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My Family and Other Suspects by Kate Emery

Reviewed by Yashica, Year 11, Cerdon College Merrylands

My Family and Other Suspects by Kate Emery

Kate Emery’s hilarious and captivating murder mystery, My Family and Other Suspects, involves a murder mystery right under the family’s nose. Book enthusiast, Ruth, resolves to solve a real-life crime that occurs right in her own family. She uses her investigative abilities to find the murderer because of the unexpected death of her ancient GG (great grandmother). Ruth fears finding for a second body whilst harbouring suspicions against every relative. Even though the family member’s murder is a severe crime, Emery manages to inject some humour through her use of casual language. With realistic scenarios like Ruth’s crush with her so-called cousin, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries with a clash of teenage reality. However, it is a slow read with Ruth’s suspicions steadily falling into place. As Ruth is overwhelmed with the stress and fear of the return of the killer, her intuitive thinking as a murder mystery fan helps solve the murder of her GG. Accidents happen more frequently; coincidences raise more questions. The family is left even more perplexed when additional details come to light, and the unexpected reality is revealed. This book reveals a deeper side of family dynamics and how inheritance can lead to conflict amongst relatives. As a reader, I did find the book enjoyable as I adore murder mysteries, however the investigation is the primary subject of this book rather than fast-paced action. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Age: 14+

 

The reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Reviewed by Deeya, Year 11, Cerdon College, Merrylands

  • Recommendation: 14+ 
  • Rating 5 out of 5 
  • Recommended to those who like crime fiction with a hint of romance. 
The reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

The reappearance of Rachel Price is full of twists and turns that will leave the reader wanting to know more. Bel, the protagonist, is living a normal life with her father, Charlie Price. She is in the midst of filming a documentary about her mother’s disappearance, Rachel Price, when Bel was only about two months old. Suddenly, Rachel reappears, the same Rachel who was missing for sixteen years. People thought she had been either kidnapped, ran away or was murdered. Bel was flabbergasted at the reappearance of her mother. Truthfully, Bel did not like Rachel suddenly appearing in their lives like a storm. Bel wanted to know the truth behind Rachel’s disappearance; she did not truly believe Rachel’s story of her disappearance. Will she find the truth? Will Bel actually know what happened to Rachel? This novel is about familial relationship, a bond between a mother and a daughter where it left me questioning if their relationship will ever rebuild again. I loved reading ‘The reappearance of Rachel Price’, it captivated my mind from the first page and left me wanting to know more. It is full of twists and turns where every character becomes a suspect towards Rachel’s disappearance and Bel has made up her mind to seek the truth. Furthermore, the novel depicts justice and inspires many to seek and fight for the truth. The novel is recommended to those who enjoy reading crime-fiction with a hint or romance. Holly Jackson has created this masterpiece that is a different and unique crime-fiction narrative that many would enjoy to read. I would rate this novel a 5 out of 5 because it was truly a delight to read and discover Rachel’s story and her motherly bond with Bel.  

Clamory: the magic of Adeline Black

Reviewed by Mrs Victoria

Clamory: the magic of Adeline Black by Sue-Ellen Pashley

I picked up this recently acquired fantasy book at our school library. I usually struggle to read fantasy so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Historical fiction is more my genre. I’m trying to get into other genres gradually. That’s another story…

This book is about a girl called Adeline, who suddenly discovers that she has magic, and doesn’t really belong to the town of Camellia where she lives. It is a quaint tea town which reminds me so much of the tea towns and estates in the country of my birth.

She is then taken to Clamory – a town of magic where adventure awaits, where she has to learn how to control and harness her magic before she returns to her home in Camellia.

I would recommend this book for higher primary or junior high school  students as a book of self-discovery when you feel you are straddling two worlds. It also touches on topics of trusting your gut instinct, finding your own space and making good friends while staying true to yourself.

A flying cat for a pet, a bedroom created from magic and the different kinds of magic in Clamory add to the appeal of this delightful novel.

The fast paced, easy to read chapters make it seem like a magical adventure.The end to this amazing novel almost feels like we can expect a sequel to follow.

Week 3, Term 3 Book Club Meeting

Hi everyone,

Thank you to the students who came to our Book Club meeting in DL2, held two weeks ago on the 6th August (outside of the library during the HSC Trial exams). As always, it was lovely to see our regular book clubbers and, it was great to have a few new students join us for this meeting (welcome Veronica and Ava). 

This is a list of some of the books shared at this meeting:

Thank you to Mrs Lacey for your wonderful support of Book Club, libraries and sharing your love of reading. Mrs Ryan will be back for our next Book Club meeting. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday in Week 9. 

Until then, happy reading everyone!

#48 Book Club meeting

Hi, thank you to everyone who came along to today’s meeting. It was great to see you all (as I know there were a few other activities on at lunch time) and a warm welcome to our new members too. Book Club is a safe place where we can talk about all things related to books and reading. Our reading tastes can be quite wide and varied but all good book conversation is appreciated and respected. Over the years, many students and teachers have discussed, or should I say debated or defended, their love of particular books or genres. We won’t always agree but I think that it is one of the aspects of Book Club I enjoy the most. The connection that Book Club members can express about their reading experiences opens us to new perspectives and different ways of seeing things. Sometimes it is not all positive in terms of our reading experiences. Being able to discuss these types of experiences is helpful through Book Club too. Dislike of particular characters in stories or the way an author finished a story or any other number of points of discussion are always possibilities in Book Club. Book Club is an open, continuing conversation about what we’re reading in general and what we’re reading as a group (if we have a set novel or text).

