Ericka Waller's "Dog days"

 

You can find this book here.

Ah, the dog. Everybody's best friend (unless you are a cat person). In Waller's novel, the dog is part of three different characters' lives (whether they like dogs or not). They become a sounding board for reflecting emotions and communications that may not always be as easy for humans. Just be aware that whilst the cover focusses on the dogs, they may not always be as central in the book if you like that type of thing.

The three focal characters in the novel are George; a grumpy old man whose wife has just died; Dan who is a counsellor with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Lizzie who lives with her son Lenny in a women's shelter. The difficulties with identity, communication, love and loss are brought through the novel in ways that are in part funny and gritty (psychologically speaking); with a dog there the entire time. 

The characters have very different and full personalities throughout the book, even if you think the chapters are too short. Each chapter alternates between the three characters, which some readers may find frustrating if they only like perspectives of one character. However, they are all written well, and you can really see what each character is feeling or going through across their individual journey. Please note though, you may not find them likeable. They are snapshots of real lives, and not necessarily the best of them. 

The pace is quick: the timeframe for the characters' stories is also short. Because of the short chapters and revolving character focus, it makes the novel move quickly. 

Again, I will bring you back to the cover. Only because it looks light and fluffy. Even if people are dealing with grief, you expect a satisfying end for the characters. You may not get any of this when you read it. It is a much heavier read than the cover allows you to think (that's why you don't judge by it!). There are difficult scenes in there that may be hard to read through and its ending is more realistic than romantic. In the end, it really is about what it is to be human (whether you like the characters or not).

This book isn't like 'Dog's purpose'; the dogs are less centred here. But they are there. And I do feel as if at least some of the time you really get to see them shine. It does have a lot of emotion, but the dogs aren't centre-stage. If you prefer your animal books to be more like Cameron's, this one is not for you. This is also not a book for reader's looking for a light story. But, if you like a challenge; this could be for you. 

Links for you

The books I have below are possibly more dog-centred than Waller's. However; themes will be similar, just written in different and unique ways.

Read-a-likes in the Library

Friend

Sigrid Nunez

Nunez's book looks at a character's grief.

Art of racing in the rain

Garth Stein

This book is from the perspective of the dog Enzo and how to bring a family back together.

Dog who saved me

Susan Wilson

Cooper goes home after his dog in the Boston K-9 Unit is killed. As he tries to rescue a feral dog, perhaps the dog will also help him heal.

Wonder of lost causes

Nick Trout

Cory Doctorow's "Attack surface"

 

You can find this book here.

I should start by writing that though this is essentially part of Doctorow's 'Little Brother' series, and number three in fact, it is also a stand-alone novel. 

I did not know this when I chose to read it; but now I can understand what some references were referring to as if I had read the past books, I would have had a more complete picture. For example, I might have understood more about the bombing in San Francisco or the terms easily used by characters if I had read book one, 'Little Brother'. 

Unfortunately books 1 and 2 are not available at Camden Libraries; but as I have said, you can read it and understand the story set within. I mean, the book itself gives no indication it is part of the series 😊

Anyway, back to the novel in hand ...

Masha Maximow is a compartmentalising tech wizard (though because she is a compartmentaliser, she realistically sees her skills and probably would never deem herself a wizard). Masha works for a transnational cybersecurity firm where she enables organisations and countries to keep people, states and countries in line through spying, malware and disinformation. On the side, Masha helps protestors fight against these same regimes. The problem for Masha is, can you really play both sides without hurting people you care about, let alone strangers across the world? And, has Masha really helped enough people to counteract the bad choices she has made? Can you even do that: counterbalance bad choices by making more good ones?

The setting of the novel is near-futuristic: you can see it looming on the horizon like a large rectangular server. This means you can relate to the world the characters are in. You just may not be able to understand it for at least the first third of the book. There is a lot of jargon: tech-talk for days. Doctorow's past is in technology, so he understands it clearly: I did not. However, the pace eventually picks up and the tech-speak becomes less involved (or I was able to manoeuvre through it). This might trip you up in the beginning though. 

