The Color Purple

Review:

When I initially picked this up, I found it hard to get used to the lingo used. Not one for audiobooks usually, I felt that I needed to hear Alice Walker retelling her story. This made it easier to read when I did pick up the ebook while I was out and about without access to the audio files.

There is something about this book that resonates deep within me. Something that I can't yet put into words. I'll try to articulate my review soon.

Original post: cafebiblioaus.booklikes.com/post/1209744/the-color-purple

Looking for Alaska - John Green

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

Not my favourite John Green book (Currently that honour goes to Paper Towns)... but it still hit me right in the feels.

I didn't feel it was as polished as his other books, being the first, and his characters lacked the depth that his later books have, but as it was still well written.

SPOILERy bits and my own thoughts/experiences to follow.







Firstly, the bit I didn't like... the counting the layers thing. JUST PLAIN CREEPY. Do teenage boys really think like that? Sadly I already know the answer; it's not just teenage boys, I spent 12 years with a man who was just as creepy (but that's a story for a different time).

Secondly, the drinking, smoking and sex was really going to be a 'don't like' bit. I was going to complain and say this feels a bit unrealistic, then in reflection I realised, I drank and smoked more at 16 than I have at 34 (having quit smoking at 23 and lived with the alcoholism of the above mention creepy ex), as for the sex, well the same is, sadly, also true. So now it's floating somewhere between don't and do like...

The need to fit in is so strong when you're a teen, you're trying to make your mark on the world in whatever way you can, that there doesn't even need to be peer pressure for someone to join in with an activity they wouldn't have previously considered. The consequences be damned.

Things I liked... The chapter count down gave a sense of anticipation, what could we be counting down to, is it going to be the prank of the century? Are Miles and Alaska going to hook up? Then BAM! he hits you with that, right there in them feels.

I have been lucky, I have never lost anyone close to me through a car accident, but I know plenty of people who have, some numerous times. I have lost many people that I loved though, some after long suffering battles with cancer or other fatal disease, others through sudden causes; like heart attack, some through suicide. I had dealt with all 3 by the time I was 13.

I don't think it matters whether you have had time to prepare yourself for loss or if it's suddenly thrust upon you, you still question yourself. Is there anything you should have/shouldn't have done? was it something you did/didn't do? It makes you question your own mortality, maybe more so as a teen, when you do feel invincible, but definitely as an adult as well, when you realise that this person (in the case of this book for example) is the same age as you.

Overall, I think the book was fairly true to how I remember my teenage years, and how I've dealt with loss (looking for answers, wondering if it was my fault etc).

I was going to give this 3 stars, but upon writing this and looking at my written thoughts, I've moved it up to 4 stars.

Original post: cafebiblioaus.booklikes.com/post/1202755/looking-for-alaska-john-green

The True History of the Kelly Gang - Peter Carey

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

I seem to be having a very Ned Kelly year, starting off with my daughters First Fleet assignment, in which Red Kelly, Ned's father, was the first Irish convict to be transported to the new colony. That was followed up with the musical Ned, in the fitting setting of the old Bendigo Gaol, which has been converted into the new Ulumbarra Theatre.

 ~130 years since the man was hanged for his crimes, his legend still lives on. The original Aussie Battler, trying hard to survive the harsh Victorian countryside, when everything was against him, his heritage, his upbringing, even his name. I don't know what it is with us Aussies, but we love a good underdog story, someone sticking it to the man, when most would have long given up. Ned Kelly seems to be the epitome of this.

 Carey created a wonderful, well researched, flowing narrative. It was easy to imagine Kelly sitting down, writing out these letters, reliving his life in paper, in an open letter to his daughter. It was not hard to picture the beautiful yet dangerous countryside that the Kelly's and their various cronies roamed around, this is my home after all.

 I am in awe of the distances they traveled on horseback. These trips take hours in a car on a freeway, though we don't have the joy of following ridges and dry creek beds. As much as I romanticise about travelling on horseback around this beautiful state, I can't imagine the conditions they must have deal with spending days travelling from one hideout to another, let alone in the heat of our Summer, the chill of our winter, during a bushfire, or when there's torrential rain and flash flooding.

 I would recommend this to anyone who loves history, to every Victorian and to anyone who loves a good underdog story.

 5 stars.

Heart: A Romantic Short Story by Rose Fall

A quick, light read.  Enjoyable for the most part, even if it's not my usual genre.

As someone who has had her heart broken once too many, a pessimist when it comes to love and relationships, I found some of these stories were very relatable. The optimistic whim of a teenage girl exploring life, the distraught accusations of a woman who loved and lost, the rekindling of a flame, if even for one night only... All experiences I've had in my own way.

Some of the stories were told quite well, as though Fall was using her own experience for the basis of her story telling. Others just seemed rushed and incomplete... Like someone just spewed their thoughts onto paper and didn't take a second glance.

