The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The publisher's blurb was too long and rambling so I will give you a brief synopsis.
Mississippi, 1962.
The title refers to the maids who work in the homes of the white families in Jackson. It is a time of oppression, segregation and injustice. Violence against blacks is increasing as the civil rights movement gains momentum. Skeeter is a young white woman who has finished college but failed the ultimate goal of snaring a husband while she was there. Aibileen and Minny are two black women who agree to share their experiences of "maiding for white folk" with Skeeter, an aspiring author. All three women are taking an incredible risk by doing this and place themselves and their families in peril. So we the readers are afforded an intimate view of the white familes they maid for and also gain an insight into the lives of the maids as well.
I couldn't help feeling that Skeeter "writing" this book was just a cheap narrative device because Stockett didn't dare to presume that she could write with an authentic voice if she had chosen one of the maids to be the narrator.

Rating - I give this 3/5
Not bad!
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Reviewed by Sarah@ Hamilton library

Hetty Wainthropp investigates (DVD)

A wet weekend was the perfect time to renew my acquaintance with northern England's housewife super-sleuth Hetty Wainthropp. And I have to say that the first episodes of this quirky series were every bit as enjoyable as I remembered.

The series begins with Hetty's 60th birthday and her realisation that there's so much more to life than waiting around for the pension and making dinner for her husband Robert. The job she takes on in the local post office is short-lived as she becomes suspicious of a young couple collecting a neighbour's pension. Suspecting fraud, she solves the case, with the help of a young tearaway she later takes on as her assistant in her new detective agency.

While the unlikely duo has its share of clients who want to find their lost pets, there's nothing warm and fuzzy about other subjects in this series. Whether it's witchcraft, Robert's uncle's suicide or the search for a schizophrenic son kicked out of home by his father and desperately worried about by his mother, Hetty and her young assistant deal with it with gentle humour, tact and great application of the little grey cells (not for nothing is Hetty a fan of Agatha Christie's great detective Hercule Poirot.)

As portrayed by Patricia Routledge, Hetty is a wonderful character and thankfully nothing at all like Routledge's other great lady, the snobby Hyacinth Bouquet. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Hetty before the next wet weekend.
Rating: I give this 4/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Jan @ Ballarat branch

The day of the triffids by John Wyndham

When Bill Masen wakes up blindfolded in hospital, there is a bitter irony in his situation. Carefully removing his bandages, he realises that he is the only person who can see: everyone else, doctors and patients alike, have been blinded by a meteor shower. Now, with civilization in chaos, the triffids – huge, venomous, large-rooted plants able to 'walk', feeding on human flesh – can have their day.
The Day of the Triffids, published in 1951, expresses many of the political concerns of its time: the Cold War, the fear of biological experimentation and the man-made apocalypse. However, with its terrifyingly believable insights into the genetic modification of plants, the book is more relevant today than ever before.
I couldn’t put this book down!
Recently an article in the newspaper mentioned this book – and I remembered I hadn’t read it and since high school I had always meant to. When I went to find it the cover nearly put me off – a bit too graphic. But once I got started I couldn’t stop reading. The book hasn’t ‘dated’, the setting and characters are completely convincing. Especially the main character – Bill; has a humanity and optimism that drives the book. The story is a very relevant and engrossing cautionary tale in the light of global warming, global food shortages, GMFoods and the global recession. A sobering tale that is also an exhilarating cliff-hanger. Now I’m going to read some of his other books.

Rating - I give this 4/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Kim@ Ballarat library

What to do when someone dies by Nicci French

The latest thriller by the Nicci French team begins with the death of Ellie's husband in a car accident. Devastating enough without the added twist that a mysterious woman was in the car with him. Ellie's mundane life speeds out of control as everyone around her tries to stop her from asking too many questions. The resulting intrigue is fairly far fetched but quite suspenseful and an enjoyable read.

Rating - I give this 3.5/5

Not bad!

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Reviewed by Libby @ home

The Other Boleyn Girl [DVD]

This film is an adaptation of the novel by Philippa Gregory and stars Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Australia's own Eric Bana. It tells the story of the Boleyn sisters, Anne and Mary, who for the sake of family ambition, must compete for the attentions of King Henry VIII. There are no surprises here; we all know the story. But this version concentrates on the complex relationship between the sisters, who are loyal and treacherous, allies and rivals all at the same time. Natalie Portman gives a good performance as driven and manipulative Anne, surely the most infamous of all the Queens of England. Watch for a good performance by David Morrissey as the heartless Duke of Norfolk, uncle to the girls and the film's ultimate baddie and for a great array of pensive looks from Eric Bana. For those of us for whom historical accuracy matters, this film does not stray too far from the known record.

