Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments · Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon Historical...

891 Book Club – December 2011 Summer Reading

Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments

A Tiny Bit Marvellous Dawn French Comedy/ Humour/Light entertainment

Cate of Welland Laugh out loud funny, fictional diary entries from a woman approaching her 50th birthday and possibly a meltdown, and her annoying teenage children.

A trick of the light Louise Penny Crime Sue of East St Kilda

The cosy village with a twist should merit a genre of its own. You really need to read this series in chronological order to get the full effect of the geography of this novel, which is its essential and main character.

A visit from the goon squad

Jennifer Egan Literary fiction Jenny of WILLUNGA

A rock and roll journey through time in all different but connected stories. A total delight.

A Visit From The Goon Squad

Jennifer Egan Realistic Fiction Cate of Welland A fab story of fascinating characters which jumps across continents and backwards and forwards between eras, even into the future, but somehow is all magically interwoven.

Across Country: Stories From Aboriginal Australia

Compiled and edited by Kerry Davies

Short Stories Duane of Paracombe

An exceedingly good collection of aboriginal short stories gathered from across Australia. ~ 3.5 stars! ~

After Romulus Raimond Gaita Greg Martin of Adelaide

Part philosophy, part memoir, the book continues from Romulus, My Father. It examines the ethics of Gaita's father and his friend Mutra, and pays tribute to his mother Christina.

All That Happened At Number 26

Denise Scott Auto/Biography Christina of Paradise

All that I am Anna Funder Auto/Biography Jenny of WILLUNGA

My pick for the year. So good I can't stop reading about and listening to Anna. Another writer who dazzles and brings events to life, long after they had thought to have been relegated to the archives, forgotten. Read this.

Amazing Grace Eric Metaxas History (Non-fiction) Dawn of Oaklands Pk.

Background to an amazing TV special, as well as an insight into a fascinating period of British political history

Anna Karenina Leo Tolstoy Classics Glenda of Brookfield

Almost the perfect novel. I re-read this for Bookclub this year, and it was universally loved.

Beautiful Katie Piper Auto/Biography Paula of Naracoorte

Courageous story. Unbelieveable cruelty with physical consequences that the author will have for life.

Before I Go To Sleep S J Watson Mystery /Suspense/Thriller

Fiona of Magill Held me to the end.



Bel Canto AnnPatchett Literary fiction Lisa of Cromer A true surprise read that draws you in slowly but surely.

Book Thief Marcus Zusak Literary fiction Sally of West Beach

A book of such hope and peace.

Bossypants Tina Fey Auto/Biography David of Kent Town

Amusing memoir from the star and creator of 30 Rock and those infamous Sarah Palin impersonations.

Breath Tim Winton Drama Jane of SA Evoked memories of growing up in a coastal town and how appearances can be so misleading.

Bury Your Dead Louise Penny Mystery /Suspense/Thriller

Jennifer of Mile End

A must read for mystery lovers, follows on from the excellent "The Brutal Telling".

Bypass: The Story of a Road

Michael McGirr Comedy/ Humour/Light entertainment

Alison of Royston Park

It may not fit neatly into any genre but is absolutely delightful. I usually read crime novels and not much else, but haveing seen this author at Writers' Week, he was so entertaining, and so are his books. This one tells of his ride along the Hume Highway.

Careful, he might hear you

Sumner Locke Elliot

Drama Gemma of Largs Bay

Challon Heads Barry Maitland Crime Alison of Royston Park

A really good read with 2 detectives who are easy to get to know. This one focuses on the value of rare stamps and what people will do to get their hands on them. Set in Britain, but I understand that Maitland now lives in SA, he was one of the authors at Writers Week.

Cloud Street Tim Winton Realistic Fiction Pam + Roger One of his best novels, not as depressing as some of his others.

Comedy in a Minor Key Hans Keilson Historical Fiction Sally of Broadview

Interesting look at relationships and people's emotions in difficult times.

Conversations With Myself

Nelson Mandela Auto/Biography Jon of Victor Harbor

Mostly letters written from prison by Mandela. Shows how his inspiring vision never failed throughout the years of incarceration. Also shows the heartache because of distance from family & friends.

Cooking the books Kerry Greenwood

Crime Helen of Fulham Gardens

Highly entertaining, with a sense of humour as are all of the Kerry Greenwood novels.

Cross Stitch Diana Gabaldon Historical Fiction Val of Gladstone Four novels in the series. Story commences towards the end of WW2.



