'The White Girl' by Tony Birch

I am late coming to the Tony Birch fan club, I read this one in July 2020. I don't know why I only discovered his writing last year, but I am so very happy I did! 

What a beautiful story about love (yes it's also about racism towards indigenous people in Australia, the Stolen Generation, the power of the evil laws the Australian government had over the lives of Aboriginal people.)

But it is also a story of strength, love and belief...

I admire Odette Browns character immensely, I could visualise her and hear the birds talk to her...

A well deserved ... 

Library Enthusiast Suggestion...

Did you realise that many libraries have special events, seriously you should check what's happening in your local area... 

Mine recently held a Bat Week, Give a Flying Fox, free family event...

This was an opportunity to see #frankietheflyingfox on International Bat Appreciation Day and learn about the amazing things she and our other Little Aussie BATlers do to keep our environment healthy.

My Sentiments on Trent Dalton's "All Our Shimmering Skies'

 

So this one left me captivated and without words...so much so that my attempt at writing a review on Goodreads consisted of one sentence...

"Seriously if there is one book you should read in 2021...this is it"

I finished reading this back in February, so I've had time to reflect on why this book hit me so hard, and believe me it hit me hard.

I think why I became so emotionally connected with Dalton's breath-taking story is his idea of 'gifts falling from the sky'. What a unique and beautiful quality his central character Molly Hook has, looking up and seeing only the very best in what life is showering upon her... 

The beauty in Dalton's writing is how he paints us a picture with words that cocoon us. 

We are immersed in such a smorgasbord of the delicacies that are the Australian landscape, that we not only visualise it, we can actually hear, feel and taste it..

So much love for this one, an impossible to put down read!

Trent Dalton's 'All Our Shimmering Skies' gets...

Library Enthusiast Random Thought...

Your local library is a gift, it is a thriving community hub of a gift! 

Did you you know that some local libraries have podcasting studios where you can record your own podcast-and learn how to share it with the rest of the world.

Public Libraries are the Gift that just keeps on Giving...

My feelings on 'The Silence' by Susan Allott

Is silence better than words...

What does silence say about a person...

Gosh this was a book and a half! 

The Silence is a story about loneliness and longing, about forgiveness and hope, it is about the different needs of two Australian families, but at it also touches on Australia's atrocious kidnapping of Aboriginal children...

...between 1910 and the 1970s, many First Nations children were forcibly removed from their families as a result of various government policies. The child removal policies left a legacy of trauma and loss that continues to affect Indigenous communities, families and individuals today.

Allott deftly explores the deterioration of relationships and the devastating truths we keep from those we love... 

...definitely worth a read.

Library Enthusiast Fact...

The National Library of Australia collects and preserves material recording Indigenous history, experience and culture...these collections also include copies of all Indigenous Australian language dictionaries and word lists...covering hundreds of languages and dialects.

The National Library of Australia is the home of your story...

My thinking on 'The Van Apfel Girls are Gone' by Felicity Mclean

 

An interesting read about what we choose to see.

McLean writes with a true understanding of growing up in a time when we trusted those in our neighbourhoods without question.

Tikka is a very likeable character who continues to search for answers, even when she knows they may hurt those she loves the most.

Tales about missing girls are nothing new and perhaps they have been done to death...but what McLean manages here is to give us so much more, we are swept up in the many different threads of small town life in Australia, of family, friendships and perhaps most importantly...Sisterhood

My star rating for 'The Van Apfel Girls are Gone...

Library Enthusiast Random Thought...

Have you spotted these tiny vestibules of literary happiness in your neighbourhood?

Street Libraries are popping up across Australia and they are just beautiful, beautiful in so very many ways...

...these gorgeous homes are planted in your front yard to invite your neighbours to share the joys of reading and help to create lasting connections inside your community.

Street Libraries are like a window into the very soul of a community, books come and go, as people choose and share the books that interest them...they are  perhaps a symbol of trust and hope.

🙏🏽

My thoughts on Mark Edwards book 'Here to Stay'

This is my first Mark Edwards book, and I have to say bravo Mr Edwards, you got me......so I'll try another one of your books just to see if you can keep me!

This isn't a book for those who have in-law issues, seriously don't follow Elliots lead in this. 

Having sociopathic characters is always a positive when creating psychological thrillers and Mr Edwards manages this is spades.

So if you enjoy thrillers this one will definitely keep you turning the pages.

My star rating for 'Here to Stay'...

Library Enthusiast Random Thought...

One of the biggest advantages of using public libraries here in Australia is making use of the free services... 

*You can access free wi-fi with your library card using your own device or any of the library computers.

*There are free groups and classes on a wide range of topics....English conversation, computer skills...the opportunities are endless.

Now that's value for FREE!

🆓

 

My thoughts on 'The Secrets of Strangers' by Charity Norman

This book was recommended to me by my bestie back in the UK., thank you Alison for sharing this corker of a tale with me. 

What makes this particular story work so well is Norman's ability to provide us with the perfect... 

'Yarn Recipe'

Ingredients:

*Take 5 strangers, provide 1 stranger with a gun
 *Include their personal struggles and difficulties
*Pop them inside Balham's 'Tuckbox Cafe'
*Add Flashbacks to ensure a Depth of flavour
*Sprinkle generously with Stress
*Leave to Simmer Slowly

What is central to this novel is the tragedy of the gunman, yet Norman manages to give us the voices of all these strangers with great clarity.

 This is my first Charity Norman read and I will definitely be checking out more of her books via my wonderful local Sunshine Coast library.

My rating for 'The Secrets of Strangers'...

Library Enthusiast Random Thought...

Libraries are not just a warehouse full of books, though if I'm honest it's what I love about them the most...the BOOKS 📚 

No, libraries are all about community learning. They are about responding to the needs of people of all ages...from the 'cradle to the grave' if you like.

🍼🪦

So next time you are heading into town, take a tour of your local library, look beyond the front cover, sneak a peak at what's inside...I promise you won't be disappointed.

☺️