May 7 2021

Sourcery, by Terry Pratchett

Sourcery

Sourcery, by Terry Pratchett

Title: Sourcery
Author: Terry Pratchett
Genre/ issues: Comedy. Fantasy. Audiobooks.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Book 5 in the #Discworld series, book 48 for the year. We know that the 8th son of an 8th son is destined to become a wizard – so what about the 8th son of an 8th son of an 8th son? Sourcerers haven’t been around on the Disc for ages, but when the wizard Ipslore’s 8th son Coin is born a wizard squared (that’s math, really), things are destined to go pear-shaped. Or bananas? Either way, it’s not good – especially when Death shows up and Ipslore inconveniently installs his ghost in Coin’s wizard staff.
As always, there is some top-notch parody in this book – the perfect Pratchettian balance of serious and seriously funny. Whilst the main Wizarding world story is fab, my favourite character in this one is her own kind of magic. Conina is the daughter of the legendary Cohen the Barbarian, and whilst she always wanted to be a hairdresser, her family legacy got in the way – no one wants a hairdresser whose instincts kick in when she holds something sharp! She’s fabulous, and a book featuring both her and my favourite fictional librarian (ooook?) is an absolute winner. I listened to the audiobook of this one, and because it was a reread for me and I was working, I’m pretty sure some of the detail got lost, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 48/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Audiobooks, Book chat, Serious Adulty Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 2 2021

The Boy From The Mish, by Gary Lonesborough

The Boy From The Mish

The Boy From The Mish, by Gary Lonesborough

Title: The Boy From The Mish
Author: Gary Lonesborough
Genre/ issues: YA. Queer fiction. Aboriginal identity. Own voices.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Gary Lonesborough’s debut novel is a hell of a way to launch yourself onto the YA stage. A compelling own-voices novel, The Boy from the Mish tells the story of Jackson, a 17-year old Aboriginal man on the Mish. It’s the beginning of the summer holidays, and Aunty Pam comes to stay as she does every year. But this time, she has the mysterious Tomas in tow. Jackson can’t quite figure him out, but as their friendship develops, Jackson also has to reconsider his other relationships, with his friends, family and community. How do they see him? How does he feel about that? And, more importantly, how does he feel about himself? This is a wonderfully written first novel, which tells the kind of story that’s sadly lacking on the Australian YA literature landscape – authentic and engaging queer Indigenous characters and stories. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Lonesborough – and I hope we don’t have to wait too long! A fab read for your upper high school readers.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 47/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, YA Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 1 2021

Heartstopper Volume 4, by Alice Oseman

Heart Stopper Volume 4

Heart Stopper Volume 4, by Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper Volume 4
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Queer fiction. Mental health.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

I read volumes 1 to 3 of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper in one sitting last year, so when this beautiful thing arrived I knew I’d be devouring it quickly. It did not disappoint. Heartstopper Volume 4 begins with a content warning for mental health, specifically anorexia and self-harm, and a link to additional information if you think you need to know more before reading. I love this – whilst I’m passionate about the need for authentic representation of mental health issues in fiction, I also know the trauma that can be caused if you read something you’re not quite in the right mental space to engage with. If you are prepared, though, this book is a wonder. Nick and Charlie’s relationship is developing, and Charlie struggles with how he should tell his boyfriend that he loves him. Nick, meanwhile, is struggling with how he can best support Charlie through what he thinks is an eating disorder.
Oseman sensitively balances the need to provide accurate and authentic portrayals of the issues surrounding these complex mental health concerns, whilst not delving into overly traumatic or explicit levels of detail. Nick and Charlie’s struggles help them – and us – understand the importance of seeking help when needed, and also the value of having a good, strong support network, whilst emphasising the fact that one person cannot be the hero in situations like this. You can’t save someone from their mental health issues, no matter how much you want to be able to. The responsibility doesn’t lie with you.
This is a beautiful addition to a truly wonderful graphic novel series, and it’s probably my favourite of the four volumes is far. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 46/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Graphic Novels, YA Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 28 2021

Mort, by Terry Pratchett

Mort

Mort, by Terry Pratchett

Title: Mort
Author: Terry Pratchett
Genre/ issues: Audiobook. Comedy. Fantasy.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Book 4 in my reread of #Discworld – and finally, we’re at the book I recommend you start with if you’ve not read any of this wonderful series by Terry Pratchett! I’d forgotten just how funny it is – laugh out loud funny in some places. Mort is … eccentric. His father can’t quite figure out what to do with him, because “his granny taught him to read, you see. I reckon it overheated his mind.” (Same, Lezek, same.) So, he takes his quirky boy to the village hiring fair, where he’s the last person standing at the Apprentice Stand – until Death arrives. You know Death. Bony guy, impressive black robe, a scythe, and a horse named Binky. His is a big job, and sometimes even Death needs a night off. After being assured that being dead isn’t a requirement of the job, Mort accepts, but soon discovers that his romantic ambitions don’t quite fit with his new job!
I’m usually pretty fussy about the quality of an audiobook, but it doesn’t bother me in the slightest with these because the story is such a joy. The audiobook recording is 20 years old, and narrated by Nigel Planer from The Young Ones. Such a delight to listen to, regardless of the occasional crackling and volume issues.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 45/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Serious Adulty Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 26 2021

Middle grade picture books

The Lost Child of Chernobyl, and The Rock From The Sky

The Lost Child of Chernobyl, and The Rock From The Sky

Title: The Lost Child of Chernobyl
Author: Helen Bate
Genre/ issues: Historical fiction. Graphic novel.

