Book Club Reviews

Posted on 11 September 2020 by Jody

As most of our book clubs have started to meet again in some capacity, either online, in cafes or in their homes I thought it would be nice to share with you some of their book reviews.

The Cultcha Club book club recently read ‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo‘ by Christy Lefteri and rated it a solid 6/10.

Our Dundas Readers just finished reading ‘The Umbrian Supper Club‘ by Marlena de Blasi which they rated 5/10.

You can read both clubs comments below.

Enjoy!

Jody

Cultcha Club – ‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo‘ by Christy Lefteri

Nuri, a beekeeper, struggling to hold onto hope as he leaves war torn Syria, with his wife, Afra, blind from the horrors she has seen. We follow their journey as refugees as they attempt to make their way to England, seeking asylum, hoping to reunite with his cousin.

This book is beautifully written despite its tragedy. Hauntingly beautiful, at times blurring the lines of reality. While this book is fiction, it felt incredibly real and as if we were reading a personal account. We watch the couple not only struggle with the physical journey, but also their relationship and finding hope and happiness after all they have endured due to things beyond their control. While the writing is lovely, and the writer knows her subject well, we felt the story lost its way a little in the middle.

Dundas Readers – ‘The Umbrian Supper Club‘ by Marlena de Blasi

Our library book club choice. A small group of mainly elderly Italians meet each Thursday night for supper. Previously their leader Miranda has cooked for them but as she is aging they begin sharing the meal preparations. Food is the predominant obsession for these people and it is an inextricable element of their culture and everyday lives. Over food and wine, in seemingly endless quantities, five of the women in particular share intimate life stories.

The book is well written but the enormous amount of often repetitive details about food began to be quite nauseating. Nevertheless, if you’re interested in Italian food and culture I think you’d enjoy it and might even be tempted to try making one of the many recipes at the back of the book.

In Conversation with Monica McInerney

Posted on 10 September 2020 by admin

Public Libraries NSW and City of Parramatta Libraries presents Monique Akauola from Sutherland Libraries, chatting with bestselling Australian author Monica McInerney as she talks about her new family drama ‘The Godmothers’.

‘I don’t want two wishy-washy godmothers,’ Jeannie had said that afternoon in the country hospital when Eliza was only a day old. ‘No dolls. No pink dresses. Just lots of adventures. Lots of spoiling. The pair of you like two mighty warriors protecting her at every step.’

Eliza Miller grew up in Australia as the only daughter of a troubled young mother, but with the constant support of two watchful godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. Despite her tricky childhood, she always felt loved and secure. Until, just before her eighteenth birthday, a tragic event changed her life.

Thirteen years on, Eliza is deliberately living as safely as possible, avoiding close relationships and devoting herself to her job. Out of the blue, an enticing invitation from one of her godmothers prompts a leap into the unknown.

Within a fortnight, Eliza finds herself in the middle of a complicated family in Edinburgh. There’s no such thing as an ordinary day any more. Yet, amidst the chaos, Eliza begins to blossom. She finds herself not only hopeful about the future, but ready to explore her past, including the biggest mystery of all – who is her father?

Set in Australia, Scotland, Ireland and England, The Godmothers is a great big hug of a book that will fill your heart to bursting. It is a moving and perceptive story about love, lies, hope and sorrow, about the families we are born into and the families we make for ourselves.

This FREE online author talk will be presented via Zoom with a Q & A session at the end.
Book now or click on the image above.
This event is a collaboration between multiple NSW Public Libraries’ and in association with Penguin Books Australia.
Copies of the book can be purchased online from Booktopia or from your local bookshop.

Coming Soon! Books I can’t Wait to Read

Posted on 28 August 2020 by Jody

One of my favourite duties is researching and staying up-to-date with all the new book releases that come out each month. After all it is our job to make sure we offer you, our community of readers a wide selection of the up-and-coming new releases!

While some deliveries and publications dates have been delayed & affected by the COVID pandemic, publishers and our amazing suppliers are working hard to ensure we don’t have to wait too long for all the amazing new books.

Below I have listed a few of the up-and-coming new releases I can’t wait to read. When I say can’t wait to read, it means I have pre-ordered my own personal copy so you our readers are first in line to reserve our ‘New Books’. And yes we have ordered copies for the library!

On order titles can be placed on hold via our online library Catalogue or by asking one of our super friendly librarians for assistance. A note to remember though any holds/reserves placed on ‘On Order’ titles may take a while to arrive and do count towards your five (5) holds/reserves limit.

Now to the important stuff, the books!

Hope you find something among my picks to read. Maybe you will discover an author you hadn’t heard of before and embark on a wonderful journey through all their titles.

Don’t forget you can also make a ‘Suggestion for Purchase’ for a any title you think our community of readers would like to read.

Happy Reading!

Jody

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In Conversation with Belinda Alexandra

Posted on 21 August 2020 by admin

Public Libraries NSW and City of Parramatta Libraries presents Melanie Mutch, from Hornsby Library, chatting with Australian author Belinda Alexandra as she talks about her new book ‘The Mystery Woman’.

In a small town, everyone is watching … Secrets, scandal and betrayal in 1950s small town Australia: the stunning new novel from bestseller Belinda Alexandra.
She had thought Shipwreck Bay was simply a remote town where people were bored senseless with their little lives. Now she saw its virtuous facade hid something darker, more sinister. Rebecca Wood is ready for a quiet life as the new postmistress of a sleepy seaside town. Fleeing a scandal and haunted by her past, Rebecca is now determined to make different choices. Soon she is being courted by the dashing local doctor and a bright future beckons. But in such a small community, there is nowhere to hide from prying eyes. And before long she is caught up in the dangerous mysteries that hide behind Shipwreck Bay’s respectable net curtains.

This novel is a new direction for Belinda Alexandra. Expect the unexpected: a heroine with an unsavoury past and a remote coastal town setting with the backdrop of the cruel whaling industry. Belinda will be discussing the novel’s many riveting themes including the dichotomy of societal expectations of women in the 1950s, and the often covert nature of domestic violence.

This free online author talk will be presented via Zoom with a Q & A session at the end.
Book now or click on the image above.
This event is a collaboration between multiple NSW Public Libraries’ and in association with Harper Collins Australia.