https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... Double Negative is a story many teenagers will relate to. Narrated by 17 year old Reece who is an elite swimmihttps://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... Double Negative is a story many teenagers will relate to. Narrated by 17 year old Reece who is an elite swimming star attending the Elite Sports school. However after a shoulder injury she is transferred to the local high school, that her brother attends, until she recovers.
Reece's brother Jamie is in grade 12 and is running for school President and asks Reece to support him as Vice President
Not being American I don't really understand the US school system. High schools in Australia do not have Presidents. However I do understand campaigning and elections and Susan Marshall clearly explained the system, including campaign promises, obligations, constitutions, guidelines and rules, in a way that would appeal to a teenage audience.
There is lots of angst and drama throughout the novel as Reece loses her place in the elite training squad, loses her boyfriend, crushes on her brother's nemesis and needs to adjust to a new school. Another strong theme is the pressure of elite sport and the mental health of athletes. The addition of an amputee basketball player brings in the extra theme of how athletes cope with and work through a permanent disability.
Double Negative has an interesting plot and realistic characters. There was a little too much angst and too many meltdowns for me. I had the patience of an adult whilst reading. Teens will love it and relate wholeheartedly!
Recommended: 16+ *I received my copy through Netgalley
Merged review:
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... Double Negative is a story many teenagers will relate to. Narrated by 17 year old Reece who is an elite swimming star attending the Elite Sports school. However after a shoulder injury she is transferred to the local high school, that her brother attends, until she recovers.
Reece's brother Jamie is in grade 12 and is running for school President and asks Reece to support him as Vice President
Not being American I don't really understand the US school system. High schools in Australia do not have Presidents. However I do understand campaigning and elections and Susan Marshall clearly explained the system, including campaign promises, obligations, constitutions, guidelines and rules, in a way that would appeal to a teenage audience.
There is lots of angst and drama throughout the novel as Reece loses her place in the elite training squad, loses her boyfriend, crushes on her brother's nemesis and needs to adjust to a new school. Another strong theme is the pressure of elite sport and the mental health of athletes. The addition of an amputee basketball player brings in the extra theme of how athletes cope with and work through a permanent disability.
Double Negative has an interesting plot and realistic characters. There was a little too much angst and too many meltdowns for me. I had the patience of an adult whilst reading. Teens will love it and relate wholeheartedly!
Recommended: 16+ *I received my copy through Netgalley...more
https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... A Girl Called Corpse is a magical tale of a young ghost who must draw on every ounce of courage to defeat the https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... A Girl Called Corpse is a magical tale of a young ghost who must draw on every ounce of courage to defeat the evil witches and escape the rock-that-doesn’t-exist to find out who she was and where she belonged.
Corpse is the most endearing character and I couldn’t help but cheer her on. She lives in the attic of the witches hut and with the bits of magic she has picked up from the witches she has made herself a body from wax, seaweed and shells from the beach. Her best friend is a huntsman spider and together they will face insurmountable danger, cruel witches, a sea monster and a scheming merchant. She is not always brave but she knows she has to be strong to succeed.
Reece Carter has created a fantastically imagined world with a delightful and spirited (pun intended) main character. Perfectly crafted for the Middle Grade audience A Girl Called Corpse is jam-packed with danger, adventure, breath holding suspense, magical battles and a touch of ghostly humour. I was totally engaged throughout the entire book!
I enjoyed Corpse’s growth throughout the novel. She learnt a lot about friendship and the magic of love. I eagerly await her next adventure! *This review is from the Beauty & Lace Book Club ...more
Owl likes to watch the stars rise in the sky every night but when his favourite little star doesn't shine one night he knows he must use all his strength to help little star finds its place in the night sky.
Taken from the notion in Indigenous storytelling that everything in the universe is alive and in relationship, Helen Milroy has written a calm and tranquil tale with subtle messages about caring for the universe.
Owl and Star is filled with vibrant and enchanting full spread illustrations with bright and lively artwork featuring traditional colours pulled from the land and water.
