Posts Tagged ‘australian author’
1
Book Review: Stella Makes Good by Lisa Heidke
1
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
1
Book Review – Raven’s Mountain by Wendy Orr
1
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+
1
Book Review – Bittersweet by Melanie La’Brooy
1
Summary (Penguin Australia website)
Sabrina Falks is the golden girl; a beautiful, successful actress who is engaged to the too-good-to-be-true Edward. Her life is glamorous and seemingly perfect – apart from her recurring desire to run away.
Her younger sister, Mimi, is funny and bright but also hopelessly lost, with no career prospects, no money, no love life and a string of disastrous mistakes in her past.
Estranged since a fight over their dark family history, Sabrina and Mimi enter into a reluctant alliance when Sabrina hires Mimi to be her bridesmaid. The sisters then do battle with intrusive paparazzi, out-of-control dress designers and, increasingly, each other.
As the wedding day approaches, long-buried family secrets emerge, and Sabrina and Mimi find themselves facing some unforeseen home truths …
Marriage, celebrity culture and the bittersweet bonds of family take centre stage in this warm, funny novel that sparkles with wit and wisdom.
Comments
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started Bittersweet. I was looking for something easy to read and at some time someone on Twitter had recommended Melanie’s books to me so I thought I would give it a try.
Bittersweet was a wonderful combination of comedy of errors style humour with some family, relationship and personal issues that added a real depth to the story. There were lots of light-hearted moments and the dialogue between the central characters was particularly entertaining at times. The cast of secondary characters offered lots of opportunity for farcical moments and general silliness.
Beyond the humour, dramas and bridezilla moments, there were some more serious scenes where the two sisters examined their lives and became aware of just how strongly the separation of their parents when they were children had impacted their relationship with each other and their view of themselves. Bittersweet touches on some interesting topics as Sabrina, Mimi and their friends and family come to terms with their past and deal with issues holding them back in the present. Celebrity culture and body image are also significant issues, offering both lighter and more serious moments throughout the novel.
My greatest delight was finding the author’s website. It is easy to see the source of the humour in the novel, particularly the dialogue of Mimi. I’m incredibly disappointed that Melanie La’Brooy isn’t on Twitter so that I can chat with her and try to convince her to be my friend (which goes a long way to supporting her decision to stay as far away from Twitter as possible).
Bittersweet was light and entertaining with just enough substance to make it really enjoyable. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author in the near future and would love any recommendations for which one I should read next.
Book Details
Title: Bittersweet
Author: Melanie La’Brooy
Publisher: Penguin Australia, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-14-320568-5 (450 pages)
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Related links
· Bittersweet review at Suite101
1
Book Review: Letters to Leonardo by Dee White
1
Summary (Walker Books)
A unique and powerful story about a fifteen year old boy who tries to deal with his mother’s mental illness by writing letters to Leonardo da Vinci.
On his fifteenth birthday, Matt receives a card from his mother – the mother he grew up believing was deceased. Feeling betrayed by both his parents, Matt’s identity is in disarray and he begins writing letters to Leonardo da Vinci as a way to sort out the ‘mess’ in his head. Through the connections he makes between his own life and that of Leonardo, Matt unravels the mystery that his life has become and discovers his mother’s secrets and the reasons behind his abandonment.
Comments
It took me a little while to pick up Letters to Leonardo, which has been sitting on my bedside TBR pile for some months since I claimed it in the Authors for Queensland flood relief auction earlier this year. Once I got started, however, I found it hard to put it down.
As someone who has had experience with serious mental illness (schizophrenia) in my extended family, I found the way Dee White dealt the impact of mental illness on family relationships to be very true to life. The confusion, guilt, anger, resentment and general emotional turmoil are well presented in 15-year-old Matt as he comes to terms with his mother’s illness.
Letters to Leonardo is a wonderful novel about family, friendship, artistic creativity and the challenges of loving someone with a serious mental illness. I found myself relating to Matt’s struggles and confess that I shed tears as the story drew to its conclusion.