I loved the idea of the playlist for each story.  It was nice to hear the author's thoughts and feelings through a secondary medium. It added something to the story telling.

My favourite of the stories was the first, <i>European Boy</i>, it reminded me of a time when I too was carefree filled with innocent wonder at the world.  A time when I wanted the world to stand still so I could live in the moment, a time when I believed in love.

I enjoyed the excerpt of Fall's soon to be released novel, <i>How to Get Your Heart Broken</i>. For me this one seemed to have the most care and though put into it, I look forward to picking up a copy when it's released later this year.

Heart received a 3 star rating from me,

A copy of Heart: A Romantic Short Story can be found on Amazon with a release date of July 10.

Ready Player One - Ernest Cline

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.


I've seen numerous mixed reviews for Ready Player One, but I tried to keep myself mostly spoiler free, and I think I managed that.  Set in a none-to-distant, dystopian future where climate change and greed have ruined the planet, the only escape people have is to the virtual reality of OASIS.   Due to its popularity, the games own virtual currency has become a more profitable commodity that that of actual cash.

The value of which shot up when the games creator, James Halliday, died.  The multi billionaire had no family to leave his fortune to,  so instead he created an epic scavenger hunt across the OASIS universe, the player who solves the riddles and passes the challenges would win his fortune.

Halliday, as it turns out, was quite nostalgic.  A big fan of the 80s, the era in which he grew up in, Halliday left hints and clues in his memoir the Anorak Almanac, Anorak being the name of his Dungeons and Dragons character from his school years.

The puzzle left people stumped, for 5 years after Halliday's death not a single person was any closer to finding the first key mentioned in the riddle.  Billions of people had begun searching, but as time wore on, only those dedicated individuals, known as Gunters, kept up with the research and dedicated study of Halliday's life.

This is the story of Wade Watts, a likable, tech savvy, overweight teenager. Born to teenage parents at the height of the global crisis, Wade was forced to live with his Aunt, in a trailer at the top of a stack, after his parents had died, one shared with numerous other people.  The people were poor, and the living conditions even poorer.

Early on Wade discovered that he had to fend for himself, his Aunt pocketing the food stamps meant to cover Wade's meals. Because of this Wade created himself a hideout, a place where he spent most of his life, a place where he had privacy.  It was here he went to school inside the OASIS, rigging up a charging system for his Oasis gear, scavenging and repairing technology to pawn off in exchange for food. It also covered some sundry costs while Wade researched Halliday's riddle.

The story is filled with 80s references, from Atari to Dungeons and Dragons, music, movies, games and books. You name it, Cline referenced it, to the point that, at times, I felt it was too much. Yes I'm a geek, gamer, and a child of the 80s, I love looking back upon my childhood just as much as the next person, but sometimes the references were just overkill.

For this, the book lost half a star, giving it a 4.5 star rating out of 5.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves cheesy 80s references, or gaming, or general geekery (Players of Kingdom of Loathing, I'm looking at you).

Obernewtyn - Isobelle Carmody

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.


I have to admit, I've had the Obernewtyn Chronicals on my shelf for a few years now but just never got around to reading them, making them the perfect choice for the PopSugar challenge item "a book you own but have never read".  After reading the first in the series, Obernewtyn, I wish I'd read them sooner, though I'll hold off on the rest of the series until I catch up on my challenge reads.

Set in a post apocalyptic future, Obernewtyn is a first person narrative centered around teenage protagonist Elspeth Gordie, who was orphaned when the overseeing governing body, the Council burned her parents for sympathising with people the Council called as Misfits.

Elspeth and her brother Jes, were sent to various orphan homes, and moved regularly, to prevent them forming any kind of bonds with other people.  Elspeth hides a terrible secret, she too is a misfit, with the power to read minds, talk to animals and humans telepathically, influence the actions of others and small amounts of telekinesis, she and Jes live in fear of her being discovered, which creates a rift between them.

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, for the pair Elspeth is soon discovered, (though the blame is put on some water she fell in during an excursion early in the book, and not her inherent abilities) and sent off to the secretive, misfit treatment facility/farms, Obernewtyn.  Here Elspeth meets and befriends a couple of other misfits, and learns some horrible truths about the Obernewtyn farm.

Carmody began writing this series when she was 14, I think her youthfulness comes through in Elspeth, making the character much more believable, and far less pretentious than teen characters written by adults, (this could also be a cultural thing? many of the other young adult books I've read recently are by American authors, where as Carmody is Australian)

One of my favourite characters in this book is the cat, Maruman.  I'm a sucker for animals, and the neurotic Maruman, reminds me of my own fur baby.  There are many parallels between the fictional cat and my own, making it easy for me to imagine Elspeth's one true friend.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series, especially since the final book of the series, The Red Queen, is due out later this year.  If you're a lover of fantasy fiction, that has elements of science-fiction then this may be the book for you.

I gave Isobelle Carmdy's Obernewtyn 5 stars.