The characters work. Masha is, well, not relatable (as I am not that great at compartmentalising), but she is realistic. She juggles the world in a way that probably most of us do, whether we like ourselves for it or not. The remaining characters that we see are mostly female (except for Marcus and some side characters), and they appear strong and fleshed out. 

The pace was okay. There are flashbacks within the book that you may find slow the pace, but I found the slowness came from slogging through the tech-talk more than the flashbacks. You might also find it feels long. That could be because without flashbacks it would be a much shorter novel; but it also could be the themes that slow you down. The book is not exactly made to make you think unicorns are at the end of every rainbow. Though I did enjoy that about this book. 

There are also two afterwords at the end of the novel. These, and the author's note, possibly explain why the book is written the way it is and how people should be taking care of technology (it helps change the world, it can't save it: that's the general message). I liked this about the novel too. 

Hopefully you find the book has enough thrills for you to keep reading, if you are looking for a focus on the thriller aspect. If you are interested in the technology and hacktivist side, there is enough of that to keep a reader content. Then you can try a couple of his other works we have in the Library.

Links for you

Doctorow in the Library: 

Walkaway

Doctorow in cloudLibrary:

Radicalized (US spelling)

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Fox

Frederick Forsyth

A compelling cyber-thriller that focusses on using a hacker to inform on national enemies. Whilst Doctorow looks at how this works inside countries, the same feel will be there.

House on fire 

Joseph Finder

This novel doesn't have the cyber-thriller element to it (so is it really alike?). However, it is fast-paced and focusses on whistleblowing. It makes it just as compelling and thought-provoking on the issue as Doctorow does.

Doubt factory

Paolo Bacigalupi

Whilst not a focus on technology; this book is a compelling thriller that revolves around whistleblowing for social action. Again, it has an issues-oriented feel about it relevant for today; however, the main character goes up against their own father.

Stop! Grammar time.

 

                           The punctuation station. (2010). Minneapolis, Minnesota: Lerner Publishing Group, 36.

You can find this book here.

Apostrophes, like commas, can be tricky punctuation to use well. As the example above shows, apostrophes have two main meanings: working with contractions and working with possessives. Perhaps that already sounds a little tricky? Don't worry, even professionals make mistakes:

The first image (click on it for a link to the source) is missing an apostrophe. It should be we're open (we are open) to show that you can go in. However, the mistake by removing the apostrophe has suggested the past tense to show they once were open, but currently are not. They needed to create a contraction.

The second image (click on it for a link to the source) has added apostrophes to CD and DVD. The sign means to make these objects plurals to show they sell more than one CD and DVD; however, they have instead written it so that it looks like a CD and DVD own something, though we don't know what. They have created a possessive instead of a plural. 

So let's have a look at how to do this together.

A contraction is a shortened version of a single word or a combination of a group of words. What the apostrophe does in these instances is replace the missing letters or words from what has been shortened:

                                                             I've = I have

Mornin' = Morning

We're = We are

She'd = She would

Could've = Could have

You'll = You will

'ere = Here

A possessive is when nouns and pronouns have ownership over something. The general rule is to add an apostrophe followed by an s ('s) after the word. 

This is Peter's chair. 

This one is not too hard. Peter, whether he physically owns the chair or is just using it, shows that it is currently his chair. 

A hard day's work. 

In this sentence, there isn't a human subject to own something; however, "day" is the noun that is able to possess something, in this case work. Think of it like this: "A hard day of work". This sentence shows that the day has been full of work and therefore "work" cannot be the noun because it has described what has been done during the day. 

Let me show you a couple more:

I am reading today's newspaper.

Stacey and Tanisha's project won first place in Science.

Does that help? Hopefully. Until you meet this one ...

There is one more rule when it comes to possessives. And that is the pluralised possessive. This rule is for nouns and pronouns that are already pluralised, or if they have an s on the end of them. When this comes up, you add an apostrophe at the end of the word only if the plural ends with s, and you add an 's if it does not.

The job ad required someone with five years' experience.

'Years' is the plural form of 'year'. Therefore, to make this possessive, you just add an apostrophe. 

