—Pope Max by David Caddy is about Max, a 14-year-old Italian Australian who wants to be Pope. Max promised his dying Nonno that one day, Max would become Pope.
The Pearl Hunters by Kim Wilkins11 June, 2008Exactly as the blurb says, The Pearl Hunters is ‘a love story, an adventure and a ripping yarn.’ So, first and foremost, the audience is 11- to 14-year-olds who are at the stage to enjoy a romance mixed into their adventure story.
No Free Lunch: Hal Spacejock, Book 4 by Simon Haynes11 June, 2008Hal Spacejock, a space freighter pilot, and his loyal robot Clunk are bordering on bankruptcy and desperate for any business they can get. While at the peaceful ‘retirement’ planet of Dismolle they meet Harriett Walsh, a trainee peace officer who is eager for a case to investigate.
More Precious then Gold by Val Jones11 June, 2008Set in current times, and grounded in reality, this novel touches on environmental issues, rural life and the bonds of family, with a hint of mystery and a subtle history lesson woven in.
Ironbark by Barry Jonsberg11 June, 2008It can be difficult to find a text suitable for teenage boys; trying to blend the idea of the masculine identity with modernity without being condescending or appearing to lecture. Barry Jonsberg uses a somewhat traditional premise to explore the idea of the modern young male pitted against the elements in order to find himself.
Gracie Faltrain Gets it Right (Finally) by Cath Crowley11 June, 2008Not having read the first two books in this series—The Life and Times of Gracie Faltrain and Gracie Faltrain Takes Control—could be seen as a somewhat of a hindrance when reviewing the latest offering.
Open for Business: The Walk Right in Detective Agency, Book 1 by Moya Simons11 June, 2008With the popularity of the crime shows on TV, the younger readers will enjoy having their own mystery cases. David and Bernice at first seem an unlikely pairing, but their shared love of detecting is the basis of their friendship.
Jack’s Island by Norman Jorgenson11 June, 2008It is World War II and Jack’s father works for the Roads Board, building an airstrip on an island off the coast of WA. Jack and his best friend Banjo—like the poet—have free run of the island.
The Incredibly Boring Monotonous Family by Phil Barry, illus by Charlotte Lance11 June, 2008Quite unexpectedly, this book had me laughing in embarrassing bursts from the very first page. The Monotonous family are, exactly as their name suggests, the most boring people you can imagine.
Escape!: Wolf Kingdom Book 1 by Richard Harland11 June, 2008Richard Harland’s Wolf Kingdom: Escape! is the first volume of a four-volume adventure for younger readers. Tam and Nina live on the edge of the Eld Forest with their parents. Until now they have escaped the attentions of the evil wolves who rule the kingdom
The Detachable Boy with One Loose Foot by Scot Gardner11 June, 2008Scot Gardner’s first book for younger readers is a nice bit of silliness. John Johnson is the detachable boy in question, with the ability from birth to detach limbs—arms, legs, head—at will, an ability that is in the most part good fun
Sometimes Love is under your Foot by Colin Thompson11 June, 2008This is the story of Kevin (the family dog) who adores Brian (the family dad). Unfortunately Brian barely registers Kevin’s existence and even occasionally steps on Kevin’s tail. But Kevin does not give up on Brian.
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