The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

I received a free e-copy of The Universe Builders in exchange for my honest review.

It's not often I find a book that grabs me like The Universe Builders did.  I found myself reading this every chance I could get, and cursing the things that kept me from reading, sleep be damned.  A witty young adult novel, with a fantasy, sci-fi theme.  I'll admit that it was the cover that first drew me to this book, so when the author offered an e-book in exchange for my review I jumped at the chance.

I was captivated right from the start, having felt a Terry Pratchett/Douglas Adams vibe about the story.  Bernie, a young god who had just finished god school, graduating as a universe builder, the toughest and most sort after occupation a god could want.  I'm a sucker for an underdog, and Bernie certainly was that, with his personal cloud full of chaos and hi-jinx, it's a wonder he ever graduated at all.  But Bernie was determined, he worked hard at keeping his chaotic cloud under control and managed to scrape through.

Landing his dream job right out of school, Bernie was both delighted and relieved, that was until he was placed next to his school bully, Billy.  Billy and Bernie had a troubled history, Billy, ever the bully had targeted Bernie early on, just around the time Bernie's award winning father divorced his mother leaving the latter to raise Bernie on her own, which also meant moving into the 'bad' neighbourhood.  On one of these occasions Billy took things too far while heckling a young goddess called Susie. Bernie, or more to the point, Bernie's cloud, had had enough and fought back, leaving Billy deeply scarred.

From that day on Bernie tried to settle everything peacefully.  This softness meant Bernie was always trying to find options to avoid wiping out any of his creations.  Bernie didn't want them to die, whether from old age, disease or disaster.  It was this softness that almost saw Bernie miss out on his dream job, but ever in his debt, and quite infatuated, Susie convinced her boss to hire Bernie on probation, to see what he could do.

I enjoyed the writing style, switching between third person narration to first person for Bernie's diary entries, or from Billy's perspective.  Fairly evenly paced throughout, the tempo made it an easy and enjoyable read, suited to the target audience.

Bernie's triumph over adversity is something we all love to read, and I think the idea that bullies will always be caught out in the end is a great moral to pass onto youth.  Even in those times when we don't think the authority figures care, it shows that the truth has a way of finding its way to the surface.

I gave The Universe Builders Bernie and the Putty 5 stars, and have been trying to convince my kids that they would really enjoy this book too, even though Mum loves it.  I am looking forward to the sequel.

The Universe Builders can be purchased through the website.  The publisher, Argon Press, only ships to the US, so if you're in the market for a hard-copy the book can also be purchased through other online retailers, also linked at that page.

It's not just me who loves this story, LeBel's story has won many awards over the last year or so
GRAND PRIZE – Writer’s Digest – 2015
FINALIST – Stargazer Award – 2015
FINALIST – Beverly Hills Book Awards – 2015
GOLD – eLit Book Awards – 2015
FINALIST – Next Generation Indie Awards – 2015
WINNER – San Francisco Book Festival – 2015
FINALIST – International Book Awards – 2015

Vreeland by Gabriel Strump

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.

Very cute!  This is the story of 17yo Anton, a teen who just doesn't quite fit in.  Preferring books and music over sport, and keeping his hair longish to cover his elf like ears, Anton was always the target for bullies.

After one such bullying incident at Summer camp, Anton finds himself in a strange place, Vreeland, surrounded by 5 beautiful girls, each with a tiny waist, pointed ears, dainty wings and incredible beauty...

Journeying through Vreeland, Anton meets all sorts of strange and wonderful Vrees, various other creatures, and some not so wonderful Weets.

This book is beautifully written, easy to read, even with the odd Vreeland spelling/pronunciation (it's pretty easy to follow along with once you figure it out).  The story itself is relaxed, while still captivating and entertaining.  The images and extra detail to the text formatting of various parts was cute and enjoyable.

I had 2 small 'problems' with the book... One, I found it quite predictable, from very early on I guessed the location of Vreeland, and secondly, Anton's lack of concern for finding his parents and returning home.  Given that the target audience is tween/teen, neither of these things would have crossed their minds (for the most part). Nor do these 'problems' detract from the story in any way.  For these reasons I have not removed stars from my review.

This is one I'll be encouraging my 11yo reluctant reader to pick up, I think it's a story she'll enjoy as much as I did, and can definitely see my 9yo and 17yo book worms devouring this very quickly.

I gave Vreeland 5/5 stars, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Well done Mr Strump, great work, and thank you for the opportunity to read your book.

Alchemy: A Story of Perfect Murder by Chris James

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

For full disclosure I received a copy of this novel through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

The ebook version, in epub or mobi (plus others) can be found at smashwords.com


Jacob Silver, son of a Jewish Apothecary and his wife, is a gifted artist and scientist.  On trial for the murders of 4 beautiful women, and the grave desecration of a fifth.  The story switches between Jacob's trial and the chain of events from his first encounter leading up to his arrest.

