THE LAST SNOW GUM
By Anthony Sharwood and Anna Langford
$36.99
This is an homage to the most unique, kaleidoscopic, gravity-defying trees, a call to action, and a round of applause to the most stunning variety of gum trees. In this incredibly interesting and readable new book, well-loved author of From Snow and Kosciuszko Anthony Sharwood, and climate activist Anna Langford, write on the rapidly declining snow gums, an icon of Australia’s unique High Country. Sadly, these twisted, gnarled beauties are facing major threats to their ongoing survival and can only be saved through appropriate measures that we must put in place now.
Weaving anecdotes and personal reflections with natural history and science, the authors lay out the current threats facing these beautiful trees, investigate innovate ways that local communities and organisations are tackling this crisis, and offer an optimistic vision of our continued coexistence with these one-of-a-kind stunners.
FICTIONAL SELVES
By Kyle MacLachlan
$55.00
Kyle MacLachlan, star of the cult TV show Twin Peaks, takes an introspective look back on his long, storied acting career. Wasting no time, the first chapter launches you into his whirlwind experience on the set of David Lynch’s Dune at the age of 21. Dune thrusts him from an obscure stage actor to a rising film star, but the movie’s commercial failure stalls his career seemingly before it’s started. What develops from that failure, however, is a lasting friendship and collaboration with Lynch, and his work in Lynch’s later projects remain his most indelible roles to this day.
Well-written and chock full of humorous anecdotes, Fictional Selves stands out among other celebrity autobiographies thanks to MacLachlan’s unassuming modesty and self-reflection, providing thoughtful passages on how his on-screen roles have influenced his life path, his friendships and his own mercurial self-image.
Review by the Sun Bookshop – sunbookshop.com
THE PALACE OF LOST VIRTUE
By Anthea Hodgson
Set in the goldfields of Western Australia in 1898, this story takes us into a difficult world where people come searching for gold, money and a better life.
Marigold and Pansy are two very different women. Marigold is brave and wants to help women in need. Pansy has had a hard life, but she is still kind and caring.
I found the friendship between Marigold and Pansy interesting. They come from very different worlds, but slowly learn to understand each other. Their friendship is tested by betrayal and violence.
The gold rush was not a good time for everyone. Many women had very hard lives, especially those without money or protection. Behind the gold were poverty, violence, and people simply trying to survive.
For me, this is a story about forgiveness and revenge. It shows how hard it can be to forgive when you have been deeply hurt.
I liked how the story gives a voice to women who are often forgotten in history. Marigold and Pansy are both strong in their own ways. They show that being strong can mean surviving hard times, being kind and having the courage to make difficult choices.
An emotional historical story about friendship, survival, forgiveness and revenge.
MUSIC, MAYHEM AND MATRIMONY
By Julie Anne Grasso
A dead host, six hopefuls, and trouble around every corner… yep, I was curious!
I’m really grateful I got an advance copy of Music, Mayhem and Matrimony by Julie Anne Grasso.
Set in an English country estate in the 1930s, the story follows Lettice, who arrives hoping to impress a famous publisher. Instead, she finds herself competing with five other people in a series of strange and sometimes funny challenges set by her aunt.
Things get serious when a character suddenly dies. Lettice must prove she didn’t do the killing, while also dealing with a tricky marriage proposal.
I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, humour, romance and chaos. It kept me curious. I especially loved the parts about sewing techniques and the story time for children.
A fun and easy mystery with a lovely old fashioned setting. I really enjoyed this one!
Reviews by Aryani Siti