There is going to be a New Year's Eve party at the Smiths' holiday home.

'Smith' is someone's surname. If the word is 'Smiths' this means the noun incorporates everyone in the Smith family. Therefore as it ends with an s, only an apostrophe is needed. 

"The children's toys are everywhere!" 

'Children' is a plural that does not end in s. Therefore, 's is required to show the possessive form of this word. 

Dolphins were caught in the fishermen's nets.

'Dolphins' and 'fishermen' are both plurals and nouns in this sentence. However, it is only the fishermen who own the net to catch fish. Therefore, 's is added to 'fishermen'.

And that should be it. It should be noted that sometimes people will always just use 's for possessive plurals (which does make it easier); and some follow the directions I have laid out here. The most important part of this post, is to know the difference between contractions and possessives. This way, hopefully, you'll remember to add them in before you pay the sign-writer. 😉

NF hobby highlight: Beekeeping

 

This topic is not only fun, but brings awareness to the importance of pollinators for our environment ...

Beekeeping! 

The fact that you don't have to have a beehive to help bees in your yard, on your balcony or even at your windowsill. That's because you can start a hive, you can add a bee hotel, or just know the best flowers to bring in bees and other native pollinators to whatever patch of green you keep!

And we have books for any part of that journey you would like to begin!

First off, maybe you would like to know a little about bees or the issues that arise when faced with declining pollinators? Camden Libraries have some introductions for you:

A honeybee heart has five openings

This book by Helen Jukes discusses the problems facing declining pollinator populations in a way that will be relatable to the reader.

Bee: a natural history

This book is more scientific and looks at bee anatomy and behaviour. However, if you love bees, why not learn their history?

Buzz: the nature and necessity of bees

As informative and enchanting as the waggle dance of a honeybee, Buzz shows us why all bees and other pollinators are wonders to celebrate and protect. 

You wouldn't want to live without bees!

This book is tailored for younger audiences that looks at the science, nature and importance of bees.

Then we have some books for the hobbyists who would like to raise bees. You could do this just to help your plants, or you could turn it into business!

A beekeeper's year: setting up and managing backyard hives

A Beekeeper's Year follows the progress of three novice beekeepers with three different types of hive, as they navigate their way through their first year of beekeeping. Whilst this isn't Australian, you can still follow their journey as they set up and manage hives. It is a book that introduces what equipment is required, how to manage hives, and how to keep bees healthy.

If you would like some Aussie-focussed books, check out Complete guide to beekeeping in Australia and the Australian beekeeping manual.

Finally, if you don't have the space for a whole hive; but still want to help pollinators: you can build a bee hotel or plant particular flowers (they love anything purple, like lavender!) to help encourage them into any space you have.

Handmade bird, bee and bat houses and Bee friendly garden are two great resources to have a look at!

Sure it's a lot of books ... but it's a great hobby to have! Have a think about it and start a new project to be ready for Spring!

Highlight: Youth fiction

I know I often do a YF Highlight section; however, with so many new books coming through, why not point out a couple you could be reading?

White fox

Sara Faring

After their world-famous actor mother disappeared under mysterious circumstances, Manon and Thaïs leave their remote Mediterranean island home -- sent away by their pharma-tech tycoon father. Opposites in every way, the sisters drifted apart in their grief. Lured home a decade later, they discover their mother's legendary last work: White Fox. The clues in the work draw them deep into the twisted secrets hidden by their family to reveal the truth about their mother and themselves.

100 remarkable feats of Xander Maze

Clayton Zane Comber

Xander Maze loves lists, and his grandmother is #1 on his list of People I love most in the world. But now that Nanna has Stage Four cancer, can a new list of 100 Remarkable Feats really save her? Particularly when his list contains difficult things like #2 Make a friend and #3 Make a best friend, plus #10 Kiss a girl (preferably Ally Collins, the girl of Xander's dreams). 

