“As long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die.”
This is a novel about hope, but it is also a novel about desperation. The desperation that forces people to flee from their homes, from their family and from their country which they love so dearly.
Set in Homs in Syria during the civil war, the novel begins as one of existence in times of terror, despair, and loss. The story is about Salama a first-year pharmacy student who finds herself in a hospital performing duties she would never dream of as she tries to come to grips with loss. Her parents and her brother have disappeared/died, and she finds herself living with her sister-in-law who is pregnant.
How do you cope in such circumstances, what gives you strength to keep going? Certainly, love for those close to you but also for your country and what it stands for. But Salama slowly realises that there is no hope of survival, the Assad regime is winning and if she is going to protect her pregnant sister-in-law then she needs to leave. The novel clearly shows that many refugees are reluctant to leave their homelands and gives insight into the difficult decisions which must be made to cast oneself adrift from all you know to undertake perilous journeys to just survive. The novel is also about love, reluctant at first, because how can you commit to a relationship in such times when your future is so uncertain, but it grows and develops like the lemon tree, till it becomes the strength which allows Salama to leave and perhaps hope for a better future.
This is a beautiful written novel which gives insight into the trauma of war, the difficulty of leaving your homeland and the power of love. It contains some interesting twists which can catch you as quite unexpected.
Reviewed by Sarah, Year 10, Cerdon College, Merrylands
Trouble is my Business: An Olivia Grace mystery by Lisa Walker
If you’re looking for a simple read that has an engaging storyline, this book is for you. Trouble is my Business: An Olivia Grace mystery by Lisa Walker is a story in which the protagonist, Olivia Grace, is a law student who has dreams of being the female version of Sherlock Holmes but when her best friend goes missing, she steps up and decides to figure out the mystery herself. Set in the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, this book is not only about a mystery, but also captures the essence of Australia through its beautiful sun and surf. This book an easy beach read, which is ironic, as half of the story is set at a beach.
I was engaged in this novel from the first page and while some parts made me cringe, it was still an enjoyable and interesting read. I recommend this book to students aged 13 and up purely because some parts of this novel are a little graphic and may be hard to understand for younger audiences.
Scarlett McCain is a headstrong, courageous, and slightly stubborn outlaw living in the wild woods of a dystopian England. She’s constantly on the run, constantly in danger, and constantly alone. That is until she meets the survivor of a fatal bus crash, Albert Browne, a boy quite the opposite of Scarlett. Albert is weak, needy, always positive, and forever dependent on Scarlett’s strength and wit. But he is also hiding a secret; an uncontrollable power that has him, like Scarlett, running for his life. The two decide to stick together to ensure they both reach the safety of the Free Isles where no one will question who they are or their convoluted past. But no one said it would be easy. With the help of the boatman Joe, the pair sail down the River Thames to escape the clutches of the Tainted and one very lethal Dr. Calloway. With a few pillaged towns and a bank robbery or two, can the two survive their lives on the run or, worse yet, each other?
Jonathan Stroud’s “The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne” is a thrilling and compelling novel that has you hooked on every word! While the plot took a while to get used to, I found that every page I turned, something new and exciting was awaiting me. I love the contrast between the personalities of Scarlett and Albert; one fierce and one weak, but their friendship is very well thought out and they just seem to balance each other out. I also really enjoyed the setting of a lawless and free England. It had a personality of its own and just added to the adventure and excitement of the novel. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel as it took me out of my comfort zone. It was an incredible find and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves daring adventures and even some witty humour.
Rating: I rate this book 5/5 as it really challenged me to read outside my comfort zone and I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and the adventure the protagonists went through.
Age Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone aged at least 14+ as it does contain some gory scenes that younger readers may find uncomfortable to sit through.
This is a graphic novel that examines the impact of Nazi occupation in France on Jews, in particular a young girl named Sara Blum. But it is more than just a novel about the treatment of Jews, it is a coming-of-age novel, a romance and a book about hope and remembrance.
The story revolves around Sara who lives with her parents Max and Rose in central France. It is the ideal family where Sara lives a comfortable life surrounded by loving parents who spoil their only daughter with nice clothes and toys. When the war breaks out, it seems far away from Sara’s world. When France surrenders in May 1940, nothing really changes for Sara, despite what is happening to Jews in the occupied zone. France at this stage is divided into two sections Vichy France (which is where Sara lives) governed by Frenchmen who have collaborated with the Nazi’s and Occupied France which is directly ruled by the Nazi’s.
The romance which develops between Sara and Julien is slow in lighting. Julien who has suffered from polio as a young boy and is now condemned to move around with crutches and is nicknamed ‘tourteau’ crab and is the butt of jokes from other boys. While Sara sits next to Julien in maths she maintains a distance from him, in fact ignoring him and the way he is mistreated.
