Water tells a serious and contemplative story using the theme of water to create distance, solitude, and self-exile. The unknown preceding life alteriWater tells a serious and contemplative story using the theme of water to create distance, solitude, and self-exile. The unknown preceding life altering event is unpicked slowly for the reader, the weight of it always there heavily, always hanging in the cold Irish air. Changing her name and shaving her head, Willow has chosen a beautiful place to enter life again, somehow.
Choosing to go into town to eat a meal, to converse with the locals, or not. I found it interesting she did not completely delve into herself entirely, she knew that contact with the world, though limited, was a necessary evil to maintain.
The isolation in this remote island of Ireland created a cosy atmosphere, in contrast to the sinister reasons for Willows seeking refuge from prying eyes. On and off interactions with her adult daughter are fraught with unease, the love for her evident but the shadow of their estrangement ever present.
As the reasons for her removal from life become apparent, my feelings were in a tumble in trying to reconcile this woman’s complicity versus ignorance versus a refusal to see evil where it should not lie. My heart broke as a character was attempting to disclose serious abuse which was passed over; this was well written, compulsive, and absorbing in all aspects. I was left feeling disappointed AND understanding of this character, and a voyeur in her attempts to reconcile her life.
John Boyne is remarkable in every way. I was spellbound, drawn in and contemplative at the last scene, not a word wasted, listening twice. Willow was haunted and hunted by her grief, hoping for her to come back to herself. I loved the people she met along the way, and those she in turn she helped.
Affecting and momentous, completely insightful, I highly recommend this book. A wonderful audio read via the Libby platform and my public library....more
I left this review; I kept putting it off. It's taken me six months to put pen to paper. I think I couldn’t find the words, as this woman was simply rI left this review; I kept putting it off. It's taken me six months to put pen to paper. I think I couldn’t find the words, as this woman was simply remarkable. She was flawed, but she was so amazingly clever and committed to her belief in her work. I chose to listen to the audio version, and I honestly do not know how I stumbled across this title. Possibly it was the stunning cover photo of this woman with her eye patch. 'What is her story' I may have wondered? Her story. Well. Where to begin.
Marie Colvin was brilliant, she did what others would not willingly do. She reported from the front lines, slept on floors, slept outside. She was fearless, and perhaps this was her main attribute, or downfall. She lost an eye in 2001, Sri Lanka, and being the ballsy woman she was chose a patch, not a prosthetic. I think what you saw was what you got. I read her to be slightly neurotic, original, quirky, and unafraid to be these things. I loved her.
She was unafraid, working in a male dominated field, she pushed the boundary on everything. An addictive nature, this is obvious, many failed relationships, though many many friends all trying at various times in her life to get her into rehab, suggest self-care and take time away from the life and death situations she continually found herself in.
From Marie (externally to this book): "Many of you here must have asked yourselves — or be asking yourselves now — is it worth the cost in lives, heartbreak, loss? Can we really make a difference? "I faced that question when I was injured. In fact, one paper ran a headline saying, 'has Marie Colvin gone too far this time?' My answer then, and now, was that it is worth it. ...
It was Marie’s lot, and passion in life to make a difference in exposing the horrors of war and especially the atrocities that befall civilians, those she believed to be the forgotten victims. And that’s what she was doing when she was killed, before enacting her exit strategy. Her interest to her own safety did not match the commitment to her story.
I did not set out to be a war correspondent. It has always seemed to me is that what I write about is humanity in extremis, pushed to the unendurable, and that it is important to tell people what really happens in wars..
This book, written by Marie’s close friend and colleague was compelling, written with loads of empathy and respect, and drawn from over 300 diaries and notebooks from age thirteen to her death. It tells of Marie’s love of family, her education, her endearing and often and often maddening qualities as well. This woman sat down with Gaddafi who was enamoured by her. She always held her own and removed herself from many perilous situations over her unbelievable career. Marie was largely unknown in America, whe was a legend in the United Kingdom, as the foreign correspondent of The Sunday Times.
In September of 2012, Marie Colvin lost her life doing the important work she loved, covering the plight of Syrian civilians trapped in Homs, the city under siege and relentless military attack from the Syrian army.
This book had a tremendous effect on me, knowing little about this part of history. I was telling everyone about it at the time. A remarkable woman who won numerous awards for her journalistic work. She remarked to friends near the end of her life that she was witnessing some of the worst she had seen humans do to each other, and on one of her last Facebook posts - "getting this story out is what we got into journalism for."
I am so grateful to this woman, and to her friend Lindsey Hilsum for telling her story so eloquently. This book is a firm favourite of 2023. I implore all to read it.
I listened to this audiobook via the Indyreads platform and my public library, which is an initiative of the State Library of NSW....more
The Turtle Warrior affected me so much that as often is the case, I procrastinate on the review process and am not quite sure how to go about getting The Turtle Warrior affected me so much that as often is the case, I procrastinate on the review process and am not quite sure how to go about getting my words on to paper. I read this book a month ago!
