It was wonderful, yet again, to be in touch with the passionate people associated with CBCA in the Blue Mountains. The meeting was tinged with sadness due to the recent passing of Margaret Hamilton – a tribute from CBCA expressed here. Colleagues and friends shared some emotional and meaningful final moments with Margaret, which will […]
A change of look*, a change of thinking – and COVID-19. As COVID-19 has shut many things down, people have been seeking ways to maintain contact and connection. With local and school libraries closed to public access, the need for reading options increases (we have more time in shut-down, don’t we?). If you haven’t already […]
As COVID-19 now demands a greater degree of social distancing in Australia, it is likely that public libraries will be closed in most locations this week. Already practising the required hygiene demands of sanitiser and distancing, our local library faced a steady flow of residents getting book piles ready for home isolation recently, before closure. […]
Living in Swaziland, Adele’s mother wants a better life for her daughter. Even though her father lives at a distance with his other family, Adele is well-supported and goes to a private school. However, Adele finds things have changed when she returns to her boarding school after term-break. Her position in the ‘top girl’ group […]
Reality TV meets murder mystery. That’s what Vincent Ralph has created in this tale of mystery and suspense. In a contemporary English school/home setting, Jessica Simmons decides to apply for a social media program, the Eye, which is to be broadcast live on YouTube. However, her purpose is not for instant fame and fortune, but […]
As the COVID-19 virus eats into our grocery and other supplies, perhaps it’s time, while we cool our heels at home, to reconsider our consumption. In ‘Waste Not Everyday: Simple Zero-Waste Inspiration 365 Days a Year’ Erin Rhoads provides tips for every day of the year of ways towards making simple lifestyle changes so that […]
Suspend all normal thinking. Suspend being a normal ten-year-old. Atticus wants to be a pirate! He may not have known that, on the morning of his tenth birthday; but once he found his gift of choice at his Grandnan’s, that’s what he wanted to be. In this rollicking tale from Andrew Daddo, Atticus does indeed […]
As COVID-19 now demands a greater degree of social distancing in Australia, it is likely that public libraries will be closed in most locations this week. Already practising the required hygiene demands of sanitiser and distancing, our local library faced a steady flow of residents getting book piles ready for home isolation recently, before closure. […]
The winners for the Indie Awards (a unique award recognising and rewarding the best Australian writing as chosen by Australian Independent Booksellers) was announced today. Included in the shortlist announced in January were many fabulous books, including one reviewed here – Dumplings anyone? – a winner in 2020. If you need inspiration or suggestions for […]
What do you have ready in case you have to stay at home for a period of time? Aside from the pile of TBRs beside your bed, have you thought about access to: 1. Local/state/national libraries 2. Ebooks 3. Audiobooks 4. Bookshop deliveries These are some of the options I am pondering. Unfortunately, some local […]