After more than six years of reviewing books I am taking a break. This website still includes my editing services and author testimonials so feel free to contact me directly if you wish to discuss a project. Happy reading!
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman—The movie
I’m one of those bibliophiles who have to purchase a book without the movie cover. The alternative seems tacky. Not sure why I feel this way as over the years I have enjoyed many of the movies that have stemmed from books—Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, Life of Pi, and so on… There have ...
Taking on the classics…or not!
It was my great intention to make 2016 the year I took on the classics that have been languishing on my bookcase for many years. I even moved Middlemarch by George Eliot from the shelf to the bedside table. Alas, I find myself halfway through the year and still to even open the cover. I know ...
Helen Garner Wins US$150,000 Prize for Literature
Congratulations to Australian author Helen Garner who has won a US $150,000 Windham-Campbell Prize for her outstanding contribution to world literature. The nine award winners were announced in a ceremony at Yale University, USA earlier this week, and covered fiction, nonfiction and drama. In awarding the prize the judges said: “Helen Garner brings acute observations and ...
2016 Stella Prize Longlist Announced
The Stella Prize, which celebrates the contribution to literature made by Australian women, has announced its 2016 Stella Prize longlist. The prize was awarded for the first time three years ago and has now become a highly anticipated and much-loved literary award. The prize is worth $50,000 and includes both fiction and nonfiction books. This year there ...
Done With Men by Shuchi Kalra Singh
Done With Men is a fun-filled Indian romantic comedy/romance that’s an easy read and one which I can see heading to the big screen one day. Think Bridget Jones’s Diary, only set on the beach in Goa. Quite apt that the book was released on Valentine’s Day 2014 (apologies this is an old review only just ...
I have moved…
I have recently combined my two sites slyonbooks and slyonwords. If you followed me on one of those sites and have now come to this new one, welcome, and thanks for checking me out. I hope to continue reviewing books and supporting authors between my editing commitments.
Ned Kelly 2015 shortlists announced
The shortlists for the 2015 Ned Kelly Awards for crime writing have been announced by The Australian Crime Writers Association (ACWA). There are some great reads on the lists, including Sweet One by Peter Docker. I was privileged to be at the launch of Peter’s book when he resided in Broome. Good luck to all ...
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
So glad I finally had a chance to read Hannah Kent's haunting story set in Iceland, far from the shores and climate of Australia where the author lives. Burial Rites is based on a true story and tells of Agnes Magnusdottir's plight as she waits to be executed for her part in the murder of ...
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
I don't think I have been so moved by a book in a long time. Would highly recommend this but it comes with the warning that it is heart-wrenching. Lisa Genova has done an incredible amount of research and should be applauded for bringing early onset Alzheimers disease to the general public. As the story ...
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
Talk about H is for Hard. If this wasn’t one of my book club reads I think I would have given up, but I am glad I persevered. It is not an easy book to read but the words on the page are simply beautiful and I now know more about goshawks than I thought ...