Title: The Rock From the Sky
Author: Jon Klassen
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Mystery. Friendship.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

A couple of middle grade graphics – and I’m caught up! (For now anyway)
📚The Lost Child of Chernobyl by Helen Bate is a fictional narrative about the impact of the Chernobyl disaster on the families, communities, land and animals in the surrounding areas. It’s beautifully illustrated, and whilst it deals with some potentially confronting content, it portrays this sensitively and appropriately for upper primary or lower secondary readers.
📚I love Jon Klassen’s art style, and The Rock From the Sky is fantastic. Quirky, witty and wryly humorous, it’s a great tale about friendship, things from outer space, and trusting your gut. Loved it!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 43-44/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Picture books | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 25 2021

Exploring through picture books

Rajah Street, Little Lion, When You Go To Melbourne, and Anisa's Alphabet

Rajah Street, Little Lion, When You Go To Melbourne, and Anisa’s Alphabet

Title: Rajah Street
Author: Myo Yim
Genre/ issues: Picture books. Outside my window.

Title: Little Lion
Author: Saroo Brierley and Bruce Whatley
Genre/ issues: Non fiction. Illustrated narrative. Family. 

Title: When You Go To Melbourne
Author: Maree Coote
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Non fiction. Melbourne life. 

Title: Anisa’s Alphabet
Author: Mike Dumbleton 

Illustrator: Hannah Sommerville
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Refugee stories. 

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

4 more picture books, and 4 very different journeys.
📚 Rajah Street by @myo.yim.drawing tells the story of Junyo, who explores the world outside his window, waiting desperately for Wednesday. Why? Because Wednesday is when the garbage trucks come! Lovely engaging illustrations, and a super sweet story.
📚Little Lion is illustrated by the incredible @whatleybruce, and tells the story of Saroo Brierley that we’re familiar with from the blockbuster movie Lion, for younger readers. I don’t have to tell you how stunning the artwork is, and it reflects perfectly the moving story of finding a new family, then finding your birth family again.
📚Whilst we can’t travel much in real life right now, we can certainly travel on the page, and When You Go To Melbourne took me back to one of my favourite cities! The grungy artwork really echoes the exceptionally cool vibe of Melbourne’s iconic laneways and landmarks. A great find-a-feature book for anyone missing Melbourne.
📚Anisa’s Alphabet. Sigh. My heart aches after reading this book. For many refugees, the alphabet is the first step towards learning a new language and building anew future, but Anisa’s alphabet tells the story of her journey from her war-torn home, fleeing to find safety, boarding a boat to cross the ocean, and her eventual limbo in a refugee camp, dreaming of her new life.
A diverse range of style sand experiences in this bunch- great stories, all.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 39-42/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Children's Books, Picture books | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 25 2021

A Promised Land, by Barack Obama

A Promised Land

A Promised Land, by Barack Obama

Title: A Promised Land
Author: Barack Obama
Genre/ issues: Non-fiction. Audiobook. Memoir.

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

I’ve been listening to the audiobook version of @barackobama’s A Promised Land, and it’s taken me a while to get through. At 29+ hours, it’s a hefty thing, but the sheer joy of listening to his words in his own voice was worth it. I’m a political soul, as I’m sure is probably no surprise to most of you, but my knowledge of international politics is very much limited to what we see in the mainstream media. I remember being moved with emotion when Obama was elected president. I remember being impressed with both his speech writers and his delivery whenever I listened to or studied his speeches. But I didn’t really know much more about what went on during his presidency. This book is a fascinating insight into his early years campaigning, and his first term in office. Focusing largely on the major political accomplishments, both at home and abroad, it nonetheless offers some touching personal moments – reflections on his relationship with Michelle, and his role as father in such a high-pressure and high-profile job. Beautiful portraits of some significant people throughout his campaign and life, rendered with care and insight, and reflecting on their deep impact on his life. I’m glad I listened to this, and I’ll be doing the same with the second volume – a well-written story read by someone who values and appreciates the impact of words delivered well is a thing of wonder. This book delivers on all counts.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 38/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Audiobooks, Book chat, Non fiction, Serious Adulty Books | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 24 2021

Picture books about stories and words

The Lost Library, Dinosaurs In Love, The March Of The Ants, and Poo! And Other Words That Make Me Laugh

The Lost Library, Dinosaurs In Love, The March Of The Ants, and Poo! And Other Words That Make Me Laugh

Title: The Lost Library
Author: Jess McGeachin
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Fantasy. Stories.