While the story is free from any bad language or significant ‘teen’ references, parents should be aware that the issues the story deals with are quite complex. Younger children, particularly those that are particularly sensitive, might find the emotional intensity associated with dealing with the erratic behaviour linked with bipolar disorder too confronting.
I’m very pleased that I claimed this book in the auction and have added this title to my recommended books for children by Australian authors list.
Book details
Title: Letters to Leonardo
Author: Dee White
Publisher: Walker Books, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-921150-88-3 (246 pages)
Genre: YA novel – family relationships, mental illness
Suitable age: 13+
Related Links
- My review at Suite101
1
Book Review: My School by Maralyn Parker
1
My School by Maralyn Parker
Summary (via Random House Australia)
Australian parents have never had more choice or information on schools. But much of the information available asks more questions than it answers. This is the first book that has all the answers and more. It is a must read for any parent who wants to get the best education possible for their child.
A clear and accessible book that answers every likely question parents could have about My School/NAPLAN/choosing a school.
What makes a good school? What should a parent know and what should they ask? This book also covers hot topics such as what to do about a bad teacher, bullying, multi-cultural policies, enrolment policies, coaching, selective schools, private vs public.
Comments
I’ve always been very interested and involved in my children’s education and discussing educational issues in general, but I’ve never been a big fan of the My School website. I’ve always found the information it provides too vague and indeterminate to be of any particular use. It has also often bothered me that the information on the My School website and associated NAPLAN results were often used in discussions about educational issues without considering the many other factors that are part of assessing the success or suitability of a school.
I think that is why I enjoyed reading Maralyn Parker’s book so much. My School provides the background information parents need to get the most from not only the My School website and NAPLAN results but also school reports and general contact with school staff.
I like that My School places the My School website and NAPLAN results into a big picture view of schooling in Australia. It also discusses the many other factors that should influence our decision when choosing a school for our children – location, leadership, sporting programs, special interest and special need programs, public or private schools, etc.
I liked the no nonsense tone of the book, especially in comparison to the media hype that often surrounds discussions of NAPLAN and the My School website. I also liked that many website links that were included throughout the book so that parents can easily find more facts and information on topics that are of particular interest.
I’ve quoted information from this book several times in conversation recently and personally found the discussion of the pros and cons of selective schooling particularly useful. There were also some very practical tips on how to communicate effectively with classroom teachers and other school staff and a useful checklist of items to consider when choosing a school for your child.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is keen to better understand the many facts and figures that are being put forward in discussions about schools and schooling in Australia. For those interested in this topic, Maralyn Parker also has an education blog at the Daily Telegraph and a My School Facebook page where readers can join in discussions about education issues.
Book Details
Title: My School: What every parents needs to know about NAPLAN, the My School website and getting the best education for your child
Author: Maralyn Parker
Publisher: Bantam, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-86471-205-6, 295 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction – Australian schools and education, NAPLAN, My School website
Related links
- Review of My School at Suite101
1
Book Review: The Phoenix Files by Chris Morphew
1
Summary (via Hardie Grant Egmont)
Luke is having a rough year. His parents split up. Then his mum moves to Phoenix, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, and she drags Luke along with her.
But Phoenix is no ordinary town. It was built from the ground up by the enigmatic Shackleton Co-operative less than a year ago. There are no cars, no phone lines, and a private security force instead of police.
Luke thinks this is as weird as it gets.
Then he and his new friends discover that someone in Phoenix is plotting to wipe out the human race. And the clock is already ticking.
There are one hundred days until the end of the world.
Comments
I have been a big fan of this YA thriller series since it was first released. I can remember shaking the book in frustration when I reached the end of book one. How could he leave me hanging like that? When would I find out what happened next? When? Not for months? MONTHS! It all seemed so unfair.
The fourth book in The Phoenix Files was released this month. I’ve only just started it and I’m already hooked and annoyed that I need to take care of more mundane tasks instead of reading it from cover to cover in one sitting. I introduced my now 
12-year-old son to the series in January and he read the first three books in four days. Like me, he was anxiously anticipating the release of book 4 (Phoenix Files:Underground) and is now enduring the frustrating wait for book 5 (Phoenix Files: Fallout) and book 6 (Phoenix Files: Doomsday), which won’t be released until February 2012 and September 2012 respectively.
