IDAHOBIT Day 2022

This Tuesday 17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). It’s a day to recognise the efforts to remove discrimination against people on the basis of sexuality or gender identity and to show our commitment to building a more inclusive community #parramattapride.

The library has numerous resources to help people learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community and to support those who are members of the community. What does this acronym stand for? Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (one’s sexual or gender identity), Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender and the “+” symbol simply stands for all of the other sexualities, sexes, and genders that aren’t included in these few letters.

It can sometimes be tricky to find the resource you are looking for as different keywords can be used by different people/groups here are some of the more common search terms you can try in our library catalogue: LGBT, any of the words in the LGBTQIA acronym, sexual minorities, same sex, gender. TIP – you can use the advanced search options to remove words that you don’t want to look for eg. Find items that have: queer and Don’t show items that have: queen.

Here are just some of the titles we have to borrow to help get you started. Why not learn more or show your support by borrowing one or more resources today?

Aurealis Awards 2022

The Aurealis Awards were established in 1995 by Chimaera Publications, the publishers of Aurealis magazine, to recognise the achievements of Australian science fiction, fantasy and horror writers. The awards originally comprised four categories: science fiction, fantasy, horror, and young adult. A fifth category for children’s fiction was added in 2001. The YA and children’s categories cover works in all three speculative fiction genres. The list of finalists and winners have increased the profile of Australian science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and provide an essential reading list for anyone interested in these genres.

The 2022 Shortlist titles are below, the winners for each category will be announced on Saturday 28 May. Why not borrow and read one or more before the award ceremony and see if you can pick the winner(s)!

Continue reading

Book Club Book Reviews April 2022

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

Summary

From the outside, the Delaneys appear to be an enviably contented family. Even after all these years, former tennis coaches Joy and Stan are still winning tournaments, and now that they’ve sold the family business they have all the time in the world to learn how to ‘relax’. Their four adult children are busy living their own lives, and while it could be argued they never quite achieved their destinies, no-one ever says that out loud.

But now Joy Delaney has disappeared and her children are re-examining their parents’ marriage and their family history with fresh, frightened eyes. Is her disappearance related to their mysterious house guest from last year? Or were things never as rosy as they seemed in the Delaney household?

Comments

We enjoyed reading Apples Never Fall and those members who have read other Liane Moriarty novels commented that it was a “more engaging read” than her last novel Nine Perfect Strangers.

The writer competently, and very often humorously, delved into the complexities of family dynamics between siblings, between children and parents and between couples.

The character development not only dealt with each sibling and adults interpersonal tensions but also their individual personal self doubts and life expectations.

The storyline is typical of this author’s storytelling ability to move easily between “past event” lead ups and the “now” to develop a very suspenseful novel. Some members found the plot “captivating” and did not expect the ending. 

The Delaney family were found by the group to be an identifiable family group with their work and life histories engaging. 

The character of Savannah was a slowly developing menacing presence throughout the story. She was the catalyst for much arguing and self reflection in the Delany family unit but her presence, actions and comments was also the cause of the family reuniting with more caring and understanding toward each other. 

Savannah’s family life and her upbringing, as we slowly and deftly learn, was a sad and damaging contrast to that of the Delaneys. 

There was much intrigue among readers with the ending of the book about the next chapter in Savannah’s life.

The writing was annoying to some readers in places with descriptions like “ancient old lady” but overall was a well written enjoyable story.

Read by MJ Readers

At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen

Summary

1944: After a high-society New Year’s Eve party, at which Madeline Hyde and her husband, Ellis, disgrace themselves, they are cut off financially by his father who already is ashamed of a son not in uniform. In a misguided effort to regain the Colonel’s favour, Ellis and his best friend, Hank, convince Maddie to follow them across the Atlantic on a wild scheme, with little thought of the devastation of World War II raging in Europe.

The trio arrive amid tragedy and privation in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, where the locals have nothing but contempt for the privileged interlopers. Maddie, left on her own for much of the time, gradually builds friendships with the villagers who show her a larger world than she knew existed. As she embraces a fuller sense of who she might be, Maddie becomes aware not only of the dark forces around her, but of the beauty and surprising possibilities of life.

Comments

Three obnoxious, rich Americans cross the Atlantic by ship, despite the second World War raging around them, to search for evidence of the Loch Ness monster. On their arrival in inverness the only accommodation is a small Inn. The two male friends, Henk and Ellis, set out most days on their quest leaving poor naive Maddie, Ellis’s wife, at the Inn. Before too long she realises that her marriage is over. When one of the female staff has an altercation with her boyfriend in the bar of the Inn and he beats her almost to death, Maddie is drawn into the drama and rises to the occasion by taking up some of the caring role and other duties.

