KINGLAKE-350

by Adrian Hyland   (LWH)

When I picked this book to read over the holidays I had no idea I would be reading it during a heat wave and extreme weather conditions, similar to that day in February 2009, which was the worst bushfire disaster in Australia's history. Terrible fires are engulfing Tasmania and threatening Victoria and NSW as I read this account by Adrian Hyland, who attempts to give an insight of the absolute terror that was forced on the Kinglake and surrounding districts during 'Black Saturday'. They weren't the only communities effected that day, as Bendigo and it's residents were also victims and suffered great loss.

This book focuses mainly on Sergeant Roger Wood's experience as he found himself in the middle of this unfolding disaster, not knowing if his own family were dead or alive. He, along with other Police and emergency services volunteers, helped to save many residents from death, in the most terrifying conditions known. They were real heroes. Accounts of others caught in this horror are also included and testimonies of some amazing escapes and, of course, some terrible tragedies of those caught in the fire storm. Along with the horror of their mountain being on fire there were many fatal road accidents to contend with, as people were frantically trying to escape death.

I learned a lot from this book and how volatile Australia is to this happening again. Hyland shares how we have disregarded Indigenous wisdom in caring for the land and their respect of fire. We have made our country one of the most dangerous countries to live in, with regard to inefficient back burns and forestry care, which has created the ferocity of fires we have seen and will continue to see.

This book certainly shakes you to the bones and if nothing else it should urge you to not be complacent with fire safety. Being prepared and staying to fight in normal fire conditions would be OK but when a fire storm creates it's own weather, including wind, hail and rain, and can jump 35km in minutes, then you need to get out early, as there is nothing you can do to protect yourself. How anyone survived is just amazing, a miracle really. We know that 173 people were not so fortunate.

NOTORIOUS NINETEEN

by Janet Evanovich   (STAFF)  (LWH)

Stephanie Plum is up to her old tricks in this nineteen book in the series. She's certainly living up to her standards as bounty hunter in New Jersey, arresting those villains that have skipped bail. True to form she has already had her car and her boyfriend, Morelli's, car blown up in the first couple of chapters. With Ranger close at hand, keeping her out of danger, as much as he can, she will still find trouble with her off-sider Lula.

I must admit, although I did enjoy it, it was the same ol' same ol'. Maybe because I'd read so many in the series it just didn't have the spark that I was used to in the others. Having said that they are always a good, light, holiday read.

THE SECRET KEEPER

by Kate Morton   (STAFF) (LWH)

Fabulous, fabulous book. Very intriguing, couldn't put it down. A story with many layers of mystery, secrets and deception.

Laurel witnesses a crime when she is a teenager. While hiding up a tree she sees her mother stab and kill a stranger, who comes to their home during a birthday party. Fifty years on, Laurel discovers some of the mystery of why this has happened and who this man was. Now her mother is close to death, and time is running out to get the answers to the many questions that has haunted her all her life. There are secrets and more secrets. All is not what it seems.

The story shifts between 1940's during the war, 1961 and 2011 and is woven around three characters whose lives will be fatefully entwined forever. There are twists and turns throughout which makes the story spellbinding. It touches on childhood memories, family tragedies and living during the London Blitz. A fantastic new release novel by an Australian author who has also written The Forgotten Garden and The Distant Hours.

OH DEAR SILVIA

By Dawn French   (STAFF)  LWH

What an interesting read and an unusual setting. Silvia Shute has fallen from a balcony and is in hospital in a coma. She has led, what seems to be, a selfish life... or has she?

After many years of marriage she has left her husband, cut herself off from her children and only grand child and has taken up a relationship with another women. Now in a coma, just lying there, she is unable to spit venomous words to her family and friends that have come to rally around her in her time of need. Each one has their individual time with her and although at first they speak words of encouragement and try to bring her out of her coma, little by little, true feelings come out and they can't resist telling her what they really think of her, particularly while she is 'out of action'.

But maybe there is more to Sylvia than everyone thinks. Each chapter is describing what is going on behind the closed door while each character has their time with Sylvia. At times it is quite funny, particularly what bizarre antics her sister gets up to to bring her back to reality. As you read further in this book it unravels more mysteries and everything will fall into place in a very unexpected way. Well worth a read.

