harper collins – Page 4 – Aussie Reviews

The Dangerous Book of Heroes, by Conn Iggulden & David Iggulden

There is a moment in some lives where the world grows still and a decision must be made. Robert Clive knew it when the Indian sun rose and he saw the huge army he had to defeat at Plassey, camped within shouting distance. Lisa Potts knew it when she decided to go outside one more time to rescue children from a machete-wielding maniac. At such moments, there is no one to save you. The decision is yours alone.

From the authors of the Dangerous Book for Boys, Conn and David Iggulden, comes this inspirational collection of stories about heroes. From throughout the British Empire/Commonwealth, from different times and of both genders, what these heroes have in common is their courage. In peace and in war, at home and abroad, these people have faced all kinds of situations with bravado and spirit of adventure.

Some of the heroes are already well known – including Laurence of Arabia, Scott of the Antarctic and Florence Nightingale. Others may be new to readers – such as Lisa Potts, a 21-year-old nursery teacher who was repeatedly attacked by a man wielding a machete, as she protected her young charges.

Each heroes story is detailed in a separate chapter with black and white illustrations and suggestions for further reading.

This hardcover volume could be read cover to cover but is also great for dipping into, making a fine addition to a home library for older children, teens and adults.

The Dangerous Book of Heroes, by Conn Iggulden and David Iggulden
Harper Collins, 2009

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

The Ballad of Les Darcy, by Peter Fitzsimons

Put Les Darcy in a uniform and the men of Australia will march to hell behind him.

Les Darcy was arguably the greatest boxer Australia ever saw. A good Catholic boy from a poor rural family, he began his boxing career in the years before World War 1, and captured the imagination, and hearts, of the Australian public. But when war broke out, Les was not ready to sign up until his family, who relied on his winnings, was provided for. As the conscription debate raged, Les found himself an unwitting target of those who believed he should sign up. Torn between his duty to his family and his love of his country, Darcy struggled to balance the two, with a tragic outcome.

The Ballad of Les Darcy tells the story of one of Australia’s greatest sporting heroes. Previously ranked alongside Donald Bradman and Phar Lap as Australia’s leading three sports legends, Darcy’s name has perhaps faded a little from the public spotlight. In this well paced biography, author Peter Fitzsimons brings his story to life both for those who perhaps who already know something of Darcy’s tale, as well as for those who perhaps may not have heard it previously.

Darcy’s life was remarkable – and deserves to be remembered.

The Ballad of Les Darcy, by Peter Fitzsimons
This edition Harper Collins, 2009

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

Bye Bye Baby, by Fiona McIntosh

And with the memories came a white rage that burned away the terror. Suddenly I was calm and precise; there would be no sympathy for my victim. I knew that killing the members of the mocking Jesters Club was the only way I could kill the suffering of so long.

There is a serial killer on the loose, murdering middle aged men in meticulously planned attacks. DCI Jack Hawksworth assembles a team of Scotland Yard’s best talent to try to catch, and stop, the killer before anyone else dies. But there are few clues and no apparent motive for the killing, making this is a difficult case to solve.

In the meantime, Jack has a new lady friend, a tenant in his building. Perhaps Sophie might be the woman who can finally get under Jack Hawksworth’s skin. But his colleague, DI Kate Carter isn’t so sure. Her feelings for her boss are strong, and she doesn’t trust Sophie’s motives.

As Hawksworth’s team battle against time to catch the killer and stop more deaths, tension is high both within the team and among those who have reason to believe they, too, could be in the murderer’s sights.

Bye Bye Baby is a thrilling mystery, with readers taken on a roller coaster ride through twists and turns as the horror of a series of gruesome crimes is balanced with the highs and lows of the police characters’ personal lives. The first person perspective of the murderer, offered several times during the book, provides an interesting contrast and sense of difference to the book, with readers invited to feel sympathy for the killer.

A surprising, gripping thriller.

Bye Bye Baby, by Fiona McIntosh
Harper Collins, this edition 2009

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

Positive, by Sally Collings

When someone starts walking the cancer path, the changes start in their body even before their mind is aware of it. But from the instant the word ‘cancer’ is uttered in the doctor’s surgery, people’s thoughts are racing, trying to catch all of the implications, outcomes, impacts, possibilities.

When Sally Collings mother died from cancer, soon after the birth of her granddaughter , she saw nothing positive in the experience. So she was amazed to learn that two out of three cancer survivors and their families considered that something good had come out of their experiences. What could be good about living through or with cancer? Collings decided to explore further the positive side of cancer, and so embarked on a journey, talking to, listening to and getting to know people who had encountered cancer, either as a sufferer or as a supporter.

