Review: ‘Begin, End, Begin’ – Various 2017
My rating: 4 of 5 stars. Wonderfully diverse, Begin End Begin showcases so many different ways to tell an Australian story. If you are a #LoveOzYA fan you’...
Review: ‘Goodbye Tsugumi’ – Banana Yoshimoto 1989
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Haunting and melancholy, Goodbye Tsugumi is a coming-of-age tale set against the vivid backdrop of the Japanese seaside. “It’s a marvell...
Review: ‘The Hate U Give’ – Angie Thomas 2017
My rating: 5 of 5 stars Stop reading this review. Instead read this book. The Hate U Give is without doubt the most important YA novel this year, and should be ...
Review: ‘A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares’ – Krystal Sutherland 2017
My rating: 4 of 5 stars A touching, hilarious and relatable book for older teens, about depression, anxiety, facing your fears, and learning to accept help when...
Review: ‘The Build-Up Season’ – Megan Jacobson 2017
My rating: 4 of 5 stars A confronting but compelling exploration of domestic violence and the legacies of abuse set against the gathering storm clouds of Darwin...
Review: ‘Queens of Geek’ – Jen Wilde 2017
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Queens of Geek is filled with supportive advice for teens struggling with identity, mental health, relationships, sexuality, and body im...
Review: ‘Everything I Never Told You’ – Celeste Ng 2014
3.5 stars. A layered novel about all the secret lives families lead when they can’t or won’t communicate. The story focuses on a Chinese-American fa...
Review: ‘A Man Called Ove’ – Fredrik Backman 2012
My rating: 5 of 5 stars Deeply touching novel about love, grief, and a neighbourhood that warmed the heart of a grumpy old man. I can’t think back on this story...
‘Everything Is Illuminated’ December Book Club Discussion
December was a busy month for everyone, with holiday celebrations and wrapping things up for the new year I wasn’t the only one falling behind with this m...
Review: ‘Dark Places’ – Gillian Flynn 2009
3.5 stars. A twisted thriller that highlights the complicated nature of family, loyalty, greed, and regret. The novel is filled with irredeemably flawed charact...