This is not simply a story of a family fractured by the Vietnam War, the families left behind, or the senseless loss of lives in the carnage that is war. This is about two families intersecting in a remote, harsh yet beautiful wilderness of Wisconsin. The terrain which forms this part of the world contributes to the story in a way; the remoteness, the hunting, the dogged hard work required to make a successful living out of the unyielding ground, the snow, the trees, the beauty. There is a life force of its own inside the never-ending fields.
The Lucas siblings love each other very much, the younger Bill adores his teenage brother Jimmy, who is able to turn away from their father, learning that the father’s way does not need to be emulated by the offspring. The Lucas family are ruled by the most awful fictional father one could think of. John Lucas is a brute, an alcoholic liar, terrorising his innocent family. Young Bill withstands the most of this. It is life changing behaviour that his father imparts, this is unavoidable. My heart broke for him repeatedly. This forms a great deal of the heart of the novel.
The beautiful couple next door, Ernie and Rosemary, are unable to have children of their own. They open their home to Bill as often as they could, very aware of their neighbour’s perilous situation. As much as the brutal father squanders and uses his fists and is useless on his own farm, Ernie is capable, strong and humble. Through Ernie’s back story, his role in WWII and musings on the life lessons imparted by his father, we see the amazing strength of character and the wonderful father he would have been had circumstances been different. Ernie, over the years, becomes Bill’s role model, he loves this boy and I loved him for this.
But rather than let hatred eat him, Claude Morriseau stepped away from people who could not be helped, distancing harm so that it petered out on its own volition or turned back and bit its owner.
The story is told in alternating and very distinct voices, the character development and the love poured into them to nurture each other was astounding. The story was beautiful.
Jimmy heads to Vietnam, chooses to go, to escape in this fashion. Bill mourns his brother, the devastating outcome almost killing his mother, Claire. Bill is not yet ten years of age and takes on the caregiver role, feeding, cleaning and making sure she stays alive. Protecting her somehow from the miserable patriarch. Also relentlessly bullied by children at school given his mother’s transportation to another world after losing Jimmy, talking to herself vividly, wildly gesticulating as soon as Bill hops onto the school bus. Yet another cross to bear for this innocent man-child.
Claire is a mother who loves her children dearly, but the cards dealt made this impossible. I was hoping she would come through the other end. "Small towns are often like chicken coops. They don’t like or accept difference or change. If one hen is molting or is hurt and the rest of them aren’t, they will peck at that bird until she is bloody. I’ve seen hens that were molting,” his mother said, “get pecked to death.”
Bill is caught up in such tremendous grief which will almost claim his life, if not for the wonderful neighbours who become family. Ernie and Rosemary wrap what is left of Bill’s family in extreme love, wisdom and kindness I was almost undone by this story.
Rosemary had been a nurse in the war, she also was capable, strong and spirited. Her and Ernie made a wonderful pair, and through them we see life is not easy, marriage even harder, but if we work together most things can be overcome. Then Jimmy lost the lottery. In her grief, Claire Lucas woke up and, realizing that she had another son, kept little Bill close to home after that. And Ernie and I lost both of them. I don’t know who I cried more for, Ernie and me or Jimmy and Bill.
This well written, remarkable book will stay with me always. Bill is the character which shines, but I loved them all, the ones that were left living. They were kin, maybe not all bound by blood, but this does not matter one single bit. Lovingly descripted providing beautiful imagery, I was there with these beautiful people. He will also tell them of the kindness of people. They are alive because biology does not always determine destiny and goodness can arise from the most hellish of conditions.
Again, another long review, I tend not to be able to be succinct these days. I highly recommend this book, there is so much to ponder, it is very special. My book of the year.
I read the physical copy of this book, furnished to me via my local library by an inter library loan, all the way from Orange Council Library. With the old fashioned loans slip filled in on the front cover. So cute!...more
To me, this author is nothing but perfection. I think this instalment is my favourite of the series, as I believe the author has an innate skill in wrTo me, this author is nothing but perfection. I think this instalment is my favourite of the series, as I believe the author has an innate skill in writing about the topic she knows the best. The natural comedy and wit embedded into the intricate messiness of character’s lives is something Marian Keyes is ridiculously good at.
The gregarious and rambunctious family made up of the Walsh daughters and their everyday yet floored parents, combined with their extended families and individual idiosyncrasies make for entertaining and engaging reading.
The audio experience was amazing, the ability of the author to narrate her own fiction adding yet another delicious layer to the experience. Added to this author’s arsenal of abilities is her cookbook laced with personal anecdotes and this book being her tool to re-enter life after debilitating depression. What can MK not do?!