Rating - I give this 3/5 Not bad!
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Historical novels by Philippa Gregory available from the library

Reviewed by Julie @ home

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith

In Stalin's Soviet Union, crime does not exist. But still millions live in fear. The mere suspicion of disloyalty to the State, the wrong word at the wrong time, can send an innocent person to his execution. Idealistic officer Leo Demidov believes he's building a perfect society. But after witnessing the interrogation of an innocent man, his loyalty begins to waver, and when ordered to investigate his own wife, Raisa, Leo is forced to choose where his heart truly lies. Then the impossible happens. A murderer is on the loose, killing at will, and every belief Leo has ever held is shattered. Denounced by his enemies and exiled from home, with only Raisa by his side, he must risk everything to find a criminal that the State won't admit even exists. On the run, Leo soon discovers the danger isn't from the killer he is trying to catch, but from the country he is trying to protect.

Don't be put off by this appalling publisher's blurb!! This is a really taut thriller and I love books set in Soviet Russia. Comparisons have been made between this book and "Gorky Park"and they are not entirely wrong. I grew up reading Len Deighton and John le Carre so the whole Cold War era is one I really love reading about. Plus there is no hocus pocus high tech solutions and no improbable forensic mumbo jumbo masqurading as a plot. I have already placed a hold on his new book!
Rating - I give this 4/5
GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Sarah@ Hamilton library

The Chase by Clive Cussler

April 1950: The rusting hulk of a steam locomotive rises from the deep waters of a Montana lake. Inside is all that remains of three men who died forty-four years before. But it is not the engine or its grisly contents that interest the people watching nearby. It is what is about to come next . . .
1906: For two years, the western states of America have been suffering an extraordinary crime spree: a string of bank robberies by a single man who cold-bloodedly murders any and all witnesses and then vanishes without a trace. Fed up by the depredations of the "Butcher Bandit," the U.S. government brings in the best man they can find-a tall, lean, no-nonsense detective named Isaac Bell, who has caught thieves and killers coast to coast.
But Bell has never had a challenge like this one. Because his quarry is getting angry now, and has turned the chase back on him. The hunter has become the hunted. And soon it will take all of Isaac Bell's skills not merely to prevail . . . but to survive (from the publisher).
I see a lot of Cussler books moving through the libraries and decided to try one out, and found myself really enjoying this book. The story moves at a great pace as the chase plays out, and the fact that it takes place during a time long past made it more intriguing. I'd recommend this to anyone that likes an adventure story.
Rating - I give this 4.5/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Goldengrove by Francine Prose

I read this in one sitting - apart from snack breaks! It was mesmerising. A story of a family's loss told through the eyes of a child but retrospectively, so it had purity of insight, wisdom and compassion for the adults' grief.
And by the way what a great surname for an author!
I am actually going to read more of her books - she writes really well.

Rating - I give this 4/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Sarah@ Hamilton library

Rumour has it by Jill Mansell

Rumour Has It When newly single Tilly Cole impulsively quits her London job for a fresh start in the small town of Roxborough she finds she's arrived in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue and rampant rivalry for the most desirable men. Tilly has no intention of joining in – she's just happy with her new Girl Friday job.
Then she meets Jack Lucas.
Jack is irresistible… and he's got his eye on Tilly. But there are shocking rumours about his wicked reputation. Tilly doesn’t want to be just another notch on anyone's bedpost. But is she being mature and sensible – or is she running away from the love of her life?

Yes it was predictable, yes the characters were stereotypical, and yes everyone was unbelievably attractive, interesting and financially impressive - but damn it - I really like Jill Mansell's books. She manages to make you actually care about the happy ending and this one was highly romantic. Thoroughly appropriate weekend reading!

Rating - I give this 4/5
GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Sarah@ Hamilton library

Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat by Stephen Michael King

Milli can take a nothing and transform it into a wiggly wonderful something, but she isn't brave enough to show people what she loves to do ... until Jack and the Dancing Cat come waltzing into her life.

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book about the joys of friendship and following your dreams. It's a wonderful book to read aloud with the kids. Highly recommended.

Rating - I give this 4/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Julie @ Wendouree Library

Just take my heart, by Mary Higgins Clark

Easter - chocolate to eat, friends and family to have fun with and a new Mary Higgins Clark title to read - what could be better? That was my Easter experience - Higgins Clark is a favourite of mine and I look forward to each new release. This old stager is perhaps a little formulaic, but she always delivers a good read, with likeable (and loathable) characters, a finely-tuned plot and plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep you guessing.

Just take my heart is no exception; it's a real page-turner. The plot centres around the high-profile trial of Gregg Aldrich for the murder of his estranged wife, Broadway star Natalie Raines. Widowed Emily Wallace is prosecuting the case and is firmly convinced of Aldrich's guilt. But there are many questions and disturbing elements to this case. And Emily may be the next victim of her seemingly helpful neighbour, a man with a violent past...