Positive tells the stories of these people – people who have seen (and felt) cancer bring them closer to loved ones, people who have experienced the outpouring of support, love and prayers, and people who have learnt to look deeper into themselves and into life itself.

Positive is, as the title suggests, an uplifting book – though it is not all about stories of survival. Rather it explores stories of a range of experiences and outcomes, focussing on the range of positives which different contributors have found. It may be of help to people who are on the cancer journey, but is also inspiring for any reader.

Positive: Finding Life in the Midst of Cancer, by Sally Collings
Harper Collins, 2009

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

Sarindi and the Lucky Buddha, by Janine Fraser

When Sarindi finds his very own lucky marble in the seed-bin at the bird market, he thinks he will never be unlucky again. And for a time, it really does seem as though he has luck in his pocket, because he wins the lucky gold-streaked marble of his best friend Jaya – and a whole other pocketful of marbles besides. It seems as though Sarindi cannot lose at marbles now he has Jaya’s lucky marble, and he thinks he is the luckiest boy in the world.

Sarindi is convinced that luck keeps his world, the world of his family, turning right. His mother says that their luck is due to hard work and good thinking. But when his mother falls ill, Sarindi is sure that luck has deserted him. He tries all manner of things to change the family’s luck and to make his mother well, but nothing seems to be working. He visits many places of worship and prays in them all. His last stop is a Buddhist temple and there at last it seems his luck may have returned.

Sarindi and the Lucky Buddha is set in Indonesia. Though their possessions are few, they consider themselves wealthy. His father works hard pedalling a becak each day for tourists. Sarindi is convinced that luck can be managed and that it is luck that controls their fortunes. His mother is more sceptical and more inclined to be practical. It is his mother who is central to their lives. She fixed the becak so his father can ride it. She made it look like new so all want to ride in it. So when his mother is ill, Sarindi is very concerned. But unlike many children of his age, Sarindi takes a very active role in trying to make sure she gets well again. Sarindi and the Lucky Buddha is a story of love and luck. Recommended for 7-9 year-olds.

Sarindi and the Lucky Buddha , Janine Fraser ill Elise Hurst
HarperCollins Publishers 2009
ISBN: 9780732287757

Also by Janine Fraser
Sarindi and the Lucky Bird
Abdullah’s Butterfly

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

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author
www.clairesaxby.com

The Night They Stormed Eureka, by Jackie French

It’s 1854 and, on the Ballarat goldfields, men are willing to risk their lives to find freedom and make their fortunes in the mines.

Sam is a homeless teenager, who finds herself transported back through time, to 1854, on the Ballarat goldfields. She is taken in by Mr and Mrs Puddleham, who adopt her as their daughter. Throughout the time she spends with them, she learns not only of the difference of the times, but also important life lessons.

Whilst she is on the goldfields, a rebellion evolves, and she soon finds herself embroiled in the excitement of the Eureka stockade. She finds and loses new and old friends, Sam learns about herself, and about life all the while.

The Night They Stormed Eureka is a gripping, time travelling adventure. Lots of excitement and gripping tales await the reader of this book. It is appropriate for mid to late teens, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

A great read from an award-winning author.

The Night They Stormed Eureka, by Jackie French
Harper Collins, 2009

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

Captain Bullen's War, edited by Paul Ham

We need to send our survey party there!’ (pointing to map)
‘But Colonel, we cain’t do it. That’s the most insecure area of the whole country!’
“Insecure? Goddam it! The greatest concentration of American troops in the country is there!’
‘Yes Colonel, and have you considered why the greatest concentration of American troops is right there?’

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War has not been as well-explored in accessible literature as involvement in earlier wars, perhaps because of the public sentiment towards the war at the time. But in this diary offering, here is an attempt to redress that. Offering just one man’s perspective of the war, this is not an analysis of the war, nor a timeline of the whole course of the war. It is simply one man’s diary of the time that he was in Vietnam – in 1968.

Because it is a diary, the book offers detailed insight into day to day life of one man’s war. And because Bullen is honest, intelligent and forthright, the diary is entertaining and insightful. At times it is easy to forget that this is an actual diary rather than a fictionalised account – but this is a true tale, told in the diarist’s words, with occasional editorial input – at the start of each month’s entries and scattered footnotes for clarity.

A treasure.

Captain Bullen’s War: The Vietnam War Diary of Captain John Bullen, edited by Paul Ham
Harper Collins, 2009

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

Beautiful Death, by Fiona McIntosh

Jack wasn’t enjoying the banter. He was watching the victim’s dark hair heavily unfolding, reminding him of Lily. A sharp tug of fear passed through him. He hated listening to this with Lily’s whereabouts unknown. He needed to make that call and set things straight with the team in charge of her missing person case…now he was staring at a mark on the corpse, just near her shoulder. He felt his breath catch.