After his father dies, just weeks after a trip to see the Mona Lisa while it was in London, and his mother imprisoned, Jacob sets out to discover the secret to immortality, the recipe for which is contained in a tome, Alchemy, a book he received from a mysterious man on his 15th birthday, a man who claimed to be from the Institute.

Given a scholarship to a prestigious college, Jacob soon learns that his genius is detested by those upper class folks who feel their children are being 'shown up'.  Jacob is soon taking science lessons in an underground laboratory with the same man who delivered the book to him initially, a man he calls Professor.

Expelled from the school Jacob makes his way as a laborer, with some financial assistance from an Aunt, until he is placed in quarantine, with a child and a prostitute, after being exposed to the black plague.  During his time in quarantine, Jacob rekindles his passion for art and paints his beautiful companion Polly, as well as some images of his beloved Emily, a girl he first met during his viewing of the Mona Lisa, who also just happened to be the sister of his best friend at the college.

Once cleared of the disease, Polly and the child, Nell, depart Jacob's company, but not before he gives her one of the paintings for her to sell to have some cash.  Jacob takes some more of his paintings to a gallery and makes a quick fortune for his efforts, and the promise of delivering more when he can.

With his new found funds Jacob decides it's time to hire a housekeeper. As if by magic, the Institute sends on that very day.  Pretty soon, Jacob's love, Emily comes to live with them, in her consumption addled state, and not long after they are joined by the professor, so he and Jacob could continue their study of the book Alchemy, and more specifically decode the catalyst for the immortality potion which the creator, a Perenelle Flamel, wife of the acclaimed alchemist Nicolas Flamel.

This book is one I just couldn't put down.  As an artist, and a self proclaimed nerd, I could relate to Jacob quite well, the desire to create a masterpiece and the thirst for knowledge are part of my everyday life.  His naivety is quite endearing, even if it does border on ignorance at times.  He obviously had a tonne of charm, women were literally throwing themselves at him.  These women must have boosted his ego, never did he believe his potions could be harmful in the correct dosage (we never did find out whether Jacob's potions were the cause of his friend's cancer), nor did he doubt his abilities in art or science.

The professor was quite skilled in alchemy, but also in his manipulation of everyone involved in Jacob's demise.  His ability to disappear quickly and quietly when the need arises and the ability to remain hidden, even when in public, is quite a skill that must have taken a long time to refine.

Chris James' writing flows so well, even with the back and forth between the court room and the flashbacks leading up to that point, the story just begged you to keep reading.  His years working as a murder squad detective have been a positive influence on his writing, as far as this book goes.  James gives us just enough detail of the murders to make us aware of how gruesome they were, without becoming too dark and gory.

I gave this book 5/5

Alchemy: A Story of Perfect Murder can also be purchased in paperback and kindle format from Amazon

Marvel 1602 - Neil Gaiman

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.



It seems I'm having a very Gaiman related year, this being the third of his works so far this year.  Apart from his novels, I have also added a few of Gaiman's graphic novels to my read list for the year. The 8 part series of Marvel 1602, illustrated by Andy Kubert, is the one I listed as my book I can finish in a day.

Set in the year 1602, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first, Gaiman gives a fantasy twist to the traditional Marvel characters, featuring such favourites as the Fantastic 4, the X-Men and Spiderman.
With blood red skies over London, the unwell Queen questions her trusted intelligence officer, Sir Nicholas Fury, as to whether the world is ending.  She also questions her physician, Dr. Stephen Strange, as he enters the room to tend the ailing Queen.

While there, the Queen tells Strange to enlighten Fury on the details of a treasure that is on route to England, to which Strange has been charged with its safety.  Fury sets his best agent on the task of meeting the man that carries the treasure bringing them both to England.

Parting from Fury and heading home, pondering the possibilities of what could happen when the Queen dies, Strange searches for answers to this, and that of the unnatural weather phenomena, in his magic mirror.  In his visions Strange sees a young maiden and her native American guard aboard a boat bound for England, a man with angels wings and a nun clad in blood red, whom somehow senses his presence and banishes him from her position.

After preventing an attempt on his own life, Fury, with the assistance of Carlos Javier, uncovers a plot which included the assassinations of himself, the queen and the young maiden from Strange's visions, Virginia Dare.  The attempt on Virginia Dare was thwarted by her protector, Rojhas, but during her escape Strange discovers her secret, one which he keeps between himself and her loyal protector. While tending to Dare during her recovery, Strange discovers the origins of the strange weather is emanating from the room she is recovering in.

Fury informs the Queen of his discoveries, after the attempt on Dare's life happened while she was in court with the Queen.  The Queen brushes the concerns aside, informing Fury that there have been many attempts in the past and he as stopped them all.  As he leaves, to question his attacker about his employer, a gift from Count Otto von Doom is presented to the queen...

