Matilda by Roald Dahl

Image taken from the 5th Grade Literacy Circles website.

Matilda Wormwood is a child prodigy, although her parents don't seem to care or notice. Her father runs a dodgy car sale business, while her mother is addicted to bingo. Her brother is hardly ever at home. While all three would prefer to sit in front of the television all night, Matilda prefers to read books. These are the circumstances we find her in as she attends her first day of school, where her teacher, Miss Wormwood, is the first person to notice how special Matilda really is....

OK. So I'm going through yet another childhood phase, but so what? Roald Dahl's books are amazing, as every child who has ever read them can tell you (as well as every adult who remembers growing up reading them). Packed with adventure, humour and fun, his books have entertained children and grown-ups alike. The new editions of his books that are coming out now all boast on the front cover that he is "The World's no. 1 Storyteller", a title that Roald Dahl very much deserves to have. It has now been over a decade since he has passed away, but his memory continues to live on through his books.

The new editions also come with interesting trivia facts about Roald Dahl and his life, giving children the chance to learn more about this great author. They also explain on the back cover that 10% of author royalties from the sales of his books are now being donated to Roald Dahl Charities, which cares for children with "epilepsy, blood disorders and acquired brain injury". So by purchasing the new editions, you are not only revisiting childhood memories, but you are also making a difference in other children's lives.......

..... Not that I'm trying to promote sales in any way..... :-P

Anyway, "Matilda" is one of those books that you MUST read, either BEFORE or AFTER seeing the film version starring Mara Wilson and Danny DeVito. Seriously. You should. It's very good.

More reviews on Roald Dahl's books to follow soon!

How Mrs Claus Saved Christmas (as told to Jeff Guinn)

Image taken from James Kennedy Public Library website.

I must admit, I have found it very difficult for myself to get into the Christmas Spirit this year. Because we weren't going to celebrate Christmas the way we used to every year, it just didn't feel like Christmas to me. Thankfully I found this book on sale at a book store in the city, and it did help me forget my worries and remind myself what the season is really about.

"How Mrs Claus Saved Christmas" is a book that details exactly what the title suggests. The author takes us back to England in the early 1600's, where the Puritan movement was gaining influence in Parliament. Nicholas (Santa Claus) reportedly travels to the New World, with the hope of establishing Christmas under the colonists that have arrived there. Mrs Claus chooses to stay in England and tries to help sort out the problems that threaten to destroy England's most beloved holiday - Christmas. Because the Puritans believe Christmas to be a disrespectful and irreverent way of celebrating the birth of Christ, it is their intention for Christmas to be banned. In 1647, when the Puritan Parliament decides to pass a law that punishes anybody who dares to celebrate Christmas, it is the final straw for the townspeople, who band together to form what will be known throughout history as the Canterbury March.

Although this book is a work of fiction, it is rich in historical detail. Children and adults alike can learn a lot about the Canterbury March, the events that took place leading up to it, and how Christmas was celebrated in 1600's England. It is a reminder of a period in history where people had to fight to enjoy what we enjoy today. It is very cleverly written, and it helped me appreciate the holiday season a lot more.

Jeff Guinn is also author of "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" and "The Great Santa Search". Together, these books entitled "The Christmas Chronicles", and I believe what I had read was book number 3 of the series. I hope to be able to track down the other two books and read them as well, as the back cover to "How Mrs Claus Saved Christmas" contains exerpts of outstanding reviews of the other two books.

I recommend this book to anybody who feels like they're a bit of "Scrooge" around Christmastime.

Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks

Image taken from margeretconnolly.com


This is a great read I picked up at Dymmocks bookstore in the city. It is the story of Cadel Piggott, a boy who is extremely intelligent. He knows how to "hack into computer networks, orchestrate traffic jams and sabotage construction sites" without leaving a trace that can lead back to him (see back cover). His equally intelligent criminal father, who is locked up in a U.S. jail for trying to take over the world, wants Cadel to use his powers to succeed in what he himself couldn't achieve. His right hand man, Thaddeus Roth (Cadel's psychiatrist) is employed to keep a close eye on Cadel's progress. But as Cadel attends the classes of the Axis Institute (the university his father has set up to help aid him to become a master criminal), and encounters the various people who attend the institute, he wrestles with his own conscience, and finds it hard to live up to what his father expects him to be.

This book was very well written, with some very funny scenes throughout the work. I have found out that it is part 1 of a trilogy, so I must find the other two books and read them, because the ending of this first installation left me in suspense. I can't wait to find the other two books and see what else happens in Cadel Piggott's life...

Chronik der Kirche Jesu Christi der Heiligen der letzten Tage in der Schweiz: 1850 bis 2003. Editor: Christian Gräub

This was a book that I had been reading on and off for a period of about two years, and covers the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Switzerland from 1850 (when proselyting first began in Switzerland) to 2003. It is a very informative and detailed account, outlining specific important dates in the history of the Church in Switzerland, and is a highly valuable history resource.

I ended up buying this book while I was serving as a missionary for the Church between 2005 - 2007. It was my aim to get myself educated on how the church began to be established there, and to learn about the many missionaries that had gone before me. I was interested to learn that many of the harships I experienced on my mission were similar challenges these pioneers had to face as well, and taught me to appreciate the sacrifices that those early missionaries made, so that the Church could continue to grow and flourish in this beautiful country.

Unfortunately, the book is only available in German, so the book is restricted mainly to a German-speaking audience. It is nonetheless a highly recommended read for anybody (in particular members of the Church) who are interested in learning about the development of the Church in other countries.

Bringing Reuben Home by Glenda Millard

Image taken from www.allenandunwin.com

Looking on the surface, life seems almost perfect in the city of New Carradon. But looking deeper into the workings of the government, there are sinister things happening within its domed enclosure. Nobody is allowed to enter or depart the city. You are not allowed to choose who you can marry; you can only marry those who the government dictates is "compatible", and who is issued with a certified Genetic Compatibility Licence. And you are not allowed to live beyond the age of eighty. Those who approach this age, regardless of how healthy they are, are promptply euthanized on the eve of their eightieth birthday in a ceremony called a "cessation".

Reuben Gilchrist is fast approaching his own cessation ceremony, but refuses to give in to this senseless and inhumane tradition the government has instituted. He convinces his granddaughter Cinnabar and her friend Judah to find a way to smuggle him outside, where he can live to the age he is supposed to live for, and to also bury the ashes of his deceased wife in Old Carradon, where they had both originally came from. It is only days before the cessation, so Cinnabar and Judah have to quickly figure out a way to get Reuben safely out of the city, before it is too late...

Just for the record, I am NOT a fan of Science Fiction novels, but I found this one to be quite enjoyable. What intrigued me most about this book was the discourse it addresses on the value of human life: Who are we to decide who is most compatible with whom? Who are we to determine a definite age span for all? Do we have the right to meddle with people's personal decisions? These were the thoughts that generated in my head as I was reading the book, and it was good to ponder and reflect on those questions.

Glenda Millard accurately captures Cinnabar's and Judah's suspense as they race against time to rescue Reuben from his impending fate. Action-packed until the very end, you will not want to put this book down.

I recommend this book to both science fiction fans and non-science fiction fans everywhere.

Falling From Grace by Jane Godwin

It's always good to see more contemporary Australian authors out there. Although Jane Godwin has been around for a while now, I have never had the chance to read any of her books until now. I found this particular book in my local library, and after reading the back cover, I decided to borrow it and see what it was like. I found that I was not disappointed with what the book had to offer me.

Falling From Grace is the story of Annie and her older sister Grace, who mysteriously vanishes after being swept away during a storm. The story is told through the eyes of Annie, Kip (a witness), and Grace herself. The chapters switch from Kip, to Annie, and Grace at appropriate times, to help us understand what is going on in each character's mind and what each of them experience from the one incident.