Owl and Star is a wonderful bedtime read giving both children and adults a chance to slow down and reflect on the simple pleasures in life. Make time to stop and see the stars! *I received a copy from the publisher
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... Every year I look forward to Karen Swan's Christmas story. I can always be assured of a riveting tale and a hahttps://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... Every year I look forward to Karen Swan's Christmas story. I can always be assured of a riveting tale and a happy ending set in an exotic location with plenty of snow.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas Natasha's young daughter loses her treasured toy cow, Moola, accidentally leaving her behind in a B & B in Vienna. Duffy is staying one night in Vienna, hoping to catch up with a friend before his next flight to Nepal, when he happens across a toy cow exactly like the one his sister had. He takes this as a sign and now Moodle will be his good luck mascot as he treks the Himalayas.
A social media post to help find Moola goes viral eventually reaching Duffy although he is already too far to return the toy he promises to send photos whenever he has internet. I loved the idea of a social media post to find Moola going viral and flying around the world. So many wonderful people wanting to help.
There is so much to this story! It has mystery, suspense, armchair travel, edge of your seat suspense and romance all rolled into one.
Nat is very unsettled in her marriage, she has everything she could want and she can't seem to pinpoint why she is unhappy. Swan deftly depicts Nat's unsettledness without making her unlikable or appear selfish.
The two plot lines are so different in content and theme. Nat's is all about a husband who is rarely home and trying to handle a distraught toddler alone and her feelings of disconnect now she is no longer in the workforce. Duffy's story is more melancholy, showcasing the atmospheric Himalayas and the dangers faced by mountain climbers in extreme conditions. The two plots are pulled together by the emails and photos between Natasha and Duffy.
The Christmas Postcards is an immersive story about love, loss, second chances and the fate that sometimes controls our life. *I received my copy from the publisher...more
In book 3 Cargo teaches children about being prepared before any outing. Cargo always checks his oil, water, fuel and tyres before he goes out. What do you check before you go to school?
The stories are narrated by Cargo which gives him a personality of his own. The book offers a great opportunity to discuss being organised and prepared before you go out and ways you can be more prepared.
What do you need for school, the beach, going fishing or camping? Filled with full spread illustrations to complement each setting. There is much to discuss in these gorgeous illustrations.
Cargo also talks about what happened to him one day when he wasn't prepared.
I can see these stories as an on screen cartoon series the likes of Roary the Racing car, Finley the Fire Engine or Tayo the Little Bus. Cargo had the same fun life-like feel as these types of shows.
If your child loves everything cars and trucks they are going to love Cargo the Army Truck....more
More children's book review: https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... Cargo is an old army truck with a new life delivering supplies around outback AusMore children's book review: https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... Cargo is an old army truck with a new life delivering supplies around outback Australia. In The Long and Muddy Road Cargo is preparing to deliver supplies to remote, outback Australian areas other trucks and cars find hard to access.
Cargo has all the equipment he needs to drive on muddy roads. Before Cargo came along all the supplies had to be delivered by plane when the roads were inaccessible. Along the way Cargo meets a sheep farmer in need of help and a lost and hungry dog. Cargo is always happy to help whenever he can. After a long and muddy trip Cargo makes it to town with a delivery of food, mail and essential supplies.
The Long and Muddy Road is beautifully illustrated with double page colour spreads. The story-line is engaging and is sure to appeal to all little car and truck enthusiasts....more
https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... Always, Clementine is the sweetest book! An epistolary novel narrated through letters from Clementine to her fhttps://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... Always, Clementine is the sweetest book! An epistolary novel narrated through letters from Clementine to her friend Rosie a chimpanzee.
Clementine has been freed from a research lab by a concerned worker and finds herself in the home of Gus and his grandfather, Pop. They soon learn that Clementine is no ordinary mouse, she is exceptionally smart. The lab scientists are determined to get Clementine back to continue their experiments but Gus and Pop have a plan to save Clementine and her friends.
The voice of Clementine is so funny, sweet and cute you can't help but fall in love with her. Carlie Sorosiak has written a gentle book about the important topic of animal testing laboratories. I loved that Clementine still had all the little idiosyncrasies of a mouse even though she had super intelligence and could understand humans.
