Author Archives: admin

Mrs Queen takes the train

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Mrs Queen takes the trainMrs Queen takes the train
William M. Kuhn

Abstract
A charming, whimsical story of what happens when a long-serving and long-suffering monarch decides to go AWOL. A richly witty, warm and wonderful novel of responsibilities, escape and friendship.

Comments
Not a working mother’s book. Suitable for older democratic and monarchy fans.
Good for people who like character development over plot.
Characters were well developed but not overly likeable. Some of the English characters were hard to relate to being Australian.
Major themes were sadness, isolation, loss and not knowing how to move past it.
Overall the story was well written. Elegant phrasing and flowed easily. However, we felt that it didn’t draw us in. Complex characters let down by a lack lustre storyline.
Mixed reviews within the book club.

Rating – 5.5/10

Read by – Cultcha Club

Chasing Tomorrow

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chasing tomorrowChasing Tomorrow

Sidney Sheldon and Tilly Bagshawe

Abstract
Sequel to ‘If tomorrow comes’.
Tracy Whitney never thought she wanted to settle down. With her suave and handsome partner, Jeff Stevens, she’d been responsible for some of the world’s most astounding heists, relishing the danger and intensity of life on the wild side. But there is still one thing missing from Tracy’s perfect life: a baby. At first “going straight” feels like a new adventure. But as the months pass and Tracy’s longed for pregnancy doesn’t happen, she finds herself yearning for the adrenaline rush of the old days. When a mysterious and beautiful stranger enters their lives, Tracy and Jeff’s once unbreakable partnership is suddenly blown wide open.

Comments
Sidney Sheldon’s ‘Chasing Tomorrow’ makes good reading for a person who is after ‘sitting on the edge of a cliff’ feeling. Just when you have thought that you have crossed an escarpment, there is already another one lined up. The cleverly crafted heists with generous dozes of suspense, revenge and breathtaking twists are a delight to read.

I would strongly recommend this book not only because it is gripping, but also because it is so full of passion that you fall in love with the characters in this book.

Read by – Anse

2 States: the story of my marriage

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2 states2 States: the story of my marriage

Chetan Bhagat

Abstract
Welcome to 2 States, a story about Krish and Ananya. They are from two different states of India, deeply in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don’t agree. To convert their love story into a love marriage, the couple have a tough battle in front of them. For it is easy to fight and rebel, but it is much harder to convince. Will they make it?

Comments

This book by Chetan Bhagat vividly portrays the struggles of many young people caught in inter-caste marriages in India. In a country, where love marriages are frowned upon and arranged marriages are the norm, Chetan’s hilarious depiction of the trials and tribulations faced by Krish & Ananya is a treat for the readers.

Chetan’s style of writing is commendable in that he has the knack to get down to the character’s level. Even non-writers get inspired and motivated by his style. So turn to Chetan’s books if you want to read something that is easy to comprehend, hilarious from the start to finish. To sum up, his books are filled with all the essential ingredients that make a great novel.

Read by – Anse

Mad men, bad girls and the Guerilla Knitters Institute

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9781742613291Mad men, bad girls
Also known as “Mad men, bad girls and the Guerilla Knitters Institute”

Maggie Groff

Abstract

When an American cult moves to the Gold Coast, freelance journalist Scout Davis’s investigative antennae start quivering. She sets out to expose the cult’s bizarre practices, but when she learns the identity of a recent recruit, her quest becomes personal. And dangerous.

Comments

Light easy read with quirky characters.
Ending was too rushed and predictable and ended too neatly.
Too many story-lines happening, too many characters, no real depth, no real development of characters, too busy.
Characters were likeable. Good if you like a quirky sleuth story.
Not enough of a hook to read the second series.

Rating – 6.5/10

Read by – Cultcha Club

“Read outside your comfort zone” Challenge

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EAre you looking for something different to do over the Summer? Do you want to expand your reading horizons and challenge yourself? Why not take part in our Adult Reading Challenge starting Monday 1 December! Continue reading →