Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: When Paul's brother Elliot goes missing from the crayfishing town of Stark, he goes to Stark himself to try to find answers. The good: The setting is captured perfectly, as is Paul's coming of age. The not-so-good: I might be a bit scared next time I'm up that way… Why I chose it:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Sienna Wilson doesn't want to leave her high flying obstetrics director position to investigate birth defects in remote Queensland, but needs must. Especially when they come with Sergeant McCabe to help out… The good: This book has everything you need and then some – drama, romance, friendship and happily ever after. The not-so-good:... Continue Reading →
In brief: Lost papers by Max Brod have been found, which tells of his relationship with a man called Franz Kafka who could eclipse his work as a novelist. The good: Incredibly polished, detailed and assured – it's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The not-so-good: I don't know too much about... Continue Reading →
In brief: Aviva was involved in a Clinton/Lewinsky affair (complete with blog entries) and disappeared. But when she runs for local mayor, secrets are revealed, affecting her daughter Ruby. The good: A unique way of telling a story from those who know Aviva/Jane. The not-so-good: Blitzed through this as it was so compelling! Why I... Continue Reading →
In brief: Abi doesn't really have a family. So when she finds out she's pregnant to an Aussie exchange student, she moves from England to Australia to start her own family. The good: The last quarter of the book is really powerful. The not-so-good: The start dragged a bit, as Abi is lonely in Sydney... Continue Reading →
In brief: George survives a shipwreck in 1859, but struggles with his life afterwards as an otherworldly creature becomes part of the family, whether he likes it or not. The good: The writing is beautiful, evocative and enigmatic. The not-so-good: The scientist in me tried too hard to figure out a plausible explanation for the... Continue Reading →
In brief: Abbie, Ricki and Jess have been best friends for a long time. But on a cruise meant to celebrate their friendship, all the secrets they are hiding from each other come out… The good: Never a dull moment. The not-so-good: I felt that the secrets and how they were linked just got a... Continue Reading →
In brief: Jean Harley was knocked off her bicycle and died. This is how her family and friends carry on. The good: Beautiful story and prose. The not-so-good: I would have loved to read more of some of the characters' lives. Why I chose it: Thanks to Readings– this book is one of the shortlisted... Continue Reading →
In brief: In the late 1970s, the Northern Territory is a rugged place, where the people are at the whim of the weather. Despite this, Sybil starts a book club to build friendships for her and her daughter-in-law. The good: The friendships between the women and the look at life not that long ago in... Continue Reading →