The artwork is everything I've come to expect from Marvel. Kubert, having worked for both Marvel and DC, is an excellent illustrator.  The story lines from Gaiman are, as always, brilliant and twisted. I love his little touches to the spelling of names, and the odd change to their marvel universe roles.  The outcome was something I did not expect, though it did answer one of my earlier questions (not telling you what it was to avoid giving away the plot).  I love when authors do their research, and indulge us with folk lore, Gaiman's twist on the Virginia Dare story fits well with this version of the Marvel Universe.

Overall there were one or two things I didn't enjoy, but given their plot significance, I'll leave them out of this review.

4/5 stars.

Strata - Terry Pratchett

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

Saddened by the news of Pratchett's passing on March 12, I figured it was time to pick up one of his books.  Pratchett has often been recommended to me with my first delve into his writing being Good Omens earlier this year, a novel he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman (that I haven't yet written a review for).  As Strata is on my PopSugar reading challenge list as the book published the year I was born, I decided I needed to pay my own small homage to the man who entertained so many with his wit and intellect.

The third novel from the author and only one of a few sci-fi novels he wrote, and although the story features a disc world, it is not part of his Discworld series.

Kin Arad, high ranking officer of 'The Company' finds herself chastising a couple of her young charges, for adding fossils not only to the wrong strata of earth, but with the added addition of a "end nuclear testing now" sign, suspending them for three weeks without payment.  Payment from the Company is in days, days with which you can extend your life, as Kin Arad had done, by hundreds of years.

The Company is in the business of planet terra-forming, sculpting planets to suit the species which will inhabit the finished product, using strata machines to complete the projects.  The company didn't build these strata machines, they were discovered, artifacts of the Spindle Kings who built planets before evolution had allowed human kind to to be a space faring species.

As Kin reflected on her own misadventure in planet scultping, a mountain range in the shape of her initials, a strange man appeared in her office, Jago Jalo.  The man spoke of a strange disc shaped planet. Intrigued, Kin agreed to listen to his tale and eventually agreed to head along on a voyage to see the planet for herself, even if she didn't believe such a thing existed, the logistics just weren't viable.

Kin, along with two others that Jalo had spoken to, Marco a, slender, 4 armed Kung raised on earth and Silver, a bear like creature called Shand, embarked on a journey of discovery and historical significance, using their knowledge and skills to transverse the disc planet and discover its origins.

Strata is well written, Pratchett was a natural story teller.  The characters were well written and had a depth to them that really brings a story to life.  My one disappointment, it lacked the humour that I enjoyed in Good Omens.  Though over all, I'm not sure humour would have been beneficial from the story.

I gave Strata 4.5 stars out of 5. Losing that half a point for the lack of humour I've come to love.

Coraline - Neil Gaiman

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

Dedicated to Gaiman's daughters, Coraline is an intriguing story about a young girl and the large divided house her family shares with some rather eccentric neighbours.  Down stairs were Misses Spink and Forcible, former actresses, with their aging population of Highland Terriers.  Upstairs was Mr. Bobo and his circus of mice, training to perform for the world.  None of Coraline's neighbours called her by her rightful name, always calling her Caroline instead. This I found to be a cute touch, Gaiman says himself that he had intended to call the character Caroline, but had made a typo and the name stuck.

Coraline loved to explore her new surroundings, heading straight to the dangerous, old well her downstairs neighbours warned her about.  In other areas of her yard she discovered an old tennis court and various signs of animal life. On one day, during her Summer, the weather turned bad and Coraline was stuck inside out of the rain and mud.  Coraline, after bugging both her parents, began exploring the house. It was during this time that Coraline discovered the door.  Coraline badgered her mother until she unlocked and opened the door to discover nothing but a brick wall.  The wall must have been placed there when the house was divided into apartments.

Later, after everyone had gone to bed, Coraline heard a strange noise, and a shadow movement. She got out of bed and followed the movement which led her to the now unlocked door, which was slightly ajar, even though she was sure her mother had closed it properly.

It wasn't until later, when both Coraline's parents were out, that Coraline discovered the door opened to another apartment.  Through the door Coraline heard her name being called, by her other mother. Unlike her own mother, the other mother offered Coraline delicious food, love and attention.  It's in this other world that Coraline meets three children, and begins an adventure like no other.

Gaiman's writing is as brilliant as ever. His twisted sense of humour and characters give great depth to the story. As parents, we often dismiss our children when we're preoccupied with work, or other real world issues.  This story reminds us that our kids are people too, with just a many worries as an adult, real or otherwise.  Coraline shows a great strength.  As a mother of daughters, and as a woman, it's this kind of depth that I search for in role models for myself and my children.  Coraline is that inner child I so long to awaken, one with spirit to explore the world and the courage and strength to face my fears.

I gave Coraline 5/5 stars

Death Note Vol. 1: Boredom.

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.


