Book Club: Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
December 8, 2013
Wonderstruck, a review in less than 25 words.
What can I say!
I loved this book, and so did my kids. It would make a great gift for bookish kids between 6 (would need to be read to) and 15 (especially the artistically inclined)
600 pages.
About 200 pages of text narrating one story and around 400 black and white illustrations telling another.
It was magic, inspiring and insightful.
I will read everything Brian Selznick writes…. and give them to others as I have opportunity.
Next month…. Nancy Wake by Peter Fitzsimmons
Book Club: Catch 22 by Joseph Heller.
August 31, 2013
Catch 22, a review in less than 25 words.
This was a text I was meant to read at school.
I wasn’t interested then.
This time I listened,
It reminded me of the tv series M.A.S.H .
I hated M.A.S.H.
Still do.
There I have said it.
Not reading at school was a great decision.
Wish I had stuck to it!
Next month…. Wonderstruck written and illustrated by Brian Selznick.
Book Week Costumes.
August 29, 2013
Yes I know I am very, very slack but this year it came down to onesies for the book parade. Judging by just how many I saw on parade day, I am not the only parent enjoying the simplicity.
10 year old , of course is Eeyore from the Winnie-the-Pooh series of books, and 7 year old is the ‘good’ pig from “The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig” by Eugene Trivizas.
While at the parade a conversation was had about the difficulty getting a good photo during….and sometimes before ….. the book parade. I took some pretty bad ones. Did you?
If you took some equally awful pictures at the book parade, and you are happy to share them, please email them to me. … or comment below. I will share them if I get enough. I might even offer a prize!
Costumes…. book week around the corner.
August 11, 2013
Hey ! Hey! Don’t yell at me. I didn’t come up with the book week parade, but I might be able to help yours be more joyful.
I have looked around and found a few interesting ideas.
Think:
- Susan and Lucy…. Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
- Ancient Greek and Roman characters …… from the horrible history books….or any history or historical fiction book.
- A witch….. The Witches by Dahl.
Think:
- cats and dogs
- mice….. 7 year old is thinking of going as Reepicheep from The Voyage of the Dawntreader by C. S. Lewis…. so I might adapt this one.
Think:
- Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl
- Little Red Riding Hood’s Fox
I have collated a bunch of ideas on my costumes pinterest board here if you need other inspiration.
Book Club: Gone girl by Gillian Flynn.
July 26, 2013
Back to the book reviews.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn was a picture of how depraved the human condition can be. I didn’t enjoy it, but had to finish it. It had that same ‘couldn’t stop reading but didn’t want to know what came next’ feeling. Intriguing but twisted.
Have you read it? What did you think?
Next time Catch22 by Joseph Heller.
Book Club: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton.
June 26, 2013
Book Club: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
May 31, 2013
50 word review.
It was easier for me to read aloud than in my head… although I always skipped past the songs.
The audio version was hard to concentrate on but the songs were fabulous.
I’m not sure I will ever read it again, but I am glad I had a go.
Have any of you read it? Is it your favourite book ever? Let me know what you think.
Next book review, Kate Morton’s The Secret Keeper.
Phoenix Files Finale.
May 15, 2013
The Phoenix Files: Doomsday Book Launch!
By Chris Morphew on May 8, 2013
‘The last book in the Phoenix Files series is FINALLY hitting the shelves, and here’s your chance to get your hands on a copy a week before anyone else in the world! I am incredibly excited to finally let you guys read this book, and I’d love to see you at the launch if you can make it!
Where: Shearer’s Bookshop, MarketPlace Leichhardt, 122-138 Flood Street, Leichhardt NSW
When: Wednesday May 22nd @ 6.00pm
RSVP: (02) 9572 7766′
* taken directly from Chris Morphew’s blog.
I have spoken about Chris’ books before on the blog. I can’t believe the last one in the series is finished and about to hit the shelves. If you haven’t read them, you should…and not just because he is my friend……
In keeping with my promise to write 25-50 word reviews……here is the next book.
A visit from the goon squad by Jennifer Egan
The book was interesting in it’s use of different written methods to tell the story…. including graphs and powerpoint.
I read it on the ipad to get the full force of the changing mediums.
The story itself is somewhat distressing and depressing.
A good read but not a must read.
The next book on the list….. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Let me know your thoughts on The Goon squad if you have read it. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Book Club: This Charming Man by Marian Keys.
April 19, 2013
This Charming Man by Marian Keyes.
Written like the adventures of an Irish lass, this romping tale has many surprising twists and turns.
Some of the content left me shaking my head….other aspects were so well written I could see myself and others in the fleshed out characters.
An entertaining read.
Next book…. A visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan.