Review: The Wrong Girl

The Wrong Girl by Zoe Foster

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Fun and very easy to read, I really wanted to like Foster's writing efforts. But I just can't move past how terribly bland the writing is.

I love a good hit of chick lit every now and then (Ok, nearly every second book I read...) and always try to consider them in comparison with other chick lit because there is no point comparing them to anything else. So, Monica McInerney and Nora Roberts are the gold standard. Their prose is nothing special, but they do have an engaging way of writing that makes you feel things. I just didn't get anything from Foster. Which is a shame because the plot is decent enough and the characters are both likeable and believable (though Lily and Simone's friendship did puzzle me a little - her friendship with Alice made far more sense and should have been given more time). The writing is just bland, rushed and uninspired. Perhaps reading it straight after a McInerney effort didn't help matters, even if I thought that had not been a best effort either.

I must admit that while this book (and Foster's others) have been on my radar for some time I have never been tempted to pick one up and I actually won this copy at the launch of Kindling: A Writer's Edit Anthology. I think I will give the others a chance though, because this book wasn't a complete flop.



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Review: Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen

Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen by Laurie Colwin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I read this because it was recommended by Nigella Lawson, and when she says something is good I trust that. And rightly so - I've never had a bad recipe from her, and this book is a truly wonderful read. Lawson said of this book: "Laurie Colwin writes about food with love, lightness and an elegant intimacy reminding us that cooking is about life, not recipes". And this to me perfectly sums up this book. It may be about food, but food is life.

When reading you feel welcomed into the writer's world. It is not the food itself that is important but the life we lead around it and the memories we create. It is not the incredible dinners Colwin remembers but the people that were their and the things that happened. The food, in this case, is a side dish to a wonderfully full (if short) life. I particularly enjoyed her recollections of her first forays into cooking in her minuscule one-room apartment (intriguingly titled 'Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant') and her appraisal of potato salad - which she beloveds, and I agree, can never be truly awful. These are honest, everyday food experience to which every reader can relate. This is not a pretentious food snob telling you with gusto about the time the perfected their signature dish, it is your friend telling you about that hilarious time they ruined a perfectly good red snapper trying to seduce their future husband.

There are recipes in this book, but I doubt I will cook any of them for this book has touched me in a way that goes far beyond mere recipes and delves into the real reasons we cook, speaking to the heart rather than our stomachs.



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Review: Nigella Express: Good Food, Fast

Nigella Express: Good Food, Fast by Nigella Lawson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is the food I associate with Nigella, and it is the reason I love her and will always turn to her for advice, inspiration and solutions to every kitchen debacle. I may be biased in my admiration of her, but this book is wonderful regardless of any previous acquaintance with her recipes and conversational witter.

There is a speedy solution for every occasion and every appetite. All of it is essential to a well rounded kitchen repertoire I feel. From indulgent desserts such as chocolate pear pudding and a recipe for mincemeat squares that mean you won't miss mince pies at all, to simple meals like a chef's salad of lettuce, avocado and ham with a mustardy dressing and curry in a hurry is the ultimate frozen vegetable/store cupboard saviour. I kid you not when I say every occasion is covered - there is a recipe for pomegranate duck that would impress the most sophisticated of dinner party guests that can be whipped up in no time at all.

There are many cookbooks promising meals in 30 minutes, some as little as 15, but part of me doesn't trust these chefs whose skills are far beyond mine. Nigella though, has none of their training is all the better for it. When she says express, she means it and I trust that I can achieve it. These recipes appear realistic and I am undaunted by the task of cooking them.

And that's what makes this cookbook so perfect. Everything is a delightful combination of flavours, and within my reach. It is exactly what was missing from my cookbook collection.



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Book Review: Spin the Bottle

Spin the Bottle by Monica McInerney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Monica McInerney at her best - successful woman struggling with life (but probably in denial), gives up the lot and flees to Ireland. There are the same themes we've seen before from McInerney, but don't think this is a bad thing because we all know that these are the reasons we read and love her books. McInerney has found a successful formula, and I really hope she sticks to it.

This book is a lot predictable, a lot enjoyable and very easy to read. It certainly falls into that 'beach/holiday read' category, and if you like other McInerney books this won't disappoint.

There isn't much else to say really. 'Spin the Bootle' won't excite you or blow your mind with incredible prose, but it will tick all the boxes required for good chick lit.

