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Serendipitous Book Finds
1Have you ever accidently come across a book that was exactly what you were looking for even though you didn’t realise you were looking?
Late last year Meredith (Oh, the Thinks you can Think) and I were browsing online while we chatted on the phone, as we often do. We were both looking at online bookstores, discussing the merits of various books we were considering buying for our kids for Christmas. Meredith stumbled across a book called Peter’s Railway by Christopher Vine and, knowing that I have a train obsessed 7-year-old, she sent me the link.
Not only was the book aimed at the right reading level and one we hadn’t seen before, it was perfect for my son. No, not perfect, PERFECT!
Peter’s Railway is about a young boy and his grandfather who build a 1/8 scale model train line to connect their two homes in the English countryside. The books combine story and information, sharing both the adventures of building and using the train line and the technical side of things – how a locomotive engine works, how carriages and wagons buffer together, wheel flanges, track construction, pistons and cylinders – all that in book one alone.
I bought the first two books in the series for my son for Christmas and he has already read and re-read them. Reading the first book together before he went to bed, he turned to me and wistfully commented ‘I wish that this story could be real in my life.’ He gave a quiet sigh and snuggled in as we returned to the story.
I have a review of Peter’s Railway scheduled at Kids Book Review later this month. I purchased book 1 and 2 from Fishpond, but will buy additional books from the series from the author/publisher website, Peter’s Railway, where I can have a personalised dedication written in the books from the author. If you have children who love trains, I highly recommend these books.
Over the years, I’ve come across several books that seem to resonate with me somehow. Books where the appreciation goes beyond a well written story or well expressed idea, but somehow strikes a more personal chord. Dr Seuss’ Hooray for Diffendoofer Day is one. There have been a few novels and a couple of non-fiction books that were eerily relevant.
Have you ever come across a book that was just perfect for you or someone in your family? A book that seemed like it was written just for you?
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Joyful Books
1Thanks to Waterstone’s Woking (@WokingBooks) and Jacqueline Harvey (@JacquelineHarve) on Twitter, I’ve just discovered this wonderful clip on YouTube (recommended as Video of the Week at Flavorwire here) and had to share.
I can appreciate the benefits of e-books, but I can’t imagine I would get the same amount of pleasure from watching a time lapse of e-readers moving about on the shelves. I’ve recently been shuffling books about on my own shelves and love tht there is pleasure to be found in simply looking at books, not just reading them.
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Book Review: Stella Makes Good by Lisa Heidke
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Summary (Allen &Unwin)
Can mother-of-two, Stella forge a new life for herself after the end of her marriage? A funny and insightful novel about love, friendship and the quest for happiness.
Stella Sparks is on good terms with her ex-husband, Terry, despite the fact he left her for another woman. Stella’s philosophical – the marriage had run its course, they remain friends and the wellbeing of their kids is central to both of them.
Stella’s two closest friends, Carly and Jesse, envy her togetherness and wish they could emulate it. Jesse’s husband, Steve, is a control freak who’s driving her crazy, but she has two small children and can’t see a way out. Carly, meanwhile, suspects her husband is having an affair and isn’t sure what to do about it.
Stella’s life takes a distinctly upward turn when she meets a handsome, apparently single – no ring, anyway – father at her son’s school speech night. For Carly and Jesse, however, the search for happiness and fulfilment proves more elusive…
With a healthy dose of humour and romance Stella Makes Good is about the games we play, the secrets we keep, the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of female friendship.
Comments
I have been looking forward to reading Lisa Heidke’s latest book and it didn’t disappoint. Her characters are always women that I can relate to – women trying to balance home and personal commitments, trying to rediscover a sense of purpose in their lives and/or someone simply trying to find a way to fulfil some of their own dreams while also supporting their children, partner, parents and friends.
I enjoyed the multiple perspectives in the novel. Stella is written in first person and is the official central character, although her life is probably the least troubled. She shares the limelight with Jesse, Carly and Louisa, however, and I like the depth this adds to the story, especially given the focus on keeping secrets and making decisions. The different perspectives give much better insight into the way each woman is thinking as she makes the choices that she does.
Stella Makes Good was a fun way to get my 2012 reading underway. There were plenty of scenes that made me smile (Stella’s mother-in-law is particularly entertaining) and others that made me think about friendship and secrets and the truths that we hide from others and, sometimes, from ourselves.
