Penguin – Page 7 – Aussie Reviews

Picnic at Hanging Rock, by Joan Lindsay

‘Miranda…!’ There was no answering voice. The awful silence closed in and Edith began, quite loudly now, to scream. If her terrified cries had been heard by anyone but a wallaby squatting in a clump of bracken a few feet away, the picnic at hanging Rock might yet have been just another picnic on a summer’s day. Nobody did hear them. The wallaby sprang up in alarm and bounded away, as Edith turned back, plunged blindly into the scrub and ran, stumbling and screaming, towards the plain.

On Valentine’s day, 1900 group of young women from an exclusive boarding school are treated to a picnic in the bush. It is a lovely day, and the girls are excited at the chance for a break from their daily routine. But, when four girls go for a walk for a closer look at Hanging Rock, tragedy strikes. Three of the four fail to return and Edith, the one who does, has no recollection of what befell her friends. At the same time one of the teachers accompanying the girls also disappears. In the days and weeks following the mystery surrounding their disappearance grows, nd the subsequent effect ripple throughout the community.

Picnic at Hanging Rock is a classic piece of Australian fiction, first published in 1967, and presenting a mystery which is so well known that many believe it to have some element of truth. Now the story has been rereleased as part of the Popular Penguins series, allowing readers to rediscover it, or for a new generation of readers to sample it for the first time.

A wonderful story which has withstood the test of time.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (Popular Penguins), by Joan Lindsay
This edition Penguin, 2009

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The Bodysurfers, by Robert Drewe

From its first release in 1983, The Bodysurfers has been widely acclaimed as a wonderful example both of Australian writing and of the short story form. With recurrent themes and characters across the collection, and familiar beach side settings in many of the stories, these are tales which Australian readers can relate to.

Now The Bodysurfers has been rereleased in budget paperback format as part of the Popular Penguin series. The format makes the title both affordable and portable, and the stories themselves blend character development with absorbing scenarios. Whilst each tale is different, all leave the reader pondering, with deliberately loose ends to be considered. Themes of marital breakup, fidelity, identity and, of course, the beach, recur as the stories span three generations of one family.

A classic.

The Bodysurfers , by Robert Drewe
Penguin, first published 1983, this edition 2009

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The Getting of Wisdom, by Henry Handel Richardson

Fifty-five heads turned as if by clockwork, and fifty-five pairs of eyes were levelled at the small girl in the white apron who meekly followed Mrs Gurley down the length of the dining-room. Laura crimsoned under the unexpected ordeal, and tried to fix her attention on the flouncing of Mrs Gurley’s dress. The room seemed hundreds of feet long, and not a single person at the tea-tables but took stock of her.

First published in 1910, The Getting of Wisdom is a classic tale. Twelve year old Laura Tweedle Rambotham is sent away to a boarding school for young ladies to get a good education. Whilst the other young ladies at the school come from privileged backgrounds, Laura’s own family is not wealthy. Her father has died, and her mother must work for a living. The naive Laura finds it difficult to fit in at school , getting in trouble with classmates and teachers alike, but as the time passes begins to compromise her ideals in order to fit in.

First published in 1910,and having seen many subsequent editions, this new edition is part of the Popular Penguin series. This budget format makes the title available to people who might not otherwise sample these classics, as well as those who would like to revisit old favourites. Front of book biographical material about the author, as well as information about the book’s history will be of interest to lovers of literature.

The Getting of Wisdom, by Henry Handel Richardson
This edition Penguin Books, 2009

Bluey's War, by Herb Hamlet

The officer barked a command and the escort began beating the prisoners with the bamboo canes. Bluey fell to the floor. Digger lasted a little longer before he too collapsed from the brutal onslaught. Bluey closed his eyes.
I can’t survive this.

Since he stood up for her in primary school, Bluey and Ellen have been friends, but in the years following school their friendship blossoms into romance. When war is declared, and Bluey knows he must answer the call, Ellen is left behind, waiting for the day Bluey will return. He does come home, and his feelings for Ellen are unchanged, but the war has left him scarred, and there are some battles that Ellen can’t help Bluey fight.

