New fiction titles I've read recently

The Witching Hour by Elizabeth Laird

Don't be put off by the title, this is not a fantasy story trying to cash in on the current vampire, were wolf, angel and fairy obsession. It is more of a historical fiction novel with the same feel as 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak in terms of its empathy with young people caught up in impossible, life threatening situations which demand personal self-sacrifice. The story revolves around Maggie Blair who, with her granny is accused of being a witch, essentially because the accusers desire their land and hope to expunge an enormous sum owed to Maggie - her father's wages - who was a drover and remained unpaid on his death. The story is filled with memorable, empathic characters who have with sketched with considerable psychological insight. This era - the witch burning times - is colourfully brought to life as is the hypocrisy of the church and the general bewilderment of the population. A fantastic read.

*****

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy) by Richelle Mead

I found the first half of this book quite dull. I'm afraid I don't find Rose very convincing, particularly in the fighting scenes which are glossed over. Her smart alec Americanisms (kind of like a female Bruce Willis - yuk!) also don't do it for me; however, Dimitri as a strigoi is a far more interesting and original character. I also found the mind contact with Lissa too convenient - that is... we've come to a flat spot in the story... I know, I'll just catch up on what Lissa's doing, that'll keep them entertained. Despite all that, the book has its moments - the scenes where Rose is high on vampire bites and low on 'witticism' are actually very well written and where I suspect the author's politically incorrect interest lies.

***
The Complete Horowitz Horror

This is a fun collection of horror short stories, particularly since Horowitz seems to be paying tribute to 'classic' horror formulas and subjects, reworking them into a modern context. The content is not especially scarey but the stories are well written and the characters are engaging.

****

Children's Book of the Year 2010 nominations

To celebrate Book Week, the ISC has purchased several copies of the following twelve Children's Book of the Year finalists.









If you'd like the chance to win a book, read one (or more if you like) of these twelve books and then do one of the following:











1. Choose a favourite quote from one of these twelve books and explain why it is your favourite.

2. Choose a favourite character from one of these twelve books and explain why it is your favourite.


3. Choose a favourite incident from one of these twelve books and explain why it is your favourite.

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Write your comments in the comment box at the bottom of this blog. To be in the running, you must include the following information:

1. Your name and pastoral group.

2. The book's title on which you are commenting.

3. Your comment, including a page number if there's a quote involved - make certain you explain WHY the character/quote/incident is your favourite.

You might also want to take part in our bridges competition. We have pinned up 16 photos of bridges from around the world in the ISC. Try and guess all 16 names of the bridges and the places where they have been built and you'll go into the running for fabulous prizes.

Come to the ISC for more details.

Cath Crowley coming to the ISC

Cath Crowley will be our most recent Fellow in Residence on the 16th and 17th of August. She will be running writing classes for Year 7 - 9.

Cath Crowley is the author of books such as Chasing Charlie Duskin, the Gracie Faltrain series and Graffiti Moon.

Her official website is well maintained and includes great information including reviews if you are curious or a fan.

Read an interview.

View and listen to Cath Crowley reading from A Little Wanting Song.

NOTE: As this is a YouTube clip you will need to see this at home :)

Get a Voki now!

As you can see, I've been experimenting with avatars. If you'd like to try creating your own, go to voki.com

Adult Fiction Books Read Recently

Lucia in the Age of Napoleon by Andrea di Robilant.

Andrea di Robilant is well known as an historian. His previous novelistic venture was 'A Venetian Affair - a true story of impossible love in the eighteenth century'.

This book is also based on a true story that of Lucia Mocenigo, a direct descendant of the author. The empathic relationship between the subject and author added to the inclusion of numerous passages from Lucia's correspondence and personal diaries make reading this book an intimate and inriguing experience. On the other hand, the minute attention to political history can become a little tiresome if you are not an avid fan of the era.

**** 1/2

For a more detailed review, click on the following link: Review

Elizabeth's Women by Tracy Borman.

I'm addicted to this particular historic era, so it's not surprising that I'd opt for an Elizabethan-based novel; however, if you are not an avid historical fiction fan, Borman's book is still written in such an engaging manner that you won't mind.

The book is incredibly informative providing good cross-referencing considering that most of the biographical and fictional accounts I have read to date have been about Queen Elizabeth, herself or one of the influencial men who lived at that time.

It was also interesting to gain insight into a woman's perspective of those turbulant times. If you have seen any of the rather many film versions of Elizabeth's life and reign you will be well aware that the plot must be exciting but what you may not expect is the intimate descriptions of Elizabeth's court and the surprising power weilded by the women close to her.

*****

For a more detail review, click on the following link: Review