Always, Clementine is a gorgeous tale of friendship, kindness and always trying the best that you can. It is an immersive story that is filled with enough suspense and danger to keep any child engaged.
This story will be an extra delight to chess players as Clementine is involved in a mega chess challenge.
My recommended age 8+ A book that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. *I received my copy from the publisher....more
4.31 (average over 16 stories) I loved the cover of this anthology; Sixteen jewels from the literary world.
These sixteen quintessentially Australian s4.31 (average over 16 stories) I loved the cover of this anthology; Sixteen jewels from the literary world.
These sixteen quintessentially Australian short stories with coastal, rural, desert and small-town settings are like a snapshot in time; leaving the before and after up to the readers imagination.
I really enjoy anthologies and find most have a connecting theme that help the stories to flow into each other. Although I don't think these short stories had a suggested theme they all felt connected in their Austalianness. There is something about each story that screams Australia, whether it be the seclusion of location, the atmosphere, the language, or the characters themselves, it seemed to permeate each story without being openly stated.
There are stories of young people feeling trapped, neglected children, test-tube meat, love, loss and disconnectedness. My favourite story was about a teenaged boy wanting to escape a small country town filled with racism, bigotry, dysfunctional families and drugs but family obligations keep holding him back.
"Everyone thinks everyone else is the problem; everyone gives their opinion; and everyone thinks someone else should fix it."
With stories from a wide variety of genres I am certain there will be something in this collection that will resonate with all readers. Beautifully presented in hardcover format The Furphy Anthology 2021 would make an excellent gift idea. *I received a review copy of the book...more
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... When Celia Steinhauser is found murdered in her own home it sends friend and neighbour Dana Catrell into a frehttps://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... When Celia Steinhauser is found murdered in her own home it sends friend and neighbour Dana Catrell into a frenzied spiral of paranoia and hallucination. She was the last person to see Celia alive but all she can remember is the few too many drinks they had and then passing out at home...... and the blurry photo Celia showed her of her husband with another woman.
Jack Moss is called out on a murder case, he's due home for his and his wife's anniversary dinner but the murdered woman's name sounds familiar. He is sure it's one of his son's teachers. He can't not take the case.
The story is told through the dual narrative of Dana Catrell and Jack Moss and is a fast paced frenetic read. Dana's thoughts are all over the place. She has flashes here and there, some from the present and some from her past. Everything clashes and swirls around. Her turmoil is so well portrayed!
I don't know anything about mental illness but I felt that Susan Crawford got all the aspects right with Dana's flashes, paranoia, hallucinations, ups and downs. It was crazy just trying to keep up with her! Jack Moss was an interesting character, his second wife had just left him. He came across as a bit vague and muddled but he could read people well and had an instinct for liars. His thoughts kept wandering off to his wife and his first marriage.
I couldn't get enough of this story as the number of prospective perpetrators rose and Dana's mind reeled out of control. I had no idea if she or even one of the other suspects murdered Celia. Everyone had something to hide and all were lying or lying by omission. The mystery component of the story was compelling. I wouldn't say it was a thriller but it was definitely a page-turning mystery....more
https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... Runt is a heartwarming story filled with humour and love. Craig Silvey gives his readers messages of being youhttps://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... Runt is a heartwarming story filled with humour and love. Craig Silvey gives his readers messages of being yourself, living with kindness, staying optimistic, accepting people (and dogs) how they are and not having to fix everything around you.
Runt is an outstanding story, perfect for fans of Babe and Matilda. With its simple prose and uncomplicated plot it is suitable for the younger middle grade reader aged 6 - 10. Full review at link above. *I received my copy from the publisher...more
https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... The Raven’s Song is the product of a collaboration between Zana Fraillon and Bren MacDibble, two mutli-award whttps://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... The Raven’s Song is the product of a collaboration between Zana Fraillon and Bren MacDibble, two mutli-award winning authors coming together to write a story of friendship and courage.