There is this creepy guy named Ted who appears on the scene, around the same time that Grace disappears. Kip is the one who meets this guy. As the story progresses, the reader can't help but get the feeling that Ted has something to do with Grace's disappearance, but he/she cannot be entirely sure. It's only until the very end that everything is revealed, and because I want people to go and find a copy of this book for themselves, I shall not reveal the ending in my review.

Very well-written with a carefully executed plot and well-rounded characters, Jane Godwin presents an exciting and action-packed mystery that will keep you guessing until you've reached the end.

The Good Person of Szechwan by Bertholt Brecht

Image taken from http://www.sdsuniverse.info/sdsuniverse/news.aspx?s=71091&rss=t

I am a HUGE fan of Bertholt Brecht and his plays, which is why I was so excited to learn that I would be studying Brecht this semester at Uni. The Good Person of Szechwan is one of the plays written by Brecht that I will be studying this semester.

The Good Person of Szechwan tells the story of three powerful Gods who are on the search of finding at least one good person left on the earth. They tarry the night with a woman by the name of Shen Teh, a "good-hearted but penniless prositute" (back cover), who is struggling to get out of her current situation and start a new life. Believing that Shen Teh has great potential of doing much good for other people, the Gods give her a sum of money, so as to be able to help her start her own tobacco business, and no longer work on the streets to earn money. Problems arise when the other characters in the play prey on Shen Teh's kindness and try to manipulate her, and in order to escape from such corrupt persons, she disguises herself as a Shui-Ta, a ruthless and very clever "cousin", who does not take kindly to Shen Teh's ill treatment by the other characters. Further complications arise when Shen Teh falls pregnant, and can no longer keep up the charade of being Shui-Ta. It is a riveting and thought-provoking story, one that I would like to see performed on stage one day.

As with all of Brecht's plays, the play addresses a lot of social issues that cannot all be listed here. A few of them include the nature of survival, the business world and its potential to become corrupt, and the line drawn between when is being too lenient and when is being too harsh, (how to be "nice" while at the same time being assertive and not have people walk all over you. This commentary is especially noted when Shen Teh switches from being herself, to Shui-Ta).

This is a must-read for all lovers of theatre and of Bertholt Brecht.

Alexander Kai: Death God by Metha Metharom

"I am a Necromancer,
someone who can talk to the
dead, has power over the dead
and can do a hell of a lot of other
things, which I am not sure yet
what they all are...

...I am still a little surprised
by the fact that I have agreed to
continue to do their work...

I do agree with them
though that my power, if left
unchecked could be dangerous,
so maybe that’s why I agree to
continue on with their work, to
learn more about my powers..."

When 20 year old Alexander Kai miraculously survives a brutal stabbing in the park near his neighborhood, his life is drastically changed forever. Through the aid of a ghost by the name of Oliver Jones, and a Nephilum by the name of Davis, Alexander Kai discovers that he is a Necromancer - a person with extraordinary supernatural powers, who can communicate with the dead. Furthermore, he has volunteered his services to Super Solutions, a detective agency whose mission it is to solve supernatural crimes and to bring any lawless spirits to justice. We follow Alexander's journeys between the realms of the living and the dead, as he and his fellow colleagues endeavour to solve unsual and most puzzling crimes and restore peace to the dead and the undead.

This six book series showcases some of Metha's darker works. Very well written and full of suspense, you will not want to put them down until you've reached the end. The books are written in such a way that the reader can pick up any one of them, without necessarily having to read them in chronological order, and be able to get the gist of what has happened in the previous book, without having to read from the very beginning.

The books can either be purchased separately, or altogether as one book, such is how I had read them (I received the book which had all six books in one).

I strongly recommend this series to any horror/fantasy fans out there.

