great book reviews

Summary: Four young siblings sneak out to hear the fortunes told by a mystical woman, who predicts the exact day each of them will die.

Thoughts: The premise had me thinking and discussing with friends – would you want to know the exact day you are going to die? And would you live your life any differently with that knowledge, which may or may not influence whether the prophesy comes true. The story is told in sections about each of the four siblings – how the knowledge affects them, and the choices they make in life which seem heavily influenced by the prophesy, leading you to think whether their outcome would have been difference had they not known their fate. Fascinating idea, not necessarily well executive, but an interesting read nevertheless.

Summary: A journalist’s insight into how the leadership style of Abbott and Credlin resulted in Abbott’s downfall.

Thoughts: I have absolutely no interest in, or understanding of, politics, but I am curious about certain individuals, and Peta Credlin is one. Unfortunately, this book didn’t give me the insights I expected into her personality, background, or her relationship with Abbott, but it was a good example of the results of hubris – when overconfidence and abuse of power are not appreciated by those around you. A good summary of Abbott’s not even two years in office – and rather welcome, after his maligning of poor Julia Gillard, to know he lasted a year less than she did in the top job.

Summary: The true story of Sandra Pankhurst (born Peter). Peter was adopted, abused dreadfully as a child, married young, and fathered two children before transitioning to a female. She then became a sex worker, did drugs, was violently raped, moved from home to home, married, and currently runs a business cleaning homes where a violent crime has occurred, the tenant has died, or has hoarded to the extent they are unable to manage their own cleanliness.

Thoughts: Oh. My. Gosh. Could one person have gone through more in their life! If you think you’ve had a tough life, read this and your life is paradise by comparison. The book alternates between the past and present, detailing Peter’s and Sandra’s experiences. After all she went through, Sandra’s attitude is remarkable. She is insightful, generous, understanding, and inspirational, although very few would want to take on her way of life. Gritty and detailed, the story is not for the squeamish. Her gender transition is made all the more remarkable given it happened before changes to the law allowed gays to live openly, and before transgender surgery was a thing.

Summary: An autobiography of Sami’s dating history. She is still single in her late 40’s, and if anyone wonders why, just read a few of her anecdotes from a long list of losers, tragics, weirdos and idiots.

Thoughts: An amusing, witty, depressing look at the dating world. If someone like Sami – famous, gorgeous, well-traveled, outgoing – has such appalling experiences, then what hope for the rest of us? Makes me glad I prefer to sit home with a good book.

Summary: Follows the story of a young girl, abused by her father, who is then taken in by her estranged grandmother when both parents die.

Thoughts: Whimsical is not the way to describe a story about domestic violence, but the book is written in such a way that Alice’s life, while affected and overshadowed by her early abuse, goes on unexpected paths which lead her to central Australia and see her working as a park ranger in a national park. It’s nicely written and interesting, but I failed to engage with Alice and her adventures. Something just didn’t gel, although the idea was great. Anyone who loves native flowers will appreciate the many references and meanings of flowers, and the illustrations are beautiful.

Summary: A teenage girl goes missing for four days while on holiday with her mother, and when she’s finally found, she has no apparent memory of where she was or what happened to her.

Thoughts: Although the mystery of the missing four days is eventually revealed, the interest of this book isn’t about what happened, it’s the relationship between the mother and daughter and their interactions and thoughts. The anxious mother wanting to know why her daughter is covered in scratches and bruises after her ordeal, and badgering her with questions. The withdrawn daughter who is annoyed at the constant interrogation, upset by the experience, and rebellious, as most teenagers are. The book goes back and forth between the events leading up to the disappearance, and present day. Communication between the mother and daughter is difficult, tense, irritating, and realistically handled in this story. A fitting stand-alone second novel by the author of the heartbreaking Elizabeth is Missing.