The two come together when Sara’s world comes crashing down with the arrival of the Nazi’s who round up Jews (including Sarah’s mother). When they come to the school, Sarah hides from them. She realises that they will return looking for the children who escaped the first round up, until Julien comes to her rescue. He leads her to safety and with his parents hides Sarah until the war ends.
What happens in between is the growing relationship between Sara and Julien. The realisation that her world has changed and that Julien and his parents risk their lives for her. In the end the ultimate sacrifice is made and while that sadness permeates the novel there is another more important message:
“What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it from happening again.” ~ Anne Frank
The novel is a great read but its story is enhanced by the illustrations which makes this a book well worth reading and thinking upon!
Fighting Words by Kimberley Brubaker Bradley tells a story of two sisters, Della and Suki, each dealing with their own trauma of what has happened to them. This book is based on the author’s personal experience. She tells the story in first person as ten-year-old Della, making the story very compelling, powerful and convincing.
The book does deal with difficult topics like neglect, sexual abuse, mental illness and suicide attempts. It is still easy to read because of the conversational tone in which it is written and also because the story is interspersed with funny, heart-warming parts that make you smile. It also has a hope-filled and positive ending and many good people who show an actual fondness for the sisters. Francine, their foster mother, is one example. She presents a rough exterior but deep down seems to genuinely care for the girls and their future.
I could not put this book down because I wanted to know that things would start looking better for these two lovable sisters. The book cover promised me that hope and love would win out.
At one point in the story, Della finds out from Dr. Fremont, that some children have never had to deal with problems like hunger, neglect, abuse and poverty and she cannot quite believe it.
As a mother and as a library professional, I think it is equally important for children who have never had to deal with issues like the ones Della and Suki faced, to read this book – just so they will know that these things can and do happen. It is also good for children who DO face these problems to read this book, so they know they are not alone.
At the end of the author’s note (which you should always, always read) the book has some numbers and websites (pages 259-260) where children can get help for themselves or their mates.
Good for book clubs Deals with sensitive/ difficult topics 13+
What role does history and memory play in our lives, this novella explores these themes based around two historical events: the assassination of the Turkish Consul General in Sydney, December 1980 and the genocide of Armenians by Turkish authorities between April 1915 and the end of World War I. This event is hotly disputed by Turkish authorities today and they do not acknowledge they were responsible for the death of approximately 1.4 million Armenians. One of the interesting connections is that the round up of Armenians began on the night of the 24 April 1915 as Australians began their approach to Gallipoli.
So how does this work out in a novel which runs for just 52 pages? The main character is a teenage boy whose name is Vrezh – whose name coincidently means ‘revenge’. There is a lot to seek revenge for as his grandfather nightly relives the memory of Turkish soldiers coming into his village killing and capturing his family while he hides in a tree. As the novella develops, we hear more about this backstory woven with the genocide itself, and the constant denial of the Turkish governments. Complicating matters is Vrezh’s brother Armen who has been acting strange and could possibly be involved in the assassination.
Vrezh feels he should do something – ‘revenge’ – for what has happened to grandfather, his family and his people and becomes involved through Armen. But as the action advances and he realises that his contribution will lead not only to the death of hated Turks, but also innocent Australians makes him reassess the need for revenge. In the end … well you would need to read the novella itself to find out!
This has certainly been one of the most interesting and thought-provoking books I have read this year. It is also accompanied by three excellent essays which add to the historical nature of the study of genocide and history. This is certainly a book for the older reader and certainly one for the historian. In fact, it would prove an excellent platform for those students who might study Extension History in Year 12 and are looking for a topic for their project.
One of us is next by Karen M. McManus Thank you for attending our Zoom/Research Room Book Club meeting on Thursday, 21st May. We managed a digital and real life conversation for all present but it will be nice to have our next meeting together at school in Week 9 (provided we can appropriately spread out in the Research Room). A few members did not attend as they had not finished reading One of us is next and, understandably, wished to avoid any spoilers (Mrs Lacey and Nitika), and Erica dropped out of Zoom. I hope we did not spoil any part of the novel for Mrs Ryan who was brave enough to join us for a semi-discussion of One of us is next.
I think this discussion is a ‘to-be-continued’ conversation. It’s one of those books with an ending that got us all thinking. After putting the book down, I found myself flipping back to the last page, re-reading it and thinking – what!? Mrs Hanratty discussed her issues with the story not being resolved in the way that a conventional crime/mystery story would normally be resolved. For Mrs Hanratty, this was perhaps a major flaw, as it made it impossible for the reader to identify the character revealed in the finale. Despite a convoluted plot and myriad connections that seem impossibly neat, this is a super-pacy story with an imaginative plot that you won’t want to put down once you reach the final chapters. I look forward to a further conversation with other book club members who finish it by our next meeting. I still want to know how Mrs Hanratty finished reading the book in one night!! (unbelievably fast speed reading).