On his last case, DCI Jack Hawksworth found himself just a little too closely involved when he realised he was romantically involved with a serial killer. Now, though, he’s back at work and newly assigned to a big case. Someone is killing seemingly random victims, taking their kidneys and faces as trophies. Jack and his team must stop the killer – but, soon, Jack finds he is again more closely involved than he’d like- when one of the victims turns out to be his new girlfriend. Jack should remove himself from the investigation, but now that it’s personal he is even more determined to solve the case.

Beautiful Death is a gripping crime novel combining crime with medical and scientific possibility, in the underworld of black market trading in body parts. Set in and around London, the story still manages to include references to Australia, where the author resides, reminding the reader of that link. In the end, though, the setting – whilst well evoked – is merely a backdrop to an intriguing mystery, a chilling series of events and the absorbing lives of a diverse cast of characters.

This is the second book featuring Detective jack Hawksworth, and readers will look forward to more.

Beautiful Death, by Fiona McIntosh
Harper Collins, 2009
ISBN: 9780732284473

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

Allergy Safe Family Food, by Suzanna Paxton

Reviewed by Dale Harcombe

Food allergies, particularly in children can present a nightmare for parents. Given what seems to be an increasing number of children and adults that have allergies these days, it is good to see a book that has recipes clearly labelled for people with allergies that is easy to use.

The book is divided into Starters, Soups and Salads, then Main Meal. Deserts, Cakes and Treats follow before going on to Snacks and Lunchbox Ideas, Allergy Management, Shopping Guide etc. An important feature of the book is that ingredients are readily available at supermarkets, so it doesn’t require special trips to health food shops which can be more expensive.

In the shopping list I did wonder though how Kellogg’s cornflake crumbs are listed as WF and GF (wheat and gluten free) when Kellogg’s Cornflakes are not listed among the Cereals. Readers will find this a useful guide though Suzanna Paxton does stress to always check the labels as ingredients change. I found this. When the packaging of cranberry, raspberry and strawberry tea changed, so did the ingredients. What had previously been wheat free, suddenly included wheat which meant it went off my shopping list.

This book is also useful in that it has quick dishes to prepare like Honey Baked Chicken as well as those like Lamb and Cauliflower Stew which require minimal washing up – always a plus.

I thought it was a shame Suzanna didn’t give a recipe for Tabouli that was wheat and gluten free which is what I make myself, rather than using a packet mix that contains wheat and gluten. Also I would have expected it should have been stated in the Baba Ghanoush recipe that the eggplants need to have slits cut in them so they do not explode. But possibly spraying oil on the skin alleviates this danger. I admit I haven’t tried it.

I liked the suggestion of using golden syrup in Crunchy Fruit bars for those who are allergic to honey. I loved the way she included child friendly recipes like Chocolate Fudge Slice with Chocolate Icing. And Quick Fizzy Scones, which kids can easily make with a parent. Maybe even this klutz could make decent scones. I couldn’t help but wonder whether it would work as well using gluten free self raising flour rather than that suggested. Perhaps I’ll try it one day.

Parents of children and other family members with allergies will find a good range of recipes in this book that is so easy to use.

Allergy Safe Family Food, by Suzanna Paxton
HarperCollinsPublishers, 2009
$19.99

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

Reviewed by Dale Harcombe.
Dale is a NSW writer and reviewer. You can visit her blog here.

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

The Camel Who Crossed Australia, by Jackie French

I’ll tell you what, young camel. You lie there and chew your cud, and learn to smell the sky. What else is there to do while we wait for the clouds to drift in from the horizon, and for the rain to come? And I will tell you how I came to understand the world of men, and how I was once part of the boldest caravan that travelled the furthest in the world…

The story of Burke and Wills and their expedition to cross Australia from south to north and thus open up new land and new routes is one which most Australians should be familiar with. However, this retelling of the story is unique – because the narrator is a camel named Bell Sing who was part of the expedition, retelling his story to a young camel in the desert years later. The use of the camel as narrator offers a fresh, unique perspective on the story, which is complemented by first person narratives of one of the cameleers, Dost Mahomet, and of John King, one of the few survivors of the expedition.

This use of triple perspectives adds depth and allows the inclusion of historical detail which the use of the camel alone would make difficult, however it is the camel’s story which dominates the book, and which will draw young readers in to the story.

For a reader new to the story of Burke and Wills there is enough information, including back of the book author notes, for the story to be followed, and for those who already know the story, it provides a fresh viewpoint. At times funny, at others torrid or sad, The Camel Who Crossed Australia is excellent historical fiction for upper primary aged readers.

The Camel Who Crossed Australia, by Jackie French
HarperCollins Australia, 2008

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