Asking for help isn’t failing you know, it’s refusing to fail.
If you are after a read that is bound to make you feel good, to take a load off yourAsking for help isn’t failing you know, it’s refusing to fail.
If you are after a read that is bound to make you feel good, to take a load off your shoulders, and remember there is positivity all around, this book is for you. This is a debut novel, another thing to smile about, as it is a remarkably solid and well written book.
Frederick is in the wrong place at the wrong time, or would that be the opposite? Is this kismet, is this meant to be? He falls into another man's life, at the precise time he needs help. Fred is kind and genuine and amazingly tolerant and sharp witted. He carries out good deeds and is amazingly funny.
This is an affirming and positive tale with no hard edges, what you see is what you get, and I'm so pleased the author has quickly fallen into success. She's off to New York soon. This is well deserved, and furnished by the help of many along the way, as mentioned in the lengthy acknowledgements.
In times when life is often hard, where we see much negativity, this book breathes well deserved fresh air when needed most. Let this cast of characters envelope you, you won't be disappointed.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library, with excellent narration by Tim Carroll....more
This was a fantastic thriller, I sped through it in no time. I think the vicinity being so local, and the familiarity with the themes, parenting, sociThis was a fantastic thriller, I sped through it in no time. I think the vicinity being so local, and the familiarity with the themes, parenting, social media, children asserting their newfound freedoms, friendship, family finances. All this was relatable.
A married couple having difficulties, a wife facing cancer treatment and fighting to get back to work while holding her family together, Rachel is a strong, if not flawed woman. Her husband Rory is a great father, a hard worker who has just recently gone through bankruptcy after a failed business.
Rory loves his wife fiercely and is dealing with a current relationship problem authentically, I believe the way he dealt with his wife, and the children’s knowledge of this well. The author has approached this issue sensitivity.
Rachel and Rory's children are at an age where self confidence and self esteem are at a pivotal moment in time, these issues are interwoven into the narrative to build something solid, and as the story builds momentum we watch the characters grow, their family commitment growing in strength.
What I found in this well written novel was a relatable family committed to each other in finding their missing loved one, as we follow a good mystery with believable red herrings, told via well drawn characters, each of them providing an important part of the puzzle.
The setting was very close to home, the grounds of the SCG, even my son’s school was mentioned a few times, with these descriptions being apt and spot on. The location of the crime being a Coldplay concert really made me feel this was a contemporary and realistic setting.
The first book I’ve read by this author, I have some on my shelves and I will read more. Highly recommended.
I listened via the Libby platform and my public library. My book of the month....more
This was an interesting look at the way a group of people were interviewed on their morning routines. Additionally, sleep hygiene, the way tech is addThis was an interesting look at the way a group of people were interviewed on their morning routines. Additionally, sleep hygiene, the way tech is addressed in the morning, the way partners, exercise, breakfast and other aspects of going about life impacts their life. Not accessing phones, social media, emails etc before breakfast and while in bed is a sound idea, which may work for some.
CEOs, writers, entrepreneurs, and artists comprised of the majority of subjects, so I suppose like everything, wealth and privilege need to be considered.
I like routine myself and found it interesting and sometimes funny in the precise foibles and rhythms people have, sometimes to the minute calculation and zero deviation to the plan when it comes to time, food and exercise regime.
I cannot imagine waking at 3am to partake in exercise, the thought makes me want to vomit, but this will make some people happy. The authors provide the stats at the end, with the extremes to each question presented, along with the averages.
Not sure if I learned anything specific as I already lay my clothes out and maintain order in the kitchen before retiring for the night, so this was more of a voyeuristic look on how the other half live. I agreed with some of the more light-hearted subjects who recommended being fluid, not judging your routine to what others say theirs to be the best.
One gentleman said he doesn’t answer emails because if he doesn’t hear back in a couple of weeks the issue must have been resolved, and he’s trained people to not call him by not answering their calls. He does not use phone calls as part of his routine. So interesting. I have to delete delete delete as it comes.
I like this from Shane Parrish, founder of Farnam Street:
I’m not a fan of trying to solve common life problems with apps and software programs. Some basic old school planning and discipline do the job fine. And if you don’t have discipline, an app won’t help. That’s just my take. There’s a certain amount of technology fetishism that creeps in.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library....more
This was a quick, pacy and propulsive audio read, with the excellent addition of telephone call vibes providing a good touch. I had not heard of this This was a quick, pacy and propulsive audio read, with the excellent addition of telephone call vibes providing a good touch. I had not heard of this author until now, and picked this one up as it was a short book. A call centre volunteer that also happens to be a lawyer in her day job picks up the phone to a traumatised girl, ready to take drastic action after sexual abuse at a party.