This lived experience translates to the page perfectly, as we hear all about Rachel Walsh, the addict of the family, who managed to climb out of the hole she was in many years before at the Cloisters, refusing to admit there was a thing wrong with her. Now a senior counsellor there, much of the narrative forms around her charges, how much she cares for them, makes progress with them as if they were her own, and how this experience mirrors her own life.
As I read these books quite far apart, I had to reacquaint myself with the family, initially assuming I’d missed important events. I had not, and this story brings us up to date with Rachel, her stubborn addiction which she had ‘recovered’ from, a major loss in her life and some very serious life events.
In the background is a major party being planned for Mrs Walsh, this is hilarious, her foibles and nuttiness very funny. The way the sisters come together for this event heartwarming and hilarious. The sisters still form a pivotal role, with Rachel dispending wisdom and life advice. Rachel is a very smart woman, can she see in herself what she sees in others will be a very serious issue she is facing now, 20 years after her much-needed stint in The Cloisters.
I love the way Rachel’s dialogue is in equal measures hilarious and heartbreaking, and the journey she goes on, drawing in her much-loved family, and the important people from her past life. Marian Keyes, I love your work, and I will still proclaim that only addicts will truly get it, because that’s what we’re like, aren’t we?!
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. I almost made the mistake of starting My Favourite Mistake as I was so excited the newest book had been released. I need to learn delayed gratification! My highest recommendation....more
What a wonderful book. I enjoyed the audio format, and if I particularly love a title, I will purchase the hard copy. I now Oh my. God bless America.
What a wonderful book. I enjoyed the audio format, and if I particularly love a title, I will purchase the hard copy. I now proudly own the hard cover version. I am reviewing this book months after reading; I found my notes last night and will put them in words now. The audio was excellent, my son and I listened to a good chunk on a road trip to my parents as they live over three hours away. He is ten years old and learned a good deal about this tragic event, and I am pleased he learned and was able to discuss it with his mum, who not only loves books, but also a complete fascination with New York.
This book was not to discuss the whys and hows of this event. The bare facts are such as these. Pregnant women lost their partners that day, and in the days that followed. Those children grew into adults without a father. Children born of those times are now graduated and can serve in their country’s military. I can’t believe it’s been this long. I was in Australia at this time, another world away, also pregnant and two weeks away from giving birth. My husband rang and told me to turn on the news. I remember buyinh the newspaper from that day. I didn’t keep it; I am sorry I didn’t.
The book is presented by many voices, and the change over was often rapid, with a new story popping up. There were so many different experiences told that I was in awe.
The day was an important one. It was voting day; the weather was beautiful and clear. A group of the first stories was from that of air traffic control, and real-life footage of cabin crew. This was astounding. I was in disbelief that I could hear these real people talk and hear their direct voice. It made me realise particularly how calm and measured cabin crew could be during an unprecedented situation.
A Port Authority policeman was dying in the rubble, he showed humour in his last minutes. Asking his commanding officer for a break, and his officer lovingly obliging. He then shot his gun to alert rescuers to their position.
The authors intention was to capture the voice of this world event, so the next generations that were not alive to bear witness, can understand and continue the fight for justice and freedom.
The youngest victim was on the fateful airplane, a tiny human named Christine, and the first fire fighter to perish was struck down by a desperate human who jumped from The Towers. This statistical information is hard to get my head around.
I also had no idea that illnesses showing up to 8-10 years after the fact such as leukemia would be attributed to those near the site after the collapses. This isn’t just for emergency workers, employees of the area, first responders. It would be those handing out food and water, feeding those breathing in the enormity of the dust and debris. They were exposed to the rubble and died because they didn’t have the personal protective equipment to survive the conditions.
A story I remember is that of a flight call supervisor. She spoke with a man on the plane. My memory is rusty as my notes are brief, but she was talking to him as the plane went down and was being taken over by hijackers, and he wanted her to relay a message to his wife. She held the phone for many minutes after, wishing away the reality of him no longer being there. These are the human moments I would not have thought of, thus raising the questions of the millions of universe moments that occurred because of this historical day.
Hospitals were on alert and had their busy moments, but realistically they were empty while they waited for more survivors. There were no more.
I had no idea of the Lower Manhattan water evacuation. Zero idea. People were running for their lives. Women throwing their babies on board. They were jumping on to boats for their lives, and entire crews were made up from everyday citizens.
An alert went to all watercraft, private and public, yachts and ferries and all types turned up. Survivors turned up at the other end to normal surroundings, turning up looking like they had faced war. A man was on a stretcher strapped in and injured badly, he was loaded onto a craft, but the amazing tidal wave (my memory is sketchy here) meant he had nowhere to go. He had a terrible glass injury and last minute was released from the stretcher.
Babies separated from their mothers were downstairs in a craft in a small group, on the bottom bunk wrapped up like cocoons.
A man in the Trade Centre had a coffee in his hand and was surprised by remembering not to spill his coffee. A man fell toward him, arms out mummy like. He died between his legs. The surviving gentleman was able to go the memorial for this man.