IN THAT FOREST

By Louis Nowra   (LWH)

This is a book with a difference. When I started reading the first page or two I thought I wasn't going to like it, but I was wrong. The story starts with a 76 year old named Hannah, who is retelling her devastating story of an incident when young, that changed her life forever. It is told in a broken English which was annoying me at first, but as I read on I realised why she spoke this way and I did eventually get used to it.

Hannah and her family lived in the bush of Tasmania, during colonial times, when Tasmanian Tigers freely prowled the forests. It was a rugged life and she was an only child. When her neighbour and friend, Becky, comes to stay overnight because her father is away,Hannah was very excited. Her family, along with Becky, go on a nice little picnic, however, on their return a storm came in harsh and fast and capsized their little row boat, leaving Hannah and Becky to be stranded along in the wild and untamed Tasmanian forest. Not knowing if her parents where alive or dead, Hannah was petrified, being only six years of age, and Becky only a year older. Without giving too much away, they are startled as two Tasmanian Tigers approach. They are sure they will be killed until something startling happens.

This story is heartbreaking, raw, and unforgettable story. The decisions they must make are unthinkable but what would I do to survive, lost, with no sign of help. This is a first YA novel for Louis Nowra, who was born in Melb, and is an author of many plays, non-fiction works, telemovies and film scripts.

FLOWERS OF BAGHDAD

By Bruce Lyman  STAFF (LWH)

This was a very touching book which I couldn't put down once I started it. It's a heart-wrenching glimpse into life in war torn Baghdad after Suddam Husseim has been executed and American soldiers are patrolling this once beautiful and bustling city.
Bruce Lyman's writing is wonderful and I found myself caught up in the lives of two men, Aadil and Malik, and their families, . Two very different men but both wanting peace and to return to a happy life free from fear and pain. The fear is tangible and with you every minute of the day, the need to be always looking over your shoulder for something out of the 'ordinary', for fear of being killed. Malik's neighbour simply takes his garbage out to the street and is killed by a single bullet to the head in front of his young son. 
Business is almost non-existent in Malik's little shop, where he sells shirts, and the street has been damaged badly by bombings, but he still has hope... hope that one day Baghdad will return to its beauty and his family will once again have money for food and can live normal carefree lives.
Little do these two men know that their lives will be entwined in in a strange and frightening way. Each chapter in the book is told by Aadil, and Malik. There were many passages I read, then re-read, as they described with such emotion the life of the Iraqi people's existence. The writing is beautiful and poetic and as I got to know each men I longed to be able to help them and free them from such violence and loss. It's a book about friendship, faith and hope. Malik believes we are all 'flowers' in God's garden. I feel so blessed to be living in a country that is free from such pain and suffering. Reading this book will surely touch your heart and you realise we all just want the same for our families.

GREYLANDS

by Isobelle Carmody   (LWH)

After recently hearing Isobelle speaking at a conference, I couldn't help but purchase her re-release of this book (originally published in 1996). 
The story is told by Jack who is dealing with the recent death of his mother, along with his father and little sister Ellen. Jack's father has withdrawn from them both and is struggling after the death of his wife. Jack wants to reach out to him but doesn't know how.
One night Jack looks through a mirror and is surprisingly transported into another world, which is void of colour and is quite scary for him. He travels from the real world to the 'Greylands' and through his journey, he must face his fears and deal with his grief. He confides with his little sister how at times he doesn't know if he is dreaming or if this is real. He soon learns he can will himself back and forwards through the mirrors and gradually discovers why he has been going through this unbelievable experience. An interesting story.

A STRAIGHT LINE TO MY HEART

by Bill Condon   (LWH)

This is just a nice little story about a girl named Tiff who has finally finished school and is about to move into the next phase of her life, in her small town of Gungee. We find her in the local library reading Wuthering Heights. I love her motto "If you can't get a boy, get a book". She is interrupted by a nice boy, a footballer, who also has a love of books but offends her when all he seems to be interested in is how many raffle tickets she will buy. She later gets to know him a whole lot better!