The pacing is lightening fast, there is no stopping as Felicia's own life is drawn quickly into the mayhem. Most fictional mother's have a bias toward their own child when it comes to crimes and wrongdoings, but as the story progresses we see the author not veering down traditional paths.
Felicia becomes very close to the victim, she's very supportive, so at parts I was surprised by some actions of the victim and her family. Things are quite neat and it's quite easy to work out how this will all end, but I enjoyed the author's evident experience from her past life as a clinical psychologist and childhood trauma. I enjoyed this suspense novel as a quick read. A chilling and worrying read. Recommended....more
I found this audiobook to be an easily digestible book, read well by the author. Initially uploading small videos during Covid, thi3.5⭐ rounded down.
I found this audiobook to be an easily digestible book, read well by the author. Initially uploading small videos during Covid, this psychologists presents ideas to the reader that are easily taken in. She explains her ideas are just that, ways to look at life in dealing with stressful situations, to make things easier at the time using simple explanations and scenarios that have worked for her clients, and for herself. I found one area I particularly related to, about becoming complacent with exercise, and depression, and the cycle that persists if one does not get out there and feel fresh air and even just to walk, small steps at first, building to attainable goals. I wanted to capture a great quote about depression and moving your body, but as I was driving I didn't do this. This book is not rocket science, it uses plain language and easily understood ideas, and using one's tool kit to better attack life. It was not preachy nor hard to understand. This possibly may be better as a physical book, to approach the exercises for reflection and planning.
I listened to this audiobook via the Libby app and my public library. ...more
Parents today are extremely lucky with excellent and varied resources. The availability when I was raising my three under three were simply not there,Parents today are extremely lucky with excellent and varied resources. The availability when I was raising my three under three were simply not there, I’d have been very receptive to listen to books such as this, in the background of my busy life. The author thanks many people in his acknowledgements, including Dr Bruce Perry, whose book co-authored with Oprah Winfrey I have recently completed, and loved. This made me wonder how many children would be lucky to cross paths in clinics of these doctors.
The author knows what it’s like for families to struggle given his own upbringing, and those family units that he encounters he can relate to well given his own family history. He even lied about where he grew up in his first year of uni, to fit in with the more privileged students. His hard-working mum, who at times worked three jobs, was not happy about that at all.
Able to apply his own experience with mental health to not only understand his patients, but equally importantly, their parents doing their best to help their kids, often in perilous circumstances themselves. Parents need good mental health to best support their kids, which is addressed, not glossed over in this book.
What is comforting to know is the author is telling his story from what he has gleaned from helping his young clients, how they have improved, even flourished from their time spent together. He listens intently, this is obvious, a keen observer to assess individual needs combined with what the family unit is showing him in the clinic.
One of the opening comments was my favourite. The author is being interviewed for a fellowship to help parents best support guiding their children’s mental health development. One of the interviewers abruptly proposed that he disagreed with Dr Garvey’s belief that the way we raise our children impacts their mental health.
It was a ‘please explain’ moment. This is the part I love. The author’s summary statement after this goes on to say this book is an extended version of my answer of that question.
I’m glad this obnoxious sounding panelist posed the question, as many will learn from this book. Highly recommended to parents, prospective parents, educators, students, and anyone working in the social sciences.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library, which goes nicely as I do advocate for nonfiction books narrated by the author....more
What a sweet read this was, in keeping with what the author is known for. Female friendship, familial relationships with a little mystery thrown in.
LyWhat a sweet read this was, in keeping with what the author is known for. Female friendship, familial relationships with a little mystery thrown in.
Lyrebird Lake is a lovely place, Hannah is looking for a fresh start for her and her son. Deemed homeless after the death of her husband, a family keep sake leads her there.
Hopeful for work and accommodation, they've been sleeping rough. Their arrival to this town leads to lovely people with histories of their own.
This story blends two generations and timelines, shown from each woman's perspectives. Serious themes prevalent of the times were central to this story.
One character was most unlikable, unable to show love to her family, I was left wondering at the end what was to become of her.
This is an easy read highlighting the complexity of times gone by and rigid beliefs these times were synonymous for. Thanks to @henrymarlene for my gifted copy, what a joy it is to share books....more
Simply told and quietly impactful, this story was largely reminiscent of Normal People, which I loved. You Are Here was gentle and quite lyrical in thSimply told and quietly impactful, this story was largely reminiscent of Normal People, which I loved. You Are Here was gentle and quite lyrical in the observation of two lovely people who I found no fault in which was refreshing, as so many reads lately are full of unlikable characters. They were mature adults, both with some baggage, presenting as very humble in their weaknesses and strengths.
