Your reviews

Have you read something great lately? Or was it rubbish? Either way, tell us all about it and we'll publish your review for all to see.

We also feature reviews from library staff who know what's hot and not in the world of books.

Marley and Me by John Grogan

Reviewed by Georgia Dickson

Marley and me is a fantastic book not only is it a true story but you see the love between a dog and his owner. Marley was a lovable dog but also a trouble maker. Its hard to belive that a dog could be like this but it all true and thats what makes this book great.

I would recommend for the old and the young to read this book but make sure you have tissues near by.

June 2010

Twilight Saga (Eclipse) by Stephanie Meyer

Reviewed by Lose Moala, 13

Well this book for me even though i haven't quite finished it yet i still enjoy reading this fun/sad filled book. It has lots of turns in the the story, that you probably have to read it really slowly to fit it all in your brain. It tells you stories of how some of the characters like Rosalie and Jasper become vampires and it the book has its moments of boredom but that just makes you want to read on. I should ask you not to read this before you go to bed, not because its scary but because it will deprive you from your sleep — you will just want to read on and on and on (trust me been there done that).
If your a Jacob fan read this book. If your an Edward fan also READ THIS BOOK.

June 2010

Feast or Famine by Karen McMillan

Reviewed by Madeline Davison, 18

I found the book Feast or Famine by Karen Mcmillan to be an extremely informative and moving book, including in-depth information into eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and personal experiences from various sufferers. As someone who suffers from an E.D, i found it to be very inspiring. It gives the story of many survivors who have recovered, which gave me a real sense of hope. i would recommend this to anyone who suffers from, or knows someone with an eating disorder, or even those who are interested in them. Thank you! :}

May 2010

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Reviewed by Isabella Walsh, 12

Until I read Noughts and Crosses, I'd never read a book for more than six hours in a row. This gripping, exciting, romantic and heartfelt story will make your heart pound and your eyes well up as you enter the world of Sephy and Callum - two friends living in a divided world.

Sephy is a Cross - a black person - growing up in a world where her race rules over, has more rights and commits horrifying acts of cruelty and ineqality to the Noughts.

Her best friend, Callum, is a Nought - a white person - whose race is considered second-class and is ruled over by the merciless Crosses.

Noughts and Crosses are not meant to mix and Sephy and Callum find it harder and harder for their friendship to continue as Callum joins the liberation Militia- a Nought anti-Cross terrorist gang. Sephy's father is a cruel politician and the more he and other Crosses tear up the lives of his family, the more distanced Sephy and Callum become.

This incredibly tuching story is about Sephy and Callum fighting for equality and their love for eachother as times get increasingly worse. I would highly recommend it to anyone between the ages of 11-17 no matter what kind of book you like - there's something for everyone. By far the best book I've ever read that hooks you in from the title to the last sentance. An overall fantastic read.

May 2010

I am not Esther by Fleur Beale

Reviewed by Kelly T

"The women of our faith all have Biblical names. We have given you the name Esther."

IMAGINE your mother just suddenly leaves you and tells you that she is going to Africa. You are sent to live with her brother and his religious family. There is no t.v, no mirrors, no radios and no telephones. You have to tie your hair in one long plait and worst of all, they try to change your name. Kirby is forced to live with a religious family called Children of The Faith. She has always lived how she has wanted and now has to follow rules. They change her name to Esther. How will she cope?
I am not Esther isn't the sort of book I would normally pick up and read. The cover is dull and looks sad and has boring colours. When I read the back of the book I would never have picked it because it isn't my sort of book. It's about religion and it was my first book that I'd read about that.
When I read the first chapter of the book I didn't really know if I would like the book. But as I read on I started to really enjoy the story. The characters were different but drew you into the story. I think that Fleur Beale made a good job of describing the characters. She used words that described them really well. For me it put a clearer picture of them in my mind. There were a lot of things happening in the book so I wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen. Caleb the dad was a hard, grey man who was strict and the boss of everyone. Kirby was happy, cheerful, until she moved in with the other family. Maggie was the youngest of the religious family and got really attached to Kirby. She is cute, happy, and little and gets scared easy.

Fleur Beale has written 13 novels before this book. She was the award-winning author of Slide the Corner.

I think that she was trying to make you think of the differences between your normal everyday life and the strict religion Children of the Faith. It made me think of how brainwashed the kids are but how happy they are also. So even if they are different it doesn't mean that they aren't going to be happy.

Everybody loves their own identity. I sure wouldn't want to loose mine. While Kirby stayed with the religious family her identity started to disappear. She found that she was acting more like Esther than Kirby. For example, when Kirby first arrived she would say. "I'm not Esther." But when she left she would say, "I am not Esther?"

I don't want to ruin the story for you so I won't go into the details. If you enjoy reading about different life styles and how other people act, this is a good book to read. I really enjoyed it recommend it.

April 2010

Ruby in the Smoke by Phillip Pullman

Reviewed by Ashleigh, 14

this book is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery story!!

Sally Lockhart gets herself into some unfortunate trouble which she attempts to get out of!!!

A great murder mystery recommended for anyone over the age of 10!!! =]

March 2010

Eye of the Moon by Dianne Hofmeyer

Reviewed by Clodagh, 12

This FANTASTIC book is set in Ancient Egypt. It's an adventure with a bit of romance. Isikara has to help a prince of Egypt, Tuthmosis, run away. On their journey they meet allies and enemies. I loved this book. There's a sequel, Eye of the Sun.

February 2010

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Sam White, 14

This is the best book I've read so far. I would recommend this to ages 13 and up, particularly to girls but if not a girl, yunno, whatever.

This author is amazing! This being her first book you can only be aww struck at such talent. The characters have great personalities, the atmosphere is very thrilling. If I couldn't convince you to read this book, then I'm sorry, because your missing out on something special.

Jan 2010

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