Elizabeth Rose on Parade by Jaquelyn Muller Illustrations Kathryn Zammit

This book was reviewed as part of the Christmas Advent Calendar 2014

20 sleeps till Christmas.

Elizabeth Rose on Parade by Jaquelyn Muller, illustrations by Kathryn Zammit, follows on from I Love You 5 Lollipops where we first met the truly sweet character of Elizabeth Rose. Once again this collaboration of author and illustrated has not disappointed, producing a book that captivates and brings the joy of the circus into your home. 

Elizabeth Rose on Parade see’s Elizabeth Rose lead the parade of circus performers, who happen to be her family, taking the reader on a rhythmic, colourful and fun loving journey. The words sit beautifully on the page taking the shape of the illustrations. The illustrations provide a colourful array of characters that open up to further language development. 

Your journey into the book starts with one simple question...Who leads the parade? Of course we can instantly look at the illustrations and see that it is Elizabeth Rose but we are engulfed in the excitement this little girl shows and the sign she holds...Circus Tonight.

‘It’s Elizabeth Rose. No one compares, why do you suppose?’...a question to  tantalise our senses. 

And so our journey goes as we meet character after character of circus performers and reach the big top...‘The confetti that snows, How candy floss flows, And the big top that glows,’...

I read this book to my 7 year old daughter who was delighted, smiling the whole way through. We had previously shared I Love You 5 Lollipops and although this was close to 12 months ago my daughter instantly made the connection between the two books, telling me with delight that it was Elizabeth Rose and running to get I Love You 5 Lollipops off the shelf. So together we enjoyed two books instead of one. 

I can do nothing but praise Elizabeth Rose on Parade by Jaquelyn Muller. It presents as a high quality publication with a hard cover that not only invites but feels wonderful to hold. Elizabeth Rose on Parade is an all round winner for me that I definitely give 5 out of 5. 

ISBN: 978-0-646-92126-6

Find out more and purchase a copy at http://www.jmullerbooks.com

Primary level worksheets are also available on Jaquelyn’s website. 

Join Jaquelyn Muller on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jmullerbooks

Watch the YouTube review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM_gMqtnpVE

Review: Jennifer Douglas

www.jenniferdouglasliterarypublicist.com

Nargun by Ian Lipke

This book review is part of the Christmas Advent Calendar 2014

21 sleeps till Christmas.

Historical fiction that intertwines culture and love, Nargun by Ian Lipke tells of the story of a young aboriginal man, Nargun and the daughter of a white settler, Mary. With the cultural divide being too vast Nargun finds love with another woman, but he can never forget Mary.

Nargun divided me as a reader. One part of me quickly became bored whilst the other part wanted to read on and find out what eventuated. I found Nargun hard to get into and a little dry for my taste, but this is definitely more of a reflection on myself and my mood at the time of reading than the book. Prior to reading Nargun I had read Lest Evil Prevails by the same author. This book took me on a journey and offered a totally different ride to Nargun. I feel it was this that may have affected my reading of Nargun as in my mind I was expecting the same fast past read I had just experienced.  I also found Nargun to be a book that you needed to sit in the quiet and concentrate on, not one which could be read with noise flowing around you or at a time when your mind may wander. For me at the time this was not happening. 

Ian Lipke is a great writer. His work flows beautiful and shows a level of professionalism he should be proud of. Within Nargun Ian Lipke has done a wonderful job of depicting events that occurred within the Aboriginal community in the Queensland area in the 19th Century. He captures the emotions and the battle between white man and Aboriginal in a balanced manner that gives an insight into the Aboriginal fight for land against their invaders, and the white mans determination to secure the land. Although fiction Nargun has a true historical feel about it, the passion and interest of the author has in the history shines through.

Although Nargun was not for me I would definitely recommend it to those who are looking for a historical read. As a whole I am impressed with Ian Lipke as an author and definitely feel he is one to watch in the future. Would I revisit Nargun? Definitely, as my mindset at the time was probably the influence my read. 

ISBN: 978-1-6363-248-7

Find out more about Ian Lipke and his writing: www.astutewriting-today.com

Purchase Nargun in both paperback and ebook from www.booklocker.com/books/7462.html

Watch the Youtube review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blFVEKxNpsE

review: Jennifer Douglas

www.jenniferdouglasliterarypublicist.com

809 Jacob St by Marty Young

This review is part of the Christmas Advent Calendar 2014

22 sleeps till Christmas

When I first received 809 Jacob St by Marty Young I was drawn to the cover and back blurb and couldn’t wait to read it. I quickly jumped on the internet to find out more. This, I feel, was a huge mistake.

Every review I read was raving about 809 Jacob street, giving me the opinion that I was in for a read I would never forget. I was reading reviews that had me believe that Marty Young was the author of all authors,not to be missed. I found it hard to find a review that was not overly gushy, although there are a few.  What I did learn was that Marty Young is well known within the horror writers circle so this may have something to do with the level of reviews. He already has a high status in the eyes of the circle. 

