This book has grabbed me from the first word, and pulled me into the pages of its world, where New South Wales is no longer a beautiful city, but two worlds separated by a wall. I don’t know about anyone else, but this book made me cringe; a lot. It wasn’t gruesome or bloody, but [...]
As you are all aware, The Book Gryffin has been heavily reliant on the reviews of my talented and well read students, owing to my commitments to the Aurealis Award’s. I am sure you will all agree they are doing a spectacular job of keeping you all informed about the vast array of quality Young [...]
A wonderful, poignant and beautifully crafted story. Robert Newton has a rare talent for writing scenes and characters that are beautifully vivid and evocative. There is a voyeuristic element to reading Robert Newton’s writing, in so far as you cant help but feel that you are walking right alongside the characters and sharing their experiences [...]
I am posting this for two reasons really. Number One being the fact that I am truly excited about the amazing books that our Aussie Authors and Publishers are placing on our bookstore shelves. Number Two being the fact that I have been asked a great deal of late, what books would I recommend for [...]
I am a little more excited than usual about Penguin’s Online Magazine, ‘Off The Shelf’…Could be just a little bit about the fact that it has TWO great articles about/with two of my very favourite Authors – (Melina Marchetta and Isobelle Carmody) and maybe just a tad about it having a little article in there [...]
Adrian Stirling’s second novel, The Comet Box, is secretly a time machine. The very act of reading it will transport you instantly back to 1986. The sights, sounds and scents of a typical Australian summer are but a page turn away…except for one thing. Most of us (I hope) did not have the added emotional [...]
There are books imbued with a certain kind of magic. There are books we read and then, then, there are books that invite complete immersion. A gift from an Author to a reader, to give words that have texture and fluidity, richness and depth, a narrative that invites participation and hides the world around us [...]
The fantastic folk at Penguin have come up with an online magazine, packed full of awesome information, competitions and activities for those of us who need to stay in the know. Its called ‘Off The Shelf’ and subscribing is quick, easy and ensures you dont miss a thing! I am loving it and applaud the [...]
Recently I was lucky enough to be a part of the Penguin Secondary Professional Development day, at which Dr Susan LaMarca spoke about units of work for the classroom. One of the novels she mentioned was The Reluctant Fundamentalist- Mohsin Hamid. I had never heard of this particular novel, but listening to Dr LaMarca, I [...]
I have a confession to make. I am always going on and on and on and on and on to my students, my own kids (and anyone who will stand still long to listen actually) about NOT judging a book by its cover. Its my pet hate. I think all books deserve consideration, no matter [...]