Twelve-year-old Shelby and her best friend Davy live in a Government controlled closed community made up of three hundred and fifty people living on seven hundred hectares. This is the scientifically calculated number of people who can live sustainably on the land. They live a simple life with solar power and near zero pollution. They are brought up with kindness to each other and kindness to the land. Shelby’s life is busy with chores on their egg farm and attending school. They must live in these sustainable communities until the natural world, which borders on the fenced perimeter, heals When Shelby’s unfettered sense of adventure leads them through the perimeter fence and into the wild and natural world what she and Davy find is beyond their wildest imagination.
Zana and Bren have together created an outstanding Government controlled world in which Shelby and Davy live happily with only a scattering of information of the past. It, at first, seems like an ideal world.
Shelby’s story is told in alternating narration with Phoenix a 12 year old boy living with his siblings, grandmother and aunt. Phoenix has visions, dreams that he isn’t sure are real or not. A sixth sense his grandmother calls it. He is inexplicably drawn to the bog and an old local folk song about a girl who is trapped in the bog forever. Phoenix’s story has a science fiction element to it and is just a little bit creepy.
I loved the short chapters, each ending on a cliff hanger that had me eager to read on. Both Shelby and Phoenix’s stories were totally absorbing and I was intrigued to see how the two stories would connect, never imagining what would actually come next!
Zana and Bren have combined multi-layered moral messages with a science fiction narrative that will have the reader transfixed.
I haven’t read much science fiction but I must say The Raven’s Song had me spellbound and quite often holding my breath whilst reading.
The Raven’s Song is a powerful and haunting read. This review is from the Beauty & Lace Book Club...more
Beth is in her 50's and back at her childhood home after an unexpected marriage breakdown. She has left her job and needs time to mourn not only her marriage but also decades of old hurt and the loss of her mother after a severe stroke.
I loved that Meredith has given her readers an older character having to start over in life. Beth is living with her elderly father however he is not frail and is quite able to care for himself and Meredith Appleyard touches on the stigma of mature children living at home with their parents unless they are a carer.
Becoming Beth is set during the pandemic with mentions of lockdowns, social distancing and disinfectant spray. These were all a part of our lives for so long and I liked that it was included in the novel rather than setting it during a previous year. I think I am now ready to read books with covid restrictions affecting families with parents dying, no visitors, no funeral. I couldn't have done that a year ago.
In Becoming Beth Meredith Appleyard highlights problems faced by small country towns with fundraising to maintain community halls. I loved how the townsfolk all worked together and helped each other. The whole book had a lovely community feel with people of all ages working together for the good of the community.
Meredith Appleyard portrays the heat of an Australian summer with ease. I breezed through this book, it was such an immersive story with just the right amount of drama and a couple of mysteries running through it. The only thing I would have liked a bit more of was the romance element. * This review is from the Beauty & Lace book club...more
https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... Hockey Wars is an enjoyable Middle-Grade read focusing on friendship and sportsmanship that is sure to leave thttps://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog... Hockey Wars is an enjoyable Middle-Grade read focusing on friendship and sportsmanship that is sure to leave the reader smiling.
Millie and Cameron have been life-long friends, attending the same school and playing on the same hockey team, but when Millie decides to start an all-girls team a rift begins to form in the friendship starting a rivalry between the boys and the girls.
I liked this fun story about a feud between the girls team, the Hurricanes, and the boys team, the Lightning, over who gets to use the practice pond after school. In this first book we are introduced to the main characters, eight boys and eight girls in 4th Grade at Dakota Elementary School. It was good getting to know each characters' quirks and how they felt about the feud.
The story was fast paced and I was eager to find out how, or if, Cameron and Millie would become friends again.
Ice hockey is not a huge sport in Australia with many of our rinks closing over the years however the themes of co-ed sports and girls versus boys are relatable to any sport. Being in the stands at ice hockey games for many years I understood and had a laugh at the hockey puns on the girls t-shirts.
Hockey Wars has relatable themes of competitiveness, friendship, first crushes, teamwork and having the courage to say you're sorry.