If you have not read One of us is lying, it is recommended to read this first before reading One of us is next. You can reserve a print copy from the library or check Sora for an ebook copy.
Other books discussed included:
Ms McNamara shared a book that she is thoroughly enjoying and will donate to the library once she has finished reading it. It is the Night train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier. It’s about a man’s journey and there is a movie version on SBS.
Ana has started reading Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills (this could be a good read for our next genre > ‘Contemporary Romance’). Other books by Emma Mills include First & Then and This adventure ends. Both are available in the library’s collection.
Gretel is currently reading Devilishby Maureen Johnson. A Kirkus review makes this statement about Johnson’s writing and this particular book “Although the subject matter would seem to fit the trash genre, Johnson writes with flair, intelligence and humor. Her characters are well-realized as she builds suspense as deftly as Stephen King. Great entertainment and hard to put down.” Sounds like this is an unexpectedly good read. We have quite a few of Maureen Johnson’s books in the collection. You can check the list in eLibrary here.
Anjana has started reading TheSultan’s Eyes by Kelly Gardiner. If you like historical fiction, this novel set in 17th century Venice and the Ottoman Empire sounds like an adventurous, compelling read. This book is the sequel to Act of Faith.
Rachel is extending her reading beyond her preferred genres by reading Little Womenby Louisa May Alcott (as recommended by Miss Kadry and Rachel’s sister). Eight Cousins is another novel written by Louisa May Alcott that is available in the fiction collection.
Bethany is reading Crooked Kingdom, the sequel to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Bardugo’s books are very popular among fantasy readers. If you have enjoyed these books, you might also like to try:
Tips on writing and reflecting about what you have read After reading a book, it’s good to jot down your immediate response to the story and your reading experience. By doing this, you will be more able to recall books after a period of time when you return to your own notes. Over time, you may be surprised and interested to look back to see where your reading journey has taken you over months and years.
Recording your thoughts can take many forms including:
Three-word reviews
One-sentence reviews
Shelf talkers (these are short recommendations like the ones you see posted in bookstores and libraries)
Long-form reviews (an extended review – see the template suggestion below).
You could also use this Book Review template to help scaffold a long-form review. You can keep your review as a record of your personal response to each book you read. If you would like to share your review with our school community, you are welcome to submit it for the student book reviews folder in the library, as well as for publication on the library’s Books & Reading website. (Details about how to submit a review are explained on the template).
Next genre: contemporary romance The next genre to be read for book club will be contemporary romance. I will provide a list of reading suggestions. You can also select your own book for this genre study as long as it fits in the broad category of contemporary romance.
Our future discussion of contemporary romance books will include a review of tropes so keep this in mind while you are reading your selected novel. Common romance tropes include:
Love triangle
Friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden love
You can discover more romance tropes by reading this article.
In our next book club meeting, we will also discuss the best books to read during lockdown (i.e your COVID good book recommendation).
Book Club survey: Future genres Please complete this form to vote for your preferred genres for Book Club for the second half of 2020 and the beginning of 2021.
All the best for the rest of Term 2 as we return to face-to-face teaching and learning. Until our next meeting in Week 9, happy reading!
Thanks to everyone who attended our first Book Club meeting for 2020. This was our 19th meeting since Book Club’s inception at Cerdon a few years ago. Welcome to all new members who were able to join us on Thursday, 27th February. We look forward to sharing our reading journeys with you in 2020. A number of you have commented that your reason for joining is to make a commitment to regular reading and completing books. I hope that we can inspire you and help you connect to books for your own personal enjoyment and that you won’t want to stop reading.
For students who were unable to attend the first meeting, that’s okay. In sharing the recording and book club notes, you will be able to follow the discussion and read along over the next few weeks. Read the notes below and then you can find a fantasy book to read if you would like to explore this genre. If you have any questions about Book Club, see Mrs Sylaprany, Mrs Ryan or Mrs Hanratty.
Call down the hawk by Maggie Stiefvater
This meeting was a general catch-up after the summer school holidays as well as a discussion about fantasy books, the first genre we will be reading for the year. Originally we had planned to focus on urban fantasy books, but as discussed, we have broadened this to include any books from the genre of fantasy. Fantasy fiction involves settings where magic or enchantment occurs. Urban fantasy novels are set in the real world, in a recognisable urban setting with magical elements present, whereas fantasy novels take place in a separate world with its own timelines, culture and history.
Why read fantasy? Dunn (2018, August) provides some great reasons for considering this popular genre:
You can enter a world or worlds where magic is possible, and problems of real life can be put aside or seem far away.
The characters in fantasy stories often work their way through conflicts which teens can relate to in their own daily lives and the choices they are faced with.