Devil in the white city Eric Larson Crime Barbara of Joslin Set in Chicago at time of the World exhibition,a historical setting of architecture and crime.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cabin Fever

Greg Kinney Teen fiction/Young Adult

Anthony of Eastwood

Latest in best-selling series

Dracula Bram Stoker Horror Jon of Victor Harbor

A genre I don't usually read. Classic gothic horror tale. Will outlast Twilight even though written a century earlier.

Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon Historical Fiction Val of Gladstone

Drawing conclusions donna leon Crime Melinda of Yankalilla

very good although perhaps not one of her best.

Duncton Wood William Horwood

Fantasy Karen of Magill Compelling tale of good against evil in the world of moles - one of the most beautiful books ever written.

Elisabeth Sladen: An Autobiography

Elisabeth Sladen Auto/Biography Anthony of Eastwood

A childhood and adult TV favourite's life journey.

Empty Cradles Margaret Humphreys

Auto/Biography Catherine of Marden

Social worker Humphrey's discovery of the shipment of thousands of British "orphan" children to the "colonies" from the 1920s through to the 1970s. Their stories are sometimes uplifting and often heartbreaking.

Even Silence Has An End Ingrid Betancourt

Auto/Biography Fiona of Magill Shows human endurance and courage.

Fall of Giants Ken Follett Historical Fiction Karen of Magill Provided meaningful insight into the factors that lead to the First World War, from the perspective of the various stakeholders

Five Bells Gail Jones Literary fiction Greg Martin of Adelaide

Wonderfully evocative images of Circular Quay where the four characters converge on one bright Sydney Saturday. And, yes, there is a drowning from a ferry!

Forever Maggie Stiefvater

Teen fiction/Young Adult

Nerissa of McHarg Creek

The final novel in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series has a fitting end. Maggie's lyrical writing exposes the main characters flaws and attributes and works with them in such a way that the last 50 pages of this book are nail biting, edge of the seat stuff.

Freedom Jonathan Franzen

Realistic Fiction Cate of Welland An epic tale of a contemporary family; their loves, their mistakes, their thrills and their struggles. Love, marriage, death... the whole shebang.



Frida: chosen to die, destined to live

Frida Gashumba Auto/Biography Rebecca of Adelaide

Biography of a young woman who survived the Rwandan genocide - very powerful and gripping.

Half of the Human Race Anthony Quinn Historical Fiction Mary of St Agnes Written about cricket and suffragettes - well written, interesting and a story that surprises at times. The cover also sold it to me!

Half the Sky Kristoff & WuDunn

Non-fiction/Reference

Carly of Coromandel Valley

Amazing book about the hardships and violations of human rights against women around the world and the amazing work done by women to try and help.

Hitch 22 Christopher Hitchens

Auto/Biography Jill Whittaker of Campbelltown

A book about a less than usual life in retrospect by an author who is talented and insightful.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Jamie Ford Historical Fiction Sue of Torrens Park

A poignant and beautiful story of a Chinese boy and Japanese girl living in Seattle during World War 2.

How to Make Gravy Paul Kelly Auto/Biography Annie Payne of Athelstone

South Australian singer Paul Kelly's journey through life, as told via the lyrics of his songs reveals many new insights into the life of one of our most iconic musicians. Paul's relationships with a myriad of people are honestly related with his fey sens

I Still Dream About You Flagg Fannie Comedy/ Humour/Light entertainment

Glenys of Pooraka

The latest from this talented American writer, it's funny/sad/touching in equal measure.

Imagining Argentina Lawrence Thornton

Literary fiction Greg Martin of Adelaide

Set in Argentina during the Dirty War and the 'disappeareds', the novel celebrates the power of the imagination and art over the brutality of the oppressor.

In Cold Blood Truman Capote Crime Lisa of Snowtown

A chilling story of murder and mystery.

Into Thin Air Jon Krakauer Action/Adventure Mary of St Agnes A personal account of a disastrous Mt Everest climbing season in 1996 and its lethal aftermath. Compelling, chilling ( in a variety of ways!) and closely questions the morality and motivation of people who climb mountains. Was made into an awful movie but the book is gripping and one of those you can't put down.

Jackson's Track Daryl Tonkin & Carolyn Landon

Auto/Biography Jon of Victor Harbor

An insight to the injustice perpetrated on the Aboriginal people in Victoria and one white man's love and devotion to his Aboriginal friends. An eye-opener.