Title: Dinosaurs In Love
Author: Fenn Rosenthal
Illustrator: Hannah Jacobs
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Libraries and why they matter.

Title: The March Of The Ants
Author: Ursula Dubosarsky
Illustrator: Tohby Riddle
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Stories.

Title: Poo! And Other Words That Make Me Laugh
Author: Felice Arena
Illustrator: Tom Jellet
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Word fun. 

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Can you guess what I’ve been reading this week? More picture books!
📚 I’m a sucker for a book about a library – even moreso when the narrative focuses on the journeys that stories can take you on. This one reminded me of a children’s version of The Starless Sea – which I’m sure I don’t need to tell you is a HUGE compliment. The Lost Library by @jessmcgeachin is a delightful trip through a secret library, showing all the things you can learn from the stories around you. And the illustrations inside are as gorgeous as you’d expect from that cover!!!
📚If you’ve not seen the music clip of Dinosaurs In Love, stop reading right now and go and search for it on YouTube. Written by 3 year old Fenn Rosenthal, it is such a joy, and this picture book version of it is super sweet.
📚March of the Ants was written by @ursuladubosarsky as part of her tenure as Australian Children’s Laureate, and has been available online since then, but I love this picture book version of it by @booktrailpress. A fantastic story about an ant who brings a book on a long journey. Initially he’s mocked by his fellow ants, but they soon realise the importance of stories to sustain them on the long march ahead.
📚I love books that give you opportunities to play with words. Poo! And Other Words That Make Me Laugh is an excellent example – lots of words that are fun to wrap your mouth around, and are fun and funny to say. I also love the glossary at the end that gives you the definitions of all those hilarious words. A fab fun book from @fleech and Tom Jellett.
All of these are going straight to the study and into my collection. Super cute and fun to read!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 34-37/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Children's Books, Picture books | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 23 2021

Picture books about learning something new

The Katha Chest, Courageous Lucy, The Couch Potato, and Florence and Fox

The Katha Chest, Courageous Lucy, The Couch Potato, and Florence and Fox

Title: The Katha Chest
Author: Radhiah Chowdhury
Illustrator: Lavanya Naidu
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Family stories. 

Title: Courageous Lucy
Author: Paul Russell
Illustrator: Cara King
Genre/ issues: Picture book. School stories. Finding Courage. 

Title: The Couch Potato
Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Genre/ issues: Picture book. How to spend your free time. 

Title: Florence and  Fox
Author: Zanni Louise
Illustrator: Anna Pignataro
Genre/ issues: Picture book. Friendship. Sharing. 

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

Another picture book post.
📚The Katha Chest is a beautiful story about the stories that are woven into the kathas – Bangladeshi quilts made out of cotton saris that have stopped being useful as clothing. I love the intricacies of the illustrations, drawing on both the author and illustrator’s family saris and kathas. Stories passed down through families – this is my kind of picture book!
📚Courageous Lucy is about a little girl who likes to worry, but soon discovers some things are worth being brave for. Can’t relate. I mean, who would worry all the time about every possible thing? “Hi, my name’s Tamara ….” A super cute book for your little (and big) worrier.
📚The Couch Potato feels like another “personal attack” picture book. This tech-savvy spud learns that there’s nothing wrong with finding a balance between screen time and the world outside. Apparently. Super cute!
📚And finally, Florence and Fox tells the story of two friends trying to figure out what the rules of Sharing Day are. Friendships can be tricky!
Picture books. They really are the best. Thought-provoking ideas, presented in super-accessible formats, able to be absorbed while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil. For kids of all ages.

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 30-33/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Children's Books, Picture books | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 22 2021

Classic Tales as Graphic Novels

The Wind in the Willows and The Wizard of Oz

The Wind in the Willows and The Wizard of Oz

Title: The Wind in the Willows
Author: Russell Punter
Illustrator: Xavier Bonet
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Friendship.

Title: The Wizard of Oz
Author: Russell Punter
Illustrator: Simona Bursi
Genre/ issues: Graphic novel. Family. Home. 

Shop local where you can: For Australian readers, you can find this book on Booktopia, or support your local independent bookstore. US readers, check out Bookshop.org.

These @usborne_books graphic novel adaptations of some children’s classics are delightful! I only vaguely remember reading Wind in the Willows growing up, but The Wizard of Oz was one of my favourites, and it made my heart happy to revisit them both in these beautifully illustrated graphics. Yay for the silver shoes!!! Sweet, accessible for younger readers, and true to the source material, these would be great introductions to the classics for your middle grade readers – and a great way to get kids hooked on graphic novel, which you know is my jam right now!

#TamaraReads #2021readingchallenge 28-29/2021

Happy reading,

Tamara

 

 

Category: Book chat, Children's Books, Graphic Novels | LEAVE A COMMENT