Having already seen the anime, there is nothing new in the manga for me, but I don't mind in the slightest.  The story is one that grabs you, and keeps your attention throughout.

Bored with the Shinigami (Death God) realm, Ryuuku, one of the death gods, drops his death note to Earth in search of some entertainment.  Japanese teen Light (Raito) Yagami, Japan's top student, finds the book and at first, dismisses it as a hoax. Soon he begins to test the book, first on an armed man holding some students hostage, then on a bikie harassing a young lady outside a convenience store, and learns that the book is indeed a death notebook. Light can't just kill anyone with the book, he must know the name and face of the person he wishes to kill, and he starts to find lists of criminals around the planet and starts to fill the death note with their names, allowing them all to die from the default death of heart failure.

Soon after this Ryuuku appears to Light, and explains that the book has come from him, and though he is the Shinigami linked with that book, it now belongs to Light and his to use, or dispose of, at will.  He also explains that only those who have touched the death note can see him, which is convenient since he now follows Light where ever he goes.

It isn't long before Interpol notices the multiple deaths of criminals and soon links them all together.  At first they're unsure on how to deal with these matters, until the suggestion of the worlds best and most secretive 'private investigator' be put on the case, a man only known by the pseudonym 'L'.  No one knows L's real name, know what he looks like, nor his location. His only contact is through a man by the name of Watari...

I love the battle of wits between Light, dubbed Kira (meaning Killer) by the people of the internet, and L throughout the series.  Each trying to one up the other, L's broadcast and Kira's victim's apparent suicide notes are just the beginning.

The Ryuuku, is one of my favourite characters. I love the idea that gods get bored with life too, and need to find entertainment to satisfy that boredom. I love that he just stands back, neither on the side of good or bad, just there for entertainment.

There are moral questions raised, with the killing of criminal types, and the idea behind a safe and crime free utopia. And as in real life, there are arguments for both sides, Kira has his followers and haters.

As an artist I appreciate the manga style art, honestly I find the style quite appealing.  I know there are many who don't like the style and that's okay too. It is, after all, down to personal preference.

I gave this volume 5/5 stars.

The Princess Bride - William Goldman

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.



As one of my favourite movies, I figured it was time I also read The Princess Bride.

The book opens with "This is my favourite book in all the world, though I have never read it" a great hook line, but one with absolutely zero truth.  Much like the movie, Goldman explains that his love of reading began when he was bed ridden and delusional with pneumonia at the age of 10. His father, a Florinese native whose English was poor, sat down and began to read A classic tale of True Love and High Adventure starting with the words "Chatper One: The Bride."

35 pages later, and the fictional introduction is finally over... So many times I very nearly stopped reading the book, or at least wanted to skip those pages. I don't feel it, or the little inserts of interruption throughout the story, added to the story at all.  I think I would have enjoyed the story more without them.

The fact that I knew the story fairly well did not take away from the excitement of the book. In fact being able to visualise the characters and the settings along with the anticipation of knowing what was happening next added to my enjoyment.

I enjoyed the little comic listings of the most beautiful women in the world (and later of the five kisses), and reading Buttercup climb her way up the list as she aged. Westley, always answering all her demands with 'As you wish'.  It was not until Countess Rugen, who along with her husband and a large entourage, showed an interest in Westley that Buttercup realised her affections for him.  That was when Westley decided it was time to make his fortune elsewhere, and left.

I loved reading the back-stories for Fezzik and Inigo, it gave depth to their characters that you don't get in the movie.  I did get a little annoyed to learn that Inigo and Vizzini should have been people of colour, and had the movie been created today, instead of almost 30 years ago, I would be far more enraged by this.

Prince Humperdink and Count Rugen were just as ruthless, if not more so, in the book. I found myself wishing Humperdink's Zoo of Death was featured in the movie. The way in which Rugen slayed Domingo Montoya and caused the scarring on Inigo's face was quite cold hearted.

The story line is very close to the movie, including the breaks where Goldman talks to his father, obviously there are differences due to budget, and technological ability, but I was very pleased to see that it pretty much held true.

Ultimately I enjoyed the book, but the fictional introduction and the interruptions throughout kind of detracted from the story for me. Next time I read it, I think I'll be skipping these parts.  This is one of the few, if not only, times I prefer the movie to the book.

4/5 stars

Palo Alto - James Franco

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.


Palo Alto is a collection of short stories about a group of youths in the Palo Alto area of California, the area in which James Franco himself was born and grew up.

The book is divided into two parts Palo Alto I and Palo Alto II each containing their own chapters. The stories revolve around various teens, which all interconnect in some way.  There are stories of drug and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, vandalism and even murder.

In the first story, Halloween, we meet Ryan, a teen on probation for underage drinking.  Ryan is only allowed to drive himself between school and home as part of his restrictions. On the fateful day of his tale, Ryan drives with his friend Ed to Ed's house where they proceed to drink and get high with friends before heading to a Halloween party. After an argument with his girlfriend, Susan, over the phone, Ryan leaves to confront his rival, who happens to be preparing, with friends, for a different Halloween party at Susan's house, but never quite makes it there...

