YF Highlight: Lisa Fuller's "Ghost bird"

 

You can find this book here in both physical and eBook formats.

"Remember daughter, the world is a lot bigger than anyone knows. There are things that science may never explain. Maybe some things that shouldn’t be explained."

Stacey and Laney are mirror twins; though their personalities and behaviours are completely different, no matter how much they look alike. Stacey works hard at school, determined to get out of their small town, whilst Laney skips school and sneaks out of the house to meet her boyfriend. But when Laney disappears one night, Stacey can’t believe she’s just run off without telling her.

Seeming to run off, things become harder for Stacey when she starts dreaming of her twin. The dreams are dark and terrifying, difficult to understand and hard to shake, but at least they tell Stacey one key thing: Laney is alive. No matter how hard this is for her to understand or grasp, Stacey knows that Laney needs her help. But will she be enough help? Can she find her sister in time to save Laney's life?

Most of this blurb is on the back of the book that you should read.

Stacey is a well-rounded character, and the tension of the happenings in the book melds well with a teenager that is trying to balance science with culture; fear with courage; taboos with action. The voice and language of Stacey works well and reads authentically; however, the setting is the 90s and right before Y2K (if YA readers even know about that time 😊). This may be hard to relate to for some, and easier for others.

Other than that, this is a solid read for youth and adult readers alike. 

Adam Thompson's "Born into this"

 

You can find this book here.

Thompson's book is a collection of short stories. This makes it helpful so that any reader can think about the first story before going on to one of the others. 

Before I go on about this book, you can visit a video where Thompson talks about his book here. Getting to know the writer and their perspective about their writing is a great asset to reading as well! 

The stories are contemporary and may be tough to read theme-wise for some. The characters are diverse across the stories and reflect cultural practice and perspective in different ways for these Indigenous characters across Tasmania. 

The stories can be gritty and emotional, though Thompson layers his wit throughout. The content is political: not just regarding history, but also the present, showing a strong voice for people, culture and the environment. 

There are sixteen stories in total and all are quick-paced. The book is a quick read; but it is one that makes you think. And that's the importance of Thompson's voice in this collection. 

Staff pick: Miranda Tapsell's "Top End girl"

 

You can find this book here.

I don’t often read autobiographies; I am not much of a nonfiction reader at all to be honest. The good thing about looking at books for a library; however? Reading outside your likes and comfort zones. It is about opening up to different narratives and points of view that you might not find by reading that same genre you read every other day.

Autobiographies are very different for me because they are about specific lives and specific points of view other than my own. These can be confronting, comforting, or a celebration, but either way it can be emotional. And it should be because it is the story of someone’s life, or part of their life depending on which autobiography you read.

Tapsells’ heart is in this book as she talks about some of the most impacting moments of her life, particularly her career and making the film Top End Wedding.

Tapsell is a straight-forward writer, and I imagine a straight-forward talker too. She is bold in speaking up about what she believes in and what she is passionate about and is very self-confident: evident through her stories about her childhood.

A very important message in Tapsell’s story is about her connection to country as a proud Larrakia and Tiwi woman. Tapsell brings up the pride and love she has for her culture and family; as well as the importance for non-Indigenous people to learn of and understand the issues and inequality facing First Nations people.

This is particularly true of Australia. Everyone should know, or learn, about not just the effects of colonisation on Indigenous people; but the invisibility of people of colour that continues today through how history is told, or even how health care and custodies work. The land is more than a way for governments to make a profit; and people are more than the stereotypes or covert racism that pervades everyday language.

Tapsell never says she speaks for all First nations people: she speaks for herself. It is a strong voice that shows clearly how much she has worked in her life, enjoyed life and celebrated everything she has and works towards. This book is one to read, because it helps show anyone how important it is to not just be aware of, but love and embrace community and culture.

SB

And if you are interested, you can borrow "Top End Wedding" here at the library!

Book Review - A Boy's Short Life: the story of Warren Braedon/Louis Johnson by Haebich and Mickle

Louis was born Warren, to the Braedon family in Alice Springs. As part of the government policy that applied for the welfare of children, he was removed from his family, adopted by a white family and renamed Louis Johnson. He had a loving and nurturing upbringing with his adoptive family but as a teenager, decided to try and find his biological family and understand his background. At the time of the adoption, his adoptive parents were told he was not wanted by his birth mother, but the Johnsons came to know the truth and tried to help him find his birth family.  Before he could meet them, he was shockingly murdered by some white youths who killed him because they had decided to murder a black person that day. He was killed on his nineteenth birthday.

Originally published as part of a larger book, this short book of 80 pages concentrates on this one story. Detailing the changing government policies and social attitudes that affected his life, it is told in plain almost stark language. The authors are experienced in researching and understanding indigenous history, and tell a strong and sad story. Extensively annotated and including a list of sources and suggested further study resources, this book illuminates a sadly significant part of our history.

Wendy