The tenth day dawned and officially the site was declared as no chance of further survivors. It was so evident those searching would have kept going, it must have been utterly heartbreaking.
A firefighter received his visor after the carnage. It reached him via the helmet number and received uncleaned. This is the human side, the likes of which I would never have imagined.
A lasting piece of this story is that of Father Mychal Judge. He was declared the first official victim of that day. Frustratingly I cannot conjure the quote I liked. His comrades commented that he was preparing others to be received by God.. or words to that effect. He was much loved and wasn’t a conventional priest, this made me love him even more.
So. This is a very wordy and disjointed review months after my reading experience. I know my son was disappointed when I took the audio book back to the library (I requested my public library purchase it but assumed they’d procure the e-resource), but it turned out well to be able to listen with my son.
The book opens with the space station being able to see the smoke and the effects of this day. And of course, the detailed information on The President’s movement on that day also extremely interesting. Made even more challenging by the fact this was a new leadership, and staff were new and were not fully oriented.
This book taught me a lot and I’m happy to have the hard cover to refer to. It goes without saying those who relived their experience in laying their souls bare while going through this process are appreciated by this reader. A stellar job by the many archivists, librarians, journalists, authors, voice actors and the author. This was an epic that I hope will reach the new generations as intended, and those like me, who did not know a lot. Now I know a lot more....more
This book was on my radar forever. I watched the series, then quickly jumped on to the audio. I LOVED both. The show was so true to the written form, This book was on my radar forever. I watched the series, then quickly jumped on to the audio. I LOVED both. The show was so true to the written form, I could hear it as I went straight from one to the other. So much of the dialogue word for word. I'm not sure what I'd make of the book had I not watched the series, but I don't at all mind that I watched the adaption first.
The two young people in this story find their 'person'. Both emotionally fragile and quite flawed, so much gets in their way as they are young and don't see (right away) what doesn't matter in life, particularly Connell who is swept up in appearance and what his peer group think - although we see his inner self as quite the opposite.
He pretends to not know Marianne outside of school as she is the high school pariah. Brilliant but shunned, given her sharp and acerbic wit, a woman who truly does not care about the opinion of those around her, teachers and students alike. I loved a quick retort to a teacher about looking out the window in class, she will not suffer fools.
Through this brilliant writing, Sally Rooney shows the audience the normality of life in a lyrical way. Both characters suffer anxiety and depression, Marianne due to a terrible family life, via continually heartbreaking scenes throughout. There is abuse and tones of a terrible loneliness and a disconnect from her family, which causes a general disconnect from life as well. This is throughout the novel, and the reader captures this so easily through innate author skill.
Connell, who seems never to be able to entirely lift himself above the fog of feeling outwardly from his own existence, keeps his head above water ever so minutely, trying to be a part of society, but always feeling less than. Marianne is similar, but never cares as much.
The basic premise of two wonderful characters meeting at school and revisiting each other months and years apart as each go about their education may seem quite plain, but the story is not. It is beautiful and intricate. Both individuals have such depth and beauty in their normality it is impossible to not be drawn in.
What they experience from their initial sexual connection and friendship is completely obvious, and equally sad as they miscommunicate over the years and each suffer and struggle with their lives. Never wavering in support or love, it becomes quite inevitable and sad (for this reader) how it will end.
Connell's mother was a beautiful soul, as a cleaner for the wealthy family for Marianne, she was Marianne's hugest advocate while clearly loving her son, dispending much life wisdom. Marianne not so fortuitous, going things alone much of the time without familial support.
I loved the ah ha moments from each as they realised how little the past mattered, and that many friendships with university and high school friends were not real. Connell and Marianne were always real to each other. Connell would say to Marianne many times 'I love you', I could feel it always. This is a glimpse into two brilliant people's lives over a four year period where both individuals flounder, grow and mature, eventually leading to a satisfying, though extremely thought provoking ending for this reader. I discussed it in length with a work colleague, and picked it up off the shelf at work, just to see the words given I listened to the audio version.
As Connell remarks to Marianne that he was only truly happy during their time at school, before their life journeys and circumstance pulled them apart, I was gutted emotionally in my reading process. I stood still and pondered. This is such a sign of a brilliant read.
If you haven't been lucky enough to have crossed paths with this beautiful book, I wholeheartedly recommend that you do....more
What a refreshing read! At this time of the year my choice of read is as important as my reading experience, and I really enjoy my light and breezy reWhat a refreshing read! At this time of the year my choice of read is as important as my reading experience, and I really enjoy my light and breezy reads which reflect the holiday vibe. This delivered in spades as I recalled my first book of this author, The Shell Seekers. Images of Cornwell come to life, the ocean and the countryside. This author has the knack of drawing you into her world. Who would have thought England was so nice in the summer! Characters were lovely, the storyline with a hint of mystery, but all in all a very enjoyable read that I did not want to put down. It was short, and I read it in two days.