Jane April Lindner Romance/Love stores Nerissa of McHarg Creek

An interesting modernisation of Jane Eyre.

Jasper Jones Craig Silvey Literary fiction Barbara of Joslin

Keeping the dead Tess Gerritsen Mystery /Suspense/Thriller

Sue of East St Kilda

Not the most recent, but the one I'm currently reading. Full of suspense and plot twists to enthrall any fan of psychological thrillers and archaeology.

KING OF THIEVES - THE ADVENTURES OF ARTHUR DELANEY & THE KANGAROO GANG

ADAM SHAND History (Non-fiction) HAYDN of EDEN HILLS

A marvellous true account of a highly organised gang of Australian shoplifters that stole six million pounds worth of precious gems and expensive items from the wealthy retailers of London, Paris, Brussels, Rome and beyond in broad daylight and without an

Last chance cafe Liz Byrski Drama Helen of Fulham Gardens

Aimed at older female readers, this novel was entertaining, but also demonstrated that you are never too old to embark on and succeed at a new endeavour.

Last night in twisted river John Irving Literary fiction Maree of Medindie

Gripping yarn with many twists and turns and wonderful exploration of the characters.

Left Neglected Lisa Genova Literary fiction Annie of Athelstone

Sarah Nickerson balances a high pressured job with a busy family life until a momentary lapse of concentration results in a traumatic brain injury - Left Neglected. Her struggle to regain her own independent life is fascinating as she learns to compromise

Listening to country Ros Moriarty Auto/Biography Sally of West Beach

Identity the struggle to belong.

Lola's Secret Monica McInerney

Realistic Fiction Martina of Christie Downs

A most enjoyable book set in the Clare Valley, bringing back some of Monica's characters from The Alphabet Sisters. Pure joy.

Lola's Secret Monica McInerney

Realistic Fiction Mary of Cowandilla

A great read that engages all emotions. An excellent story with very interesting interaction of characters. Setting is the town of Clare SA where the author grew up.

Madame Tussaud: a novel of the French Revolution

Michelle Moran Historical Fiction Rebecca of Adelaide

Interesting account of the historical figure Madame Tussaud, how she came to "be" Madame Tussaud and informative about the French Revolution.

Mailman Of The Birdsville Track

Kristin Weidenbach

Auto/Biography Alicia of Ingle Farm

Enjoyed finding out about the amazing life of this family. Have got a few copies I am sending to friends and family overseas for xmas! So much Australian history would have been lost if his story hadn't been told!



Marching Powder Rusty Young Auto/Biography Sally of West Beach

An eye opener.

Me and Mr Booker Drama Sally of Broadview

Minding Frankie Maeve Binchy Realistic Fiction Martina of Christie Downs

Really enjoyed this book which revisits some of Maeve Binchy's characters from other books while introducing new ones. Like visiting good friends.

Nation Terry Pratchett Fantasy Pam + Roger His books are always brilliant, and it's sad that this will be one of his last.

Not dark yet David Walker Auto/Biography Paula of Naracoorte

A family history that depicts the history of Burra, Australia including Chinese heritage. The author never expects pity for being blind.

Notes From an Exhibition Patrick Gale Literary fiction Jean of Adelaide A total delight from first to last. Engaging story, beautifully and creatively written, with sympathetic characters, (though not without their flaws and challenges!) At its heart, a strong, self-centred woman and a gentle, supportive man, both, as I say, sympathetic characters, such a contrast from superficially similar but appalling people in Lovesong (Alex Miller) which I rate as the worst read of the year, despite all the prizes it has incomprehensibly received! Gale writes in a non-linear format which maintained my interest - very hard to put down, with a magnificent twist at the end. It was fascinating and seemed well-researched about bi-polarism and Quakers. One of the few books I have read which I was tempted to read again instantly. Read and enjoy!

Nothing to Envy Barbara Demick Non-fiction/Reference

Anne of Kersbrook

I was deeply moved by this book and its true stories of how life is in North Korea. A truely memorable read.

Olive Kitteridge Elizabeth Strout Literary fiction Annie of Athelstone

Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, is often out of step with the world she inhabits. Glimpses of her life, told through the eyes of those around her, brings understanding of this conflicting woman. An intriguing read!

One day David Nicholls Comedy/ Humour/Light entertainment

Sally of Broadview

Enjoyable reading.