Book details
Title: Stella Makes Good
Author: Lisa Heidke
Publisher: Arena, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-74237-867-1, 312 pages
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Related Links
- My review of Stella Makes Good at Suite101.com
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Reading Upside Down in 2012
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My poor book blog has been sadly neglected this year. I’ve wanted to blog, but it just hasn’t happened.
In 2012, I want to revive Reading Upside Down. I’m going to make a few changes to the way I approach it though. I’ve been thinking about it a bit recently and I think what I am aiming for is something that is more conversational rather than sporadic reviews interspersed with guest posts and the occasional book-related post from me.
In 2012, Reading Upside Down will become focused on only books, reading and writing. I’m inspired by the National Year of Reading and want to revive my own love of books, reading and the written word rather than posting dry book reviews and generic posts. I get so animated when I actually talk with people about books, I want that to come through here too.
There will be book reviews, but there will also be conversations about what I am reading inspired by a character, a theme or perhaps even a simple sentence. Chats about writers, chats with writers and chats by writers too.
I’m excited about putting some energy back into Reading Upside Down this year. I’m looking forward to the bookish conversations to come and I can’t wait to get started.
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Literary References in Song Lyrics
1Driving to school to pick my children up this afternoon, Michael Penn’s ‘No Myth’ came on the radio. This song always takes me back to the year after I finished high school. My best friend and I loved the song and hearing it reminds me of listening to it and other favourites while we hooned around town in her little Datsun 180Y. Ah, those were the days.
As I was listening to it today, the literary references jumped out at me…
What if I was Romeo in black jeans?
What if I was Heathcliff, it’s no myth
…and it got me thinking about references to characters from books in songs. Dire Straits ‘Romeo and Juliet’ comes to mind straight away (love that song) and of course there is Kate Bush’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ (earworm – Heathcliff, it’s meeeee, it’s Catheeeeee…).
I think the heat has caused my brain to seize up, however, because I can’t think of any more beyond these. Can anyone else suggest some songs that mention characters from books (aside from theme songs to TV shows/movies based on books, of course)?
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Reading Preferences
1I tend to describe my taste in books as eclectic – a little bit of this, a little bit of that and I’m happy. I’m not a passionate fan of any particularly genre and I will give most things a go. I read picture books, junior novels, YA, fiction and non-fiction. I’ve even been known to read plays and poetry.
I do have some limits. I don’t tend to read science fiction (although I have in the past). I rarely read horror (although once again I did in the past. I still pause any time I have to step over a drain in a gutter thanks to Stephen King’s It). I don’t read a lot of thrillers because my reading is interrupted too frequently for me to keep the story straight (and the suspense makes me crazy). And I really don’t get the whole ‘bit lit’ thing. Sparkly vampires? I’ll pass, thanks.
My book choice is often determined by my mood and energy levels. Simpler, less involved stories or familiar favourites if I am feeling tired, more complex or involved stories when I need something to shake up the brain cells a little.
Like me, my sister is an avid reader, however she tends to read extensively within a small number of genres rather than reading a little bit of most things. She enjoys horror and supernatural-themed novels and also likes romance, but not much in between. I was entertained by the contrasts in her readings tastes during a recent visit to her apartment.
That Alexander McCall Smith was totally unexpected after glancing over the other books on the shelf.
What types of books do you like to read?
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Book Review – Raven’s Mountain by Wendy Orr
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Summary (Allen & Unwin)
Raven is first to reach the mountain top. Her sister and step-dad are still climbing the trail below. She is alone on top of the world. So she dances – a crazy, jumping, spinning dance… because if you can climb a mountain you can do anything! But then there is a rumble and the earth shakes. Rocks are falling, and so is Raven, in a terrible tumble down the side of the mountain. When she comes to, no one answers her calls. The rockfall is covering the trail where she last saw Lily and Scott… Wendy Orr tells the dramatic story of a girl who goes beyond her limits to save her family – and on the way, discovers a mysterious bond with a family of bears and a raven.