I love the sense of suspense sustained throughout the series. The conspiracy theory plotline isn’t one that I am generally attracted to, but the combination of well-written and complex characters and an interesting setting have more than overcome my initial hesitancy when I started the first book.
In fact, the series appeals to me so much that I became involved in a bidding war during the Authors for Queensland flood appeal auction earlier this year, which raised funds for the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Fund. I managed to get my final bid in just before the auction closed, winning for my son the first three books of the series defaced annotated by Chris Morphew himself. They were given to my son last week for his birthday and he has been avidly re-reading the books which now include a scattered commentary by Chris as well as drawings and random jottings like this:
If you are looking for a high energy, suspense-filled series for readers aged 11+, you should definitely check out The Phoenix Files. There are some scenes depicting violence as well as a level of menace associated with the ringleaders of plot to take over the world (not surprisingly), so it is worth taking that into account if you are considering the books for a more sensitive younger reader.
Book details
- Series title: The Phoenix Files
- Book titles: #1 Arrival, #2 Contact, #3 Mutation, #4 Underground
- Author: Chris Morphew
- Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont
- Genre: YA series – thriller, conspiracy theory
- Suitable age: 11+ (Warning – some violence and menacing characters)
- Related links: Review of The Phoenix Files #1: Arrival at Reading Upside Down and Suite101
1
Book Review: The Autism Experience by Valerie Foley
1
The Autism Experience by Valerie Foley
Summary (Exisle Publishing)
The Autism Experience is a guide to bringing up children with Autism Spectrum Disorder written by parents who have themselves navigated the medical maze, braved the behavioural problems and survived the emotional rollercoaster associated with caring for someone with autism.
Each chapter in The Autism Experience is based on a question frequently asked by the parents of ASD children and consists of a clearly written, informative introduction followed by the relevant real-life experiences of parents from around the world. These allow the reader to learn from the experiences of those who have travelled this road before them – how they have come to terms with the diagnosis; how it has changed their everyday lives, for better and for worse; their strategies for coping with autism.
Rich with useful information and personal experience, recounted with wit and raw honesty, The Autism Experience is both an invaluable practical guide and a source of comfort for parents learning to live with autism.
Comments
My experience with Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger’s Syndrome is limited to the time I have spent with several friends with children who are on the spectrum. I am aware of several books that deal with the issue of Autism and Aspergers. I have read a few biographies/autobiographies and have also glanced through some of the handbooks, such as the Australian Autism Handbook by Benison O’Reilly and Seana Smith, in an attempt to gain some understanding of what my friends are dealing with and also to better understand and manage some of my own children’s quirky traits.
Parenting a child with special needs of any kind can be an isolating experience. The conversational tone of The Autism Experience creates the atmosphere of a parent support group, a gathering of mothers from around the world who share the common bond of ASD, chatting about everyday life, the highs and lows of ASD parenting, what works and doesn’t work for them as parents, what they wish they had known before their ASD journey began. The Autism Experience is a collection of anecdotes, emotions, experiences, recollections, regrets, triumphs and thoughts shared by parents who have at least one child affected by ASD.
As with any group, the information offered by individuals is largely biased by their own experiences, background and circumstances. For me, the strength of this book comes from the sense of inclusion and acceptance that it offers to parents who so often feel isolated and alone in their experiences. I think that this book would be best suited to parents in the early stages of their ASD journey with their child to reassure them that there are a variety of opinions out there, that the initial emotions and thoughts do change over time and that there are other families facing and dealing with the same issues that challenge their own family.
The book includes a reasonably extensive list of websites and suggestions for further reading. There is an index to major discussion points and the book is divided into topic sections.