Tales from the Shore by Metha Metharom

Metha Metharom explores the topic of Love once more in his book "Tales from the Shore", a new collection of short stories. However, much unlike "Love Stone", where the stories give us a discourse on HOW people fall in love, the stories cover three basic principles of WHERE love can be found.

For example, in "The Prospector and the Toucan Lady", we learn that love cannot be found in material possessions; it is found through personal sacrifice and selflessness. In "The Island and the Sea", we learn about not losing focus on the ones we care about in the search to find ourselves, and to be honest about our feelings. And in "The Crab and the Gull", we learn that love has no boundaries over racial, cultural, or gender difference.

Metha uses fairy-tale imagery to bring these themes to life. He presents these themes from a viewpoint we may never have even considered before, leaving with us a lasting impression on our minds, and gives us something to think about.

The only thing I found a little bit off-putting were the one-paragraph-pages, which made it very difficult to read, especially considering I had only access to an online copy and had to scroll down for AGES until I eventually got to the next line of text. Also, the thought of how many trees would have to die just so that this particular book could be printed made me cringe slightly.....

Overall though, this book definitely has my tick of approval, and is a great companion to read along with "Love Stone". I recommend it to anybody who is into a good romance novel, or even to those who are not into romance novels (such as myself), because there is a lot that you can get out of it.

Love Stone: A Tetralogy of Love by Metha Metharom

"Love Stone" is a collection of short stories based on the theme of Love, and where one can find Love. This book in particular is one of my favourites from Metha Metharom, and really showcases his writing ability.

My favourite short story in "Love Stone" is the story of the Rock Samurai and the Wind Maiden, because when I first read it, I did not immediately associate the story with any other romance novel. Rather, I was thinking about the worth of a human being, and how unique each and every one of us is. The Wind Maiden is the only one who can see something special with the Rock Samurai, and she spends her time moulding him into fulfilling his full potential. When we deeply care about someone, whether we are in love with that person, or if they are true friends, we want to help them showcase their best selves, and help them realize the potential they have inside. Such was the beautiful message I got from this really powerful story.

This is a great read for all ages alike.

"The Rock Samurai and the Wind Maiden" has also been published as a separate work, and can be ordered by clicking here.

For previews of "Love Stone", click here.

Inner Light: The Dragon Within by Metha Metharom

Inner Light: The Dragon Within is the story of Michael, a boy who is looking for excitement in his life, until excitement ends up finding him. Welcome to the world of dragons, dark wizards, amulets of power, danger, and non-stop action, as Michael discovers who he is and what role he plays in saving the future of mankind. Fast-paced and often humourous in most parts, Metha Metharom takes you to a world where you want to get lost in.

Metha Metharom is a new emerging author with an incredible talent. His other works include the "Alexander Kai" series, "Love Stone" and "Tales from the Shore", to name only a few. Having read a couple of his stories already ("Inner Light" being one of them), I have come to notice how no two stories are the same, and he uses different writing methods to engage with his audience. For example, the sporadic, fast-paced writing style for this particular novel really demonstrates the action and excitement taking place in the narrative, allowing the reader "feel" the adrenalin rush that the characters in the novel would be experiencing, rather than just reading about it. Also, the loose descriptions of the characters themselves allow the reader to create his/her own interpretation of the characters' physical characteristics and personalities in his/her mind. In short, it would be accurate to say that no two readers would get the same interpretation from this novel, as there are a lot of "hidden" meanings that people can get from it.

Another interesting element in this novel is that it contained an interesting blend of fantasy and Japanese anime (without the graphics, of course). Such were the images that were going on in my mind when I was reading it.

Unfortunately, I would NOT recommend this book for children (there is a fair amount of course language contained in it), but it is definitely a worth-while read for teenagers and adults.

To order your own copy of "Inner Light", or to view some of Metha Metharom's other works, please click here.

No Gun for Asmir - Christobel Mattingley

"Because this book will touch people and come to the heart, if only a hundred people read it and are moved, it will be more important than any official peace plan".