Awards: Shortlisted, 2011 Speech Pathology Australia’s Book of the Year, Upper Primary
Comments
I first watched Nim’s Island without realising that it was based on a novel by Wendy Orr, totally defying my usual Book Before The Movie mantra. My daughter and I read Nim’s Island together once I finally bought a copy and we both loved it, so I have been looking forward to reading Raven’s Mountain and it didn’t disappoint.
I was drawn into Raven’s story from the first pages, as she struggles to deal with her mother’s recent marriage, moving town and leaving her best friends behind. Bickering with her older sister Lily and the little worries that bother Raven all seem very real and I’m sure that there are plenty of young girls who will relate.
The story moves along at a good pace and I confess I got caught up in it all, as I’m sure younger readers will, wondering how Raven would keep going until she could reach help. I may or may not have shed a tear at the end when Raven is waiting to see whether Lily and Scott have survived the rock fall. I’m such a sook.
I’m now looking forward to reading this book with my 10-year-old daughter, who I know will love it.
Book details
Title: Raven’s Mountain
Author: Wendy Orr
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-74237-465-9
Genre: Junior novel – adventure
Recommended age: 8+
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Five Random Questions with Peter Carnavas (+ Giveaway)
1I was very excited recently to have the opportunity to pose five random questions to Australian picture book author and illustrator Peter Carnavas. I can still remember the first time I read Peter’s first book, Jessica’s Box, with my children and am honoured to be hosting Peter here at Reading Upside Down today.
Peter lives on Australia’s Sunshine Coast with his wife and daughters and is the author of five gorgeous picture books:
- Jessica’s Box
- Sarah’s Heavy Heart
- The Important Things
- Last Tree in the City
- The Great Expedition
Five Random Questions
I love the mention on your website of Christmas and birthday gifts that included notebooks and pencils etc. Do you have any other suggestions for parents who want to encourage their children’s creativity?
I might be a little biased but I really think the best thing you can do for children’s creativity is help them develop a love of books. There are so many beautiful books that cover so many different things that, with modelling, all children will find something fascinating in them. From there, children will often direct their own creativity (early childhood teachers know all about this). All I ever needed was a pencil and a scrapbook but other kids may try dressing up, building something in the backyard or even making something in the kitchen. Let the books guide you.
What has been the highlight of your involvement in the Artist to Artist project?
The Artist by Artist project was a unique opportunity for artists to pair up together and make a short documentary about each other. It was fun and challenging all the way through but my favourite part was the editing process, piecing together the narrative from random bits of footage and audio. Also, it was great to see somebody else tell my story.
Do you think picture books are an effective way to teach children about issues and emotions? Why or why not?
Unlike some forms of media or entertainment, picture books invite engagement. When you sit with a child and open up a book, you immediately become connected in a way and small conversations start easily. You might talk about a little animal popping up on every page or a rhyming couplet, then as you delve further into the story, the theme becomes more apparent . By the time you reach the end, you have experienced something together and you can then relate the characters and story to your own lives. I think picture books are incredibly important tools for children to express themselves. Of course, I also love books that are created just for fun. Some of my favourites are like that – Mr Magnolia by Quentin Blake, or Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett.
You list an amazing selection of picture book author/illustrators on your website as your personal favourites. What makes these people particularly appealing to you?
My favourite authors and illustrators tell good stories simply, which is what I try to do. They are economical yet powerful with words and there are layers of meaning in their stories, making them appealing to people of all ages.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a picture book author?
The only challenging parts are grown-up things like not having a weekly wage or working out tax stuff. There are many rewarding parts. I get my biggest buzz when I first think of an idea for a story and it’s even better when I still think it’s a good idea a few weeks later. It’s also wonderful just holding the books in my hands, reading them to my daughters, bringing little characters to life on the page and especially visiting schools and watching children get something out of the stories.
Giveaway!
Four of Peter’s books are available in a Little Treasures set, ideal for posting as Christmas gifts (they even come with their own envelope). Each book in the Little Treasures series has a special message for children as they read:
Jessica’s Box – Self Worth
Sarah’s Heavy Heart – Love
The Important Things – Family
Last Tree in the City – Environment
Thanks to the wonderful people at New Frontier Publishing, I have three Little Treasures box sets to give away, that’s one set each for three lucky Reading Upside Down readers. To enter, just leave a comment below mentioning either your favourite Peter Carnavas picture book (Jessica’s Box is my sentimental favourite) or a message you think would be great to share with a child through a picture book.