Review Copy Details
Title: The Autism Experience: International perspectives on Autism Parenting
Author: Valerie Foley (with assistance from Jenni Sherrif)
Publisher: Jane Curry Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9808129-3-0 (397 pages)
Online: The Autism Experience blog, The Autism Experience Facebook page, The Autism Experience forum
Genre: Non-Fiction – Parenting, Autism
1
Book Review: Samuel’s Kisses by Karen Collum
1
Summary (New Frontier Publishing)
Samuel loves going shopping with his mummy.
He smiles and blows kisses to all the unhappy shoppers.
Samuel delights in spreading fun and happiness to all
those around him.A warm, sparkling story that will make your heart soar.
Comments
Another wonderful picture book found through Twitter.
This is a lovely, positive story about the joy a little boy brings to those around him in a busy shopping centre. The grown ups are grumpy, busy and preoccupied, but Samuel is always ready to blow them kisses to brighten their day.
The text and illustrations are beautifully matched in this story. I particularly love the stream of hearts that show the path of Samuel’s kisses as they travel over, around, through, between and under obstacles to reach their goal.
This is a lovely feel-good story for bedtime reading with a toddler or preschooler and a wonderful reminder of what a difference a smile and a positive attitude can make.
Order through Karen Collum’s website to receive an autographed copy. A great gift idea for a special child.
Book Details
Title: Samuel’s Kisses
Author: Karen Collum
Illustrator: Serena Geddes
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-92104-215-7
Genre: Picture book
Recommended age: 2 – 6 years
1
Book Review: I Came to Say Goodbye by Caroline Overington
1
Summary (Random House)
Who is left behind when a family falls apart?
It was four o’clock in the morning.
A young woman pushed through the hospital doors.
Staff would later say they thought the woman was a new mother, returning to her child – and in a way, she was.
She walked into the nursery, where a baby girl lay sleeping. The infant didn’t wake when the woman placed her gently in the shopping bag she had brought with her. There is CCTV footage of what happened next, and most Australians would have seen it, either on the internet or the news.
The woman walked out to the car park, towards an old Corolla. For a moment, she held the child gently against her breast and, with her eyes closed, she smelled her.
She then clipped the infant into the car, got in and drove off.
That is where the footage ends.
It isn’t where the story ends, however.
It’s not even where the story starts.
Comments
Given the subject matter of this novel, I had braced myself to be emotionally traumatised the story. Perhaps I over prepared myself to read I Came to Say Goodbye, bolstering my fragile emotions and preparing myself for a heartrending story of child abuse and neglect, because I must confess that I wasn’t the emotional mess that I had anticipated I would be.
Not that I’m complaining. I found the story well written and confronting, and was grateful that it didn’t leave me an emotional wreck when I reached the final page. I think that the perspective had a lot to do with this, with the story voiced by the father and sister of the woman (Donna-Faye) mentioned in the blurb above. I think, too, that it was less traumatic than I expected because the focus was primarily on Donna-Faye’s life and background, rather than details of the abuse of the child.
While this book wasn’t a relaxing, ‘enjoyable’ read, it did deal with challenging issues in a very easy-to-read way. I particularly liked the way that it showed that the tragedy of Donna Faye’s life and actions was the result of a variety of influences and circumstances, some of which could and should have been dealt with differently and others which were simply sad and unfortunately unavoidable.
I Came to Say Goodbye raises many issues and concerns – child abuse and neglect, the education system, special needs children, the challenges of single parenting, the legal system, the provision of social and community services, the integration of refugees into the community and more. It is thought-provoking and challenging, quick to read but with themes and ideas that will linger with you. Not a book to read if you are feeling fragile, but definitely a book that will get you thinking.
Book Details
Title: I Came to Say Goodbye
Author: Caroline Overington
Publisher: Bantam, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-86325-681-0, 295 pages (+ reading group questions)
Genre: Contemporary fiction
My reviews elsewhere: Suite101
1
Guest Post: Tania McCartney – A Curious Life
1
Today the rather spectacular Tania McCartney is visiting Reading Upside Down. Tania is an Australian writer, editor, publisher, blogger, book reviewer and founder of Kids’ Book Review, a fantastic place to find out about the latest book releases for kids as well as reminders of some children’s classics.
