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

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.

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.

Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank

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

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book.  It wasn't my usual choice of reading material, as you could tell just by looking at my bookshelf, but it was one I felt I needed to read.

We're taught at school of the horrors the Nazi's inflicted on the Jewish people, but the first hand account of the Frank family sheds some light on the lengths people went to just to survive, an the people who put their own lives on the line to protect them.

This incredible account has such eloquence, one I'd never expect from a child, let alone one living in close quarters, hiding, with 7 other people.  As an adult, I would never have handled the situation with the poise and maturity that Anne showed during the ordeal.

Anne's young age (13-15) is very easy to forget when you read her diary.  I was blown away with her writing abilities. She writes with maturity beyond her years, making even the mundane chores of their daily life seem more than they were.

It's sad to know that her father was the only survivor of the group, but he was gracious in allowing his daughters story to be told.  He gave his daughter her wish, though she has never been able to witness the impact her writing has had on the world, she fulfilled her dream.  Anne's own wishes aside, the historical significance of this journal alone is enough to give it a high rating.

I gave the chronicle of Anne's life in hiding  5 stars out of 5.


Further reading suggestion: Anne's diary ends when her family is discovered and they are sent to various camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau.  To get an idea of what life was like inside the camp, and the death march that killed Peter, I suggest reading Night by Elie Wiesel, Wiesel's own account of his time during the Nazi occupation.

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

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.