Book Review: In the Midst of Life

In the Midst of Life by Jennifer Worth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a bit of a change in tone from the others (that I've read so far - I still have Farewell to the East End: The Last Days of the East End Midwives to read). It is more serious and sombre in tone, and the sense of nostalgia and memory is missing. This is not to its detriment however, as the book poses many questions and dilemmas that plague modern society thanks to the advancement of medicine. This is to say though that if you want more Call the Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s. Jennifer Worth, then I suggest you give it a miss.

Death and dying is hidden away in modern life. We celebrate births and marriages, but is that final milestone that we find so hard to confront (either before it happens, during and after). Obviously, it is not a pleasant experience but does that mean it is something to be hidden? Jennifer Worth writes about those she knew in their last days with great practicality, logic and a firm belief that the way we die and the way we treat the dying has changed dramatically alongside the advancement of medicine. There was once a time where the dead and dying were farewelled by family and friends with grace and quiet reflection, each able to grieve in their own ways. Today however, Grandma and Grandpa are not laid out in the good room to be farewelled by all (from the smallest child to the eldest friend). Children are shielded from something it is perceived they cannot handle, from something that is entirely natural. Worth asks us to question if this is right; she asks us if death is really something to be feared.

There are no real answers (how can their be?), but there is plentiful 'food for thought'. Worth asks the important questions about how we deal with the ending of a life, as we are ourselves "in the midst of life". She asks us if we treat the dying how they may should be treated. And she asks us if modern medicine's ability to extend life is always a good thing - is there dignity and peace in death, do the dying have a right to choose to die, what kind of life is lead after being 'saved'? She asks us: is this all for the best?

Book Review: The Slap

The Slap: A Novel by Christos Tsiolkas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is hard to believe this book – yes, these elements exist in Australian society, but could so many awful people be concentrated in one circle of friends and family? Or maybe its just that it was too confronting a portrayal of our society that I have chosen not to believe it? Which ever it is, at one point I did throw the book across the room. Such levels of frustration are proof of the Tsiolkas’ ability to connect (provoke emotion?) with the reader.

Despite the lack of believability, it is one of the most realistic portrayals of suburbia we’ve looked at this year. The characters are vast, and while stereotypes are largely avoided, the characters are extreme. There are racial, generational, gender and class divides (made so obvious as people take sides after “the slap”). The chapter voiced by Rosie was particularly illuminating on the class divisions. Her conversation with Bilal towards the end, and her realisation that they could never win the court case and her further realisation that Gary has always known this and the reasons why. One of the divides most reflective of our time, to me, is that divide between Anouk (the career woman) and Rosie (the stay-at-home-mum).

The issues of race were prevalent, with many being represented. But it was not as simple as “black and white”. It goes much further into an area that is not often talked about: true racism in that it is not just about colour, but about cultural heritage. Koula, for example, (Greek, a “wog”) has such great hatred/disapproval for Aisha because she is Indian and also for Bilal, an Aboriginal man who is also an Islamic-convert. Koula is also judgemental of the Australezi (represented by Gary and Rosie) – the country she has made her home. To Koula, the Greek way is the best way.

Initially I thought I would be drawn to the perspective of a particular character, and though I did feel more strongly about some, instead I found myself isolated from all of them and their experiences. This book is so powerful in it ability to prompt such deep reactions to it.

Book Review: The Feminine Mistake

The Feminine Mistake: Are We Giving Up Too Much? by Leslie Bennetts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Are you female? Then you need to read this book.

It will tell you many things you feel you already knew, but now you will really know why and you will wholeheartedly believe the things Bennetts is saying. Its irrefutable. And if, full of your knowledge, someone tries to argue with you all you need do is hand them a copy with this simple instruction: read it.

Bennetts does not attack stay-at-home mothers. This book isn't about that, and it certainly isn't a feminist tirade, full of preaching and bra burning mantras. Bennetts presents her case with simple logic, explanation and stories from an incredibly vast variety of women. She doesn't even tell you your making the wrong choice (or considering making), she just presents you with the facts and asks "are you sure"? And I challenge anyone, after reading this book, to say they are truly and fully committed to putting all their eggs in one basket without an ounce of concern about how it will all turn out. You feel as you are reading that Bennetts is on your side: she's like your wise Aunt sharing the wisdom she's gathered from a lifetime of experience, and a little pain.

There is a focus on the family unit, and particular emphasis on how to support a family if you are suddenly left a single mother, but it is a message that is so important to learn before you are faced with actually having to make decisions. And while at times you may find it repetitive, it is written so that all possibilities are covered and that all women will find a woman's story they can identify with.

What Bennetts is doing is finally talking about something that women, when we think about it, are at best trying not to think about, and at worst naively denying. It is unpleasant, and sometimes downright traumatic, to think about the "what ifs", but as Bennetts shows, it is far better to think about then to go in blind if or when the time comes. What this book does is empower women, of any age and in any situation, to make an informed decision. It puts in our hands a wealth of information that may just mean that you are prepared for whatever life may through at you.

Book Review: Who's That Girl?

Who's That Girl? by Alexandra Potter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Up against other chick lit, this book isn't great. The potential is there, but the execution was off. And all because of the time travelling. It was just too unbelievable. Other than that I really enjoyed it.

The plot is good, the characters well done (in terms of chick lit remember) and the ending was too fraught. It followed the same lines of those that have come before. I see why they added the time travel element - it's the point of difference. But it just hasn't worked. The premise is good - meeting your younger self. It raises a lot of questions: would you change anything? Should you change anything? Because it was these experiences that made you who you are.

Anyway, this is a book that could have been great, but it just didn't quite come off this time.

Book Review: Is It Just Me?

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not quite as good as I wanted it to be, to put it simply. Perhaps my expectations were too high, or perhaps it really is not as great as it should be. I hesitate to add this, but if you are a Miranda fan some things may feel familiar, and not in a good way. I sometimes thought I'd heard these jokes before...

That said, I still really liked it and if you do love Miranda, read away! Its fun, lighthearted and amusing. I did laugh out loud, and I smiled the whole way through. Really, its impossible not too. She has a way of conveying a story that really is hilarious, and you never find it difficult to believe that these ridiculous things could happen to her. Her hilarity is just the way she is, so it certainly comes through in the writing.

Unlike other celebrity memoirs (not that I've read too many...) the voice was authentic and it was decently written. Perhaps that comes from the comedy background, and the fact she is not just an actor or presenter, but a creator. Basically, she has done this writing thing before.

So, if you like/love/adore Miranda, read the book. I can't deny its not fun, but don't go in expecting comedic genius. Genius is not what she does; she does hilarity and she does it well.

Book Review: My Brother Jack

My Brother Jack by George Johnston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Suburbia’s most culpable quality, to many Australian writers, is its antagonism to art and to artistic production,” writes Robin Gerster. I would tend to agree. Suburbia is no friend to the writer, not only in the supposed lack of inspiration it provides, but also in its disapproval of the profession, of the act of being a writer/intellectual/academic.

This remark calls to mind the episode in My Brother Jack, where David first brings home the typewriter: “I told you the sly young devil was scribbling all that muck in his room…” says David’s father, as he berates his wife for bringing such failings to the family. The bohemian life of a writer David craves is lost to the minds of suburbia. David’s father is never entirely accepting of his son’s profession, even when he is making a respectable living as a journalist. The money he brings to the family is the peacemaker that allows David to return to the family home after his exile. “Suburbia is intrinsically anti-nature and, by extension, anti-Art” says Gerster. Australia has long been seen as rejecting the more cultural aspirations of Europe. All those serious about pursuing them must ultimately leave, as David Meredith does.

This semi-autobiographical book perfectly captures the dullness, frustration and restriction felt by those trapped in suburban lives. David’s dissatisfaction with suburbia has its roots in youthful boredom; he is tired of the “button-down world” he exists in, which is devoid of inspiration and stimulation for his mind, and that places a variety of repressions on his possibilities for expansion beyond the scope of suburbia. Intellectuals and creatives have held suburbia in contempt as, just as their pursuits are disregarded by suburbia, they see suburbia “as a place fit solely for satire” if it is worth anything at all. Suburbia must be cast aside if intellectual or creative pursuits are to be undertaken.

This book is enjoyable and enlightening read (despite the negativity there are some moments of absolute hilarity - the gum tree incident for example) that perfectly captures a particular time and mood in Australia. Its also an interesting historical perspective on WW2 - the ANZAC heroics and nostalgia are gone. Despite its age, this novel still feels fresh and it is easy to identify with the sometimes polarising character of David if you have experienced a similar situation.

Book Review: The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a very tattered, well travelled copy of this book. Bought while waiting at Dublin airport some years ago, it's been a constant companion. Every reading is different,more compelling and more tragic. I don't cry while reading it anymore, but emotion still runs high.

Zusak is a remarkable writer, and his characters are wonderful. This is a truly extraordinary book that will take your breath away with just how good it is. I honestly have nothing bad to say about it!