Another story tells of a breach of trust between a soccer coach and his star player. April babysits Michael, while the boys father, her coach Mr B, goes on a date. Mr B returns from the date, explaining that it was terrible and then kisses April.  At Hallowen, April goes out with Mr B and Michael trick or treating, after which Mr B exclaims his love for April and the two have sex, this continues to happen for two years...

I felt the stories were a bit exaggerated with the sex, drugs, alcohol and violence but being non-American I'm unfamiliar with the Palo Alto area, and American teen life in general. Ultimately the themes are something many teens face, American or otherwise, whether they go down the road of vice or head along the path of virtue all depends on the person.

Overall I enjoyed Franco's writing, its not quite the polished stories of best selling authors, but that lack of polish adds to the charm and overall feel.
3/5 stars

War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers. 

Wasn't sure what to expect with this book, it often appears on lists as a 'must read' classic, but after the disappointment of A Clockwork Orange, I didn't want to get my hopes up.

Though it has always been on my to read someday list, it was a suggestion from a friend as the March 2015 read for our bookclub. I also added to my reading challenge list for the year.  My expectations were to find this story quite dated, given the books publishing date of 1898, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Written from a first person perspective of an unnamed philosophical author, the story begins with Book One- The Coming of the Martians.  The Author opens with a description of Mars and of the human ignorance that life, let alone intelligent life, could exist on other planets and a retrospective comparison of nature of (white european) human towards 'lesser beings' and the behaviour of the Martians towards humans.

He is invited to observe Mars with well known astronomer 'Ogilvy' after an initial explosion is seen on Mars.  During this time our narrator witnesses a second explosion on the planets surface, and quickly relinquishes the telescope to his counterpart.  He goes on to explain that there were 10 consecutive nights of these 'eruptions of gas' on the planets surface.

After an unknown amount of time, the first of the 'meteors' crashes to Earth, near the narrators home, though he failed to witness the event, apparently being consumed by his work.  Ogilvy discovers the object in a pit n Horsall Common (1 on the map below), a cylinder with a diameter of approximately 30 yards (about 27.4m)

Map of the area Wells used, along with the approximate locations of Cylinders 1-7

Wells highlights the human curiosity and the quest for knowledge, with the examination of the first cylinder and the surrounding crowds trying to catch a glimpse of what may be inside.  Which ultimately leads to the deaths of the scientists and a significant amount of bystanders at the first crash site.  He also tells of the military involvement from the discovery of the first cylinder.

The narrator tells us a little of his experience over the next few days, delivering his wife into the safety of cousins at Leatherhead, his return to, and subsequent escape from his home town of Woking, before switching to his, also unnamed, brothers account of events in escaping from London.

Book Two: The Earth Under the Martians, begins where the narrator left his own story in the previous book.  Outlining his experiences, hardships and close calls during the weeks hiding from the Martians.  Ending with his discovery of the demise of the alien race and his return to his, still standing home in Woking.

Overall the story was well written, I can see why Wells has been such a prominent figure in classic science fiction.  I was a little disappointed with the ending, even though it is most feasible, it just felt a little abrupt.

Ultimately this classic, while slightly dated, can hold its own amongst more modern Science Fiction.  It's easy to see why there was hysteria around the radio drama in 1938, 40 years after the book was published, the story is very believable, with Wells use of actual locations and references real historical events adding to the realism.  Had it not been for such references to modes of transport, various artillery and monetary values, this story could have taken place at any time in living memory.

I gave War of the Worlds 4/5 stars.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers. 



I had high hopes for this book.  All the hype of it being a must read classic.  And yet, I was bitterly disappointed.  I had put off reading this book for years, knowing the level of violence involved, to the point that I was almost fearful to read it, (You'll see it was the book I was scared to read on my Pop Sugar Reading Challenge post)  and yet, I just felt a resounding 'meh'.

The story is about fifteen year old Alex and his 'Droogs'.  After a series of 'ultra-violence', rape and theft and murder sprees, Alex's Droogs turn on him and allow him to be caught by the 'Millicents', namely the police. 

Alex spends around 2 years inside an over crowded adult prison, for the most part behaving himself.  Assisting the prison 'Charlie' by playing music during his his sermons, Alex speaks to the chaplain about wanting to try out this new treatment he's heard about, and wants the chaplain to put in a good word for him, something the chaplain is reluctant to do.  Alex gets his wish when yet another criminal is thrown into Alex's already overcrowded cell. 

Fast forward two weeks and Alex is a changed man, released into the fresh air and freedom of the world once more.  This new found freedom is not all it's cracked up to be, no longer can he enjoy the things he once loved...

