I really enjoyed this book and have a new respect for people who work the graveyard shift, especially in servos. I now view the lighting, sounds and mI really enjoyed this book and have a new respect for people who work the graveyard shift, especially in servos. I now view the lighting, sounds and merchandise in servos suspiciously. ...more
The main character of this book was the most horrid character, on so many fronts. So so bad, but funny at the same time. It is only a small book, but The main character of this book was the most horrid character, on so many fronts. So so bad, but funny at the same time. It is only a small book, but it took me too long to read. I think I was offended or confronted in every paragraph. I was compelled to read it to find a redeeming feature ... nah did not happen. My view of the music industry has changed, even if only a portion is true, it is still troubling....more
If I had a chance, maybe would have given 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed 99% of the book, especially the main content about palliative care, living with If I had a chance, maybe would have given 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed 99% of the book, especially the main content about palliative care, living with elderly people and the toll trauma can place on oneself and others. The ending however was a little flat ... was hoping for a bit more magic as it appeared through the book....more
Best book I have read this year … which seems a bit pathetic being that it is only 2 months in. Loved the main character, even with her flaws and chalBest book I have read this year … which seems a bit pathetic being that it is only 2 months in. Loved the main character, even with her flaws and challenges. I could not read this book fast, as I often had to take a breath to let the action settle and/or ponder on the paragraphs. Highly recommend....more
Enjoyed this book a lot. It is an incredibly honest and revealing story about issues faced by aging people, including stress due to retirement, physicEnjoyed this book a lot. It is an incredibly honest and revealing story about issues faced by aging people, including stress due to retirement, physical ailments and mental anguish.
Loved the travel aspect as well … envious and inspired....more
Loved this book. What a terrible character Kennedy is, but loved him at the same time. I was cheering for him at the end, even though I cringed at somLoved this book. What a terrible character Kennedy is, but loved him at the same time. I was cheering for him at the end, even though I cringed at some of the things he said or did. Laughed, cried and learnt a lot about writing and film making....more
A slightly dystopian view of the world. I think this story was based in 2028 (not too far in the future) and I gather it was written whilst Trump was A slightly dystopian view of the world. I think this story was based in 2028 (not too far in the future) and I gather it was written whilst Trump was still in power. Even though it had Trump all the way through it, it could easily have been made generic to fit any country, especially those managing immigration issues, crime and political issues.
I read so reviews and agree with comments about not sure why this book is considered as humour, unless it is to do with the absurdity (which is not too far from reality).
I was caught up with the book and faced with the personal dilemma of cheering and hating the main character at different times....more
This book was such a comfort read and I loved the characters, scenery and the harps. I read this over a couple of days. I suppose I could relate to thThis book was such a comfort read and I loved the characters, scenery and the harps. I read this over a couple of days. I suppose I could relate to this book as I live with a couple of 'Toms'....more
Even though the one of the two main characters is a child, it is definitely not a children's book. Has elements of murder, torture, bullying and referEven though the one of the two main characters is a child, it is definitely not a children's book. Has elements of murder, torture, bullying and references to rape. The story is compelling and it reflects a different culture, including that of parenting, expectations and criminal investigations. I am not sure how much was changed in the translation. It was exciting and uncomfortable, all the way to the end....more
I read this with my adult disabled son. We got this for his birthday. We have read it over and over again. I love the rhyme and rhythm of the story anI read this with my adult disabled son. We got this for his birthday. We have read it over and over again. I love the rhyme and rhythm of the story and the story itself. This book came with a cape and bear ears, which were meant for someone much smaller than my son, but that did not stop him from putting them on doing an impromptu reenactment of the story....more
Loved this story. Not just because it is half based in my home in the Northern Territory, but really like the style of book, which is quite unique. ErLoved this story. Not just because it is half based in my home in the Northern Territory, but really like the style of book, which is quite unique. Ernest is such a mixed-up narrator and participant. I did not guess who did it until the end, and even then there were a few more surprises in store. I love how it all comes together in the end, and you think to yourself, why did I not think of that....more
Amazing characters Sally and Peter. Love and hate them and scared of them. Some parts of this book had me laughing, other parts were deeply disturbingAmazing characters Sally and Peter. Love and hate them and scared of them. Some parts of this book had me laughing, other parts were deeply disturbing. I included this on the parenting and romance bookshelves ... in that this book is about how not to go about parenting or romance. It was a compelling read....more
A funny quirky story which also had elements of sadness and unfairness. Loved the adventure in Antarctica and learning about Adelie penguins, but mostA funny quirky story which also had elements of sadness and unfairness. Loved the adventure in Antarctica and learning about Adelie penguins, but mostly enjoyed the spirit and characters of Veronica and Patrick. It definitely was not plain sailing....more
A gritty mystery which kept changing directions. Enjoyed the main character, whose started out a a journalist observing the crime to becoming part of A gritty mystery which kept changing directions. Enjoyed the main character, whose started out a a journalist observing the crime to becoming part of the story....more
Really enjoyed this book, which is likely to offend everyone at some point. Funny, thought provoking and makes you rethink, especially when watching rReally enjoyed this book, which is likely to offend everyone at some point. Funny, thought provoking and makes you rethink, especially when watching reality tv. Great characters....more
If I had a choice, probably would have given 4.5 stars, due to some parts being too grinding to read. However, I really liked and the discussions abouIf I had a choice, probably would have given 4.5 stars, due to some parts being too grinding to read. However, I really liked and the discussions about the role, interpretation and changing of language to influence the directions of societies and to be used as tool for political gains. The use of footnotes throughout the book were not as distracting as I thought and I actually read them.
The description of the book on the back of the cover did not actually match the book, which I discovered about two-thirds the way through the book. I was expecting the story to go in a certain direction, but alas it wen off in its own merry way :) . Just wondering if who ever comprised this description actually read the book....more
This was a fun, quick read. It has me thinking even more about technology and privacy. I enjoyed the characters and there were a few surprises along tThis was a fun, quick read. It has me thinking even more about technology and privacy. I enjoyed the characters and there were a few surprises along the way. ...more
Loved this book and the characters. Very frustrating and uncomfortable times to have lived in. Could smell, feel, taste the environment. Love the two Loved this book and the characters. Very frustrating and uncomfortable times to have lived in. Could smell, feel, taste the environment. Love the two main characters. Almost felt guilty when eating fast food whilst reading it. The ‘receipt’ for cooking pigs head at the end of the book was a bit daunting....more