Sadly I have to say I did not feel the same about the book as others, but, after all, reviews are the opinion of the individual reader. When reviewing there is no right or wrong. Don’t get me wrong, 809 Jacob St is a good read, thoroughly enjoyable and well written. It tells of a wonderful story based around a 14 year old boy Byron James and a homeless man named Joey Blue. Marty Young writes with great rhythm and flow and there was never a moment that I was bored, I just expected more. 

This is Marty Young’s first novel and to his credit he has achieved winning the Australian Shadows Award for Best Horror novel. Congratulations to Marty Young on this achievement and on producing a book that has a cover that shines, invites and draws you to the pages.

Joe McKinney is quoted on the front cover as saying “ a nightmare of tortured emotions and madness”. I could  see how this related to the plot and the characters but it did not relate to me personally as a reader. 

809 Jacob St is a quick read coming in at only 189 pages. I loved the use of the black and white pictures. These set the mood of the book and complimented the book nicely. They were actually a little more appealing to me than the story. 

If I was to give this book a rating using the five star system I would still give it a 4 out of 5 as it is well written, well thought out and interesting, just not as great as they all say. I did come across one person on Good Reads who gave it one star saying the descriptions were so detailed it made it hard to concentrate on the story, this I did not find. Another gave it three stars complaining that there were too many Australianisms for a story set in the US and the ending was anti climatic. 

I think what is also important to remember when reading this book as an adult is that it is written around young teens of the age of 14 so we can therefore assume that the teen market is what Marty is aiming for. With this in mind I am sure that teens would find this an amusing and enjoyable read. But would they find it scary?

My recommendation would be give it a go, after all it has won an award. I have just dared to give my honest opinion on 809 Jacob St as I do with all the books I review. Once again I will stress it is my opinion only. I love to talk books, analyse them and compare opinions so by all means contact me and tell me how you find 809 Jacob St By Marty Young. 

Find out more about Marty Young: www.martyyoung.com

Watch the Youtube review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8fufeDu-NQ

Review: Jennifer Douglas

              www.jenniferdouglasliterarypublicist.com

Lest Evil Prevail by Ian Like

This review is part of the Christmas Advent Calendar 2014

23 sleeps till Christmas

Ian Lipke is an Australian author who resides in Brisbane, Queensland. He has been teaching in schools and universities since 1959 and has co-written 2 textbooks. His fiction novel Lest Evil Prevail shows the high academic level and professionalism of Ian Lipke as an author. 

When reading Lest Evil Prevail all that kept going through my head was Wow! Wow! Wow! With each page I turned I continued to be blown away by the next event. I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole way, although I will admit that it took me a chapter or two to get into it. 

Lest Evil Prevail has everything you want in a good book - politics, crime, love and communist agents with intent to assassinate. My only caution with this book would be that of the enticement to read the book by the back blurb. For me picking this book up and reading the back blurb gave me the impression that I may be in for a dry read. It did not do much for me at all. If you have, or do, pick this book up and base your decision to not read it on the blurb alone then think again. Give it a go as I am sure you will find it hard to put down. 

Lest Evil Prevail is set in the 1950’s. It is a piece of fiction based loosely around Prime Minister Robert Menzies who, thinking he is in firm control of the country, is unaware of the treachery going on. There is the stolen document that threatens to destroy the life of June Wilson, with Detective Chris Foster appointed to protect her. They flee for their lives to a small town in Queensland where a series of violent murders soon happen, rocking the town. No one is safe. Communist agents soon descend on the town intent to assassinate. 

This is a fast paced book that left me reeling. After reading Lest Evil Prevail it took me sometime before I could pick up another book. I needed time for my mind to come down from the whirl wind of a journey I had travelled.

Lest Evil Prevail by Ian Lipke is up there on the top of my list of one of the best self published novels I have read in 2014. Highly recommended!

If you want to get a feel for the writing of Ian Lipke you can read his poetry and short stories, plus find out more about his novels at www.astutewriting-today.com/home.html

Available in e-book and paperback: www.amazon.com/Lest-Evil-Prevail-Ian-Lipke/dp/1632632861

Listen to what I have to say about Lest Evil Prevails at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0V4ojKiuHU

Review: Jennifer Douglas

              www.jenniferdouglasliterarypublicist.com

All Windows Open and Other Stories by Hariklia Heristanidis

This book is being reviewed as part of the 

Book Review Advent Calendar 2014

Hariklia Heristanidis is an Australian author who resides in Melbourne Victoria. All Windows Open and Other Stories is her first book, being published in 2012. In 2013 it was shortlisted in the NSW Premiers Literary Awards. Hariklia writes a regular blog title What She Said.

As the title of this book suggests All Windows Open and Other Stories is a collection of short stories, 8 in total. I am not usually a fan of short stories as I prefer to sink myself into a long adventurous novel but have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It is a book that lends itself  to being read as a complete novel in one sitting or read as short stories, picking the book up to read when the moment is right. I read this book as short stories, feeling the need to leave a day or two between each story in order to absorb and enjoy my journey.