The observation of marriage and loss, of new beginnings and hope were equally portrayed presented against a backdrop of walking and hiking in the English countryside. I was warmed with these characters ability to adhere to harsh weather and take on the challenges to commit to the walks, meet new people and do this in a group environment despite their usual solo life.
Loneliness themes were presented realistically, the prose was quite soft, flowing to match the rhythm of the trekking.
Michael and Marnie are both excellent and interesting protagonists, and their journey both metaphorically and physically was one which I enjoyed as a realistic contemporary tale, avoiding the fluffy happy ever after so often leaned on.
I am yet to read One Day, and look forward to this now I have experienced this lovely book. Highly recommended as both a light and serious take on the human experience.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library....more
Water tells a serious and contemplative story using the theme of water to create distance, solitude, and self-exile. The unknown preceding life alteriWater tells a serious and contemplative story using the theme of water to create distance, solitude, and self-exile. The unknown preceding life altering event is unpicked slowly for the reader, the weight of it always there heavily, always hanging in the cold Irish air. Changing her name and shaving her head, Willow has chosen a beautiful place to enter life again, somehow.
Choosing to go into town to eat a meal, to converse with the locals, or not. I found it interesting she did not completely delve into herself entirely, she knew that contact with the world, though limited, was a necessary evil to maintain.
The isolation in this remote island of Ireland created a cosy atmosphere, in contrast to the sinister reasons for Willows seeking refuge from prying eyes. On and off interactions with her adult daughter are fraught with unease, the love for her evident but the shadow of their estrangement ever present.
As the reasons for her removal from life become apparent, my feelings were in a tumble in trying to reconcile this woman’s complicity versus ignorance versus a refusal to see evil where it should not lie. My heart broke as a character was attempting to disclose serious abuse which was passed over; this was well written, compulsive, and absorbing in all aspects. I was left feeling disappointed AND understanding of this character, and a voyeur in her attempts to reconcile her life.
John Boyne is remarkable in every way. I was spellbound, drawn in and contemplative at the last scene, not a word wasted, listening twice. Willow was haunted and hunted by her grief, hoping for her to come back to herself. I loved the people she met along the way, and those she in turn she helped.
Affecting and momentous, completely insightful, I highly recommend this book. A wonderful audio read via the Libby platform and my public library....more
Entirely not my standard genre, but I found myself looking for a shorter read, ending up with Eleanor. A smart resilient young woman who finds herselfEntirely not my standard genre, but I found myself looking for a shorter read, ending up with Eleanor. A smart resilient young woman who finds herself in way too many schools by the time we find her here in senior high school, school number 9.
The action picks up fast, finding herself slap bang in the middle of a serious crime. Having had to often fend for herself during her upbringing as the daughter of a hard working young mother, Eleanor is most adept at working things out. She seemed to have things together the most out of the ensemble cast.
Themes of new friendships forming, being the outsider and the possibility of unexpected first love, it was a sweet story. I enjoyed watching her subtly bloom from the outsider status, perhaps wanting to not be so invisible anymore. I am not at all the right target audience for this one, SO many others will love this well written YA book. I couldn't help noticing the Breaking Bad vibes.
I listened to this via the Libby platform and my local library....more
This debut novel perplexed me a little. Written by a journalist who tells the story of an abducted journalist. To me seemed to be satirical, kind of hThis debut novel perplexed me a little. Written by a journalist who tells the story of an abducted journalist. To me seemed to be satirical, kind of humorous in a weird way, which created the confusion and disconnect. In the end left wondering if I was the only thinking this way? Which was the main take way, an issue that can’t be a good thing.
Taken and raped by an affronted and troubled young man, who took offence at a drunken remark made by the victim on a girl’s night out.
While being held captive, she looks back into the way she herself reported cases, how her case would be reported now. Her interactions with the abductor were off to me, I think I had the overarching feeling of the crime wasn’t real, there may be something that comes up to sort out the mystery in my head. There wasn’t any answer to this in the end.
The bumbling and slow way the detectives set about the case, the dialogue of the boyfriend who absolutely had nothing to do with her disappearance was almost slapstick. He and the best friend decided to go down to where her mobile phone was found in the Southern Highlands of NSW, their interactions, the way the best friend dropped her dog to a relative to look after, it was all insignificant, missing any kind of seriousness.
A very unusual book full of strange dialogue, I will say this book was in no way badly written, my feeling of confusion was consistent, leading to a disconnect which was disappointing. I am sure many others will enjoy this more, it was a small book which didn’t take me long on the audio format.
