The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
With Christmas approaching we have been asked what to recommend for reluctant readers and thinking back to when my own children were teenagers, there was one book that ignited that…
Book Reviews
Wifedom – book review
by Anna Funder About two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to attend an author event with Anna Funder, who has written three novels and a novella – a thoughtful…
Bright Shining by Julia Baird
From award-winning journalist Julia Baird, author of the acclaimed national bestseller Phosphorescence, comes Bright Shining, a luminously beautiful, deeply insightful and most timely exploration of grace. Based in Sydney, Baird hosts The…
Booker Prize 2023: Ireland’s Paul Lynch wins with Prophet Song
BOOK REVIEW: The 2023 Booker Prize has been awarded to Prophet Song, a dystopian vision of Ireland in the grips of totalitarianism. It was written by Ireland’s Paul Lynch, 46,…
Killers of the Flower Moon
by David Grann I went to the movies recently to watch Killers of the Flower Moon, a true story by author David Grann. I thought it only fair to read…
Three works of Richard Glover discussed
Most people living in Australia will no doubt have heard of Richard Glover – radio presenter, journalist and author. For something a little different we aren’t looking at his media…
Against the Water: A Surfing Champion’s Inspirational Journey to Olympic Glory
BOOK REVIEW: The truth is I am not one for non-fiction, but Against the Water is an inspiring and captivating memoir that takes readers on a thrilling ride through the…
Holly by Stephen King
As an example of how age is just a number, Stephen King is still producing best sellers and fresh ideas at 76, having written around 75 books. Holly was initially…
Limberlost by Robbie Arnott
Do not make the mistake of ordering a different book by the same name as you would be missing a treat. Limberlost by Robbie Arnott is set in the mysterious…
Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran
WINNER OF THE MILES FRANKLIN LITERARY AWARD 2023 – In the store’s Book Club we always read the Miles Franklin winner and there is no guarantee that even though it…
The Secret Book of Flora Lea
The historical fiction novel – The Secret Book of Flora Lea – was a real surprise for me. The author has been around a long time and this was her…
Being Jimmy Baxter a barrel of fun
Fiona Lloyd’s debut children’s novel, Being Jimmy Baxter, kicked off in style last Wednesday July 19, with a large crowd gathering at Bookface, Erina Fair. Interviewed by ABC’s Scott Levi,…
New free book on how to master life
At the age of 75 and following a varied career which included 29 years as a school PE teacher and 24 years in resort management, Bob (The Boss) Lloyd has…
Words on the Waves writer’s festival waxing up some excitement
The Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival for 2023 is waxing down its boards with a flurry of announcements ahead of the big event to be held from May 29…
Words at Wagstaffe sell-out puts good writing on the wall for writers’ festival
On Saturday, March 18, an energetic crowd flocked to Words at Wagstaffe for a full day of conversations between some of Australia’s best-known journalists and public figures. This was the…
Fresh new book about women reporting from the frontline of wars to be featured locally
Melissa Roberts, who has co-edited a new book telling the stories of female reporters on the frontline of conflict, will be one of the speakers at a literary event to…
Afghan war correspondents in conversation at Gallery
Two of Australia’s most experienced war correspondents will be in conversation at Gosford Regional Gallery on Wednesday, November 23 as part of the Words on the Waves Writers Festival author…
Big month ahead for book lovers
Central Coast book lovers are in for a treat with three author book events set to take place in the region during October. Local author, Andrew Kwong, will visit Kincumber…
Book Week all about dreaming with your eyes open
Schools across the Central Coast have been getting into the spirit of Book Week with dress-up parades and other activities to celebrate Australian authors and illustrators and the joy of…
BOOK REVIEW
ROGUES: TRUE STORIES OF GRIFTERS, KILLER, REBELS AND CROOKSAuthor: Patrick Radden KeefePublisher: Picador I previously wrote a review for Patrick Radden Keefe’s book, Empire of Pain, about the Sakler family’s…