About Read and Reviewed

Read and Reviewed is the site where I occasionally review books I've read and enjoyed. These are always books I read in the course of my everyday life. So please, please don't send me review requests.
On the bright side, you are most welcome to submit a guest review.

Bachelor Kisses by Nick Earls

I audio-read Nick Earls' Bachelor Kisses over a couple of weeks of walks with the dogs. Briefly, the story follows the 1980s activities of Jon, a young medic, as he deals with his odd housemates (Jen, who has men coming out her ears, and Rick, who would love to have women coming out his ears but whose tie collection and Porky Pig doona cover doom him to lonely nights), his attraction to the (female) nurse of the species, various patients, other doctors, Monte Carlo biscuits and a growing fascination with research into depression and a possible treatment. All this activity is conducted to the theme song of The Go-Betweens' Bachelor Kisses.
I enjoyed the story a lot, despite an occasional desire to kick Jon in the pants. It is funny in an ironic way... but less sweet-natured than Story of Butterfish. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good romp with serious overtones and a hapless hero.

Disclaimer - the image is not of the audio book, but of a paperback edition from Penguin. Picture found on-line because my own paperback copy is down in my library shed among a couple of thousand other books. I love audio books which is why I chose to audio-read this one despite owning it in paperback.

My Angel, My Light as Darkness Falls

My Angel, My Light as Darkness Falls by Linda Hays-Gibbs is a delightful mix of regency romance, paranormal thriller, humour and adventure. Pru is an orphan whose only close family member is her twin brother, Michael, the Earl of White. When Michael joins the army to fight Napoleon's troops, Pru's Scottish admirer promises to watch out for him, but nothing goes as planned. From a sparkling ballroom to the agony of a battlefield, an across the sea to a curiously lively deserted house, Pru despairs, gains independence, is hassled by an amorous ghost, reassured by an angel, guarded by a bereft dog and finally... well, if you're like me, you'll be smiling all over your face by the end. I heartily recommend My Angel for those jaded by the kind of story where nothing seems to happen. Lots and lots happens in My Angel and Pru is a charming heroine.

My Angelm My Light as Darkness Falls is published by Eternal Press. It is available from various on-line retailers or directly from the publisher's website at http://www.eternalpress.biz

Moon Over Soho (Ben Aaronovitch)

I loved Moon Over Soho. It seemed better paced and was less bloody than Rivers of London. The characters consolidated and we learned more about Nightingale, Molly and about Peter himself. There are laugh out-loud funny bits and moments of pure pathos (Nightingale carving ALL those names...) and Toby the terrier is in fine form. When I first read reviews of Rivers of London I asked friends if it was at all DWJ-esque. The answer was "No", but *I* think it is. Like DWJ BA flinches not from the probable consequences of character action, and also excels in showing humanity, non-humanity and hybrids. The narrator does a wonderful job of the audio book. I'm hanging out for Book 3

Kid Logan

Kid Logan by Richard Jones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matt Logan (aka "the kid") is a cowboy determined to save his town from ruin after robbers make off with much-needed funds. So far, so normal, but the kid is just seventeen. This gives him individuality and means he doesn't yet have the cynical shell of the older cowboy. On his quest, the kid meets a satisfyingly odd group of characters and even rescues a damsel. (This he does with typically kid-like verve and some amusing results.) His confrontation with the bad guy pulls no punches.

Matt might be a kid, but he functions as a man in a man's world. His story is equally enjoyable for YA readers who like a hero with more guts and humour than angst, and for diehard Western fans who would like something just a little different. It's also fun for readers like me who don't generally look for westerns.

Recommended as a light enjoyable story for just about anyone over twelve.

View all my reviews

Guest Reviewer Brenton Cullen! The Giraffe in the Bath,

Today I welcome guest reviewer Brenton Cullen to Read and Reviewed. Brenton has reviewed A

Giraffe in the Bath, written by Mem Fox and Olivia Rawson, illustrated by Kerry Argent, and published by Penguin in 2010.

A Giraffe in the Bath was written by picture-book writing legend Mem Fox (Possum Magic, Where is the Green Sheep, Koala Lou) and a former student of hers at Flinders University, Olivia Rawson, with deliciously stunning illustrations by the amazing Kerry Argent of One Woolly Wombat.