Tiff's life hasn't been easy with her mother not long after she was born and being abandoned by others however she now lives with her surrogate grandfather Reggie and his son Bull. She has a real connection with these two and they have been her comfort over the years, unfortunately Reggie's health is declining. Tiff is given some work experience at a local newspaper as she thinks she may want to be a journalist. Tiff is a lovely down to earth girl and finds she can get through whatever challenges are thrown at her. Her best friend Kayla is a great support and they have plans to travel to Surfer's Paradise together. 

Dramas happen throughout her story and you will have a few tears towards the end. This book is about the love of reading, resilience and relationships with a touch of humour thrown in.

TIGER'S CURSE

by Colleen Houck   (LWH)

Wow, what a series! I started reading this series because a friend of mine (a book guru) said I'd love them and gave me the whole set to read. Although I adored the cover of 'Tiger's Curse', I was doubtful I would really enjoy them as I'm not really into fantasy much, but was willing to give them a try... glad I did!

Full of adventure and danger that's on a par with 'Indiana Jones',  the story starts with a teenager, Kelsey Hayes, who has just finished school and decides to get a summer job. A circus wasn't what she had in mind but straight away she grew to love the atmosphere and the people. Little did she know that her job of looking after a beautiful white tiger named Ren, would change her life forever. She is asked to escort the tiger back to India by a mysterious man and when she accepts she is soon half way across the world starting an unbelievable adventure full of mystery, magic, fear, danger, ancient prophecies and of course... romance... but not just any old romance that's for sure. She must deal with issues of 'fate', 'passion' and 'loyalty' as she finds out she is the only one who can break the ancient curse put on Ren and his brother.

A great read that you can't put down. Thanks 'book guru' for recommending it to me... I'll never doubt you again! The other books in the series are Tiger's Quest, Tiger's Voyage and Tiger's Destiny.

Watch the book trailer to get you excited about the journey.

THE BELOVED

by Annah Faulkner   (LWH)

I really, really loved this beautiful book. From the first page it had me and it only took a day or so to finish it... that's how much I loved it! Roberta, a young girl contracts polio and is confined to hospital for months, then forced to wear a calliper and boot. This is devastating to Roberta and her family but when she is given a set of paints she realises how much she loves art and how talented she is. She is 'special' for sure as she can see colours hovering over people she meets. Some are angry colours others are full of love and she of course paints them, but her style is very different from the 'norm' and through a set of circumstances her mother forbids her to pain any more. This is who Roberta is.... she must paint... it's what she was born to do. 

In Australia she is bullied at school, because of her gympy leg, but her life changes when her family move to New Guinea. There is so much colour there she must continue her passion.  Because I love to draw and paint I really felt the frustration Roberta felt from being banned to paint. When she discovers secrets in her mother's life her whole world is turned upside down and I wanted the story to go on and on.I won't give you any more of the story because there many highs and lows that come her way.

This story is so beautifully written. I felt like I was with little Roberta as she grew up, peering into her life, feeling her pain. It felt so real that I thought it must have been an autobiography but this was Annah Faulkner's first novel. I can't believe it!

STEVE JOBS: The Man Who Thought Different

by Karen Blumenthal  (LWH)

At first I thought this book would be a little to 'techie' for me but I was surprised when reading it how easily the writer took you through the turbulent life of Steve Jobs, who some say 'changed our world'. Steve was adopted, dropped out of college, had many failures in his personal and business world but he kept going and as was his focus in life 'to live each day as if it was your last', he certainly did this. At times there were tantrums and outbursts and he could be quite rude to his colleagues and friends, however he never forgot his passion.

It is amazing to follow this story and how technology has changed in just a few decades. The timeline at the end of the book puts everything into context. It was Steve Jobs and his friend Steve Wozniack, who started the Apple Computer company in his father's garage and later became millionaires, and really changing how we think about our technology and devices. They certainly didn't agree all the time but had a great vision and had a symbiotic relationship. The  book touches on Steve's personal life, his outburst with companies, his own workers, his time with Pixar and of course struggle with cancer over the past ten years and his ultimate death. He certainly didn't have the nicest personality and I thought when he married and settled down he would mature a little more, but he was always focuses on himself. Some say he stole ideas from others and made them his own, and that he was greedy and ripped off his friends. Perhaps this is true, but you cannot question his futuristic vision, his perseverance and attention to detail and design, which has surely paid off and made our lives a little easier and more portable.