Rating - I give this 4/5 Not bad!

(link to catalogue)
Reviewed by Jan @ Ballarat branch

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

This is a Penguin reprint of a book published in the 90's which I picked up to read on a plane trip. What a great surprise. The book is set at a Vermont college and revolves around 6 classics students, their relationships and bizarre escapades. The plot is an interesting mix of suspense, romance and the Greek classics. I couldn't put this one down.
Rating - I give this 5/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Libby@ Home

The Nest by Paul Jennings

Robin’s life is spiraling out of control. His father’s a tyrant, his mother’s disappeared and the wrong girl's luring him into her web...

Intolerable images keep flashing through his head. What does Robin really know about his past? Are there clues in his own writing? And what secrets lie within the frozen forest?

Paul Jennings’ first novel for older readers is a stunning and original network of crossing trails which combine to tell the dark, tense and ultimately uplifting story of a boy who dares to stare into the spider holes of his own mind (from the publisher).

I loved his books when I was growing up, the humour, the outrageous and eeriness, so I thought I would give this one a try. The Nest is told with a touch of quirkiness that is in all of his books, and is told in two ways - from Robin's perspective, and then through stories that he has written that give a little more about the character with each one. One aspect of it I found predictable, but otherwise it made for interesting reading.
Rating - I give this 3.5/5 Not bad!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Since Otar Left (DVD)

A beautiful French film about life in post-Soviet Georgia in the capital Tbilisi. A family of three women share an apartment in Tbilisi. Mother Eta, daughter Marina and grand-daughter Ada. Eta's son Otar is living and working illegally in Paris. Eta dotes on her son and waits eagerly for his letters. When Otar is not heard from for some time Eta decides to go to Paris to find him. She sells her valuables and buys 3 tickets to Paris. The family sets off to Paris and the search begins. Unknown to Eta Otar has died and Marina has decided to keep this from her mother. The acting is 1st class of all the women and beautifully developed. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this film. An interesting look at post-Soviet life.
Rating - I give this 5/5

GREAT!!
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Reviewed by Judy@ home

The Iron Heart by Marshall Browne

Franz Schmidt arrives in Berlin in January 1939 to take up the position of Chief Auditor at the Reichsbank, the financial heart of the Third Reich. He has been positioned there by the enigmatic von Streck, a high-ranking member of the Nazi party but one who has a different agenda to that of the Fuehrer. Schmidt realises he must tread very carefully to avoid the zealous and passionate Fraulein Brandt, who is determined to destroy anyone unfaithful to the Party. After the murder of a co-worker, Schmidt is driven, despite von Streck's orders to keep a low profile, to help the dead man's assistant, who is now in grave danger herself.

I didn't realise this was the second book with Herr Schmidt as the character. There were enough references and explanations and I liked filling in the gaps myself - I honestly thought the author was crediting his readers with enough intelligence to not be told the "whole" story. I love low tech thrillers and murders set in a well described point in history and this was an absolute cracker!!!
Rating - I give this 5/5
GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Sarah@ Hamilton library

The Resistance by Gemma Malley

Following on from 'The Declaration', I found this second book equally as good. An interesting story set in the future, where a drug has been created to allow people to live forever...and in doing so, people are not allowed to have children.....those that do have children are usually 'dealt' with and the children are then known as 'surpluses', sent away to homes and then used as slaves....and .......other things .......but you will have to read the book to find out what!
Rating - I give this 4/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Tara@ home

The Wish List by Melanie La'Brooy

This was an enjoyable chick lit read, set in Melbourne rather than London or New York. A lot of the witty banter and wry observations within were quite entertaining although they sometimes made me wonder if the story was going anywhere! I enjoyed the pop culture references and the girls' visit to a Melbourne book store, and although the plot was light on, it was sufficient to keep this reader turning pages.
A little bit sitcom-esque but good for a bit of a laugh.
Rating - I give this 3/5

Not bad!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ home

WALL-E (DVD)

After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter-Earth-class) discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE (Extraterrestial Vegetation Evaluator). Join them and a hilarious cast of characters such as M-O (Microbe Obliterator) on a fantastic journey across the universe (from distributor)!
This is a great movie for all ages - don't let the beginning put you off as there is no talking for 15 minutes or so. The characters are a lovable bunch and WALL-E has his little sidekick, just as most of Disney's main characters do. It is quite a heart-warming film considering robots are the main characters. From a human aspect, it is a little daunting, as some of the storyline could very well come true..!
Rating - I give this 5/5 Not bad!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Little Voice (DVD)