Any place but here

Sarah Van Name

Seventeen-year-old June is completely wrapped up in her best friend Jess. The two girls are inseparable and June feels so lucky that they found each other, even if June thinks she may like Jess more than a friend. But after June is expelled from school at the end of her first semester of junior year, she's forced to move to Virginia, to live with her grandmother and attend an all-girls boarding school. Even as she starts to find friends and an attraction to a boy named Sam, Jess is always on her mind, even as Jess starts to pull away from her. June can't let Jess go; but she needs to figure out how to move forward, and how to find the place she really belongs.

Being black 'n chicken, and chips

Matt Okine

Mike Amon is a regular teenager who wants to fit in at school. He also wants his mother to survive the advance breast and brain cancer she has been diagnosed with. Mike knows it's a long shot, but if he manages to achieve his dreams, maybe it'll give his mum enough strength to beat the disease. In the meantime, he has to live with his African dad whom he doesn't really know and who Mike doesn't really feel comfortable sharing his teenage desires and deepest fears with. He doesn't even want to think about what it might mean if his mum never comes home from the hospital. The book is based off not only Okine's life and loss of his mother at the age of twelve, but his stand-up comedy show to be an example of how people can deal with grief and growing up.

How to ... Comics Plus (Library edition)

Lockdown again?! That's okay because whilst you can't pick up a physical copy of a comic; you can read an eComic through Comics Plus!

The how-to guide in the video focusses on the web version; however, logging in to the app is the same and the features inside are the same as the web version too, just in different places on your screen. Easily transferrable skills!

So have a go at another of our Library's great eResources ... there's a plethora of different kinds of reads for different kinds of people. 

Oh, and if you do want a couple of tps for the app on your devices: 

The menu bar for searching 'Featured', 'Popular' etc. is in the top left corner of the screen; searching via keywords is the top right; and 'My shelf' is down the bottom in a menu bar. 

Get away with an action-packed or character-driven comic today 😊

 

Will MacIean's "Apparition phase"

 

You can find this book here.

This is McIean's first novel. 

The story revolves around twins, Abi and Tim, who are both incredibly intelligent, but also have specific interests that differ from their peers. Both siblings are interested in ghosts and the supernatural and cocoon themselves in this world with each other. This; however, all changes when they decide to fake a photograph of a ghost and take it to school to scare someone, or at least see if it could be passed off as real. It is from this moment that lives change in terrifying ways for the siblings and rest of the family. 

The story itself is set in the 1970s. It's atmosphere is claustrophobic; highlighted not just in the relationship between Tim and Abi, but in the environments that are encountered between British suburbia and a Suffolk manor. Everything seems confined and dark, given the circumstances and lives of the characters. For the horror element of this book, it works. 

That sense of tension is a good element for a horror novel. Whether you think it is more supernatural horror or the idea of dread that suffocates characters that is this books strength, is up to the reader. This is because the novel seems to move very slowly through everything. Time has a part to play in this novel and helps move not just tension but the creepiness of the goings-on that happen to Tim and his family. For this reason, you might think the slower pace doesn't help the story.

There may also not be enough ghost-centred hauntings for the hard-horror fan. 

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Damned

Andrew Pyper

The story centres on relationships with a set of twins; but the consequences of their actions and relationships are heavier throughout the book.

House on Cold Hill

Peter James

This book focusses on the traditional haunted house aspects; however, it does show the moves and difference between suburban/city life and the countryside in the United Kingdom.

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. 

James McBride's "Deacon King Kong"

 

You can find this item here.

The book is set in 1969 in Brooklyn. The plot itself swirls around how a community is affected by a single shooting. Sportcoat (or Deacon King Kong) shoots a young drug dealer, who he used to coach in baseball, for apparently no reason. The time, history, and more importantly the relationships of the its community, police, mobsters and church-goers all work together or against each other in a book that shows the vitality and fragility of that community.

Now, to be honest, I found this book slow in the beginning; but I did feel like it picked up for me after the first few chapters. The style of writing is very lyrical, and that may be why I found it a little slower (particularly since I just came from a Patterson novel where the pace is much faster). However, the characters felt well-rounded and the way McBride intersperses moments of humour with hardship and each character's fate and faith was well done. 