Laura is a quiet but lovely lady in her late thirties that is the second wife of Alec, he has his baggage and we witness the way in which Laura finds her place in his world, and the new family becomes one. She isn’t well physically but she comes of age over a summer convalescent trip with an extended family she has never met. A lovely range of secondary characters that you want to meet; Eve the lady of the house who nurtures everyone and everything she comes across, Gerald the retired Admiral that runs his house in an orderly way but lots of love, Ivan his stepson who is a rogue but such a nice guy, Drusilla the flautist and her bare bummed chubby baby Lachlan. These characters form a little commune with their own stories that blend to form a very satisfying whole.
This was the best 5 star holiday summer read that I could have asked for. I've got lots more of hers to read, too. I've found a new favourite!...more
This was how I caught the reading bug at around 11 years of age. This one was one of my faves as my favourite character went back home to New York. ThThis was how I caught the reading bug at around 11 years of age. This one was one of my faves as my favourite character went back home to New York. That city then became somewhere I have wanted to visit ever since, it would be safe to say I have a little obsession about all things NY. So, introduction to reading and introduction to an awesome city in a different continent. These books were very easy to read, I remember skimming the first chapter or so as the characters and bio of the story was always discussed at the beginning. Later on as an adult I came to understand that this series was heavily ghostwritten, but that didn't effect my thoughts or the way these books constructed my love of words. It was always a little funny to me that the illustrator had an unusual name - Hodges Soileau. I didn't know the origins of the name, nor did the internet exist for me to research, but it's a name that I know even today. I was enamoured with the author, the concept and all the other little bits and pieces that came along with the collection, which I eventually purchased most through eBay or garage sales as I grew up. I did also buy the little sister off shoot, and my daughters read most. I cannot forget to mention the Super Specials. They were fun! I even remember number three of the series being read on the beach, and if I track it down today I know it would still be stuck to the spine on the plastic adhesive I religiously covered them with. Joy!...more
My all time favourite series as a young girl! I looked forward to Book Club day (Ashton Scholastic) with anticipation and my $5.95 in an envelope. WheMy all time favourite series as a young girl! I looked forward to Book Club day (Ashton Scholastic) with anticipation and my $5.95 in an envelope. When I missed one my mum and I would go to Grace Brothers Parramatta where I could buy a copy. I was in year 5 at public school, the books came out monthly and I discovered them when no. 2 came out, so I wasn't too late and didn't miss a book. It was a monthly publication and I always looked forward to the next. I purchased them until I was 'too old', then continued buying through eBay to complete my collection many years later (I have two daughters). They read them till they were 'too old'. I didn't collect all of the off-shoot series, there were too many, but my oldest daughter decided to collect the Little Sister ones, but didn't complete it as she was again, too old. The thing is this. I read them and loved them, excited to keep reading. This was reading for pleasure, and about wholesome storylines and simple themes. My girls now read a little bit, but they are more interested in their iPhones and communication that way, and instant gratification. It makes me sad. I'll read these again. This book introduced me to New York, and started my little obsession with the city. I'll go there one day! I remember reading this one at Bateau Bay beach, in the summer holidays with my Aunty. I have the sand in the spine stuck to the plastic contact to prove it. Love these book memories <3...more
Update, post reading day. I have just upgraded this from 4 stars to 5. Makes sense, really!! Also added it to my favourites shelf.
My reads are always Update, post reading day. I have just upgraded this from 4 stars to 5. Makes sense, really!! Also added it to my favourites shelf.
My reads are always extra enjoyable when I read local authors in local settings. This new to me author is based not far from Sydney, and she writes about the lush areas in the vicinity of Newcastle and Dungog. I love reading about these areas as it doesn’t happen too often.
I’ve found a new author! I love when that happens. I now have a lot to look forward to. This is Jaye Ford’s debut novel, and there is nothing ‘debut-ish’ about this book. It was easy to read, easy to relate to (a group of four mums heading off for a north bound weekend away) and easy to get wrapped up in. This was edge of your seat stuff.
These four life-loving fun girls did not have the best luck starting off with their kid-free, husband-free weekend. A near miss serious accident on a Friday night in the pitch black and freezing cold area an hour north of Sydney steam rolls a weekend of disaster. They are lucky to have Jodie, strong PE High School teacher with dark secrets of her own, as the leader of their pack.
I carried on with my usual ‘can’t wait to get to the end’ type behaviour last night, not sure if it was my impatience or if it lagged that last third. I suspect it was the former as I read the book in a day. Thriller lovers and readers of all things Australian will love this book, she’s an author to get to know, and has reached my ‘go-to’ select group. Can’t wait for more. Brilliant writing and one that will suck you in right from the get-go! ...more
This book was on my radar for quite some time, and I did break my ‘no more books from the library’ rule with it as it needed to be read! Fantastic andThis book was on my radar for quite some time, and I did break my ‘no more books from the library’ rule with it as it needed to be read! Fantastic and challenging, this author writes in a way that is lyrical but haunting with its content.