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... Upriver is book 3 in the Linus Schag, NCIS thriller series. I think Linus was a little out of his depth in Uprihttps://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... Upriver is book 3 in the Linus Schag, NCIS thriller series. I think Linus was a little out of his depth in Upriver. He tended to take a back seat and wasn't in charge of the situation as he usually is. In fact he left his rifle unattended on the deck, not once but twice! Scag is sent to bring in two Navy SEALs suspected of murder but when the apprehension goes wrong and the prisoners escape Schag embarks on a long and dangerous pursuit along the Tigris River and straight into ISIS territory.
Upriver is as action packed as all Martin Roy Hill's novels whilst also rich in Hill's trademark humour. Told through the dual narrative of Sikes & Rankin (the escapees) and Linus Schag's team, we get to see the action and circumstances from both perspectives.
Hill includes a brief history of the Tigris River, the pressure on defence personnel due to relentless hours worked on tours of duty, mental breakdown and the dilemma of friendly fire.
"His anger grew from the myriad of lies and deceits he discovered this war bred. Corrupt contractors, war-weary service members, innocent victims."
The trip up the river following the escapees and surrounded by enemy fire in ISIS controlled areas was tension filled and action packed. And it wouldn't be a Schag thriller if there wasn't an explosion or two!
Hill once again showcases his extensive knowledge with all things afloat and his detailed descriptions were informative whilst still being suitable for a layperson.
If you are after a thriller that is timely, believable and rich in action Upriver is the book for you!! *I received my copy from the author...more
4.3 stars Dark Deeds Down Under is an anthology of fictional titles of mystery, murder and mayhem. Twenty-one short stories from some of the top names 4.3 stars Dark Deeds Down Under is an anthology of fictional titles of mystery, murder and mayhem. Twenty-one short stories from some of the top names in Australian and New Zealand crime fiction.
"a stunning smorgasbord of stories, styles and settings" - Craig Sisterson editor
Many of the authors I had read before and I enjoyed their familiar writing style and the use of characters from well known series. I love that anthologies have something for everyone and Dark Deeds Down Under is no exception, there is mystery, suspense, edge of your seat drama, humour and unexpected twists. Twenty-one short stories that can be enjoyed at your leisure - perfect holiday reading.
I was amazed how, even in these short stories, some authors managed remarkable characterisation. I had a few favourites and among them were Fiona Sussman's Hiding Something; where a grieving dad picks up a hitchhiker, a chance meeting that will change both their lives and Mr Pig by Stephen Ross; narrated by a friendless thirteen-year-old girl left with her curmudgeon father after her mother goes missing. The twists in these two stories really appealed to my sense of humour.
Dark Deeds Down Under is a superb showcase of Australian & New Zealand crime fiction with something for every taste. *I received a copy from the publisher...more
Paul Dekmetzian has delivered a truly delightful and engaging series for young truck enthusiasts. In book one we are introduced to Cargo and how he worked as an army truck until he was retired.
He was then bought by Billy and they delivered supplies to people in remote areas in outback Australia. Cargo and Billy could always be counted on to get the supplies to the people who needed them.
When Billy retires Cargo meets is next owner, Paul.
We all loved this book and can't wait to start book 2 to see what adventures Cargo and Paul will have. The stories are narrated by Cargo which makes him appear larger than life with a real personality of his own, strong and proud of the job he does to help people in remote localities.
I could see this story as an on screen cartoon series the likes of Roary the Racing car, Finley the Fire Engine or Tayo the Little Bus. Cargo had the same fun life-like feel as these types of shows. Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline based on a true story. Cargo Gets a New Job! is sure to appeal to all little car and truck enthusiasts. ...more
Narrated through the first person dual narrative of Mia, a psychologist, and Easton, owner of LYNX a tactical response company that trains soldiers in combat tracking and search & rescue.
Easton and his team are called in when a teenage girl goes missing on the infamous Black Cat Trail, a trail where women have previously been attacked by a person labelled as the Black Cat Stalker. He crosses paths with Mia Frost when she is called in to help police with criminal profiling.