Though "Giraffe" relies on mainly the illustrations (because the text is little) the words and actual written story of the book is so clever and humourously written that my five-year-old brother kept wanting me to read it out, and especially because of the rhyming and repetitiveness of the story. I would say that small children respond to the rhyming and hearing the same pattern over and over again.

I have always been a huge fan of Fox's and own 15 of her books, mostly from when I was younger, but also a few that I have bought recently for younger siblings. She is the Queen of Words, in my opinion, and definitely the MOST brilliant and talented picture-book writer I have ever come across. And I've read a lot of picture-books. Her astounding ability to draw children into her magical books, with her amazing talents of rhythm, repetitiveness, and just, in general, fascinating stories, is a Magical Wonder. And I am sure Australia is proud to say, "We own Mem Fox. We're her home country". I sure am.

sss

Ghostly Menage, by Alysha Ellis (Adults Only)

My guest reviewer today is Trent Kinsey, who has reviewed Alysha Ellis's Ghostly Menage, published by Eternal Press. Before you proceed, you should know this book and hence the review, is for adults only.

Trent says:

For those who don’t know me, I am a fan of horror and its likes, my favorite being the psychological horrors. The ones that dig deep in your head and nest for a while, always leaving you questioning your own sanity. With that said, for someone like me to pick up a book such as Ghostly Ménage by Alysha Ellis, you would probably think it’s because the word “ghost” appears in the title. You would be partially right. I will say I picked the book up without any preconceived ideas of what story I would be reading and there is no doubt in my mind I am truly happy that I read Alysha’s tale. First let me dispense with the background of the story so I can get to what really turned the gears in my head as I read page after page after page. Quick and dirty: Kelsie, under those circumstances we find ourselves in from time to time, is required to stay with her aunt for a couple of days. Maud, Kelsie’s aunt, believes the house she resides in is plagued with a poltergeist and contracts the services of an exorcist to rid the entity from her home. Her aunt will not stay in a house by herself with a man present and thus Kelsie arrives to hang around until after the exorcism for her aunt’s benefit. Staying with her aunt, Kelsie learns ghosts are real and…real fun to have around. When I said I read page after page, I spoke lightly. I devoured Alysha’s tale and am extremely excited to read her next book, “Giving Up the Ghosts,” which awaits me on my phone for when I take my breaks at work. Alysha’s use of dialogue brought the characters from the page and turned them into living, breathing people. I’ve known people like Kelsie’s aunt Maud and could feel Kelsie’s irritation at her aunt’s opinion of her. The imagery and sensations Alysha inspires in her prose made me feel as if I was in the room as the events unfolded. To say the least, I could not put it down because I had to know what would happen next. Is it a malevolent poltergeist or a playful ghost? Could Kelsie be in danger or was it all in good fun? Alysha kept me reading so I could find the answers and satisfy my own distorted curiosity. All in all, I can’t wait to partake in Kelsie’s next adventure and am looking forward to more works by Alysha. Kudos to you Alysha and may the words continue to flow on the page for your future works.

Guest Reviewer - Von Gobstopper's Arcade

Today's guest reviewer is Brenton Cullen. You can read more from Brenton at http://bjcullen.blogspot.com . Also, catch his recent blog tour, beginning at http://tips4youngwriters.wordpress.com/

VON GOBSTOPPER’S ARCADE by Alexandra Adornetto (HarperCollins, 2009, RRP: $19.99)
Reviewed by Brenton Cullen

17 year old whiz author, Alexandra Adornetto, makes a wonderful and enchanting impression with her latest novel, the third and last book in her highly-acclaimed series, The Strangest Adventures. Yet again we meet our main protagonists, Milli and Ernest, who are very excited, along with the rest of the children of Drabville, after a toy arcade is opened by acclaimed toy maker, Gustav Von Gobstopper, in their very honor. Milli and Ernest and the rest of their class at their new school St Erudite visit there on an excursion and soon find themselves becoming allies with several amazing talking toys.

