A Good Book or Two

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I have been doing quite a bit of reading this year which I am quite pleased about and have come across some really good reads which I thought I might pass on to my readers.

A wonderful story by a new Australian author. Set in a small New South Wales town just after the Great War and during the Spanish Flu epidemic, this beautiful gothic murder mystery story is about the different ways that people deal with death, grief and heartache.

I read this last year,  and a dear friend recommended Craig's first novel, and interestingly like Bereft, this story about a blind girl and a cello playing hermit also deals about how people deal with loss.  This is a beautifully written story, very lyrical in its style.  Right from the first chapter, it sweeps the reader into a wonderful story of loss and love.  Set during the last weeks of the last millennium in the fishing town of Fremantle Western Australia, Silvey proves himself to be another great Australian author.

A powerful read and a bit controversial in my book club.  I really enjoyed reading this story of the love between a Mother and Child.  Once you got used the "voice" of the book, a 5 year old boy's language is used to tell the story, this was a truly moving book and one that I read in 2 sittings.

As soon as I finished this book, I handed it over to my husband and told him he had to read it. This collection of real life stories highlights how even in today's world women are still the underclass.  The beauty of this book is that it is also a call to action, it lists simple ways that we can all help to bring education, health and prosperity to women across the world, in particular those in developing countries.

I read many fashion and design magazines, you would probably say I am a magazine junkie.  I came across this one, a "women's magazine" and it is fantastic, full of well written articles about interesting women, such as Fatima Bhutto and the cover girl Adele. I'm hooked.

I follow the online version of this wonderful Australian children's magazine and now it is in print, love it. Beautiful photography and styling.

I've bought quite a few of the latest design books and to me this is by far the one that really hit the spot for me.  I have read every single page, and in fact have re-read this book a few times.  It fits in with my decorating style and I've been able to use this as a reference for my home and for our future renovating/redecorating plans.

I know, she is an actress, what could she possibly offer in relation to cooking.  That was what I thought and I only considered buying this book because of a review by this blogger whose opinions I respect.  I still wasn't sure though and I went to my local library first to check it out.  What can I say, it is good, really good.  Gwyneth, I bow at your temple of cooking, good healthy and simple food for the family.

I have also been reading some wonderful children's books with the boys which I will save for another post, so watch this space.

Have a wonderful day.