For students who were not able to attend today’s meeting, here’s a summary of what happened:

  • Copies of our new book, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, were distributed. We did not have enough copies but I am able to purchase ebook copies for anyone still interested in reading this novel for Book Club. If you would like an ebook copy and you weren’t present at today’s meeting, please let me know and I’ll add you to my list for an ebook copy.
  • As an alternative to Remarkably Bright Creatures, I have a selection of other animal stories that might interest some students. There’s a range of novels, biographies and a collection of short stories. If you would like to browse this collection, see me or the library staff.
  • I also have an audiobook for anyone who would like to try this format. The story is The Benefits of being an Octopus by Ann Braden. Although not an animal story, it is a story about relationships (which is also very much part of the other books i.e. Remarkably Bright Creatures and the selection of animal stories). The link to the audiobook in Sora is attached (there’s multiple copies of the audiobook available). I will also purchase an ebook in Sora. If you would like an ebook version of this book, please let me know.

In summary, we are reading animal stories and books about relationships for Book Club until our next meeting. I will check in with everyone before our next meeting in Week 3 to see how everyone is going and if we need more time before we discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures and our other book options. 

Happy reading everyone! I hope you can enjoy some time everyday for some personal reading (among all your other activities, work and responsibilities).

Thank you, as well, for sharing what you have been reading today 🙂
I look forward to our next book chat! If you have any questions, please see me in the library.
Mrs Sylaprany

(PS: #47 Book Club meeting was held in Week 5, Term 1).

#46 Book Club meeting

Hi everyone,

Due to the Year 10 Knowledge Challenge, we had a number of apologies for this meeting (and Mrs Lacey was able to sporadically join us over the course of the meeting). Abbey, Sienna and Taliyah had all been reading Sam Kerr’s autobiography, My journey to the World Cup. We had a great conversation revisiting this recent event, the inspiration of the Matildas for women in sport, as well as a discussion about soccer and how it brings people together. We discussed the complexities of soccer as a team sport and how it involves all parts of your body and brain. All students at this book club meeting play soccer or have played in the past. It was an enjoyable and inspiring conversation to share. 

The books discussed at today’s meeting included:

  • My journey to the World Cup by Sam Kerr (read by Abbey, Sienna, and Taliyah)

    My journey to the World Cup by Sam Kerr
  • Exit through the gift shop by Maryam Master (read by Sienna)
  • Before the coffee gets cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (read by Maya)
  • A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman (read by Mrs Ryan)
  • Nothing more to tell by Karen M. McManus (read by Mrs Ryan)
  • Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy (read by Mrs Lacey)
  • The seven skins of Esther Wilding by Holly Ringland (read by Ms McNamara)
  • The bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams (read by Mrs Sylaprany)

For our next Book Club meeting, we are reading graphic novels. You may choose your own to read between now and our next meeting in Week 9. The library has received many new graphic novels throughout this year so there’s a good range to choose from. Both fiction and non-fiction graphic novels are available. If you need some suggestions or would like to browse the collection, visit the library to see what’s available. There’s also a large collection of digital graphic novels available in Sora. There’s plenty to explore and read. Be sure to choose a story and style of illustration that appeals to your reading tastes. If you need assistance finding a graphic novel, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

I look forward to our next discussion in Week 9 (Tuesday). This will be our last book club meeting for 2023.

See you then!
Mrs Sylaprany

#45 Book Club meeting

Hi everyone

What a wonderful turnout at Book Club in Week 9, Term 3 (12 September). There were lots of familiar faces and it was great to see so many new students join this book club meeting for the first time too. 

It was so lovely to see our long time Year 12 book club members as this was their last meeting before their HSC exams.  Farewell Zoe, Lillian, Katie, Neola, Deepana and Mithra. Your time with us at Book Club seems to have come to an end quite suddenly. Wishing all the best as Year 12 comes to an end and wishing you all the very best for life beyond Cerdon. Thank you warmly for being part of Book Club for so many years and for sharing your unique reading journeys. 

A great range of books were shared at this meeting including:

#44 Book Club meeting

Hi everyone

Remarkably bright creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Our meeting on the 1st August was a small gathering as our Year 12 book club members were completing their Trial exams and our Year 9 regulars celebrated a friend’s special birthday (happy birthday, Anastasia). We welcomed back Abbey and Angel, and also welcomed two new book club members at this meeting, Tara and Emma. Since our last meeting, Lana has also joined Book Club. As always, thanks to Mrs Ryan, Ms McNamara and Mrs Lacey for attending and sharing your wide reading experiences.

Here’s a quick list of the books shared and discussed:

*Note: these books are adult fiction (recommended for senior readers)

For the rest of this term, we are reading The Sinister Booksellers of Bath by Garth Nix. We will discuss this book in Term 4 (to give everyone time to read it over the holidays if needed). Copies are available to borrow from the library. If you would prefer to read another book to discuss at our next meeting, that is absolutely fine. Our next Book Club meeting will be held in Week 9 in the library. 

Until then, happy reading!