One For The Money Janet Evanovich Comedy/ Humour/Light entertainment

Alicia of Ingle Farm

An entire series of books, more than 12 I believe. Have only read the first 12 and found myself howling with laughter so much the neighbours knocked on the door to find out if I was ok!



One Good Turn Kate Atkinson Crime Melinda of Yankalilla

Outliers - The story of Success

Malcolm Gladwell

Loewn of Kensington Gardens

A must read for anyone bringing up and part of childrens lives. A story of opportunity, dedication, success and equality.

Particularly cats Doris Lessing Jill of Campbelltown

A beautiful description of the cats that inhabit the author's world and the politics and intrigue those animals have with her and each other.

People of the Book Geraldine Brooks

Historical Fiction Barbara of Joslin

Persuader Lee Child Action/Adventure Kathryn of Belair A great Jack Reacher story

Pomegranate Soup Marsha Mehran Literary fiction Anne of Kersbrook

A lovely mix of life, hope, food and a bit of love thrown in too. All set in small town Ireland.

Portrait of a spy Daniel Silva Crime Helen of Fulham Gardens

Swift paced, hard to put down, unexpected ending.

Pride and Predjudice Jane Austen Literary fiction Anne of Kersbrook

I re-read this for the umpteenth time and it remains my all time favourite book for its descriptions of people, love and life. Not much changes in the world, we still meet silly and vain people as well as honorable ones today. And we all love a happy en

Purple Hibiscus Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Literary fiction Christina of Fairview Park

Kambilis world falls apart as Nigeria faces internal woes.

Radical Hope: Education and equality in Australia

Noel Pearson Non-fiction/Reference

Judy of Aldinga Beach

This book gives the reader hope for the future for all Australians, and especially for our indigenous people. While you may disagree with some of Pearson's ideas, it is difficult to not be inspired and excited by his optimism, vision, energy and determination.

Remarkable Creatures Tracey Chevalier Historical Fiction Maree of Medindie

A richly crafted story, suprising and tender.

River of Smoke Amitav Ghosh Historical Fiction Maree of Medindie

Filled with the hazy history of the early "free traders" in China and the lead up to the Opium Wars. Intertwing fate of many characters whose lives are linked by the seas they sail.



Room Emma Donoghue

Literary fiction Helen of Myrtle Bank

An easy read with an interesting narrative style, written from the perspective of the child.

Room Emma Donoghue

Literary fiction Jean of Adelaide Shortlisted for many prizes including the 2010 Booker (which it would have won if it was up to me). Gruelling subject matter, based on the Fritzl case. Told in the voice of Jack, a 5-year old boy born to his kidnapped mother during her incarceration, the story concentrates not on the horrors and the kidnapper, nor the police and law enforcement issues, but on Jack and his amazing mother. Ultimately uplifting and immensely satisfying.

Sarah Thornhill Kate Grenville Historical Fiction Mary of St Agnes Well written, interesting and explores themes of aboriginal and white early colonial settlement.

Say it with feeling Gerald Stone Auto/Biography Dawn of Oaklands Pk.

The story of an interesting man who has interacted with many interesting and well known people.

Shogun James Clavell Historical Fiction Mark of Blackwood

I read this in 5 days, admittedly I had lots of time as I was in hospital. A great twisting plot, with deeply resolved characters at nearly 1300 pages it wasn't long enough! I don't know why it's taken me so many years to find Clavell.

Smithereens Shaun Micallef Comedy/ Humour/Light entertainment

Christina of Paradise

Snuff Terry Pratchett Fantasy Sue of East St Kilda

This may be Terry Pratchett's last work, so every word is especially precious. While the humour may not be as overt as in previous books, the insights and charm as as strong as ever.

So much for that Lionel Shriver Realistic Fiction Loewn of Kensington Gardens

One of those books that touches the heart and soul and will stay with me forever. At times almost to sad to read but I had too as it was so rich in a number of ways.

Something Fishy Shane Maloney None of the above Alison of Royston Park

The Murray Whelan books have been a great discovery for me. You could say they are crime or comedy or thriller, they have a bit of it all. Murray is a MP, or becomes so in one of the books, though he often seems pretty uninterested in the politics. simply a really good fun read.



Started Early, Took the Dog

Kate Atkinson Mystery /Suspense/Thriller


A revelation, made me run out & purchase the rest of her books.

Steiner Marie Servants Depots in Colonial SA

History (Non-fiction) Glenys of Pooraka

An interesting account about a little known part of S A history, the sponsored emigration of young Irish women to South Australia to bridge the gender gap.