As all romantic novels end, the gruff Innkeeper, Angus, turns from frog into Prince when he announces that he is actually the Laird of the nearby Manor and in love with Maddie, the hard done by little rich girl. Rather conveniently, Ellis drowns on the shore of the lake leaving Maddie free to marry her prince.

There were differing opinions amongst our group about this novel, but we all agreed that it is a perfectly acceptable light read.

Read by Dundas Readers

Recently Read & Eagerly Anticipated

So many amazing books have been published in 2022, and we are only nearing the end of March.

Before my ‘to be read pile’ and ‘recently read’ lists become too large, I thought I would share with you some of my most recent reads, and the books I am eagerly awaiting.

I hope you enjoy browsing and find something new to attract your interest. All of the titles have been ordered for the library, so feel free to place a Hold; it’s free!

Happy reading,

Jody

Recently Read

Black cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Eleanor Bennett won’t let her own death get in the way of the truth. So when her estranged children – Byron and Benny – reunite for her funeral in California, they discover a puzzling inheritance. First, a voice recording in which everything Byron and Benny ever knew about their family is upended. Their mother narrates a tumultuous story about a headstrong young woman who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder, a story which cuts right to the heart of the rift that’s separated Byron and Benny. Second, a traditional Caribbean black cake made from a family recipe with a long history that Eleanor hopes will heal the wounds of the past. Can Byron and Benny fulfil their mother’s final request to ‘share the black cake when the time is right’? Will Eleanor’s revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever?

I know it seems a bit early in the year, but I can already tell ‘Black Cake’ will be in my ‘Top 5’ list for 2022. From the very first page, I was pulled into the story. The writing is beautiful and seamlessly flows along throughout the book to tell Eleanor Bennett’s story, bringing a real depth to the narrative. – Jody

Cooper is not out by Justine Smith

In the Australian summer of 1984, in the small country town of Penguin Hill, Sergeant Roy Cooper is making a name for himself. He’s been batting for his local cricket club for decades — and he’s a statistical miracle. He’s overweight, he makes very few runs, he’s not pretty to watch, but he’s never been dismissed. When local schoolgirl Cassie Midwinter discovers this feat, she decides to take the matter further. The remarkable story finds its way into the hands of Donna Garrett, a female sports columnist who’s forced to write under a male pseudonym to be taken seriously. That summer, the West Indies are thrashing Australia, and the Australian people’s love of cricket has never been lower. But Donna’s columns on Roy Cooper capture the imagination of a nation, and soon there’s pressure to select him for the national team. This would see him playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, carrying the spirit of every small country town in Australia along with him. Could such a miracle actually happen? This is sport, after all, and who doesn’t love a good story?

A five star, uniquely Australian read! I loved the distinctly Australian language and characters. For a person who isn’t a cricket fan I found it hugely enjoyable. Great feel-good read. – Jody

The trivia night by Ali Lowe

From the outside the parents of the kindergarten class at Darley Heights primary school seem to have it all. Living in the wealthy Sydney suburbs, it’s a community where everyone knows each other – and secrets don’t stay secret for long. The big date in the calendar is the school’s annual fundraising trivia night, but when the evening gets raucously out of hand, talk turns to partner-swapping. Initially scandalised, it’s not long before a group of parents make a reckless one-night-only pact. But in the harsh light of day, those involved must face the fallout of their behaviour. As they begin to navigate the shady aftermath of their wild night, the truth threatens to rip their perfect lives apart – and revenge turns fatal.

The Trivia Night’ by Ali Lowe proved to be a difficult book to review. While I liked the writing and some of the characters, the story was too similar to ‘Big Little Lies’ by Liane Moriarty for me to be completely invested in the book or the characters. I think people who haven’t read ‘Big Little Lies’ will find the book an enjoyable read. I will also look out for Ali Lowe’s next novel as I did like the writing. – Jody

Eagerly Anticipated

Sydney Writers’ Festival 2022

https://www.swf.org.au/

City of Parramatta Libraries is very proud to be hosting two author talk events for the 2022 Sydney Writers’ Festival in May. Bookings are limited for these FREE events so don’t miss seeing these amazing authors in person.

Louisa Lim in conversation
When: Thursday 19 May at 6.30pm.
Where: Wentworth Point Community Centre & Library
What: Join award-winning journalist and podcaster Louisa Lim in conversation with author Linda Jaivin. Louisa will be discussing her fascinating portrait of Hong Kong Indelible City, which mixes memoir and reportage and aims to put Hongkongers at the centre of their own story.
How: For more information and to book click here.

Alicia Jasinska in conversation
When: Sunday 22 May at 3.00pm.
Where: Epping Leisure & Learning Centre
What:  Join Alicia Jasinska as she discusses her latest fantasy The Midnight Girls in conversation with one of our Library staff members. The young adult book is set in a snow-cloaked kingdom where two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover they may be falling for each other.
How: For more information and to book click here.