This is what one of the true-life characters said upon reviewing this book before it was published. Having read this book for the first time when I was only 12 years old (just a year older than the main character of the book), and having the opportunity to read it again after searching EVERYWHERE for a copy of it, I agree whole-heartedly with this statement. The memories that come flooding back to me when I first read this book just over a decade ago, and having read it again now after going through different stages of my life, I can honestly say that the message of the book still touches me, and is a huge influence on my decisions in treating other people from different nationalities with decency and respect.

7 year old Asmir has had to flee his beloved home in Sarajevo with his mother, grandmother, and younger brother. His father has been taken by soldiers, and Asmir does not know whether he will ever see his father again. We follow the journeys of Asmir and his family through Belgrade, Serbia, into Vienna, Austria, where they attempt to make a new life for themselves as refugees.

This book is mainly written for younger children, but even adults can read this and gain much from this book.

There are several reasons why this book has had such an enormous impact in my life:

1) It is based on a true story. The characters in it are real. This is their story. Although the author herself was never there experiencing what Asmir and his family went through, she accuractely describes the events, and depicts the thoughts and feelings of the characters very well.

2) Asmir is only a year younger than me. Today, he would only be 22. He has gone through so many things in his short life that I couldn't imagine going through myself, especially not at 7 years old. When I think of this, I admire this man's courage and think about how grateful I am to live in a country that is not torn apart by war and prejudice.

3) The book gives us an understanding of what it would be like to be living as a political refugee, running for your life, afraid of having to be turned back to the country you had fled, back to the danger you had been trying to avoid. It gives the reader a greater appreciation for the things that he/she would normally take for granted.

4) While I have never been to war-torn Bosnia, I have been to other places in Europe, and have a fair idea of what the scenery described in the book would look like. Having read this book for the second time, after having lived in Europe for two years, the book became more real to me as I pictured the countryside, the cobble-stoned streets, the Viennese landscape, etc.

5) The book is not only about Asmir and his family - it is also about the author's own son, for it was he who had assisted in helping this family settle in Vienna. This is how the author came in contact with this family and was inspired to write their story.

I am so glad that I finally found and bought my own copy of this wonderful book. I strongly recommend anyone to seek this book out and read it for yourself. It might just change your views on life as it has done mine.

Guantanamo Boy Anna Perera

This is a brand new book just released this year. Although it is a piece of fiction, it is based on real events. Children have been detained in Guantanamo Bay and many other secret prisons around the world under the suspicion of being terrorists. They have been beaten and tortured until they have "confessed" to their crimes. Anna Perera raises awareness of this issue through this well-written book.

Khalid is just like any other ordinary British teenager, until his family decides to visit relatives in Pakistan. He is abducted and sent sent to Guantanamo Bay on trumped up charges of being involved with terrorism. The story follows how Khalid manages to survive this ordeal.

Very sad, emotionally-driven and andrenalin-packed, you will not want to put this book down until you know how the story ends.

Interview with the Vampire - Anne Rice

Imagine you are journalist who happens to have the opportunity to interview a real life vampire. What sort of things would you be able to learn about vampire life? What things would the vampire be willing to share with you? And more importantly, how much danger would you be really in by conducting this interview?

Anne Rice takes us into Louis' world, a mortal who is turned into a vampire by the infamous Lestat. Louis learns his first lessons about being a vampire from him, but does not like the being he has become. He tries desparately to fight against the passions and basic instincts that vampires have, until he eventually gives in. His quest for learning about the origin of vampires takes him on a journey from New Orleans to Paris, but these journeys lead him to more questions and very little answers. Cursed with an insatiable appetite for human blood, Louis resigns to the awful degenerated state he has learned to become accustomed to and, centuries later, agrees to tell his story to a young student journalist,

This is where the suspense comes in. We do not know at first why Louis has agreeed to this interview, nor do we know of his real intentions. The story ends abruptly, leading us to the second installment of the Vampire Chronicles.