The "Wallander" series Henning Mankell Realistic Fiction Judy of Aldinga Beach

Kurt Wallander is a wonderful creation: it's difficult not to love this worn out, highly individual policeman from Ystad, Skane, in southern Sweden. (Check it out on the map!)if you read just one Wallander book, you will be hooked.The DVD's are fantastic.

The Afterparty Leo Benedictus Realistic Fiction Jane of Stirling This book is on our list for next years Book Club (we are the Third Thursday Book Club). I read it this year and cant wait for our group to read it. It is a great read - fascinating in its delivery i.e. chapters begin with an email. I read it on my Kindle.

The Alchemist Paulo Coehlo Travel Aimee of Cummins

A fable-like story, with live lessons if you read in between the lines.

The art of the engine driver

Steven Carroll Literary fiction Judy of Aldinga Beach

This is the first in a beautiful trilogy about a family within a community, set in post-World War 2 Melbourne suburbia. Carroll's beautiful, lyrical style creates a deceptive simplicity beneath which lies deeper truths about change, and the frailty of people. Definitely worth reading the two sequels..... "The gift of speed" and "The time we have taken". There is also a prequel, written recently, "The spirit of progress". Lovely!!

The Ballad of Trenchmouth Taggart

M Glenn Taylor Historical Fiction Mark of Blackwood

I love these kind of books. I picked it up on the strength of the title and cover artwork. I do design for publishing. Not a long book, but it had me wanting to walk the Appalachian Trail and sample moonshine.

The Book Thief Markus Zusak Teen fiction/Young Adult

Sandra of Aberfoyle Park

Death tells the story of Leisel during WW2 in Germany as she goes to live with a foster family. A brilliant book, very moving and an insight into a German persective of the war.

The Book thief Markus zusak Drama Susan of Westbourne pk

The Book Thief Marcus Zusack Historical Fiction Jane of Stirling This was our all time favourite for 2009 and still ranks in our top 5 books read over the past 3 years.



The Cat's Table Michael Ondaatje

Literary fiction Glenda of Brookfield

I love Michael Ondaatje's writing, both his poetry, non-fiction and fiction.Although I don't regard this as his best novel, I thoroughly enjoyed the voyage on the ' Oronsay ' and all the characters that sailed upon her.

The Collectors David Baldacci Crime Kathryn of Belair Love that Camel Club

The Dressmaker Rosalie Ham Realistic Fiction Jane of Stirling One of our Book Club Memebers wrote of this book "The Dressmaker is fabulous, it is obvious the author understood the psyche of country Australia. I can identify with many characters in the book growing up in Furner in the 60's and 70's. I give the book

The Dressmaker Posie Graham-Evans

Historical Fiction Rebecca of Adelaide

A good read that you can't put down.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

Muriel Barbery Literary fiction Sandra of Aberfoyle Park

This book is written in the voice of the two main chracters, Renee and Paloma, who share their thoughts on philosophy. Inspiring, thought provoking and highly enjoyable reading.

The End of Everything Abbott Megan Mystery /Suspense/Thriller

Hugh of Prospect Layer after layer peeled off what appears at first like an ideal family, seen & felt through the eyes & emotions of a highly intellignent 13 year-old.

The Glass Castle Jeanette Walls Auto/Biography Helen of Myrtle Bank

An autobiographical novel of Jeanettes challenging upbringing in America and her resilience despite of this! A great read.

The Good Knight Sarah Woodbury Historical Fiction Lisa of Snowtown

A book I found very enjoyable. It is fictional but also many characters were real people.

The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck Classics Catherine of Marden

Have been meaning to read this for years, wasn't disappointed. A true classic. Hard to imagine how people in the 21st century would survive in a 1930's depression. The last page of the book was profound, still thinking about it now, 6months later.

The hand that first held mine

Maggie O'Farrell Literary fiction Helen of Myrtle Bank

a lovely book with 2 parallell stories, Maggie is a wonderful story teller who paints with words

The happiest refugee Anh Do Auto/Biography Paula of Naracoorte

It is a humorous look at Anh's battles to survive, fit in and achieve.

The Hare with Amber Eyes Edmund De Waal

Auto/Biography Glenda of Brookfield

I always enjoy books that inform me, and I didn't previously know of the Netsukes.Apart from filling gaps in my education, I also enjoyed the family stories and memebers. Quite enchanting !



