Chad Harbach’s debut novel The Art of Fielding, takes the great American pastime of baseball as its back drop and sets against it a wonderful array of characters. Through a variety of challenges, whether it be late blooming love, past mistakes or overcoming the barrier of damaged self-confidence, a series of friendships develop and evolve. Situated within the literary laden atmosphere of Westish College, a delightfully rendered character in itself that evokes a charmingly nostalgic tone, The Art of Fielding is both heart-warming and optimistic. And don’t be put off by the baseball element; Harbach’s skilful prose makes a sport I knew nothing about completely engaging.
A joy to read.
- William
The Apothecary is a fantastic book told about the period after the end of World War II. Janie comes from Hollywood to London because of the U.S government. Almost immediately she becomes friends with the Apothecary’s son, Benjamin. Then the Russian spies arrive taking the Apothecary and leaving Janie and Benjamin to find and recue Benjamin’s dad and guard the mysterious book, the pharmacopoeia. Along the way they use some of the book’s magic potions, escape from their Latin teacher Mr. Danby and travel on a boat all the way to the waters of Russia to contain an atomic bomb, all with the powers of the Pharmacopoeia. I would recommend this novel to anyone over the age of 10. You will find it is one of the most clever and exciting books you have ever read.
Eli (aged 11)
This book is phenomenal; I was gobsmacked with not only the brilliance of the series but also how action-packed, thrilling and emotional this book in particular was. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, for real this time. The use of spies, humour, action, emotion, boy-drama (vital) and mind-blowingness blends together into the young adult girl fiction of the year (well so far). So if you are thinking (or even not thinking) about reading this book, well screw your head on, rush out to the store/library and have a mental fit until you have this book in your hands, because it really book changing. But make sure you have tissues right next to you and are NOT in a extremely public place, cause you will be crying, laughing, smiling, crying hysterically again and then really tired the next day, when you haven’t had any sleep from reading this book. Recommended for people (girls mainly) 8-100000000000 years old. 9.5/10
- Katie McGregor
This book is unlike anything I have read before. Told from the viewpoint of a child's imaginary friend, it is truly remarkable. Budo is the imaginary friend to Max, an eight year old with developmental issues, his mother wants him to be formally diagnosed but his father is adamant there is nothing wrong with their son. Max has no friends but is happiest alone, playing with his star wars figures and video games. If he is put in a position where he is frightened or anxious he becomes 'stuck' and Budo always stays by his side. Budo meets other imaginary friends at school but he is the oldest he knows at five years of age, Budo has to stand by as he watches his friends fade as their human friends grow up and stop needing them. Max is kidnapped by one of the teachers from school and Budo is the only one that can help save him. The reader will nervously cheer on Budo as Max tries to escape with the help of other imaginary friends,a great story of friendship and loyalty.
Natalie
I love this book. I bought it on the recommendation of some America booksellers I follow on Twitter who have never steered me wrong. Tom Violet is a married, frustrated thirty something trying desperately not to live in his fathers shadow, a world renown writer who has just been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Tom has written a book but the only person he discusses it with is his young daughter. He and his wife are trying for another baby but there is a problem with his not easily discussed erectile dysfunction. Meanwhile he is lusting after his much younger colleague, despising his corporate job and caring for his dog with anxiety issues. This book is funny and smart, two rare combinations. I would love for this to be optioned for a movie. Great!
- Natalie
I love debut novels, I especially love debut novels from booksellers! (Expect one from our very own Tim in the next year). This novel is set in Alaska in the 1920's (they can see Russia from their front yard, Alaska can never be discussed without a Sarah Palin reference!) A childless middle aged couple, Jack and Mabel, are grieving for the family they never had. Their relationship is suffering as they both avoid the topic of the child they lost. One night as first snow falls they find themselves outside building a snowman which takes on the form of a snow child. The next day she has disappeared, along with the scarf and mittens they placed on her but days later Jack notices a white haired child in the woods and can't help but be reminded of the child they lovingly sculptured from snow. The story is based on a Russian fairy tale and is haunting and beautiful. A tale of longing and love that will stay with you.
- Natalie
Divergent is a BRILLIANT book. It’s up there with CHERUB and The Hunger Games. It is the best book of the year and its sequel will be anxiously awaited. Divergent is full of suspense and surprises, is action-packed and I will read it multiple times in the future. It is about choices and what defines you as a person. So do yourself a MAJOR favour and read DIVERGENT!!! Hooray!
9 ½/10
Reviewed by Katie McGregor (aged 12 years)
If you love a book with drama, action, comedy and suspense. A book that makes you think and ponder then this is the book for you. I was so engrossed that I stayed up many nights just thinking about some possible futures. The main two characters are kind, daring, interesting and very believable. This book points out some of the problems with today’s society and how it could change. 10 Futures is a book with just that, 10 possible futures in which two consistent characters remain. So how would you go if artificial intelligence ruled our lives, there was extreme rationing due to overpopulation or a massive plague that wipes out most of humanity? Read up to find out 10 Futures will leave you speechless!
8/10, recommended for 10 and up.
Reviewed by Katie McGregor
The story is set in Romania at the advent and postwar period of World War 11. A nameless man appears at the hospital steps where Safta works as a nurse. She recognises him as the cook’s son, a deaf mute who grew up with her. He was the stable hand who expressed himself through drawing and she was a privileged daughter of the manor. Stalin’s brutal regime and the war had changed their existences completely. Safta’s soft heart provokes her to make an escape with Augustin and they undertake a dangerous journey.
This is beautifully written with a delicate touch that immerses the reader in that terrifying and terrible post war era.
Barbara
Publication date: April 2012
2011 was a very rich year for Australian fiction. I have neither a Southern Cross tattoo nor an Aussie flag in my front yard but I am an avid fan of Australian authors.
It takes a dozen or so pages to get into the stream of consciousness narrative voice of this novel but it is very effective. Zac is a troubled kid who finds himself at Cook School with a dozen other youths. Zac decides he will become famous and powerful like Head Chef and applies himself to succeed at every task. After everything goes haywire at the school he is sent to live with a very wealthy family as their chef. It feels like the author is laughing at us and our obsession with reality TV cooking shows, anyone with a minor food obsession will see an element of themselves in Zac and his quest to find the perfect produce. The book takes a weird turn as Zac becomes close to a daughter of the family he works for. This is one crazy book that I loved and I can't wait to read what Macauley writes next
- Natalie
RSS Feed