fairywhispers's "2009 Bookshelf" on Lists of Bests

Added 'Away' by Michael Gow — 10 weeks ago

Away is a fine example of Australian theatre and I really enjoyed reading it. Despite being set on holidays, this play is actually about coming home. Coral’s illness, Tom’s knowledge of his fate, Gwen’s attitude to life – all are things which set these characters apart from their peers and loved ones. Yet at the end we see all come together in a spirit of cooperation and enjoyment bringing closure or the sense of ‘coming home’ mentioned earlier. I would very much like to see this play performed.

Sep 14, 10:15PM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins — 11 weeks ago

I had high hopes for this book after reading the blurb on the back. I was not disappointed. The Hunger Games paints a bleak picture of the future, in which citizens live behind barbed wire and are kept on the very edge of starvation. As punishment for a revolt that took place thirty years before, each city is forced to pay ‘tribute’ in the form of two of their citizens. Each year, on the day of the ‘reaping’, the citizens of each city are forced to gather and watch as the names of one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen are drawn from barrels. If your name is chosen, you must participate in the ‘Hunger Games’ – the ultimate reality TV show from which there can be just one survivor.

This is the most suspenseful young adult novel I have read in a long time. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and was very disappointed when it finished. The characters are very believable, and the story well-written. I can’t wait to read the next book in the trilogy!

Sep 12, 03:10AM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'The Henson Case' by David Marr — 11 weeks ago

No-one living in Australia could have possibly escaped the controversy surrounding Bill Henson’s photography of nude teens. It seemed like no-one was left on the fence. Everyone had an opinion, heavily coloured by media coverage of events. Even the Prime Minister had his say. But do any of us really know the full story?

In The Henson Case journalist David Marr chronicles events from beginning to end, bringing to light many facts that were missed in the media feeding frenzy. Throughout the whole sorry mess, I argued to anyone that would listen that nudity does not equal pornography. In my opinion, this book vindicates my position.

So, what is your view? Is Henson’s work art or porn? Is Henson artist or paedophile? Don’t base your opinion on sensationalist reporting. Read the facts, then decide.

Sep 11, 12:58AM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'Vitamin Q: a temple of trivia lists and curious words' by Roddy Lumsden — 12 weeks ago

I bought this book because I tend to like worthless trivia and find random facts interesting. I was disappointed. There are some interesting lists at the beginning, and a couple at the end, but the majority of the book is just plain boring. So boring, in fact, it took me over a year to read it! I am not inspired to check out the website. If you are a pub quiz aficionado, this is the book for you. If you read trivia for interest, give this one a miss.

Sep 06, 03:52PM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams — 12 weeks ago

The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is an absolutely hilarious science fiction spoof in which the Earth is a giant computer built by sentient mice in order to figure out the meaning of the universe, only to be destroyed seconds before it fulfills it’s purpose; Vogons epitomise the very essence of Public Service mentality; and intergalactic hitch-hikers travel the universe with the help of the best-selling Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. This book is easy to read, often odd and , above all, funny. I highly recommend this and I will be on the lookout for the rest of the books in the series.

Sep 06, 03:10AM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'The Safe House' by Nicci French — 12 weeks ago

This was an enjoyable but forgettable read. Some of the twists were predictable, others not so much. In any case, this wasn’t really my cup of tea. Perhaps someone else would enjoy it more.

Sep 04, 08:46PM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'Grim Crims & Convicts' by Jackie French — 12 weeks ago

If your kids know more about American history than they do their own, this is the perfect book to remedy the situation. Grim Crims & Convicts deals with the early history of Australia from 1788 to 1820. It is aimed at young adults and the information is basic enough for them to understand without losing out on the details. Humorous illustrations throughout aid understanding and add an extra element of enjoyment for children. There is a lot of information in here that I had either forgotten or never knew and I found this to be a very interesting book indeed. Highly recommended!

Sep 02, 10:44PM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'Haunted Australia' by John Heffernan — 12 weeks ago

I know this is aimed at a young audience, but it’s a little too sensationalised for my taste. I prefer a book that says ‘These are the facts as they were presented’ and let you judge for yourself. I don’t mind some emotion and fear factor, but using double-printed text and scattering words like ‘spooxperts’ and ‘ghost-codes’ throughout is a bit much. Having said that, there are some very interesting accounts included here, and I like the fact they are all from Australia. There’s even one in my own town. Worth reading for the information, but be prepared for some sensationalism.

Sep 01, 08:57PM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'The Haunting' by Margaret Mahy — 13 weeks ago

The Haunting is actually pretty good for a teen thriller written in the eighties. You actually believe right the way through that something sinister is going to happen to Barney – that his ‘ghost’ actually means him immeasurable harm. There were times when, as a mother, I worried about him. And other times when I just wanted to kick his older rellies. I mean, here is a young child in distress, and they couldn’t just come out say what they wanted, plain and simple? In any case, this is a good book for adults to read. Young adults (especially tweens) will love it.

Aug 30, 03:59PM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers
Rockhampton

Added 'The Best Poems Ever' edited by Edric S. Mesmer — 13 weeks ago

The Best Poems Ever is a moving compilation of poems by some of the worlds most famous poets. The small, light design makes this book ideal for carrying in a handbag or briefcase. As with any compilation, some of these poems were not to my taste, others (such as Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est) took my breath away. This book may be small, but it is packed full of beautiful poetry and is well worth reading.

Aug 27, 07:11PM | 0 comments | Reply to this

fairywhispers's "2009 Bookshelf"

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Added 'Away' by Michael Gow — 10 weeks ago

Added 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins — 11 weeks ago

Added 'The Henson Case' by David Marr — 11 weeks ago

Added 'Vitamin Q: a temple of trivia lists and curious words' by Roddy Lumsden — 12 weeks ago

Added 'The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams — 12 weeks ago

Added 'The Safe House' by Nicci French — 12 weeks ago

Added 'Grim Crims & Convicts' by Jackie French — 12 weeks ago

Added 'Haunted Australia' by John Heffernan — 12 weeks ago

Added 'The Haunting' by Margaret Mahy — 13 weeks ago

Added 'The Best Poems Ever' edited by Edric S. Mesmer — 13 weeks ago

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