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.