I can see why his book one prizes, like the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence. However, I would suggest that this book is for readers who prefer character-driven and dialogue-driven books as plot and action is second place in this novel. 

Links for you

McBride in the Library:

Good lord bird

This title is Fiction.

Kill 'em and leave

This title is a biography of James Brown

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. 

NF hobby highlight: Crochet

 

"I think crocheting is a great hobby because not only can you be creative by making something beautiful; it is also calming and relaxing, allowing you to achieve mindfulness, which is great for your mental health. It's also easier than knitting!

One book at the Library which I love is "Boho baby crochet" by Dedri Uys. It's full of beautiful and bright projects to make for little ones, with easy to follow patterns. And if you get stuck, there is a guide with pictures at the back showing you the basic stitches, special stitches; which tools to use and a lot more helpful tips. My favourite is the 'climbing colours' pattern." -- Anon. 

Looking to start a new hobby? Want some resources to continue excelling in your current crochet climate? 

Whether your new to crochet or been doing it for ages, here are some resources to help you!

My first crochet book

This book is great for kids who want to get started with this skill. It is suitable for ages 7+ and helps instruct children on how to use a crochet hook and use different stitches. It also comes with three level of difficulties for different projects for children to do.

Crochet know-how

This book is great for tips and tricks at all levels of crochet know-how. For example, it starts at just how to get started (with artworks for examples) to how to do more experienced stitches and help anyone finish their work perfectly. 

And for some real fun ...

Colourful wayuu bags to crochet

Interested in creating a functional and really fun and striking bag for practical use? This book comes with 10 patterns using tapestry to crochet for yourself or someone you care about to have as a gift!

Cuddly animals to crochet

This book contains a whole range of wonderfully cute animal creations for you to crochet! I know, right? The book has patterns to follow and fun photography to make 28 different kinds of animals. 

Unexpected afghans

Robyn Chachula gives an in-depth look into crocheting traditional afghans using contemporary techniques, colours and patterns. It contains tips, charts and diagrams to create any one of these 29 afghans.

Even with these examples, this isn't all we have in the library, no way! For a list of our entire crochet range, click here. Oh, and don't forget to browse through our online resource: Hobbies & Craft Reference Centre near the bottom of this page here.

Pride month!

 

Pride month is here! 

"Every June, Pride Month celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. It’s a time to reflect on just how far civil rights have progressed in half a century and an opportunity to protest discrimination and violence. Australia is at the forefront of the push towards true equality and inclusion for LGBTI people, but there is more to do." -- UN Youth Australia

Whilst a lot of activities and events may be being postponed or cancelled because of the current climate; Pride Month can still be celebrated, acknowledged and (of course) written about!

Camden Libraries has a lot of items (more than what I can write about) where writers have used their creativity to bring awareness and goodwill through the power of their words. 

Nonfiction

Rainbow revolutions

This book looks at the rise of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in 1969 US and celebrates the courageous individuals who stood up and demanded recognition.

Yes, yes, yes: Australia's journey to marriage equality

The untold story of how a grassroots movement won hearts and minds and transformed a country from 2004 onwards to bring marriage equality to the law.

Little book of pride

A look at pride events across history and their impact and importance for the LGBTQ+ community.

Biographies

Untamed

A biographical / self-actualisation work by Glennon Doyle.

Not that I'd kiss a girl

Autobiographical coming out story of Lil O'Brien.

My thinning years: starving the gay within

The biography of Jon Croteau and his struggles for self-acceptance through abuse and anger.

All boys aren't blue

Memoir of George Johnson, American journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist.

Fiction

I'm a gay wizard

Young adult fantasy fiction that centres around a gay and trans character. 

Riverrun

A novel that follows a young gay man growing up in a dictatorship. The writing style is not straightforward and is filled with different writing styles, including recipes and songs; but it makes for a more authentic voice.

How it all blew up

How a young adult, Muslim gay man attempts to navigate the world in America today.

Love and other thought experiments

A book on more than just rust and philosophical differences. The book is told from a variety of perspectives to really look at the concept of love. 