- Entry is open to Australian residents only.
- Competition closes 10pm, Sunday 6th November 2011.
- One entry per person.
- Winners will be notified by email and need to reply within 48 hours to claim their prize. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn after that time.
This competition is now closed. Winners have been selected at random and will be notified by email. Thanks everyone for your great comments.
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I’m the New Girl in the (Virtual) Office
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Monday was my first day on the job with Kids Book Review. The announcement that I was joining the team as a senior reviewer was made on Friday, but I figured that didn’t really count as a proper day of work. I seem to recall that Tania McCartney, the site founder, used the word ‘Squeeee’ in the subject line of one of her emails to me on that day and to my mind that means Friday was more of a celebration ‘Isn’t this a great thing! We’re so glad you’re here!’ rather than a ‘What are you standing around for? Get to work!’ kind of day.
I’ve never really enjoyed the first day of a new job before. All that awkwardness about where to put your stuff and trying to work out if this is a relax-and-make-yourself-at-home or touch-my-coffee-mug-and-die kind of workplace. It’s not always possible to pick up this vibe from an interview.
The advantage of being part of a virtual workplace is that I work from home. My desk can be as messy as I want (because no-one can see it) and I don’t have to worry about the office dress code (because no-one can see me). Win-win.
Given the many advantages of a virtual workplace, I was ready to fire up the computer Monday morning to make a meaningful and worthwhile contribution to my new place of employment. I had my cup of tea, my warm blue furry jumper and a pantry full of snacks. I was ready to go.
Half an hour in I was starting to wonder at my wisdom in starting to work with a children’s book review site as the Christmas season approaches. Christmas book reviews to
plan, reviews for November to finalise, the awesome Kids Book Review Unpublished Picture Book Manuscript Award to get up to speed on. All this while Blogger resolutely refused to let me log on to the site and I had to rally my tech-challenged brain into working out how to juggle yet another email address without going insane.
As Day 2 dawns, I’m still a long way from the synchronised swimming routine managed by the dynamos Tania and Kelly, but I no longer feel like I’m drowning. We’ll call it optimistic dog-paddling for the moment, I think. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Tania and Kelly on such a great website and, as always, I’m very excited to have yet another reason to justify the amount of time I spend reading.
What is your least favourite thing about starting a new job? Would you choose to have a virtual workplace if you could?
By the way, make sure you keep an eye on the upcoming reviews at Kids Book Review. There are some great Christmas book reviews on the way in December and maybe even a giveaway or two…
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Book Review – The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
1Summary (Hachette Australia)
The remarkable story of an unlikely entrepreneur who, against all odds, saved her family and inspired her community in Afghanistan.
When the Taliban took control of Kabul, Kamila Sidiqi and all the women of Kabul saw their lives transformed. Overnight, they were banned from schools and offices and even forbidden from leaving their front doors on their own. The economy collapsed and young men left the city in search of work and security. Desperate to help her family and support her five brothers and sisters at home, Kamila began sewing clothes in her living room. Little did she know that the tailoring business she started to help her siblings would be the beginning of a dressmaking business that would create jobs and hope for one hundred neighbourhood women and would come to mean the difference between starvation and survival for hundreds of families like her own.
Comments
Books like this make me realise just how complacent and casual I am not only about the freedoms I enjoy in my life, but about achieving my goals and simply being passionate about life.
I really enjoyed reading The Dressmaker of Khair Khana. The story is inspiring and I was fascinated to read about the bravery and resourcefulness of Kamila, her sisters and the women of their neighbourhood. The story offered a more personal look behind the scenes of Taliban-occupied Afghanistan, with the political and social issues peripheral to the story of how one woman managed to turn oppression into opportunity and had the compassion and strength to help others despite hardship.
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana is a beautifully told story that holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Kamila and the women of her family and community are inspiring and Lemmon shares their unforgettable story with respect for their achievements and tenacity. Highly recommended and ideal for a book club or reading group.
Book Details
Title: The Dressmaker of Khair Khana
Author: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Publisher: John Murray, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-84854-555-7
Related links: My review of Dressmaker of Khair Khana at Suite101.com
Genre: Biography
