Harrowing yet inspirational tale about kindness
Wen Gibson Koolewong writer Wen Gibson will launch her memoir on Saturday, November 9 – a book recounting her journey from extreme childhood trauma to a life of kindness, giving…
Book Reviews
Blood Test by Charles Baxter
Book review – It is a challenging time for social satire; the world sometimes seems as divided by what it finds funny as it is by politics. Blood Test is…
New book on history of tourism
Former schoolteacher Peter Fisher is about to launch his second book about the Central Coast following his earlier book Tales from the Rainforest. The new book, Wish You Were Here:…
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Hold onto your linen sundresses! Lucy Foley is back with another fast-paced unique murder mystery that will have you cancelling your fancy hotel bookings faster than you can say complimentary…
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
BOOK REVIEW Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders introduces readers to a new cast and series headlined by a dynamic crime-solving duo; a mystery that claims to stand with this year’s…
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
BOOK REVIEW Could this title be any cooler? This is such a cleverly orchestrated novel, there are so many underlying themes but if you strip everything away it is the…
Historical fiction shines spotlight on Avoca Beach
Central Coast author Sara Powter’s latest book, I Can’t Stop Tomorrow, follows the fate of John Moore who like many other Irish men and women left his homeland and settled…
The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter
This crime novel is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark complexities of relationships, betrayal and the human psyche. Set against the backdrop of Atlanta, the novel follows…
James by Percival Everett
Beloved characters from iconic classic books should never be touched; I have never been fond of reimagining them. There has not been a previous instance when I enjoyed this –…
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir brings the popular phase “don’t put your daughter on the stage Mrs Robinson” into sharp focus. Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first…
Solito by Javier Zamora
Solito offers a unique and important glimpse into the immigrant experience and is perfect for book clubs not afraid of discussing gritty topics with challenging and emotional themes, and real-world…
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
One thing that struck me upon reading this book is the amazing life that these creative and inspiring women lived while they were suffering great deprivation during their long captivity….
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
First Lie Wins is the perfect choice for book club if you are looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing at every turn. At first, this novel seems…
Psykhe by Kate Forsyth
This is a captivating historical fantasy novel which intricately weaves together mythology, magic, and the power of storytelling. There are lots of books written about mythical heroes from Zeus and…
The Rewilding by Donna Cameron
BOOK REVIEW This is a riveting tale with a timely message. Central Coast based author Donna Cameron’s novel, The Rewilding, is set in present-day Australia, much of it on the…
The Way We Are by Hugh Mackay
This book is written by experienced author Hugh Mackay, an Australian social researcher and psychologist. It explores various aspects of contemporary Australian society, including its culture, values, relationships and the…
Hope by Rosie Batty with Sue Smethurst
BOOK REVIEW The thought of a child dying is every parent’s worst nightmare and I believe, like many, I would want to cease to exist. But for a child to…
Night Watch by Jayne Phillips
BOOK REVIEW This novel won the Pulitzer prize for literature. I always find it incredibly interesting to see how readers scored the major prize winners; often there seems to be…
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
BOOK REVIEW We all know about the assassination of Tsar Nicolas II and his family and the story of the fabled Duchess Anastasia who supposedly escaped and was immortalised by…
Khaki Town by Judy Nunn
Book review – As part of an initiative called Central Coast Reads, the brainchild of Words on the Waves, all the reading groups, book clubs and centres on the Peninsula…