I particularly enjoy Death's narration. Full of sincerity and a touch of humour, it is a perspective that makes sense. This would have been a very different (and perhaps lesser) book had it been told from Liesel's perspective.

There is not much else to say about 'The Book Thief' that has not already been said. I am of the opinion that it is a book everyone should read at least once before they die. The experience of it compares to no other book.

Book Review: Those Faraday Girls

Those Faraday Girls by Monica McInerney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

****SPOILER ALERT****

Three stars because of the ending. I hated it. No resolutions, corny or otherwise. To put it simply, books like this aren't meant to be realistic. There should be a joyful endings where all the troubles are swept away. And because of this, my normal strategy doesn't apply to judging it. I always like to judge a book within its category, so in this case chick lit, but because of the ending it doesn't work. What I'm saying is, that this book is trying to be something it's not. Which is a shame because it's great.

The characters are great - very dynamic. And the story itself works well. It's captivating and hard to put down. It's also massive so when you get to the end only to find nothings happened, one feels rather frustrated.

This is the second time I've read it, and I am a fan of McInerny. She does the genre well normally, but by trying to think outside the box she's cheated her reader of what they really want: a happy ending.

Book Review: The House of Memories

The House of Memories by Monica McInerney
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was disappointed with this effort from McInerney, who I consider one of my favourite writers within the chick-lit/light women's fiction category. It just wasn't convincing - I didn't believe in the characters struggles like I have in the other books I have read by McInerney.

It is not that these struggles were impossible, Ella and her families struggles are incredibly sad, but I felt unmoved by the writing. And moving writing is generally what I love about McInerney! The characters were unconvincing, and their personalities were not thought out. I took issue particularly with the way Jess was written - it felt so absurd that someone could exist in that way. Usually, no matter the character and how unrealistic they may be, McInerney is able to convince me of the opposite.

Overall, I feel that this is a poor effort on McInerney's part, and possibly her publisher's, as I feel she has rushed through this book. There are details missing, things that don't add up and unlike McInerney's usual style, the ending just happens. It is hardly a resolution: one minute they all appear to hate each other, next minute they're "moving on" together (not as if nothing has happened, but certainly without any narrative discussion).

A rushed and unconvincing set of characters and storyline makes for an unhappy loyal reader.

Book Review: The Distant Hours

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second time I've read this book, and it has lost none of its mystery. It is truly captivating. Kate Morton has a way of writing that compels the reader to continue, making them unable to put it down until all the questions are answered. And answered they are, all in due time. It's present in all her books and is something I've not come across with as much success in any other books.

Don't try and work it out. Don't think you've figured it out (I've read it twice and I couldn't pick it). The ending is far greater than your own imagination would have you believe, and yet at the same time it all seems so obvious. The tragedy and sadness of the whole situation is beyond tears, and beyond words. All I know is that I've not felt hatred for a character (who hardly appears, yet overwhelms the text as he does the characters lives) as I do for Raymond Blythe. Its tragic love story and murder mystery, set against the complexities of family and intricacies of time. Some things surprise you (watch Percy, she's the biggest surprise) and others simply shock. All I know for certain however is that Raymond Blythe's actions cause everything. Because of him, so many lives are ruined. Although - its possible you could blame it on his own mother... I've finished it and the complications are still plaguing me. It will make you think, question your morals and consider those ties that bind families so tightly.

Read all of Kate Morton's books - they are addictive. While not a great literary talent, her books are bestsellers for the right reason: she is a storyteller of the highest order.

Book Review: The Reading Group

The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I want to write a nice review of this book, because I really did enjoy reading it. But the more I think about it, the worse it becomes. At the end of the day, I felt so frustrated reading this book with the abrupt switches between characters - I found myself just settling in and finally getting to know a character and suddenly I'd be scrambling to catch up with some other character. It was confusing at times, and incredibly frustrating. This chopping and changing has meant that many things seemed rushed, and others seem to drag on. There were a few things that seemed to be forgotten along the way and other things that were forsaken for more trivial pursuits. The story of Clare - did the author just not feel capable of dealing with her circumstances? Why did we dwell so much on Harriet instead when I just wanted to slap her and say wake up to yourself, you are being ridiculous! And it was this that has formed the basis of my review, rather than the things I liked about it. I just haven't been able to move past it.

Aside from that, and on a more positive note, the characters are diverse and well formed. While their issues may not have been resolved to my liking, Noble has left no detail of their personality untold. You do feel that, as a reader, you understand them. Well, you do eventually once you've gotten over the confusion of the switching.