There are plenty other books to check out at our Library! Celebrate Pride Month with us by getting into a great book! Or, if you want more than a book; visit an events page here for Australia-wide events that may still be on here.

James Patterson and Marshall Karp's "NYPD Red 6"

 

You can find this book here.

Patterson is a household name. Even if you have never read one of his books; you have at least heard of him. He has written books for adults mostly, but also youth fiction as well. He has stand-alone novels, but also multiple crime/thriller series. 

The book I am going to write about, is one book in one of those series: NYPD Red 6.

Now firstly, this is the latest in the series (number 6 of 6); but Patterson and Karp ensure that you don't need to have read the previous five to understand what is going on in this book. 

The book focusses on two detective, Kylie MacDonald and Zach Jordan (though the book is mostly from Jordan's perspective) and dealing with a case of a kidnapped "star". I use air quotes because Erin Easton is herself not famous for anything other than her social media activity and reality television to keep her fame alive. Does that make her a star in your eyes, or not? Though I am sure Influencers may see themselves as famous too. Perhaps it depends on perspective.

The flow of the narrative and the way the plot unravels feels standard. I was able to figure out the twists. But if you like a comfortable read, the household name of Patterson (and now Karp?) could still be a fun read for you. Outside of the major case the detectives follow, there is also a minor one about burglaries , which shows the busyness of these specialised detectives. This might add some meat to your read.

It is fast-paced, and the chapters are short and quick to keep you reading. I do not know whether you will find the characters as full as in other novels you may have read; however, as this is the sixth book, that could be why they perhaps seem two-dimensional. 

So why not read them from the beginning? ...

NYPD Red 1 = print books are here

NYPD Red 2 = print books are here

NYPD Red 3 = print books are here

NYPD Red 4 = print books are here ; the eBook is here

NYPD Red 5 = print books are here ; the eBook is here

Links for you

Title read-a-likes in the Library:

Bone collector

Jeffrey Deaver

This is also the first in a series that will be as fast-paced as Patterson and Karp's.

Sweet little lies

Caz Frear

Distant echo

Val McDermid

Holly Bourne's "Pretending"

 

You can find this book here.

April is kind, pretty, and relatively normal - yet she can't seem to get past date five. Every time she thinks she's found someone to trust, they reveal themselves to be awful, leaving her heartbroken. And angry. If only April could be more like Gretel. Gretel is exactly what men want - she's a Regular Everyday Manic Pixie Dream Girl Next Door With No Problems. The problem is, Gretel isn't real. And April is now claiming to be her. As soon as April starts 'being' Gretel, dating becomes much more fun - especially once she reels in the unsuspecting Joshua. Finally, April is the one in control, but can she control her own feelings? And as she and Joshua grow closer, how long will she be able to keep pretending?

This introduction is from the blurb at the back of the book. The reason I am giving you this as the introduction and not my own take is that this book is very emotional, raw and possibly confronting and so I have not much else to say in how to explain it well. 

The main reason for this type of explanation is that April is a rape victim. This doesn't give away anything in the book; but the emotional and mental aspects of the character are very strong; which keeps everything heightened. The way a character deals, or not deals, with trauma feels very real in this book and gives any reader the ability to see what it is like for anyone who has dealt with sexual assault. 

This is also the main point to this novel. Sharing that understanding of this one character. Whilst experiences, trauma and dealing with trauma is different for every individual; a perspective on something like this for readers shows how important an issue this is in the Western world.

The character is very real and the book focusses on her point-of-view. This does mean that everyone else is viewed through this light; but isn't that life? Seeing the world only through our own eyes? But this book also allows readers to see what it is like to be April. And this is the point of the novel.

There is romance in this book, in part. So whilst it is romance fiction, it is backgrounded. Maybe it should be classed as relationship fiction, as this is very important to April as a character in general. So, if you are looking for a romance-first book, this is not for you. If you would like to have an idea of what it could be like for a woman in London to live and relate in London, give this book a go.

Links for you

Bourne books in the Library:

The places I've cried in public

How do you like me now?

Bourne books in CloudLibrary:

Are we all lemmings and snowflakes?