Birdy is a simple young Australian lass, in gaol awaiting Rose, who she ended end up sharing a unit with in 'The Farm', a low security facility. Something draws these two women together, Birdy had a plan and it was all about Rose.
Says Birdy: “I was only little but I knew what I thought and I knew what I felt. Mum heard what I said but she never heard me at all. She could see me but not see me. I wasn’t going to be like that with Isabel. I heard her and I saw her.” This may sound like simple dialogue, but coming from a girl with Birdy’s past this is exactly what she should be saying, she’s a girl who knows.
A story of a particular brand of grief where we are witness to adults betraying those most vulnerable; our young, our children. Very readable material which I highly recommend to those who enjoy thrillers, contemporary and family relationships. Characters to love and want to reach out for, and characters we wish to push into a hole in the ground and bury alive....more
This book has reached my favourites list. I listened to the audio version, and I was appalled to realise only at the very end that this was narrated bThis book has reached my favourites list. I listened to the audio version, and I was appalled to realise only at the very end that this was narrated by the author! I lost reflection time in doing this. Shappi Khorsandi (how have I not heard of this interesting woman before?) is a comedian, Iranian born and raised in England. She was so entertaining in narrating her story. This piece of writing was snappy, quirky, serious, hilarious and quirky all at once. Such a good read. Encountering books such as this, full of despair, addiction and such serious themes, a reader always poses the question - "I wonder if this is this real, is it in any way autobiographical?" So of course I had to do a little searching. What an interesting woman! Have a little read of this:
I will listen to this again, albeit at normal speed next time, I was so wanting to know what happened to Nina and sped it up more than I should have to fully capture her voice! I loved the jokester vibe throughout as well. It is lovely to hear, she is whip smart funny, and I imagine she would be such good value and an extremely clever woman.
Confronting and scary, this book would be valuable to a large audience. I recommend the audio version, which I accessed through my local library's BorrowBox service, but I will also buy the hard copy to add to my beautiful pile of cherished favourites. I would love to see this book be loved by many more readers, it has value in many forms....more
Joyce Maynard is the type of lady I’d love to live next door to. I love her stories. I could grab some kitchen tips, life tips and talk books! I’d lovJoyce Maynard is the type of lady I’d love to live next door to. I love her stories. I could grab some kitchen tips, life tips and talk books! I’d love that. This is the second novel of hers that I have come across. The first one being Labor Day. From this you can just tell she’s a baker, always mentioning passionate food stories in both. I chose this one as I wrote to her here on GR, and she suggested this title. Just happened to have this on my shelf, thanks to my love of second hand book shopping.
This quietly and slowly stole its way onto my favourite list as I read along. It was a slow burn, I always wanted to read it but not full of tension like the usual thrillers I read. It was kind of sneaky, but I knew it was going to get better and better. I only noticed about 80 pages or so in that there were no quotation marks, this seemed less formal and a bit hippy-ish, which actually is just about how I imagine Joyce to be?!
As in Labor Day, at the end of the book she gives us a huge insight into the motivation behind writing the book, where she did this and how her own children’s relationships in part formed parts of the motivation. One of the reasons she writes a book like this she explains for a young girl with dreams of being a writer who lives life herself in an very uncertain part of the world. Tid-bits of real life stuff like this always adds an extra rich layer. This book is about loss and re-birth following 911. It was believable, appealing and special.
The author tackles this theme through the surprisingly wise eyes of a 13-year-old girl Wendy, and the way this was laid out to us was extraordinary. Not only is she dealing with indescribable grief, but she’s 13, and we see the gamut of emotions that go along with this. Not being able to say goodbye and tragic last moments of teenage angst being thrust upon her most beloved Mum. How does she cope without saying goodbye? Where is her place in the world now, having not lived with her birth father for more than a decade? What of her gracious step-father and gorgeous young brother she’d do anything for?
I’d love all my reading friends to read this sometime, this author just tells a story so honestly and in a really lovely way. Other funny throw away lines included Jennifer Lopez marrying again, Drew Barrymore divorcing (and has again since the book was printed, love my pop culture references!), and the owner of a small indi bookstore mentioning if Borders doesn't kill him maybe he's got a hope. Has anyone been to a bookstore called Davis in California? This book has ramped up my obsession with New York, I'll go there one day.
She had a saying: Treats make trouble. It was amazing how often that applied.
On her memories of her mum: Floodwaters now. More pictures coming at her than she had time to collect even, they rushed by so quickly. Catch it, catch it. Don’t let that one get away.
The word had an unfriendly, tight fisted sound to it, like a person who’s splitting the cost of a candy bar right down to the penny.
..or maybe not even spikes of green yet, just the barest blush of colour – something had begun to grow back in her.