I loved the book club element too. Its what drew me to the book in the first place, and I wish in some ways more space was devoted to it. I got a few good suggestions for my to-read list as well!

Book Review: The Mountain

The Mountain by Drusilla Modjeska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading this book through the close lens of Postcolonialism ruins a little of the magic Modjeska creates. But, it is important not to let it leave your mind entirely as it is, in reality, the root of the problems, and the reason it falls apart.

Confusing, layered, imperfect and beautiful. It is an enlightening read, and one that doesn't draw any battle lines or attempt to convince the reader that one way is right and one way is wrong. This isn't a Postcolonialism text, but a text set in a postcolonial landscape that explores the personal complexities faced by a variety of characters.

Each character is moving, but if I am honest, Rika is off putting. I tried hard to like and sympathise with her, but her ignorant defiance continually got in the way. I am not critical of her choices (how can I be with no experience of them), but to put it simply, she caused a lot of damage and I doubted whether her feelings were true. She remains the most interesting character though. The others tend to fit better into established moulds.

Read this book, but do not judge it and do not judge the characters, or you will be disappointed.

Book Review: Shadows of the Workhouse

Shadows of the Workhouse by Jennifer Worth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not as good as the first in the series, but still a wonderful read.

There was a little repetition, and I found the author to be more removed from the experiences as a lot of them she wasn't directly a part of. This is more reiteration than memoir. It is much more fact heavy thanks to this slight removal of the author.

There is still such emotion here though, and the people and their stories so enveloping. It is very hard to put down. There is a level of understanding on the authors part that is portrayed naturally to the reader. I very much felt that I could have been sitting with the author experiencing many of the conversations myself.

And that is the gift of Jennifer Worth. She has an ability to draw one in and seamlessly blend historical fact and personal experience. She excels at very simple, but very vivid description.

'Shadows of the Workhouse' is a natural progression from 'Call the Midwife' and I look forward to reading more of the series.

Book Review: Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s. Jennifer Worth by Jennifer Worth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love the television series, you will love this even more I promise you. It is hard not to feel something for Jennifer Worth's heartwarming tale of life in the East End.

If you have seen the series, just be warned that many things are a little different and that many things are not new. But I really didn't think that mattered.

You get a real sense of what life was like for the midwives and residents of the East End in London post-WW2. There was plenty of hardship, but no one seemed particularly unhappy. I got the feeling they were just thrilled to have made it through the war and to be getting on with life. Worth doesn't hold back, but I think in the manner of a true lady she does not press us with unnecessary gory details. They would seem out of place in her writing. It is a very female book, and I think intentionally so. Worth knows who her audience will be.

I just could not get Vanessa Redgrave's voice out of my head though...

Book Review: Oriental Dinner Party Cookbook

Oriental Dinner Party Cookbook by Australian Women's Weekly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Australian Women's Weekly cookbooks - they are true classics. The sleek modern ones and old second hand ones I've picked up in Vinnies sit side by side on my book shelves. But it is the second hand ones I love the most. Filled with delicious food and amusing - what more could a girl ask for?

This one is a real classic. 'Oriental' should give it away really. Some of the food is delicious looking, some suspect and the Chinese chapter is like a trip down memory lane, back to the country town Chinese restaurant of my childhood where the most exotic thing I ate was beef and black bean and my go to was that yummy, crunchy honey chicken (those crunchy noodles they served it on - so good!).

When I saw this sitting quietly on a shelf in Newtown Vinnies a week ago I knew it was meant to be. Whether or not I ever cook from it, I've already had so much enjoyment from it to consider it the best $2.50 I've spent in awhile!

It's a tricky one to track down being out of print (though I thought I saw a reprint a little while ago?) but try eBay and keep an eye out in any second hand stores. Booko.com.au could also be useful - it's a great price comparison website for new and used books, and is always my first port of call for buying any books.

Book Review: Aristophanes

Lysistrata and Other Plays by Aristophanes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is so far removed from anything I would ever choose to read I was presently surprised to find myself actually enjoying it.

I read 'The Clouds' as a university set text. It's intelligently funny, which is often hard to find in any modern texts. That said, it was actually rather base humour for the time I believe. I ultimately read the remaining two plays for the fun of it. (Though Clouds appealed to me most)

I have nothing profound to say about any of the plays though to be honest. I just enjoyed them and hope other readers will too. It is hard to review a text that is not meant to be a read text, but rather a viewed one. I think my insights would be more enlightening after seeing them performed.