There, they learn of a macabre plot to destroy Christmas for the town, led by the, yet again, Lord Aldor, now transformed and going by the title of Dr Illustrious. Will the two children finally defeat Lord Aldor, or, will this be their final showdown …. ?

Adornetto’s book is amusing, enchanting, and quite original. The plotlines and characters are very quirky, which is a good thing. However, some of the too-big language used in the door and narrative rambling leads the reader out of the story.

Nonetheless, highly recommended!
5 stars

Thanks, Brenton! And remember, readers, guest reviewers are welcome at Read and Reviewed.

Connie and the Pigeons, by Mabel Jean Kaplan

Connie and the Pigeons, by Mabel Jean Kaplan, illustrated by Kelli Hainke (Stories for the Telling).

"Connie and the Pigeons" is a small, handy-sized picturebook illustrated in soft tones of blue-grey, sepia, and muted browns. It has accents of bright colour here and there which "lift" the drawings. I am reminded of a long-ago favourite picturebook of my son's, with similarly soft drawings. The illustrations repay examination, as children will love looking for the peripatetic lizard character that appears from time to time.

"Connie" is considerably longer than most picturebook texts. In many ways, it is more like a short, chapterless children's novel. This length and style of story was popular when I was young, and I have always liked it. The extra word count gives a more relaxed feeling to the telling.

The Connie of the story is the first Qantas plane to take Australian passengers to the UK. Connie loves her work, and is unhappy when she is retired and sent to an aeroplane graveyard for possible recycling. Her lonely days improve when some pigeons set up housekeeping in her interior. The friendly pigeons are indirectly responsible for Connie's second chance at life.

Connie is a sweet character, and her story is told in a friendly and readable manner. Connie is a "person", but remains a plane in capabilities. She cannot move unless assisted by a human pilot. The text is simply written, but, like the illustrations, is brightened with touches of verbal and adjectival colour. I can heartily recommend Connie's story for children (and adults) with a love of planes, aviation history, museums, and stories of renewal and triumph.

To read how Mabel account of how she came to write "Connie and the Pigeons", visit her guest-blogger appearance at http://spinningpearls.blogspot.com .
Connie and the Pigeons is available through Westbooks in Victoria Park WA (08) 9361 4211

Email: orders@westbooks.com.au; online through http://www.justlocal.com.au/clients/book/mabel-kaplan/ or direct from the publisher Stories for the Telling 54 Hudson Avenue Girrawheen WA 6064 Tel. (08) 9342 7150 Email: mabelka@hotmail.com
For those on the Eastern coast it is also available from
HARS Souvenirs
cnr Airport and Boomerang Roads
Albion Park Rails, New South Wales 2527
and
Qantas Founder Outback Museum
PO Box 737
Longreach Qld 4730

The Writers: A Collection of Australian Writers' Biographies by Brenton Cullen

The Writers is a lively account of the lives and times of six contemporary Australian writers. The authors covered include Dianne Bates, Duncan Ball, Libby Hathorn, Hazel Edwards, Jackie French and Bill Condon. Rounding up such a selection of august names would be a feather in any biographer's cap, but author Brenton Cullen seems to have a knack for inspiring confidence in those he approached.

Dianne Bates' biography begins with her rollicking childhood, showcasing some of the hair-raising escapades that suggest she had a vivid imagination even in primary school. The story continues through her teenaged years and her long and successful writing career, right up to 2007. The next subject, Jackie French, is followed in similar fashion. It is again clear that writing talent and potential career must have been inborn. After Jackie's biographical notes comes an interview. Libby Hathorn's biography follows, and then comes an interview with Dianne Bates. The other biographies continue in similar patterns, intercut with interviews, "how authors write" details, and pointers for further reading.

At the end of the book, author Brenton Cullen steps to the fore to thank and acknowledge the writers and other people who have helped with the production. The specific way in which he names and thanks each one lends another personal touch to an enjoyable and entertaining collection.

Writers (and especially well known ones) often find themselves answering the same questions repeatedly, but being invited to revisit key parts of their lives, to go back in time to when and how it began, and to examine
why it began, must be more of a treat than a retread. Better yet, the questions came from a young writer whose own tastes and talents may have been partly shaped by the very people showcased in his book.