And that of her lovely red clarinet: That could be true. But think of all the other colors.
I'm not being ultra articulate here, nor did I mean to make this so long. Along with lovable characters (I have to say every single one) the ensemble cast I loved as well. Carolyn, Alan, Tim, Violet. Read it and see for yourself!...more
Another book read in a day for me, and one of my favourites of this year too. Snuck in nicely!
This author writes of this theme often, a woman’s needs,Another book read in a day for me, and one of my favourites of this year too. Snuck in nicely!
This author writes of this theme often, a woman’s needs, her searching and wanting to be fulfilled. Nikki Gemmell's writing style is captivating and lyrical, and I was carried away with it.
A young journalist embarks on an Antarctic voyage, and we see how she falls in love and with the haunting beauty of the ice. She loves and hates this as her romance blossoms, as it ebs and flows.
I think this is a sensational book, the author’s debut. I’m impressed. I did not love the last page or two, but this is small change, it doesn’t sway my 5 star assessment.
“..of a snowflake, of a dead man, of doctor’s fingers on my inner thigh, of a tongue on my eye.”
I loved being swept away on this journey today, I highly recommend it. It's made me want to re-visit The Bride Stripped Bare, which was crazy interesting.
Update 13 August 2016. I met Nikki Gemmell today, at a speaking event discussing the issue of proposed changes to copyright, specifically dodgy Australian parallel importing issues, not good for Aussie authors. I missed a lot of the discussion due to my catch up with Aussie Readers here on GR, but this is worth following up. Watch this space. This lady is as quirky as expected, and I enjoyed a nice chat. She is a lady that knows what she's doing in this industry. We talked about my studies and the busy role of 'mum'. What a lady. I'd like to know where my copy of Shiver went, couldn't get it signed..
‘I worked on a locked ward at the time, and I didn’t relish the idea of not having the key.’
The author suffers from manic depressive illness (who ‘I worked on a locked ward at the time, and I didn’t relish the idea of not having the key.’
The author suffers from manic depressive illness (who chooses this coin of phrase as opposed to bipolar disorder, and I tend to agree with her). She is a brilliant mind, an academic and health care professional and absolute authority on this subject; she lives and breathes the disease but is able to treat her patients with complete and utter understanding and of course, empathy. This is Kay’s memoir, and it is just simply very interesting and fascinating reading. She has ridden the extreme mania highs and suffered the almost deadly depressions and tells her story with eloquence, humour and authority.
‘Tempestuous temperament’ seems the perfect way to describe this lady who ‘instead of buying two tickets for a concert would by eight or ten’. Kay speaks simply of her problem: ‘No pill can help me deal with the problem of not wanting to take pills; likewise, no amount of psychotherapy alone can prevent my manias and depressions. I need both. It is an odd thing, owing life to pills, one’s own quirks and tenacities, and this unique, strange, and ultimately profound relationship called psychotherapy.’ Interesting take on her own self-worth: ‘I doubted, completely, my ability to do anything well.’ She is even humorous: ‘But money spent when manic doesn’t fit into the Internal Revenue Service concept of medical expense or business loss. So after mania, when most depressed, you’re given excellent reason to be even more so.’
Kay Redfield Jamison has come quite the guru for me. Would love to meet her in real life. I work in an academic library therefore I have unlimited access to her work. Fancy a 1kg text book anyone?! Unfortunately, I will never get through all her work. This one does fascinate me though: Robert Lowell : setting the river on fire a study of genius, mania, and character. I may get to this soon.
‘I was late to understand that chaos and intensity are no substitute for lasting love, nor are they necessarily an improvement on real life. Normal people are not always boring. On the contrary. Volatility and passion, although often more romantic and enticing, are not intrinsically preferable to a steadiness of experience and feeling about another person (nor are they incompatible).’...more
This is my first ever book. The first I remember anyway. Loved loved loved it! I'll re read ASAP. I can remember reading, turning the pages, loving thThis is my first ever book. The first I remember anyway. Loved loved loved it! I'll re read ASAP. I can remember reading, turning the pages, loving the illustrations, being excited about the content, and wanting to BE DEBBIE! Such fantastic memories right now swimming around in my head.
Second time reading was different as a mum. Two things I forgot - French toast and chocolate mousse. The brother got saddled with the washing up too. What a great book to reminisce over, reason being my daughter grabbed it off the bookshelf to use as a surface to sketch her tech homework! I think this is what I'd call a delightful read!...more
I want to be friends with Lisa Gardner in the real world, I want to know what’s it’s like to be such a storyteller, it would loooove to know what makeI want to be friends with Lisa Gardner in the real world, I want to know what’s it’s like to be such a storyteller, it would loooove to know what makes her tick! This is another page turning machine, I’ve read that this is a few of my friend’s favourite Lisa Gardner book, and I can see why.