Bluey’s War is the tale of one man’s war – both his experiences of wartime, as well as his battle afterwards to deal with the memories of those terrible experiences. It is also the story of his wife Ellen’s own war – to overcome a troubled childhood and the trauma of seeing her husband changed by the war.

Bluey’s War is a moving tale which will resonate with Australian readers.

Bluey’s War, by Herb Hamlet
Penguin Books, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Breath, by Tim Winton

It’s funny, but you never think much about breathing. Until it’s all you ever think about.

Pikelet (Bruce Pike) and Loonie are in different classes at school, but when they discover a mutual interest in thrill seeking, they become inseparable friends. They flirt with danger – holding their breath under water, playing chicken with trucks, and with knives – but when they discover the surf they realise they’ve found the biggest thrill of all.

As they learn to surf they are befriended by an older surfer, Sando, who becomes their mentor and introduces them to the risk and excitement of big wave surfing. But as they grow, and the risks become bigger, their friendship is strained. Pikelet learns that fear can be a good thing, and, while the other two are off travelling without him, he also learns the importance of breathing, when he becomes involved in a confusing relationship with Sando’s wife, Eva.

Breath is yet another masterpiece from award winning author Tim Winton, likely to leave the reader breathless as it explores the complexities of friendship, risk taking, relationships and self identity. Pikelet seems an honest narrator, telling the events of his late childhood and teenage years from the perspective of an adult looking back. At times he interprets or comments on these events, so that we become aware of his adult self.

For lovers of surfing and adventure sports, the surfing scenes will be a delight, and for those who have not engaged in such things, Winton provides an insight into the thought processes of thrill seekers. But, while the surfing scenes are significant, this is much more than a book about surfing, and will leave the reader thinking about matters of existence and purpose.

Great stuff.

Breath, by Tim Winton
Penguin, 2008

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Beatle Meets Destiny, by Gabrielle Williams

The smell of her, the taste of her, the feel of her, the closeness of her. He could feel himself breathing more heavily. Feel her head in his hand, her hair soft.
Only one detail jarred with the whole love and lust thing Beatle was experiencing at that moment.
One tiny detail. And that one tiny detail was Beatle’s girlfriend.
Cilla.

When your mum gives you a name like John Lennon, it’s hardly surprising that everyone calls you Beatle. But when you meet a girl whose surname is McCartney, it seems like destiny that you should be together – especially when her first name IS Destiny.

Beatle Meets Destiny is a gorgeous blend of wit, issue and soul-searching, as Beatle, a seventeen year old stroke survivor picks his way across the minefield of relationships, superstition, family and friendship. There are some serious issues dealt with, including stalking, but the issues drive the plot in a humorous, absorbing way rather than bogging it down.

Beatle is a likeable but flawed main character. He has survived a stroke which hit during a joint-smoking session, and has been with his girlfriend, a friend of his sister, since she visited him in hospital. But when he meets Destiny, he embarks on a new relationship whilst continuing the old one, two-timing in a way that will inevitably bring him unstuck. The reader can see this, but is still taken on the ride, cheering Beatle on whilst seeing why he is this mess and wondering how he can get out of it.

Funny, absorbing and real, this is a novel which teen readers will love. It’s destiny.

Beatle Meets Destiny, by Gabrielle Williams
Penguin, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

The Lucky Ones, by Tohby Riddle

A few summers back Cain and I went to this party. We were just out of school and though I hadn’t really known Cain at school we’d started spending a lot of time together…In the flux of those last days of school, Cain had come down from the mountain – looking for something. And found me looking for something too.

In 1980s Sydney, Tom and Cain come together, two mates trying to make sense of life after highschool. Tom is at art school and Cain wants to be a poet, although he is also sure the duo can form a wonderful band. Together the pair navigate the world of romance, dreams and social lives, but as Cain becomes increasingly unpredictable, their friendship is tested.