I can recommend "The Writers" to anyone interested in children's literature, in the making of a writer, and in youthful enterprise. "The Writers" is available in several formats from www.lulu.com . The accompanying photograph comes from Brenton Cullen's own blog.

Portable Ghosts

Portable Ghosts is an engaging new story by Margaret Mahy who, once again, shows how to make a primary school novel individual, stylish and always readable. Ditta is twelve. Her nine-year-old geek sister keeps hogging Dad's computer, and there's a ghost in the library. Not only that, but Ditta's friend, Max, is slinking when he ought to be bouncing, and Old Man Baldy never, but never, stops talking. Then there's the moaning, seething floor and a mysterious book. This tasty plot concoction may draw young readers, but I hope they, as well as their elders, will relish the stylish telling of the tale.

The Last Chinese Chef. Guest Reviewer, Anna Jacobs

My guest reviewer this time is novelist Anna Jacobs, who has chosen to review The Last Chinese Chef, by Nicole Mones.

Anna Jacobs is the author of 42 novels with more in the pipeline. She writes historical sagas for one UK publisher and modern family relationships novels for another. Her latest saga is ‘Tomorrow’s Promises’ about what happened to women who’d done men’s jobs during World War I after the war ended. Her latest modern novel is ‘Family Connections’ a story of families in Australia and England, who didn’t know about their relatives overseas. The first chapters can be read on her web site. www.annajacobs.com

REVIEW

The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones

Maggie is a food writer. She hasn’t really moved on after her husband’s death - except literally, to live on a house boat. Then suddenly she learns of a paternity claim against her late husband from a Chinese woman and goes to investigate. She doesn’t believe it. They were happily married. Yes, he went to China regularly, but he wouldn’t be unfaithful.

Her editor asks her to fit in an assignment at the same time, to write about the rising Chinese chef, Sam Liang. Maggie doesn’t usually write about exotic cuisines overseas, but in the end she accepts the assignment.

Investigating the claim takes longer than she’d expected and she also works on the story. She gets on well with Sam, who is half American, but who is immersed in classical Chinese cuisine. The experience gradually transforms Maggie and she develops a deep love for the food Sam cooks. There is far more to real Chinese food than she’d realized, and it’s nothing like the Chinese food served in America.

If you like Chinese food, learning about other cultures and gentle love stories, you’ll enjoy this book. I regularly read three novels a week and this is one of the 5 standout books I’ve read in the last twelve months. My husband read it and felt the same. It was a wonderful tale and I was so sad when it ended. But the ending was just right.

What more can an author offer the reader?

Guest Review of O'Connor's Last Stand

Today's guest reviewer is author Ginger Simpson, who has chosen to send in a pre-publication review of O'Connor's Last Stand. This is my own paranormal romance thriller, set in the Australian Outback and to be published by Eternal Press. I was somewhat surprised to receive a review of one of my own books but here it is! Thanks, Ms Simpson!

O'Connor's Last Stand, By Sally Odgers.

An upcoming release from www.eternalpress.com.au

Anna Bell takes a job from an old acquaintance, Asia Franklin, to escape someone in her past. Anna's history is secret and her name is an alias, but she seriously tries to fit in with the men at Ballahoo Station. Her real dilemma begins when she takes Pepper Tess, Asia's temperamental old mare, and rides out to check the fence lines of the Australian ranch... and to hide something important. She's warned to avoid O'Connor's Leap.

Flynn O'Connor dwells in a cave in the middle of nowhere. His memory is sketchy at best, but all that matters is he's waiting for his true love, Eliza, to meet him so they can steal away and spend their lives together. He recalls that she has a husband, but in his mind, his Eliza belongs with him and she's promised to come. He'll wait forever it that's what it takes.

While Anna camps, a noise spooks her horse and she's left stranded. In her attempt to find shelter from an oncoming sandstorm, she takes a tumble and ends up being nursed by Flynn. During their confinement, they share information, but something doesn't seem right to Anna. Flynn's recollections are archaic. She also discovers he's the one who spooked Pepper Tess. Why then isn't he burned from the branch she thrust at him? His Irish brogue captures her attention, but his warmth and caring captures her heart.