It only happens in the movies

YF Highlight: Jilly Gagnon's "#famous"

 

You can find this book here.

This book not only focusses
on young adult life, but in particular social media and dating life. 

In Gagnon's book, Rachel takes a picture of a boy she likes and posts it on social media. The way it blows up on social media makes Kyle famous, but Rachel a target. 

The book is told from both the perspective of Rachel and Kyle, alternating each chapter respectively. The voices of the characters suit the age range, as does what seemed to be the behaviours and responses to situations. Like a lot of issues with relationships (romantic or otherwise), one things that always stands in the way is communication. So look out for how the characters communicate (or miscommunicate) with each other. 

Margaret Bearman's "We were never friends"

 

You can find this book here.

This book is adult fiction; but a lot of the perspective is of the protagonist when she was younger (so it may have the feeling of Youth Fiction, if that is something you want to be wary of). It follows Charlotte, known as Lottie, as she looks back at her life and friendships and the impacts of the past on the present and choices and lives we live. Its themes revolve around friendship, but also family dysfunction and what 'artistic genius' is. 

When I read this book, it seemed very raw and real. It seemed like the relationships fit with families and friendships not only in the past, but how they are dealt with now (just with less focus on social media). Charlotte summed up teens well and how they possibly relate as they move into adolescence. Whilst I didn't want characters to act or be the way they were necessarily throughout the whole novel; it showed how change, or its lack, can also impact on relationships. 

The setting is Canberra, so yay for Australian authors! Whilst characters had problems with the birds (I love hearing the magpies!), the setting does take a backseat for this novel. The protagonist's emotional journey is more important. 

Because the focus is on Lottie's emotional journey, the remaining characters are not necessarily well understood or fleshed out. I believe this could be because of the point of view it holds, which limits what we can see and know about the rest of the characters. and possibly adds to the self-involvement Lottie has about people in her life like Larissa who trumps, at that time in her life, relationships with her family. However, for this reason, it may not be a well-rounded read to some of you. 

The book is an easy, quick read. The author is Australian, and apparently has a great history in research as a professor at Deakin University. I like these points. I also recommend this book if you like rawness of emotion of characters as they try to work through life (or adolescence).

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Husband's secret

Liane Moriarty

This is where I leave you

Jonathan Tropper

Read-a-likes in CloudLibrary:

Ask again, yes

Mary Beth Keane

This book looks at memory and the past and its impact on the future of adulthood. This book focusses more on the adult-side, unlike Bearman's.

We are water

Wally Lamb

Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor's "Faceless old woman who secretly lives in your home"

 

You can find this book here.

I'm old. Older than you can imagine. Probably older than I can imagine, and I have met nearly everyone in your family tree, going back well over a century" p. 7

This is an introduction to the protagonist of this novel. She is, as the title suggests, also a faceless old woman who secretly lives in your home. everyone's home. At the same time. Particularly in Night Vale. 

Now, before I get on with this book; if you do not know Night Vale, let me introduce you. It started as a podcast, and has become so much more. They are all horror-style stories within the show that kind of remind me of way back in the day when radio stations used to read novels by H. G. Wells or Comics from DC for everyone to hear. It's a very interesting series that has been going from 2012. This book is based off one of those podcasts. Feel free to listen to it here. It is the second in the list.

As a head's up, I have found the book to be just as good as the podcast series. Whilst you have to subscribe to hear all of the stories from Welcome to Night Vale, you can at least borrow this book for free!

The protagonist is far more developed in the novel than the podcast. You learn to understand her beginnings from the Mediterranean in 1792 to her connections to Craig in Night Vale in 2020. I do not want to give too much away because then it will spoil the history and creepiness this novel brings about. There are also some twists in this tale that you hopefully do not see coming.

The writing is very strong and it cements a sense of place for the multiple characters you encounter. There are also strong themes in regards to relationships and humanity and what that means, particularly when it comes to the life the Faceless Old Woman leads. Oh, and don't forget the humour. There is some of that in there too, reminiscent of the podcasters. 