It was altogether a very interesting read, and hope to be able to read the second and third installments in this series.

The Sons of Encouragement Series #4: The Prophet Amos - Francine Rivers

I came across this book as I was searching for another book in the library. The front cover really intrigued me, and so I borrowed the book out to see what it was about.

The story is a fictional account of the real-life prophet Amos, from his early childhood years, to the time when he is called as prophet. The book teaches us of the importance of loving God and following his chosen messengers. God has always chosen prophets to teach the people of his plan for us. When we choose to follow the plan, we are blessed. When we choose not to follow the plan, we can read from this book, and from the actual biblical account, of the negative consequences of going down that path.

Francine Rivers writes in an engaging style, carefully detailing the landscape and the circumstances in which Amos would have lived, taking you back in time to the place where it all happened. Although she takes the liberty to add some of her own embellishments into the story, she encourages us to seek out the biblical account and read the actual story.

Altogether, I was surprised at how well-written this book was, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I hope to be able to find the other 4 books in the 5 part novella series.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne

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This is a tale of friendship and innocence. It is the story of a 9 year old boy named Bruno, whose father is a Commandent for "The Fury". Bruno's life is transformed when his father is transferred to work in "Out-with", and his family must move in with him. Life is pretty boring for Bruno, until he discovers a new friend named Shmuel, who lives on the other side of the fence with all the other boys and men wearing striped pyjamas.

Bruno and Shmuel are both oblivious of the harsh reality of their circumstances, and their innocence becomes shattered when they finally realize what really happens at "Out-with".

Very moving and beautifully written, this has become another one of my personal favourites.

A Stone in My Hand - Cathryn Clinton

This wonderfully-written, historical fiction novel, documents the lives of 11 year old Malaak and her family living in the late 1980's during the first intifada in Palestine. We see the warn-torn community through Malaak's eyes, as she deals with the tragedies that surround her. Her father has ben missing for over a month since he left Gaza city to look for work, and her older brother Hamid is planning on joining an extremist resistance group. It is up to Malaak to somehow bring the family closer together and stop her brother from doing anything stupid....

It is a beautiful story that addresses the themes of war and peace, family unity, and finding strength to rise above obstacles. A very moving and captivating read.

Son of a Witch - Gregory Maguire

Taken from http://weread.com/review/Son+of+a+Witch+%28Wicked+Years%29/2261999

The best-selling sequel to "Wicked" continues to the story of Liir, the illegitimate son of Elphaba (also known as the Wicked Witch of the West). An account of his adventures in trying to find his long lost half-sister, his near-death experience after being attacked by dragons, winning and losing love, and trying to find his place in the world.

Surprisingly, I found this sequel better to the original "Wicked", although, I must say I'm more partial to the musical version of it than the actual novel version. The only disappointing thing with this novel is that it ended so abruptly, and still left you with the unanswered questions from the 1st book.

I hope to get the chance to read the 3rd book, "A Lion Among Men"; hopefully, all the loose pieces will start to fit together in that one.

Slumdog Millionaire - Vikas Swarup

Taken from http://weread.com/review/Slumdog+Millionaire/2356079

Originally published as "Q&A", this book was almost just as good as the movie it inspired! However, do not think the book is anywhere near close to the movie plot. The basic storyline seems to be the ONLY connection between the book and the film. The various scenarios that happen to Jamal (in the book his name is Ram) are either very loosely based on the events described in the book, or they are different entirely. Even the ending is completely different to the movie version, but has a sudden unexpected twist that startles you so much that you really don't care anyway.

"Slumdog Millionaire" has a complex storyline which confuses you when you first start reading, but as you start to get into it, all of the mysteries in the beginning of the novel begin to unravel nicely.

Vika Swarup writes in such a way as to keep you at the edge of your seat up to the last page. A very good read indeed....