Without giving away too much of the story, I simply have to rave about Sally Odgers', O'Connor's Last Stand. I had the opportunity to read it before its release, and I must say somewhere there has to be a television producer looking for great material for a movie. This is it. I found myself gasping at the ending chapter hooks, and holding my breath during a sandstorm so real that I feared I might inhale the dust. Mix some paranormal with mystery and romance, and you have a magical concoction. Sally Odgers is an amazing story teller.

Reviewed by,
Ginger Simpson, Author
http://www.gingersimpson.com

Point Blanc, by Anthony Horowitz

"Point Blanc", by Anthony Horowitz, is the second in his series about Alex Rider, the teenaged spy. There is enough back story to put a new reader in the picture without info-dumping, but "Point Blanc" does contain a few spoilers for "Stormbreaker", the first book.

Alex Rider is a fourteen-year-old orphan, brought up by his uncle Ian. Alex believed Ian was a banker, but after his death he discovered he was a spy. Ian's runners put Alex in his uncle's place, and now use him for missions in which a teenager will be more useful than an adult.

In this story, Alex is sent to "Point Blanc", an isolated mountain finishing school for sons of the rich and powerful. All the pupils are the same age as Alex, and all have been sent to the school by parents who can neither control nor understand their children. Recently, the fathers of two of the pupils have died in mysterious circumstances. Alex is given a cover story and sent to the school to discover any connection between the deaths.

At the school only one boy, James, is friendly. The others, who eerily share the same mannerisms and unlikely dedication to study, pay little attention to James or to Alex. The staff, consisting of South African scientist Dr Grief, his assistant direction, Mrs Stellenbosch, and rather a lot of armed guards, is also disconcerting.

What Alex discovers, how he discovers it, and what he does about it leads the reader on a non-stop breathless ride. The action is mostly unbelievable to an adult, but Anthony Horowitz is an experienced writer who adds persuasive detail. The characters are strongly drawn, good, bad, grotesque and ambivilent. Some of the plot points and twists are obvious to an adult reader, but that mostly boils down to familiarity with the genre. Spy stories have certain givens, and Horowitz uses them with skill.

The first two "chapters" before the story-proper begins, are almost like short stories, but work well to set up the mystery and Alex's character.

I "read" the audio version while roaming the hills and river with my dogs, and enjoyed it very much.

Wind Song by Rita Karnopp. Guest Reviewer - Robin Smith.

Here is the first of my guest reviewers. Robin Smith has sent in the following review of Wind Song. I have not yet read the book myself, but I have heard good reports of it.

Title: Wind Song
Category: Indian Historical
Reviewer: Robin Smith
Reviewer's email: Robbibird3@aol.com
Author: Rita Karnopp
Publisher: Eternal Press
Release date: January 2008

Author's homepage: http://www.ritakarnopp.com
Format: EBOOK

REVIEW

An Indian seeress meets with an enemy... or is he? Will she convince her chief not to sign the treaty being presented to him? Will city-slicker Marsh learn the ways of the west?

Leota is on the sacred mountain fasting as she waits for a vision for her people. Sometimes she wishes that she didn't have such a revered gift. She receives a vision and needs to tell her chief not to sign the treaty being presented to him. Will he listen? Or will he accept the lies of the white man Stevens?

Marsh is a city slicker who happens to be a lawyer. He arrives too late to see his brother and sister-in-law alive. He is met by an angry teenaged Tanner, whose cocky attitude may cause problems, not to mention that he's gung-ho for revenge against the mountain men who killed his family. Marsh has a lot to learn from Tanner in the ways of the wilderness. Will Tanner learn anything from Marsh?

Meanwhile, Leota has run into a problem with enemy Crows which has landed her on the side of a cliff. The Crows are arguing over what to do about her while she has a series of visions. Most would have died from the fall but she survives. Down below, unknown to the Crow, are Tanner and Marsh, who insists that the unidentified woman be saved. Tanner's father would have done the same, so the boy agrees. Will Leota make it safely off the cliff? Will Tanner and Marsh be the heroes of the day? No spoilers here folks.

