Staff recommends: What we're reading

The Fallen Woman Fiona McIntosh

I’m reading The Fallen Woman by Fiona McIntosh and it is BRILLIANT.  Who knew a pomologist could be so handsome or a “fallen woman” could be so brave! A delightful cast of good verses bad set against the magnificent backdrop of Salsbury Cathedral. Fiona McIntosh has outdone herself yet again.

- Louise

Eruption Michael Crichton, James Patterson

Eruption was a fun, thrilling, roller-coaster of an explosive read! A very easy peasy read with a truck load of action.

- Shanee

Welcome to Glorious Tuga Francesca Segal

I loved this dark-yet-cheerful mash-up of Gerald Durrell, James Herriott and Marian Keyes. Essentially it’s a funny “fish out of water rom-com” set on a tropical island but also has some serious and sad bits. Plus some surprises. A great read for people in need of something intelligent but relaxing.

- Sacha

The Voyage Home Pat Barker

Pat Barker is so amazing and versatile a writer. In this book she tells the story of Ritsa, a Trojan slave in the Greek ruler Agamemnon’s court. It’s full of real and mythological people and events, ghosts and Gods – but most compellingly, intimately describes the daily lives of the women in the aftermath of the Trojan War. It’s so evocative I actually felt thirsty while they searched for water, and tense as the storm raged over the creaky boat carrying the victors and the vanquished home from Troy to Greece. You don’t need to know anything about Ancient Greece to enjoy this. But do be warned, horrible things happen. This is not a relaxing book, but it is an incredibly good one.

- Becky

Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat Li Chen

My nine year old daughter Alex (who is usually not a huge reader) loves this and has re-read it many times already and asked when the next one is coming. She reports that it’s “funny” and “cute” and I know she’ll be enjoying how the main character breaks the fourth wall and continuously addresses the reader, even if she can’t recognise or express that! A clever, colourful graphic novel for primary school aged children who enjoy a bit of sass and the solving of mysteries.

- Becky and Alex

Goodbye Birdie Greenwing Ericka Waller

I am reading Goodbye Birdie Greenwing- I have had a bit of a reading slump and this has revived my reading. To the point I was a bit annoyed when my beautiful grandson lost my page (he then told me I should just use a bookmark then I would not have to worry!)

What a lovely book about community and how we all have something to give and receive from others. You meet three very different woman who are neighbours but do not know each other.

Birdie, heartbroken and alone after the loss of her beloved husband and sister.

Jane, a nurse who has moved to a new town to get her and her daughter away from her cantankerous but loved mother.

Ada a doctor from Poland who believes life has to be easier if you do not have people in your life.

- Paula

Graft Maggie MacKellar

I've just finished listening to the audio book of Graft. A beautiful memoir of the struggle to survive on a farm in Tasmania trapped in the heartbreak of drought. Working on the land she loves as it becomes more inhospitable for all that try to survive on it. At the same time the hard work, heart break, love, loss and beauty are all there when Maggie talks about motherhood, sisterhood, loss of a young husband and in time her mother.

- Paula