Fantasy can often involve characters facing hurdles or quests that they work through to come to a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Themes in fantasy books are often universal themes such as finding true love, good versus evil, defending one’s honour, having a purpose, fighting for what you believe in, and love conquering all.
As you read your selected fantasy book, think about some of these reasons to see if they resonate with you and your reading experience.
You can choose any book from the genre of fantasy to read over the next few weeks and then bring it for discussion at our next Book Club meeting which will be held in Week 9. There are so many subgenres within fantasy that it really is a matter of personal taste and interest in terms of which book you choose for yourself. This list of fantasy subgenres includes some book suggestions in eLibrary:
Miss Kadry has put together a wonderful list of recommended fantasy book suggestions for book club (view this PDF: Fantasy Books for Bookclub (2)). This list of recommendations from Miss Kadry is visually appealing and an easy way to identify books by specific fantasy subgenres that appeal to you. You can then look the book up in eLibrary for further information and availability.
Crown of feathers by Nicki Pau Preto
For students who love reading fantasy books, you might like to consider some new additions to the collection (see the library staff to borrow or reserve these books):
During our book club discussion, Mrs Hanratty shared her response to reading My name is not Peaseblossom by Jackie French. Other books by Jackie French which may be of interest include:
These books are also on the Premier’s Reading Challenge list.
One of us is lying by Karen M. McManus
For Term 2, Book Club will read One of us is next by Karen M. McManus, the sequel toOne of us is lying (which was very popular with book club members last year and YA readers in general). If you have not read the first book, One of us is lying, copies are available at school, and via Sora. See the library staff for assistance.
Future Book Club meetings will be held in Week 3 and Week 9.
One of us is next by Karen M. McManus
Future genres to be read for 2020 based on book club discussions will include:
Mystery
Romance
Murder/Crime/Thriller (historical crime)
Dystopian
If there is any other genre or book you would like to suggest, please let Mrs Sylaprany know.
Happy reading during Term 1! Mrs Sylaprany, Mrs Ryan & Mrs Hanratty
Reference
Dunn, L. (2018, August). All about fantasy fiction for teens. Learn about genres. Retrieved from Novelist Plus database.
I must say that our final book club meeting for the year was a lot of fun! We shared an earnest conversation about books we have loved and enjoyed. Many past book club favourites popped up plus books that are generally popular in the collection. Our discussion reminded me a little of a pinball machine, where we conversations and comments kept bouncing across the table about books, but in a good way. Apologies to anyone who cannot follow the entire audio conversation (you kind of had to be there to understand all of it, I think!).
Broadly (and I use the term loosely), we discussed the following:
Books we have read recently
What we are planning to read during the holidays
Genres – suggestions about genres to read in 2020.
As we discussed so many books, I am not going to write about each one. However, for any students still wondering about what to read for the holidays, I think this discussion by our book club will give you a great reading list to start with (in no particular order):
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo
James Patterson books
Leigh Bardugo books (eg Shadow & Bone)
Words in deep blue by Cath Crowley
We were liars by E. Lockhart
Genuine fraud by E. Lockhart
The fault in our stars by John Green
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Percy Jackson series
This adventure ends by Emma Mills
First & Then by Emma Mills
Foolish hearts by Emma Mills
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
One of us is lying by Karen M. McManus
Two can keep a secret by Karen M. McManus
The Perfectionists by Sara Shepard
The maze runner by James Dashner
All the bright places by Jennifer Niven
The meeting also included interesting discussions about:
Being in a reading slump and looking for that great next book to read
Reading on a Kindle vs iPad vs print (general consensus was that ‘flipping pages is still better’)
We also discussed authors reading their own books or other creative works. Mrs Sylaprany spoke about Hugh Mackay reading his book, Australia Reimagined, and Ms McNamara spoke about the poet, Dylan Thomas, reading his poetry aloud (Ms McNamara has donated a CD recording of Dylan Thomas’ poetry to the library for students to borrow).
This discussion started a further interesting conversation about audio books in general. In summary, book club members felt that:
Authors can read their own stories but they have to be able to read well
Students love hearing Miss Young reading poetry aloud
Morris Gleitzman is amazing to listen to when he reads his books (e.g Once, Then etc)
Many book club members expressed that they prefer to read on their own books
Some members felt that they can’t always comprehend when teachers read at a slower pace (for the rest of the class)
Therefore, book club members enjoy reading on own (if the class is going too slow)
In terms of genre preferences for 2020, we have the following list to get started with:
Mystery
Romance
Murder/Crime/Thriller
Low fantasy or urban fantasy? (newly published books)
If there is any other genre or book you would like to include, please add it to this list or let Mrs Sylaprany know.
We look forward to hearing about what you have read over the holidays in Term 1 next year. Until then, happy summer holiday reading!