I listened to this on the Libby app via my public library. One definite observation was the audio narration by Sacha Horler was definitely presented in a comical way, it was very reactional, busy, and quite manic. I wonder if any listeners had a similar experience with this?...more
A quick fill in on a day off. Nothing much to talk about here, the usual DS. A rich family, successful career, a disaster, a recovery, leading to a haA quick fill in on a day off. Nothing much to talk about here, the usual DS. A rich family, successful career, a disaster, a recovery, leading to a happy ending. The character development is quite weak, though always very French. Good choice for a day of chores and getting other things done. Good company for chores.
The narrator was actually good this time around, a cheeky Irish accent thrown in. Which was a bit odd, the Irish character was meant to be a friend of the protagonist, but he was thrown in randomly, serving no purpose, only to be clearly stated as ‘not a love interest’.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library. As always a good mix between my serious reads....more
A reimagining (my FIRST!) looking into the myth of Galatea and Pygmalion. I have NEVER read mythology or fantasy, so when a relative spied a bunch of A reimagining (my FIRST!) looking into the myth of Galatea and Pygmalion. I have NEVER read mythology or fantasy, so when a relative spied a bunch of books on the side of the road and picked them up for me, I went for it. Side note, I do not need more books.
This was a tiny hardcover book, pretty and sparkling. When an unattractive and ageing (a few quietly placed observations) yet highly skilled sculptor has been blessed by a goddess by having his most beautiful piece of work come to life, we see this man's insipid and controlling behaviour rain down on this marble turned human.
Held captive by doctors and nurses on the her husband’s instructions, she desires freedom and independence. Her cunning husband has forewarned these folk that she is ill and does not know that of which she speaks.
I enjoyed this unusual piece of writing, made more clear by the author's notes of acknowledgement in her reasons for highlighting yet another tale of a male treating a woman poorly.
This will be loved by those who enjoy this genre, a magical little sojourn....more
Small books really do deliver strongly, this is one of those. I was not aware of this true story, an event taking place at the end of 2013.
What struckSmall books really do deliver strongly, this is one of those. I was not aware of this true story, an event taking place at the end of 2013.
What struck me in this awful situation, and I’m sure as it did the rest of the world, was the forgiveness and lack of hatred, when the expected outcomes could have been entirely flipped. The victim’s family, and the victim themselves showed forgiveness and grace in a world contrary to this.
These two vastly different young people in their space and time lap over for just an 8-minute window on the school bus. The flick of a lighter, a tulle skirt, and a young boy who just didn’t think.
The person burned born a boy, tells their story of gender, their way of arriving at their gender choice (agender), and the intricacies of their lovely friendships, their close knit small independent high school, and their lovely simple life, for most parts without discrimination.
Weaving together the perspective of the different young people, the author delves deeply covering all issues from race, gender, class, crime and punishment. It is rightly serious yet told with a lightness and humanity, not a small feat.
Sasha, a beautiful soul, surrounded by a lovely family, tells their story, as does Richard, the young black boy who caused catastrophic burns to the young white Sasha, who loved to experiment with their clothes, this portion of the story shone brightly, I could feel the passion and quirky style.
Richard faced life imprisonment for hate crimes, and the subsequent actions Sasha and their family took to change the course of this outcome will astound you, as will Sasha’s attitudes in the years to come.
A hidden gem, so beautiful. Skilful, empathetic writing, encouraging sympathy from the reader provides a contemplative and striking nonfiction work. This is another one of those titles that should be on all types of recommended reading lists. Law/schools/healthcare/universities.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library....more
Extremely late to the party, I jumped onto this one in the hopes of a quick read. This was successful, and I now believe I have an equivalent author iExtremely late to the party, I jumped onto this one in the hopes of a quick read. This was successful, and I now believe I have an equivalent author in the way I read Danielle Steel audiobooks, except in the case of this author, they will be pop thriller. I think they'll be similarly rated to DS, too.
Like all hyped up authors/titles, I'm probably an outlier. This book was fine, it just felt lacking to me. Strange people that seem to be quite like everyone else, until they're not. It felt like I knew they were off somehow, but seemed cookie cutter in their presentation of a socio/psychopath, and that it was expected to be this way, which led me to feel I've been there before.
As the author is a doctor, it's my expectation she will hone into the way humans interact with each other, and delve into the darker side of this, and the ease of which evil people do evil things. There may be an element of 'telling' here, in this case a lot of internal dialogue which may have been the easy way out, especially with the psychopathic protagonist explaining away their craziness, which felt a little too neat.
Much as I treat DS titles, I'm happy for the easy read and I'm not necessarily disappointed in the lower rating, they just don't pop.
I read this book because I wanted to see what the fuss was all about, and now I've found a good palate cleanser between all my heavier nonfiction reads - and I have a lot of these! I appreciate them so much more, which shows me books fill different needs in my repertoire!
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
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