Firstly, the slang was over the top, and in parts childish it took me quite a while to get used to.  Was the slang a tool used to lessen the blow of the crimes that were committed?  Would this book have been so popular had it been written in plain English?  I'm not sure that it would have been. 

I don't feel there was any sort of remorse, on Alex's part, for the crimes he committed. He blamed everyone else around him for his behaviour and his capture, but didn't stop to think about why he wanted to do those things, or why his 'droogs' would turn on him in such a way. Narcissist? in my experience most likely.

This book does raise a lot of moral questions. Ultimately I don't think Alex himself had any morals.  Not once did he express sincere regret for his crimes, nor any empathy for his victims.  Alex always seemed to be blaming everyone else for the predicaments he found himself in, whether it was his droogs, cell mates or parents etc. 

I may have enjoyed it more had the ending been more about personal growth and reformation, than just 'he grew up'. That was quite the let down.

While I'm glad to cross this one off my to read list, it wont be one I'm likely to revisit.

2/5 stars.

2015 PopSugar Challenge

Over the last few years, I have been trying to increase the amount of books I read to the level it once was. Not an easy task since adult responsibilities put a dampener on things.  One way I have been doing this is to join a few reading groups on Goodreads and following along with their reading lists.

One of these groups brought up the topic of the PopSugar 2015 reading challenge.  In this challenge, there are 50 book categories for you to fill with whichever reading material you like, to read during the 52 weeks of this year (There is actually one read for each week, one of the 50 categories is a trilogy).


Looking to expand my reading horizons, I give you the following... My 2015 reading list.  This is of course subject to change as the year goes on (you'll note a couple of changes already). I tried to choose books that I hadn't read before, with the exception of a book from my childhood: The Enchanted Wood; and a book with magic: The Magic Faraway Tree.  Both of these I'll be reading with my younger children throughout the year

1. a book with more than 500 pages A Feast for Crows
2. a romance The Princess Bride
3. a book that became a movie Fight Club
4. a book published this year Carry On Alchemy: a story of perfect murder
5. a book with a number in the title Ready Player One
6. a book written by someone under 30 The Bell Jar
7. a book with nonhuman characters The Jungle Book
8. a funny book Life, the Universe and Everything
9. a book by a female author Assassin's Apprentice
10. a mystery or thriller Gone Girl
11. a book with a one-word title Coraline
12. a book of short stories The Bizarro Starter Kit
13. a book set in a different country The Book Thief
14. a nonfiction book The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help
15. a popular author's first book Looking for Alaska
16. a book from your favorite author that you haven't read yet ( I took a little liberty and used her pseudonym) The Cuckoo's Calling
17. a book a friend recommended Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
18. a Pulitzer-prize winning book The Color Purple
19. a book based on a true story Call the Midwife Boxed Set: Call the Midwife, Shadows of the Workhouse, Farewell to the East End
20. a book at the bottom of your to read list The Color of Magic
21. a book your mom loves Dune
22. a book that scares you A Clockwork Orange
23. a book more than 100 years old The War of the Worlds
24. a book based entirely on its cover The Iron Trial
25. a book you were supposed to read in school but didn't (I read all my books at school, this one is from my eldest daughter's 2015 reading list) The Bunker Diary
26. a memoir Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography
27. a book you can finish in a day Marvel 1602
28. a book with antonyms in the title The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act
29. a book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit The Sandman, Vol. 6: Fables and Reflections
30. a book that came out the year you were born Strata
31. a book with bad reviews Palo Alto
32. a trilogy (the first) The Hunger Games
33. a trilogy (the second) Catching Fire
34. a trilogy (the third) Mockingjay
35. a book from your childhood The Enchanted Wood
36. a book with a love triangle City of Bones
37. a book set in the future Cinder
38. a book set in high school The Perks of Being a Wallflower
39. a book with a color in the title Scarlet
40. a book that made/makes you cry Bridge to Terabithia
41. a book with magic The Magic Faraway Tree
42. a graphic novel The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes
43. a book by an author you've never read before Fahrenheit 451
44. a book you own but have never read Obernewtyn
45. a book that takes place in your hometown (I couldn't find one specifically for my home town, that I hadn't already read, so I went with rural Victoria, Australia instead) True History of the Kelly Gang
46. a book that was originally written in another language The Diary of a Young Girl
47. a book set during Christmas (or similar holiday) Little Women
48. a book written by an author with your same initials John Keats - Collected Poems Stormdancer
49. a play Hamlet
50. a banned book Brave New World
51. a book based on OR turned into a tv show Orange Is the New Black
52. a book you started but never finished The Silmarillion

I have chosen not to read mine in order of week, to allow for me to fit shorter books in on busy weeks and longer books when time isn't an issue. And of course the book published this year hadn't yet been published by week 4.

Goodreads has a group dedicated to this reading challenge if you would like to check it out yourself.  What's on your 2015 reading list? Is there anything on my list that you love? hate? Share your thoughts in the comments below.