I nearly gave up on this DVD because the characters played by Michael Caine and Brenda Blethyn were so appalling.
I'm so glad I persisted, because this is such a rewarding, entertaining , moving story.
Boozy, brassy widow Mari (Blethyn) lives with her reclusive daughter Little Voice (LV - Jane Horrocks) and sees sleazy, unsuccessful talent agent Ray Say (Caine) as her next conquest.
One night Ray hears the voices of Judy Garland, Billie Holiday and Marilyn Monroe coming from the attic room where LV spends all her time listening to her late father's records - and realises it's LV singing. Now all he has to do to achieve the big success that has always eluded him is to coax the painfully shy young woman on stage for a public performance...
Horrocks is wonderful in this difficult role, complemented by Ewan McGregor in his role as a delightfully geeky pigeon fancier.
Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!
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Reviewed by Jan @ Ballarat

Lethal legacy, by Linda Fairstein

Having been a library enthusiast for as long as I can remember, I heartily endorse the dedication in Linda Fairstein's new book: "For librarians - Guardian angels of the mind and soul."
And while I eagerly await each new Fairstein title, my eagerness turned to disappointment after the first few chapters.
The reason? Too much information. Fairstein sets each of her Alex Cooper crime novels against the background of historic places in New York. In this case it's the New York Public Library that stars in this murderous tale. Books, dangerous? You betcha, if they're rare, and maps too. And that's where Fairstein gets hung up on way too much detail about old books and maps and the collection thereof, and where I got lost. But don't let that put you off - it's still a pretty good read, and if you're a library nut, it will make you want to visit this great library.

Rating - I give this 3/5 Nothing Special
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Reviewed by Jan @ Ballarat branch

Cherry cake and ginger beer, by Jane Brocket

As a child, I longed for a picnic just like the one so lovingly depicted by Susan Coolidge in her classic children's novel What Katy Did, with its ginger cakes, hard-boiled eggs, corned beef sandwiches and molasses pies.
Hurrah for Jane Brocket, who has created recipes for the pies - renamed Katy's paradise picnic pie - and all sorts of other treats that feature in so many of the older books for children.
Brocket must have had a whale of a time researching for her latest book - illustrated in black and white in contrast to the glorious colour in her previous publication, Domestic Bliss. Her own favourites such as the Enid Blyton books, Anne of Green Gables, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Heidi and Pippi Longstocking have inspired recipes like Swallows and Amazons seed cake, Bruce Bogtrotter's heroic chocolate cake, Ellen's extremely comforting posset, Milly-Molly-Mandy's muffin man muffins and Mrs Glump's melt-in-the-mouth shortbread.
Chapter headings such as Proper Elevenses, Cooks' Special Treats, School Food, Kind and Thoughtful Treats and Special Occasions entice the reader to riffle through the pages, reminisce about their favourite childhood books and perhaps recreate some of the treats mentioned there.
This book, with its title inspired by the cherry cakes and lemonade mentioned in various Famous Five titles, is a must-read. Brocket is such an imaginative writer and I can't wait to see what she'll come up with next.
Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Jan @ Ballarat branch

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

I wasn't planning on liking this story. When I first started I found it a bit hard to get into, I didn't really like the main character, Alice, but then as I read, I discovered that I really wanted to find out what happened in Alice's life. I felt it was well written and gave a good perspective on alzheimers disease. I think this book will affect people, whether you know someone with alzheimers or not. Warning: I did need tissues at the end
Rating - I give this 4.5/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Tara @ home
Watch this clip to hear what the author has to say about her experiences in writing this book.

Diary of a wombat by Jackie French

She sleeps. She eats. She scratches. She is training humans to become better pets. She is Mothball‚ a wombat with attitude. Award−winning author Jackie French′s love of wombats comes alive in this cheeky observation of Mothball′s life‚ while Bruce Whatley′s captivating illustrations of Mothball′s antics shows just how entertaining and endearing wombats are to humans (from the publisher).
This is one of my favorite childrens books, and while it has been around for a number of years now, it still makes me laugh every time I read it. The story is short and easy to read and the illustrations bring Mothball to life. Enjoy!

Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre

Vernon Gregory Little has secrets, but none of them - or so he assumes - have anything to do with the recent massacre of 16 students at his high school. This novel depicts simple humanity in a complex world and poses questions about culpability and priorities in a hypocritical, media-saturated world.

Only a few members of the Book club felt that this book deserved completion. Perhaps not every one's cup of tea, Those who did read the entire story attempted to convince the group that the outcome is well worth it... here are some comments -

"Attempted to read it twice"

"Doing the washing was more interesting"

"Very hardwork. Weird sense of humour, which in parts is funny but the characters are just strange"

"Not recommended - YUK!"

and finally...

"Dark comedy,dysfunctional characters which made me want to give up by the middle. The last"act" is really worthwhile, so hang in there because all will be revealed!

I don't know about you, but a book that has generated this much feeling must have something to it, so I am taking a copy home today.

Rating - I give this 2/5

Nothing Special


Get this from the library Reviewed by Wendouree Book Club @ Wendouree library