If you are a fan of Welcome to Night Vale already, you might not like the fleshing out of the Faceless Old Woman, because it then may take the creepiness away from her. It didn't for me, but it might for you. This also isn't a book with strong scares or horror elements, so if that is what you are after, you are missing out here. 

Overall, I liked the read. It is familiar and yet not so in the places it describes in relation to the idea of it being our world, but not quite. The characters may not necessarily be fully developed every time, but they do work for the plot. This is definitely a plot-driven novel (though the action might be a little slower). So if you like a traipse through some light history (worldly and personal), this book should be given a go.

Links for you

Novels by Fink and Cranor in the Library:

Welcome to Night Vale

Series read-a-likes in the Library:

Twin Peaks

This one isn't so much a "read" as a "Watch" a-like. There is a book on this list that will help develop the series (old and new) if you are interested that will flesh out Twin Peaks, Like the Faceless Old Woman does (in part) for Night Vale.

Stephen Aryan's "Mage born"

 

You can find this book here.

Aryan has written many books, and this, is the first  in the series Age of Dread. The Library does not have the remainging two books in this series, nor does it have the trilogy that comes before this within the same world ... feel free to request them for purchase if you like this one.

This book comes ten years after the first trilogy, Age of Darkness, and is interesting because as a fantasy novel its focus seems to be on the world being so afraid and horrified by magic that they want to eradicate it. This is about three protagonists in different fields trying to make sure the truth is known and fought for so no more people die, either from magic, or because of the fear of it. 

The book is very detailed and fast-paced (even for almost 400 pages). The characters are well-rounded, and maybe those that aren't come from the previous trilogy and are expected to be understood or known more clearly. The action is very clear and if you want to look at the differences between good and evil, this book highlights the grey in-between just as well. 

Everything was solid about this read, and leads it very open for the next two books that are coming. I recommend it, as long as you are able to get your hands on the rest of the series 😊

Links for you

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Waking land

Callie Bates

The characters in this book are fighting to save their world, even though magic is hated here too. It is strong in world-building and political intrigue as well. 

Author read-a-likes in the Library:

Chorus of Dragons trilogy (we have them all!)

Jenn Lyons

The world-building and writing style is strong; though the themes are not similar between these series. However, like all good epic fantasies, gods and humans must be involved.

Stop! Grammar time.

 

You can find this resource here.

Today we will be looking at two different kinds of nouns ... and they are fun ones too!

First up is:

Visual guide to grammar and punctuation. (2019). Melbourne, Victoria: DK Australia, 18.

As the book suggests for this type of noun, two other nouns are combined to make a new one. The reason it is therefore called a compound noun, is because two words are compounded (or combined) together.

However, it is the whole word. So, for example, superrific is not a real compound word. That is because even though it comes from superb + terrific, it isn't each whole word combined. 

Another thing to note about compound nouns is that you might join the words together without a hyphen (sunrise), but you may also use a hyphen between them (dry-cleaning). Surprisingly, they could also be neither ...

Take for example the noun Christmas tree. This is a compound word that refers to one object, even though the words are not squished together or connected by a hyphen, but when read or spoken is done so more quickly.

This makes it slightly more confusing, but also more fun! It means that a lot of the time we may be using compound nouns without realising what they are. Fascinating!

Secondly:

Visual guide to grammar and punctuation. (2019). Melbourne, Victoria: DK Australia, 19.

You can't stop the fun just yet! Collective nouns refer to a group of animals, people or things (as the description says). So, for example, if you have ten elephants, they become a herd. What I would also like to point out about this book, is that though they use the collective noun flock for geese, it's ... wait for it ... actually gaggle when they are on the ground or in the water! 

Other collective nouns that highlight the group are things like team, family and even police! See, when you say "The police are coming" it is more than one person in the car (or even multiple cars) which shows the collective group. This is the same for family, which is made up of you and however many other members.

So, start watching out for these two types of nouns. Either find them in your everyday language or look up. For example, you might know that it's a swarm of bees, but did you also know it could be a bike of bees? What about a murder of crows? 

Grammar is way too fun!