The Hare with Amber Eyes Edmund de Waal Jenny of WILLUNGA

Involving story of a hidden inheritance - Edmund relives his family history via the objects he has inherited. The scenes in Paris and Vienna become so alive. His relating of his own feelings about his family are very cleverly done.

The Help Kathryn Stockett Drama Catherine of Marden

Insight into the US Deep South in the 60's. The characters are wonderfully drawn, especially the maids. This book made me laugh and cry.

The Help Kathryn Stockett Drama David of Kent Town

Up-lifting and amusing tale of African-American maids who work as nannies and maids in white houses in America's deep South.

The Help Kathryn Stockett Historical Fiction pam An excellent novel, although for such a powerful subject perhaps the style could have been just a little less "gentle".

The Help Kathryn Stockett roger

The Help Kathryn Stockett Historical Fiction Lisa of Cromer I am glad I read the book without seeing the movie first. So very good!

The Help Kathryn stockett Drama Susan of Westbourne pk

The Impossible Dead Ian Rankine Crime Kathryn of Belair

The Island Victoria Hislop Historical Fiction Christina of Fairview Park

The island, Spinalonga is a leper colony oiff the coast of Crete. The story follows the trajedy of the families who are affected.

THE LAST EXPLORER - HUBERT WILKINS

SIMON NASHT Auto/Biography HAYDN of EDEN HILLS

Hubert Wilkins was a South Australian explorer and adventurer who achieved much through his exploring northern areas of Australia recording important data of local indigenous people and weather details. Also his heroic exploring in to unknown districts with the early development of aircraft in the Northern Polar regions. He was virtually unknown in Australia until the publication of this biography. Yet in the US and Scandinavian areas much has been written and recorded of his achievements in early flights, his acknowledgemets for his bravery as a camera man on the battlefields of World War 1 and his efforts to save lives of wounded Diggers. HUBERT WILKINS IS A HERO TO ME. HIS CONTINUOUS ACTS OF BRAVERY WHETHER UNDER DANGEROUS CONDITIONS ON THE BATTLEFIELDS OR IN REMOTE POLAR CONDITIONS OFTEN WITHOUT ANY CHANCE OF RESCUE.



The Lieutenant Grenville Kate Historical Fiction Hugh of Prospect A subtle & insightful account of a most unusual & gifted young marine officer's training; & then the heart-breakingly difficult conflict between his orders & his friendship with the aborigines.

The Lucy Family Alphabet Judith Lucy Auto/Biography Christina of Paradise

The Name of The Wind Patrick Rothfuss Fantasy Alicia of Ingle Farm

Have just started to read it and now awaiting arrival of 2nd book in triology. Third book's not been written yet! Unable to put it down as soon as I started reading it.

The Paris Wife Paula McLain Auto/Biography Sue of Torrens Park

Partly fiction, a fabulous insight into the life of Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway and their life in bohemian Paris during the1920s, before he became famous.

The Passage Justin Cronin Science Fiction/ Speculative fiction

Anthony of Eastwood

Unfolding thriller set in a post-apocolyptic world, soon to be made as a movie

The Rain Queen Katherine Scholes

Literary fiction Christina of Fairview Park

A white woman caught in the throes of missionary's life in Africa, falls in love with an African chief!

The Red Garden Alice Hoffman Historical Fiction Lisa of Cromer The magical and whimsical nature of Alice Hoffman's naratives takes you on journeys within journeys.

The Rembrandt Affair Daniel Silva Action/Adventure Dawn of Oaklands Pk.

A fascinating hero: an assassin with a talent for painting.

The Second Best Job in the World

Julian Mather Auto/Biography Karen of Magill Easy reading with touches of humour and pathos.

The secret life of bees Sue monk kidd Drama Susan of Westbourne pk

The Secret Life of Bees Sue Monk Kidd Drama Jane of SA A exploration of a different world that stays with me today.

The Sense of an Ending Julian Barnes Literary fiction David of Kent Town

This novel won Barnes the Booker Prize in October and it is easy to see why. This is an intelligent but accessible novel about one man looking back on his life and the role of his childhood friends. It's a great read, and very amusing - and it's only 150 pages so you've still got time for a swim and a nap on your vacation!



The Shadow of the Wind Carlos Ruiz Zafon Historical Fiction Sue of Torrens Park

Set in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, this translation is an intriguing story within a story, narrated by Daniel and remin Set in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, this is an intriguing love story within a story, narrated by Daniel who's father takes him to visit the Cemetary of Forgotten Books.