This week Tania launches her third picture book in the Riley travelogue series. I’ve reviewed Tania’s earlier Riley books Riley and the Sleeping Dragon and Riley and the Dancing Lion and I was waiting for my copy of Riley and the Curious Koala with great anticipation.
Enough from me. Let’s see what Tania has to say. (drum roll please)
A Curious Life
The title for Riley and the Curious Koala: A journey around Sydney was actually coined by my daughter Ella.
All my Riley books have been written in a totally unplanned way – they have simply unfolded as I sat down to write. I sort of knew the direction I was taking with Curious Koala from the start – I knew I wanted my koala to be a little kooky from all that eucalyptus juice – but I still wasn’t sure how to literally portray this Sydney book star and I certainly had no idea of the title.
At first it was Kooky Koala. Then Fuzzy Koala. Then Elusive Koala. None worked.
I was talking about this with my daughter (without revealing the nature of my koala character) and then, out of the blue, she said “Curious Koala”. That’s when everything slotted into place like a row of Connect-Four buttons. I just knew she was right.
The title suited the book perfectly – this koala is definitely curious – and by curious I mean ‘a little odd and different’ – not inquisitive (ok, well, perhaps also a little inquisitive).
My meaning of ‘curious’ becomes apparent as the book unfolds… this koala is truly a funny, gorgeous and curious creature (least of all for the fact that he subsists solely on euc leaves and a droplet of water every now and then) and the title of this book got me to thinking about the curiosities of life – and how we all experience an oddity or two, especially when it comes to writing books.
One curiosity I regularly (and increasingly) come across in my writing work is synchronicity. Sure, perhaps we can blame it on the zeitgeist – the all-pervading everyday that saturates our psyches – but I think there’s something more to it than that. It’s a sort of creative connection.
Many is the time I perceive or imagine something to do with my work and then receive, almost instantly, the very same image or thought from someone close to me – someone I work with or someone in my family or friendship circles.
But it also happens with seeming strangers and those I hardly deal with. Three times in the past month I’ve had some pretty major manuscript synchronicities that have sort of blown my socks off – in good and bad ways (bad in that it may mean the publisher now won’t want to do mine and good in that it may mean I’ve got a new book deal. Another curiosity.)
Another curiosity that emerges in the writing world is a lack of self-belief. Most of my writing life has been stricken with a lack of self-confidence that is almost solely responsible for my changing career tack over and over again. When I think back at all those wasted years of not-writing, I could weep.
But I’m not alone. Many, if not most, authors (and indeed, illustrators) have experienced this same curiosity. And most interestingly, it’s often the ones who do so well and are so admired who suffer from it the most.
Is creativity, as a general rule, married with uncertainty?
In my many interviews with established authors and illustrators and industry professionals for Kids Book Review, I’ve been dumbstruck when famous or highly successful talent has revealed a chronic lack of confidence in their work.
Of course, second-guessing ourselves is part of the human condition – but for majorly successful artists to continually express their fears over whether their work is good enough or whether they’ll have it published or whether anyone will like it… well. That is just a major curiosity to me.
But then, even my own humble books have arrived from the printer to greet an author that is too green in the belly to even look them over – for fear of finding fault or fear that no one will like her work. So, majorly famous or no – we all feel the fear.
But don’t we do it anyway?
My, creative people are a curious bunch. And we probably wouldn’t have it any other way.
As for our curious koala – he’s too much of an oddball to care what anyone thinks of him. And that’s just the way I love him. I just hope hope hope you love him, too. (Hey, I’m only human).
Tania posts regular book reviews and articles at Kids’ Book Review, posts updates on her writing and publishing activities at her personal website and also writes regular articles for Australian Women Online, where she is a senior editor.
You can follow Tania’s blog tour this week for some great posts on writing children’s books, self-publishing, travel and more. I’ll be posting my review of Riley and the Curious Koala later this week and will be attending the official launch on Sunday in Canberra, so no doubt I’ll be bragging about meeting Tania next week.
