Patricia Storms couldn't finish Markus Zusack's The Book Thief (last book in the item). As she explains "So why didn't it work for me? Well, for starters, it really is dark. And depressing. On many occasions I just had to set it aside because I couldn't take the never-ending sadness. And I really do think that the book is much too long. But more than anything else, (and here I go again with that word) I gradually became suspicious about the authenticity of the writing. If I feel that my emotions are being quite deliberately manipulated, I begin to get annoyed."
Sophie Masson, author of the Thomas Trew books for 7-11 year olds has started a blog based on the books. The first in the series, Thomas Trew and the Hidden People is due to be published in Australia in April. Subsequent volumes - there are six in all - will follow at two-month intervals. I'll be keeping an eye on this. My son is eight and is finding it difficult to discover books he likes. This might be one he can get his teeth into.
I've mentioned Max Barry's new novel, Company, on this weblog a few times over the past few weeks. From the profiles, interviews and reviews, I'd say that the book lies in the area of "modern life humour", if there is such a genre or label. But Damien, on his weblog "Crime Down Under", puts the case for considering the book as a mystery novel.
Andrew, on the "Black Dog weblog, is reporting that Borders UK may be up for sale. A sale that may well have implications for the Borders stores in Australia and New Zealand. Have to keep an eye on this story.