The Sixth Lamentation William Broderick

Mystery /Suspense/Thriller

Lisa of Snowtown

I found it hard to get into initially but persevered and ended up thoroughly enjoying it.

The Slap Christos Tsiolkas Drama Jill of Campbelltown

The short story format but with an overriding theme made this compelling reading and has translated well to television too.

The Slap Chris Tsiolakis Drama Fiona of Magill The author managed to bring characters from very diverse backgrounds and link them all together. Fascinating look at human interactions and behaviour.

THE SLAP CHRISTOS SIOLKAS

Drama HAYDN of EDEN HILLS

A POWERFUL NOVEL THAT PRESENTS THE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEWS OF EIGHT PEOPLE WHO WITNESSS A CHILD BEING SLAPPED AT A FAMILY BBQ. IT HELD MY ATTENTION AND WAS AN INTERESTING AND ENERGETIC CONVERSATION STARTER WHICH ALWAYS RESULTED IN DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW WHEN THE NOVEL OR TV SERIES WAS DISCUSSED.

The Stone Gods Jeanette Winterson

Science Fiction/ Speculative fiction

Louise of Hackham

Initially A bit annoying and hard to get into. However worth the effort in the end. A bit of a different read, with environmental and feminist over tones. A challenge to look at things in a different way.

The Time of My Life Cecilia Ahern Martina of Christie Downs

A book to make you think, what if I was faced with my life, if my life was actually a person. A lovely challenging book.

The Troubled man henning mankell Crime Melinda of Yankalilla

Excellent. A little slow in parts but he is a wonderful author.

The Vintner's Luck Elizabeth Knox Historical Fiction Mark of Blackwood

A book out of NZ. I'd love to have dinner and a chat with the author about the spiritual aspects of what went on in this book.

The World According to Bertie

McCall Smith Alexander

Comedy/ Humour/Light entertainment

Glenys of Pooraka

Another delightful title from the 44 Scotland Street series. Bertie is the author's favourite character, and mine too.

The Wreckage Michael Robotham

Mystery /Suspense/Thriller


Every book he writes just gets better and better and this one is no different.



Thorn Birds Colleen McCullough

Drama Aimee of Cummins

Loved it. First Colleen book ever read, thought it would be too 'mumsy' but not at all. Love following a family over generations.

Tipping the Velvet Sarah Dunant Literary fiction Loewn of Kensington Gardens

To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee Classics Jean of Adelaide What can one say about this all-time classic? As engaging, moving and thought-provoking as ever.

To the Ends of the Air G. E. Livock History (Non-fiction) Duane of Paracombe

An autobiography of the author learning to fly during WWI and his involvement in several world record flights in flying boats in the 1920’s and 1930’s ~ 3 stars! ~

Tuesdays with Morrie: an old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson

Mitch Albom Auto/Biography Sandra of Aberfoyle Park

Inspiring reading! Mitch writes down the essence of his visits to his dying friend and former professor.

Unbearable Lightness Portia DeRossi Auto/Biography Aimee of Cummins

Honest look into mental illness. Eye-opening.

VCFS: Footprints of Hope Raymond Geoffrey Tanner

Medical Raymond of Aberfoyle Park

This book is reference to Velo Cardio Facial syndrome which comes under medical.

Venetian Navigators di Robilant Andrea

History (Non-fiction) Hugh of Prospect The extraordinary recreation of an almost forgotten fourteenth century voyage into the North Atlantic, researched & written by their descendant.

Voyager Diana Gabaldon History (Non-fiction) Val of Gladstone 4th book in series is 'Drums of Autumn'

Washington's Crossing David Hackett Fischer

History (Non-fiction) Duane of Paracombe

An excellent account of George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River during the American War of Independence. ~ 4 stars! ~

We have to talk about Kevin

Lionel Shriver Drama Jane of SA Disturbing and brilliantly written, from the moment I started reading it I was lost in the beautiful writing.

Wither Lauren Destefano

Teen fiction/Young Adult

Nerissa of McHarg Creek

Beautifully written with an almost dreamlike quality, Wither is set in a dystopian future where, after genetic manipulation gone wrong men live to the age of 25 and women to the age of 20. The first in the chemical Garden Trilogy. Highly recommended.

Book title Author Genre Suggested by Comments · Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon Historical...

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