It certainly was worth a read and I must say.... I just love my iPhone and iPad.... so thanks Steve!

OUR AUSTRALIAN GIRLS SERIES

Have you seen or read any books in this series? Watch the video clip to find out more about the girls in this great Australian series or click on the picture below to go straight to the website link where you will find lots of fun things to explore.

SLATED

by Teri Terry

What a gripping book. I sooo enjoyed this fabulous story.

Kyla is only 16 but has done wrong! A criminal! She's been 'slated'... her memory wiped... she has a new personality and a Levo on her wrist that monitors her emotions. If it gets too low (similar to a diabetic) she will pass out and die. This means a new start and very last chance or else. It should be OK now and Kyla should fit into a new family and start a new life... but things are triggering Kyla's memory and she is experiencing a patchwork of nightmares. What does it all mean? Who can she trust and why do many of her friends and go missing? She confides in her friend... close friend Ben...

I loved this book from the very first page and hated having to put it down for a minute. I got to the very end and waited for all to be revealed and nooooo...! There is more to follow in the next book to be released in 2013. I will just have to wait... but I have my suspicions.

THE BELOVED

by Annah Faulkner

I really, really loved this beautiful book. From the first page it had me and it only took a day or so to finish it... that's how much I loved it! Roberta, a young girl contracts polio and is confined to hospital for months, then forced to wear a calliper and boot. This is devastating to Roberta and her family but when she is given a set of paints she realises how much she loves art and how talented she is. She is 'special' for sure as she can see colours hovering over people she meets. Some are angry colours others are full of love and she of course paints them, but her style is very different from the 'norm' and through a set of circumstances her mother forbids her to pain any more. This is who Roberta is.... she must paint... it's what she was born to do.

In Australia she is bullied at school, because of her gympy leg, but her life changes when her family move to New Guinea. There is so much colour there she must continue her passion. Because I love to draw and paint I really felt the frustration Roberta felt from being banned to paint. When she discovers secrets in her mother's life her whole world is turned upside down and I wanted the story to go on and on. I won't give you any more of the story because there many highs and lows that come her way.

This story is so beautifully written. I felt like I was with little Roberta as she grew up, peering into her life, feeling her pain. It felt so real that I thought it must have been an autobiography but this was Annah Faulkner's first novel. I can't believe it!

STEVE JOBS: THE MAN WHO THOUGHT DIFFERENT

by Karen Blumenthal  (LWH)

At first I thought this book would be a little to 'techie' for me but I was surprised when reading it how easily the writer took you through the turbulent life of Steve Jobs, who some say 'changed our world'. Steve was adopted, dropped out of college, had many failures in his personal and business world but he kept going and as was his focus in life 'to live each day as if it was your last', he certainly did this. At times there were tantrums and outbursts and he could be quite rude to his colleagues and friends, however he never forgot his passion.

It is amazing to follow this story and how technology has changed in just a few decades. The timeline at the end of the book puts everything into context. It was Steve Jobs and his friend Steve Wozniack, who started the Apple Computer company in his father's garage and later became millionaires, and really changing how we think about our technology and devices. They certainly didn't agree all the time but had a great vision and had a symbiotic relationship. The book touches on Steve's personal life, his outburst with companies, his own workers, his time with Pixar and of course struggle with cancer over the past ten years and his ultimate death. He certainly didn't have the nicest personality and I thought when he married and settled down he would mature a little more, but he was always focuses on himself. Some say he stole ideas from others and made them his own, and that he was greedy and ripped off his friends. Perhaps this is true, but you cannot question his futuristic vision, his perseverance and attention to detail and design, which has surely paid off and made our lives a little easier and more portable.

It certainly was worth a read and I must say.... I just love my iPhone and iPad.... so thanks Steve!