There is a lot to unpack in this story. I was intrigued with the process of criminal profiling and also the search and rescue headed by Easton was interesting and seemed to be well researched. What I couldn't come to grips with was the graphic sexual assault scenes and Easton's creepy stalking of Mia. (That's not love, that's just disturbing).
McKinney's themes of mental illness, PTSD and disassociate amnesia were interesting and well delivered. I loved that I couldn't figure out who the Black Cat Stalker was. I changed my suspect three times during the book but never guessing right.
I didn't get into the story until abut the 60% mark but I feel it was wrapped up well with a satisfying ending. *I received a copy from Netgalley...more
School teacher Renee Kirkland had always had a rocky relationship with her mother but the secret she discovered when she returned home for the summer School teacher Renee Kirkland had always had a rocky relationship with her mother but the secret she discovered when she returned home for the summer break had her whole world reeling.
The Shoebox Secret is a light read, told in dual narrative of Renee and her mother Lynn. The story had an interesting plot that I was fully immersed in as Renee looks towards a new future after having her heart broken and Lynn must reconcile with her past to save her relationship with her daughter.
I’m not a big fan of internal monologue or lots of dialogue and there was plenty of both in this story. However, the mystery did keep me intrigued. I think the author may have been trying for sassy with Renee’s character but she just came across as unlikeable.
This was a good start to the Morning Cove series which left me eager for more. *I received my copy through Booksprout...more
Five Bush Weddings was an enjoyable, easy read with a friends to lovers trope with a dual narration by Stevie and Johnno. Stevie is a wedding photograpFive Bush Weddings was an enjoyable, easy read with a friends to lovers trope with a dual narration by Stevie and Johnno. Stevie is a wedding photographer she is great at her job and always surrounded by romance. However true-love seems to have passed her by. I found it hard to really like Stevie, she was a bit of a mess and quite judgemental towards her best friend and room mate, Jen.
Johhno has returned from overseas to take over the family farm but his heart isn’t really into farming. Johnno is the quintessential larrikin always ready for a laugh and a good time.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the bush weddings but found the humour fell a bit flat for me. I liked all the reality TV show mentions and the inclusion of Instagram posts which made the story one for our times.
Fletcher also touches on online dating, dating after a divorce and the changing face of farming. Filled with colourful characters and plenty of drama Five Bush Weddings is sure to be a hit with many readers.
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... The Proxy Bride is a dual timeline narrative with the present day set in 1984 and the historical side startinghttps://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... The Proxy Bride is a dual timeline narrative with the present day set in 1984 and the historical side starting from 1939 and continuing through the second world war.
Many men who immigrated from Italy to Australia and started farming in country towns had no chance of meeting a prospective wife so arrangements were made with their family back home to send a bride. It wasn't proper for unmarried women to travel alone so the women were married by proxy and then sent by ship to a man and a land they had never seen. This is how Gia and Taddeo became husband and wife.
Sixteen-year-old Sofie spends the school holidays at her grandmother nonna's house in rural southern Queensland. Sofie was sullen and reticent, taken from all her friends in Brisbane, and she wasn't going to go easy on Gia, her nonna. Sofie's characterization was perfect and I could easily imagine a 16 year old sulking over having to spend the holidays with her grandmother. As the two spend time together cooking (all the recipes are in the back of the book) they start to talk and Sofie learns Gia's story. Her life, her loves and her tragedies.
This story was quite emotional as Gia describes her arrival in Australia, how the Italian community were spurned by locals, the atrocities that happened during WWII, the men interned and women left to fend for themselves. There is also a mystery surrounding Sofie's father, a secret that has followed Sofie all her life and a topic her mother refuses to talk about.
The Proxy Bride is brimming with family and love and the food that ties it all together. Boccabella highlights the volatility of the fruit growing industry, raging prejudices during the 1940's, forbidden love and the strength and perseverance of the women who came to call Australia home. There is much to love in Zoë Boccabella's latest novel. *I received my copy from the publisher...more
Veronica ⭐️
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