Here we meet the really lovely Annabelle (or is she?) who has spent her entire life on the run, taught by her expert father, to be always ready to leave, life's contents in a handful of bags. Always ready to run, and never ready to commit to anything, or anyone.
Again I think D.D takes back seat to now Detective Bobby Dodge, his story is developed more in this installment, and it’s great to see how he progresses from book number two to where we see him now. Bobby is a truly likable character, and the banter between him and D.D. always enjoyable, it's nice reading about these two, and how much they know about each other, and their love for their very high pressure jobs.
A splattering of tense romance, which I always enjoy, made this a wonderful read. My new measure of performance is my ha ha 6 star rating, Lisa Gardner has delivered again for this happy and most satisfied reader. Can’t wait for more!...more
This book, masterful and somehow perfectly crafted, was quite simply brilliant. Hanya Yanagihara must be equally so, and has put together over 700 pagThis book, masterful and somehow perfectly crafted, was quite simply brilliant. Hanya Yanagihara must be equally so, and has put together over 700 pages of serious and eerily haunting writing. She has captured something of a calibre that I have never experienced before. I was seduced, and could not put it down.
I felt the characters were known by me. Four young men meet as college students, and we are pulled in by the central character, Jude St Francis, ‘Judy’. Through his life, his horrific circumstance, we see the worst of human suffering, and at times, the best of human nature. Jude is a litigator, a brilliant man. His three close friends, equally creative as he is brilliant, do end up taking the back seat as we navigate a horrendous past of Jude’s, who will always keep this past a secret from those who he is loved by the most. New York is our back drop, as well as a cast of many ensemble characters, some that I loved – Andy, Mr Irvine, Harold.
Ultimately this is Jude’s story, a special gift in some ways, and one I will never forget. It is not melodramatic when I say I had a physical reaction to this story. I have been challenged. It is an exceptional book, too difficult to articulate properly by this reader. A wondrous book. Images of hyenas will haunt me. As I experienced a gut wrenching finality, I was heartbroken to understand that sometimes love really was not enough, but more devastatingly so for the most deserved individuals....more
But for some moments here, I doubted that for a quick minute. I was utterly invested in this story, to the point where eveThis is why I love to read.
But for some moments here, I doubted that for a quick minute. I was utterly invested in this story, to the point where everyday very important life tasks were shunted to the back of any type of priority. This is the second Jojo Moyes novel I have read, and I am so very glad there are so many others out there waiting for me.
I love anything quirky, and here I met my match. Quirky in every sense of the word was our Lou, or as Will liked to call her 'Clark'. This nick name was so fitting for her, that it made me love her character even more. Everywhere she went, she 'burst' she 'shone' with everything that she had, with every breath. I felt like she was my friend.
Everything was right with this book, character development, pacing, language, the telling from different characters points of view.
I was sucker punched when I realised during reading that this book had a sequel, and the name of said sequel... I was blindly unknown to this book until my friend Elyse told me about it. I had no idea! It was an almost physical reaction when I gathered what was going on.
Endings aren't all meant to be rosey, and this one is perfect for this story. I was sad to put it down every moment I had to, and I was completely absorbed into each reading session.
I am not going to say one thing about the plot, it's not necessary, but suffice to say this is one crazy amazing wonderful tremendous story....more
In my copy, the author wrote a note hoping I enjoyed my forage into historical fiction. That I did! Thank you so much Sharon for my copy, I only have In my copy, the author wrote a note hoping I enjoyed my forage into historical fiction. That I did! Thank you so much Sharon for my copy, I only have one regret and that's that I left it for so long. The reason for this simply is that I’d not read this genre much at all and was hesitant. I don’t know why!
I loved the sayings of the time, they were authentic and a real voice of the time. There were many I loved. ‘Dicked in the nob’ ‘devilish’. The writing flowed seamlessly and the author wrote amazingly. I was mightily impressed. I felt the writing was 'just so' in relation to time and place. It felt like I was there.
Imagine a flood of beer. Well this beer flood did just happen, in 1814. This book did show real research and I was rewarded at the end by the author’s note. I always feel that my reading experience is ten-fold when I read the author’s background and reasoning’s. We get to see more than the novel shows.
Isabel was the feistiest character, I can’t believe the run of bad luck she had through the entire story, but in saying that, I think she showed that women bore the brunt of everything. The inner thoughts were in italics and showed that feistiness that was Isobel. I loved reading about The Shepherd and was a little surprised in his position at the end of the novel.
This is the stuff that made me smile and smile a lot. ‘A devilish little blonde boy pushed down his pants to his knees, then with his hands on his hips and his groin pointed toward her, aimed his piss at her. “You disgusting sod.”’
I devoured this book over a short period, it was fast paced, authentic, a little racy in parts, and to be honest it has made its way to my favourites. Thanks Sharon for being unique in the way you write and for showing an Aussie flavour and keeping it real. Loved it! Strongly recommended reading....more
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