Each story within All Windows Open and Other Stories touched me in a different way, leaving me feeling as though I had entered a neighbourhood of genuine and likeable people. I soon became part of the tight knit community. For me it was like looking through a crystal ball at life and love from a Greek woman’s perspective. I felt as though I had walked into a neighbourhood that was of a culture I was unfamiliar with yet I felt welcomed and loved.

There were random events within the book that caught me by surprise and had me giggling to myself. All Windows Open and Other Stories is a book that makes you feel good, entertains and lifts your spirit. If you are looking for a light hearted read then I highly recommend All Windows Open and Other Stories by Hariklia Heristanidis.

View Hariklia’s blog What She Said at http://hariklia-what-she-said.blogspot.com.au

Learn more about Hariklia and purchase All Windows Open:  http://harikliah.wix.com/hariklia

Listen to what Jennifer Douglas has to say about All Windows Open and other stories on the video review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GRg7Yh1XhI

Review: Jennifer Douglas

              www.jenniferdouglasliterarypublicist.com

Dig Deeper by Meredith Kirton

Dig Deeper, Seasonal sustainable Australian gardening is the 5^th book by Meredith Kirton. Published by Murdoch books, Dig Deeper is a great reference point for any gardener.

Dig Deeper came to me at a time when starting my Spring vegetable garden was whirring through my mind. I had just moved into a new home and was pondering where to plant and what to plant. Dig Deeper was all I needed to motivate me and answer my questions.

Over the years I have become frustrated with gardening books, finding they were either not relevant to the Australian climate or poorly set out. Dig Deeper provides an easy reference point in the form of an index and, with a layout that is set in seasons, one can easily source what to plant at the current time or help a struggling plant with the current weather. Being a seasonal gardener I love the fact that at the beginning of each new season all I need do is open Dig Deeper and start my gardening journey.

Dig Deeper by Meredith Kirton is visually delightful. From the hard cover to the inner photo's it invites, welcomes and begs the green thumbed reader to look further within. The full colour photography catches the change in seasons beautifully, providing an informative visual layout that compliments the written word. Dig Deeper is a high quality book that will last on the shelves for many years to come. It would make a beautiful gift for the avid gardener.

As far as gardening books go I cannot praise Dig Deeper Seasonal, sustainable Australian gardening by Meredith Kirton enough. I find it hard to find faults in this book which has already become a well used point of reference. This is my first Meredith Kirton book and it will definitely not be my last.

Thank you Meredith Kirton. My Spring vegetable patch is flourishing like never before with my strawberries, that use to call for attention, producing mouth watering fruit in abundance. My lavender loves me now and it is all thanks to Dig Deeper.

ISBN: 9781742660998

Published 1 September 2014

Find out more about Meredith Kirton and her books at http://www.murdochbooks.com.au/Author/meredith-kirton-au00109

Purchase Dig Deeper from www.allenandunwin.com

review: Jennifer Douglas

www.jenniferdouglasliterarypublicist.com

Buddhism for Couples by Sarah Napthali

Buddhism for Couples follows Sarah Napthali’s bestselling, internationally acclaimed Buddhism for Mothers series. It is a beautifully bound book that presents with a relaxing and inviting feel. The cover resonates love, affection and understanding for each other as not only individuals but part of a couple. 

I am not part of a couple and I am not Buddhist, so why, I hear you ask, am I reviewing a book titled Buddhism for Couples. I have been a couple, having had three children as part of this union. Within Buddhism for Couples I was able to relive my relationship and seek guidance for any future relationships. I suppose I was hoping to find where I went wrong and learn a few lessons. What I did find was a book that made me feel normal and not the failure at relationships that I thought I was. Sarah Napthali uses her own relationship struggles and achievements to help you make sense of your own. She talks of the reality of the differences between men and women and the work that a relationship takes to keep the negativity at bay and the love alive. 

What I found within Buddhism for Couples was page after page of interesting information that made me laugh, cry and relate. Buddhism for Couples looks at the similarities, differences and skills that both members of a couple bring to the table. It was refreshing to read a relationship book that spoke to me with love and understanding and did not dictate. I felt as though Sarah Napthali was sitting on the lounge opposite me listening to my relationship woes, offering me some friendly advice whilst we laughed together. Buddhism for Couples was the touch of a female friend that I needed. 

Buddhism for Couples is a practical book. I found a sense of calm and acceptance within its pages. It is not about Buddhism as a religion but about unity, mindfulness, communication and the understanding of each other as loving living human beings. The advice and skills you take from Buddhism for Couples can be used in many of your life experiences, making this a practical book of self-awareness. 

This is the first book by Sarah Napthali that I have read. As a mother I would say that Buddhism for Couples has sparked my interest in the Buddhism for Mothers series.

If you are seeking a relationship book that is easy to read, refreshing and light hearted then Buddhism for Couples is the one for you.

ISBN: 978-1-74331-810-2

www.allenandunwin.com 

Published 27th August 2014

review: Jennifer Douglas

www.jenniferdouglasliterarypublicist.com