GIRL STOLEN

By April Henry

What a great story. We find sixteen year old Cheyenne Wilder, suffering from pneumonia, sleeping in the back of a car while her step mother quickly runs in to fill her script. To her shock a man jumps in the car and drives off with her in it. To make matters worse Cheyenne is blind. Griffin who stole the car didn’t realise she was on the backseat until he had left and now has kidnapped a young girl. Will Griffin let her go if she hasn't seen his face. Poor distraught Cheyenne must use all her senses to try to escape.

This is an interesting story as the author really places you in Cheyenne’s shoes and you experience what it felt like to be blind, in danger, alone and without her trusted friend, her guide dog. She is very brave and the story has a few twists that will keep you intrigued. A must read!

PENNIES FOR HITLER

by Jackie French   (LWH)

This book is about how hatred can be contagious but it is also about how love and kindness can be equally contagious. Through all the destruction and hatred brought about by Hitler and the Nazis during WWII there were still wonderful and courageous people helping those in need.

The story begins with Georg enjoying his life growing up in Germany with his loving family. All this changes in a split second when his father is accused of being a Jew and is thrown to his death from a university window by his students, and Georg and his mother, having just witnessed this, must flee for their lives. 

He escapes from Germany inside a suitcase and is helped to travel to London to live with his aunt, leaving his mother behind. After a while London is bombed and he is no longer safe living there so his aunt sends him to Australia to live with foster parents.

He must pretend to be an English boy named George and cover up his German identity, as Australians are at war with Germany. He eventually settles into his new life in Australia and living in the country but his thoughts are never too far away from his mother and what has become of her. When the Japanese declare war on Australia and start bombing Darwin and Sydney his life is once again in turmoil.

Jackie French has once again written a fabulous historical novel, which is very thought provoking and touching. This story is not a sequel to Hitler's daughter but it shows great insight into being a child of war. I really loved it.

THE MESSENGER BIRD

by Ruth Eastham   (LWH)

I love a good spy read and this book beckoned me to read it after seeing the cover, reading the blurb and having previously read The Memory Cage, Ruth's first novel.

Nathan's father is arrested for breaking the Official Secrets Act and he must prove his father's innocent. To save his father he must follow the secret clues his father has left for him and follow the trail of Lilly, someone from the past who was also accused like his father. This book takes you on an interesting and dangerous ride as Nathan and his friends must solve the puzzles and codes before his father's enemies do. His father has warned him to trust no one and not to tell his mother or sister what he is doing. Time is running out for Nathan to solve the Enigma code.

This book is quick and easy to read, covering historical events. I think boys would love it.

AFTER

by Morris Gleitzman   (LWH)

I really enjoyed reading the final book in the series, telling young Felix's story. Within the first chapter I was already feeling at home feeling the pages wrap around me and take me back to where 'Then' had left off. I love the sad but sometimes humourous passages told through Felix's eyes, now 13.

Having survived the last two years hiding in a hole in the barn of a man named Gabriek, Felix is forced to leave his hiding place to protect his friend. He joins the Partisan living in the forest and becomes a doctor's assistant, attending to wounded and dying men.

He saves some Jewish children from starving to death and ends up helping a couple of children from the Hitler Youth. This book deals with his feelings towards the Nazi's and whether he could kill them after all the suffering they have caused. His heart is understandably hardened but he still has some of his childlike innocence. His life takes a few twists with an ending that was unexpected. Great book, beautifully written.

THE BOY WHO WOULDN'T DIE

by David Nyuol Vincent   (LWH)

This is an inspiring personal story of David, a 'Lost Boy' of Sudan and a child soldier. Having survived famine, war, and a long walk across the Sahara Desert, he still had to survive 17 years alone in in a refugee camp in Kenya. His only hope was to escape and find his family, his only passion was soccer.

This is 'his story' and tells of his amazing struggle of survival and finally his resettlement in Australia. Surviving the war between North and South Sudan and escaping from death many times, David thought he would be free and safe now living in Australia, only to experience racism here in Australia.

There are many others like him and some family members still living in inhumane conditions. David has become an advocate for refugees and the Sudanese community. He has established the Western Tigers Soccer team and is ,s a Victorian Human Rights Youth Ambassador and a People of Australia Ambassador.