Ms. Karnopp's work is new to this reviewer. I enjoy meeting new talent as well as new to me seasoned veterans of the writing world. WIND SONG is a damn good book. I will happily recommend this book to readers everywhere. This book is teeming with rich characters and places, along with factual tidbits here and there. The author has a rare gift that draws the readers into the book so they feel and act with Leota.

Thumbs up salute to you, Ms. Karnopp! You'll be a repeat offender in my reading repertoire.

REVIEW ENDS

Thank you, Robin! I appreciate this contribution to Read and Reviewed.

Calling Guest Reviewers!

Hello everyone! I have decided to open Read and Reviewed to reviews by other readers and writers. Here's what to do if you would like to review a book for this blog.
Simply write a comprehensive review of a book you have recently read and enjoyed. The book need not be a new release, and should not be one you have written (though reviewing a friend's book is fine). The review need not be 100% positive, and should not be a simple retelling of the plot. I am not looking for gush-reviews or for hatchet-jobs, but for honest opinion, backed up by specifics.
Please include the full title of the book, and the author's name. If it's not a mainstream title, a jpeg of the cover would be useful.
The book can be for any audience, but this is a public blog, and may be read by minors. Please keep that in mind.
Send the review as a Word attachment to me at sally@sallyodgers.com .
It will be printed under your name as "Guest Reviewer", and I'll let you know when it's up.
Thanks in advance!

Laugh again, Kinta!

"Laugh again, Kinta!" is a charming children's picture book, written and illustrated by Heather Joy Leane.

The simple story follows a lost and bewildered Kinta, a young kookaburra, after his forest home is ravaged by fire. Kinta is saved by wildlife carers, and finally relocated to the wild. How he regains his sense of self, and settles to a bright future makes a heartwarming story. The pictures, which include a built-in game, are a perfect fit for the words. On the final page is information about kookaburras.

"Laugh again, Kinta!" is published by Sunbeam Books, at http://www.sunbeambooks.com/.

Wicked Lovely, by Melissa Marr

Wicked Lovely is the story of Aislinn, who at 17 is still at school and still under the house rules of Grams, her grandmother. Aislinn was born with the Sight, and what she sees of the faerie world is never reassuring. The grotesque fey, or faeries, as they are called, are disturbing, and Aislinn has to keep a firm rein on herself. Grams also has the Sight, and she has impressed on Aislinn that "if you run, they'll chase you".

Aislinn's best friend is a young man named Seth, much tattooed and pierced, whose parents have gone away on a charitable venture. Seth lives alone in a converted train, and the iron carriages are one place where Aislinn feels safe. As the story opens, the pressure is increasing, as Aislinn sees more and more fey. One is a beautiful boy named Keenan, another, a girl whom Aislinn calls "Dead girl".

Aislinn's struggle with Grams' rules, her confused feelings for Seth and the tension of pretending she doesn't see the fey makes an intriguing opening for this novel. Soon, we are introduced to Keenan, who is the Summer King, to Donia, the Winter Girl, and the ghastly Beira, Keenan's mother, the Winter Queen. For nine centuries Beira has held Keenan's full power in check, and the stalemate will continue until he finds and claims his queen. The rules of the game are complex, and the consequences frightening. For the girls Keenan courts there is no way back to normal life.

The game for high stakes plays out as a romance, but unlike many such books this is not another version of Tam Lin. The ending is tightly plotted and satisfactory, and the characters well-drawn.

Three things I found disconcerting. One was the American setting. The author's style is quite British, and every time a reference reminded me that this is not set in England or Ireland it jolted me a bit. I wonder if the edition I read had been Anglicised.

Another thing was that one of the stakes was for the survival of the world; if Beira wins the game, the Earth will sink into endless winter. In these days of global warming it is odd (to say the least) to contemplate the threat of a contemporary ice age!

Finally, the use of "fey" and "faerie" as nouns bothered me, as I think of them as strictly adjectival. I would use "fay" and "fairy".
Despite the quibbles, I enjoyed this very much. 4/5.

If you have read this book, please leave a comment.

Book Reviews with a Difference!

If you've ever wondered what authors read... now's your chance to find out! Old and new, borrowed and owned... here are the books I read in 2008. Suggestions are welcome. If I read it, I'll review it.
Let the reading begin.