BOOK OF THE MONTH:
Oh, Dear Silvia
By Dawn French
Penguin Books
While the general storyline appears heavy and depressing – a woman, Silvia Shute, lies in a coma while her friends, family and acquaintances come to visit – the book is thoughtfully written and takes you through a range of emotions and explores a variety of themes. While Silvia’s voice isn’t heard, through her visitors you learn about the different angles of her life and personality, ranging from a supreme egotist, a selfless martyr, a selfish wife, a cherished sister, and a bad mother.
About the author
Dawn French is best known for writing and starring in the comedy sketch show French and Saunders, and for playing the lead role in the sitcom The Vicar of Dibley. Her bestselling memoir, Dear Fatty, was published to critical acclaim in 2008 and her first novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, was published in 2011.
NONFICTION:
What Makes Us Tick?
By Hugh Mackay
Hachette
Dr Mackay has spent a lifetime listening to people’s dreams, fears, and hopes. Here, he reflects on some of the things that don’t change, identifies 10 desires that drive us all, and asks: Why do we talk as if we’re rational, but act as if we’re not? Why do we seek change, yet resist it? His exploration of these and other issues goes to the heart of some of life’s big questions.
CRIME:
Web Of Deceit
By Katherine Howell
Pan Macmillan
When paramedics Jane and Alex encounter a man refusing to get out of his crashed car with bystanders saying he deliberately drove into a pole, it looks like a cry for help. Later that day he is found dead under a train in what might be a suicide, but Jane is no longer so sure: she remembers the terror in his eyes. Detective Ella Marconi shares Jane’s doubts …
FICTION:
Dear Life
By Alice Munro
Random House
Alice Munro captures the essence of life in her new collection of stories. Many of these stories are grounded in Munro’s home territory – the small Canadian towns around Lake Huron. Dear Life is filled with of vivid stories that remind us of how strange, dangerous, and remarkable life can be.
BIOGRAPHY:
My James
By Ralph Bulger
Pan Macmillan
A powerful biography based on a murder and fight for justice. James Bulger was just a few weeks shy of his third birthday when, on 12 February 1993, he wandered away from his mum in a shopping mall. Ten-year-old Jon Venables and his friend Robert Thompson murdered James, in a crime that shocked the world.
FICTION:
Grace Grows
By Shelle Sumners
Allen and Unwin
A light, easy read about textbook editor Grace Barnum, a sensible young woman engaged to a patent attorney. Her life is unexpectedly turned upside down when she meets musician Tyler Wilkie. Tyler awakens something in Grace that she wants but won’t succumb to until she learns to let go.
FICTION:
The Rosie Project
By Graeme Simsion
Text Publishing
Don Tillman is has designed the Wife Project, using a 16-page questionnaire to help him find the perfect partner. She will most definitely not be a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also fiery and intelligent and beautiful. But you don’t find love: love finds you.
FICTION:
Destined To Fly
By Indigo Bloome Harper- Collins
The compelling climax to Alexandra Blake’s journey, from the author of Destined to Play and Destined to Feel. Alexandra has returned to the world after her captivity. Feeling empowered, her euphoria becomes tainted with fear, forcing her to acknowledge how the decisions of her past will now determine her future.
FICTION:
Safe Haven
By Nicholas Sparks
Hachette
Safe Haven is yet another romance novel from Nicholas Sparks (author of The Last Song and The Notebook). The book follows the story of a young woman Katie, who arrives in the small town of Southport. Katie is determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships. Safe Haven has been adapted into a film starring Josh Duhamel.