The Lucky Ones is an intriguing read. The narrative is gentle – at times humorous, at others tense, but always feeling like a slice of a young adult’s life told with the honesty and simplicity of a first person voice. There is no sense of hurtling to a big climax – and this tale doesn’t offer one, though there is an appropriate ending to the story.

What is on offer here is a poignant trip through the life of a post school teen, with the highs and lows this offers. Adult readers will enjoy the trip down memory lane that some of the scenes provide – and teens will relate to the timeless realities of Tom and Cain’s lives.

The Lucky Ones, by Tohby Riddle
Penguin, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Pippa's Perfect Ponytail, by Julie Nickerson

Reviewed by Dee White

Anyone who has tried to organise the ‘perfect party’ will know that it’s full of anxious moments.

But Pippa has arranged everything perfectly. She has the perfect party dress, the perfect birthday cake and eight perfect ponies lined up for rides. Now all she needs is the perfect ponytail.

When Pippa’s hairdresser falls sick, she must use all her ingenuity and resilience to come up with the ‘perfect’ solution.

Author Julie Nickerson’s great humour and talent for simplicity are complemented by Janine Dawson’s lively, hilarious illustrations.

This new Aussie Nibble is sure to resound with young readers because of the way it talks to them in such an engaging way about things they can relate to like parties, hair and popularity.

Julie Nickerson uses great dialogue and action to build the tension, and readers will admire the determined, creative way Pippa goes about solving her dilemma.

Pippa’s Perfect Ponytail will resonate with any young reader who enjoys action, a likeable heroine – and a story that makes them laugh out loud.

Pippa’s Perfect Ponytail , (Aussie Nibble) by Julie Nickerson, Illustrated by Janine Dawson
Puffin Books – Penguin Group Australia, 2009
PB RRP: $12.95

Reviewer: Dee White www.deescribe.com.au

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Sixth Grade Style Queen (Not!), by Sherryl Clark

every day at the school gates Melissa Banner (Style Queen)
is surrounded by girls
like a fan club

every day she brings
something new to show off –
a hair clip
a magazine
lip gloss

All the girls in Dawn’s class want to be style queens – except Dawn. She suspects she’s really an alien and sometimes she wishes the ship would come back and pick her up. But as her life starts to change, being (or not being) a style queen is the least of her worries.

Sixth Grade Style Queen (not) is an outstanding verse novel for upper primary aged readers which explores peer pressure and friendship, as well as family dynamics and marriage breakdowns. Dawn shares her story through a progression of free verse poems, a form which allows both intimate insight and humour. The reader is transported into the thought-processes of the narrator in a believable way. The text is accessible, and the form allows for brevity which will be attractive to reluctant readers.

Sherryl Clark knows what makes kids tick.

Sixth Grade Style Queen (not!), by Sherryl Clark
Puffin, 2007

Number 8, by Anna Fienberg

I think the best number in the whole universe is eight. My friend, Asim, likes numbers about as much as me, but he likes them all – odd or even. Esmerelda, though, who lives across the street, isn’t so fond of numbers and she hates maths. Singing’s more her thing. She’s really good, too. Nearly as good as my mum. Mum’s a professional singer. Or was, until we had to move.

Jackson isn’t so sure about his new house. Mum has brought him to live in the suburbs, away from their life in the inner-city, to hide out from criminals who want to keep her quiet. But Jackson liked their old life and isn’t sure he can be happy here. When he meets Esmerelda, the girl from across the street, though, he realises it isn’t all bad. Then there’s his friend Asim, who shares his passion for numbers, and for the possums who live in Jackson’s yard.

But the criminals who Jackson’s mum has upset, aren’t finished with her. There’s a mustang driving up and down the street at all sorts of hours, and the phone rings constantly; mystery callers who don’t identify themselves. Jackson and his new friends could be in danger.

Number 8 is an action-packed offering from award-winning author Anna Fienberg. As well as the danger-filled plot, there is plenty of humour, and themes of friendship, family and teen relationships, as well as those of difference and of immigration. This is a lot for one book to explore, but Fienberg does it well, leaving the reader satisfied.

Suitable for readers aged twelve and over.

Number 8, by Anna Fienberg
Penguin, 2006