Reviewed by Antonella Townsend Hairy humans, best known as dogs, are such pleasant people. In her new book, Dogs with Jobs, Laura introduces the reader to some outstandingly clever dogs so typical of their species. Without indulging in a finger-wagging lecture, Laura gently suggests that dogs are a gift that humans may not deserve. It
Reviewed by Ian Lipke A.B. Facey’s book A Fortunate Life is a classic piece of Australian literature. It was first published by Fremantle Press in 1981 and promoted under the Penguin name for thirty years. It has now returned to its native roots, Western Australia, to be cared for by Fremantle Press once more. A.B.
Reviewed by Ian Lipke Elizabeth Dauncey and Sonny Larsson have provided the world with a book that is detailed and comprehensive in the information it supplies while, at the same time, is a model of simplicity in its outlay and in allowing the reader to find quickly the particular piece of information being sought. It
Reviewed by Rod McLary There is a fine tradition of crime novels written by English and Scottish authors – consider the novels of Ruth Rendell, PD James, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Colin Dexter just to name a few. Each of these authors created a police officer as his/her protagonist – respectively Chief Inspector Wexford,
Reviewed by Ian Lipke Charlie Donlea is beginning to get a name for first class crime fiction. His book The Girl Who Was Taken was a tightly written and enjoyable work; however, it is overshadowed by his latest book Don’t Believe It. This will be a short review. When there is a book as good
Reviewed by Ian Lipke If there is one name from the mediaeval world that most people recognize it is that of Charlemagne. Ask those same people what they know about the man and rarely do you get a comprehensive answer. The printing of Alessandro Barbero’s classic edition in paperback is sure to gather a flock
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Jill Mansell’s book, this could change everything is an easy to read, feel-good romance and shows how a simple, spur of the moment action can have such lasting and often devastating effects. When Essie and her friend, Scarlett, were discussing how Essie could respond to a round robin letter written by
Reviewed by Norrie Sanders The subject of The Fatalist is currently incarcerated in the Goulburn Correctional Centre. His heinous crimes make for harrowing reading, yet the story of his life provides a thought provoking counterpoint. This book joins a band of biographies of Australian murderers currently doing time – including Ivan Milat, Arthur “Neddy Smith”
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke How can siblings brought up in the same household and supposedly with the same experiences end up with such different personalities? I’m sure this is a question pondered in many families. This is certainly the premise in Sarah Haywood’s first novel, the Cactus. The story begins in August and continues through
Reviewed by Angela Marie Two Susie K books. Wanted: Two eager young readers with artistic flair and a strong sense of humour. Introducing Harper, just 8, and Olive, 5 and three quarters. Their mission. Read a Susie K book each and we’ll meet for a chat. Mission accepted! With relish!! Life of the Party! File No. # 1
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke ‘I’d changed. Something subtle inside me had shifted while I was giving the Paris pavements a good pounding. For the first time in a long while, it was just me in charge of my own destiny’ (375). Ruby Brown is in her forties and abandoned by her husband, in Carole Matthews
Reviewed by Dr Kathleen Huxley This small and highly readable book, edited by Joy Noble and David Bennett, is composed of a collection of personal anecdotes and stories of living a full life after 60. The editors themselves are 60 so have an intimate insight into the issues and are aiming ‘to live life to
Reviewed by E.B. Heath There is a singular optimism that shimmers from the page when reading a good ‘self-help’ or ‘finding your self’ genre. Mike Lewis’s When to Jump is one of those books. This book’s strength is in its honesty. Being your authentic self does not always lead to riches, a life of abundance,
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Twenty-five year old Hazel is reading the classics, starting with ‘A’. It’s one way to pass the time when you’ve quit your job and lost your way. The Art of Persuasion is the first novel, but not the first published work, by Western Australian author, Susan Midalia. At first reading, it