overratedmemory

[overratedmemory]

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Middle grade romance novel that deals with the theme of valuing strength of character rather than appearance and financial status. Julie Baker is authentic and marches to the beat of her own drum. She is, however, obsessed with her good looking neighbour Bryce, who can't see past the surface and cares too much about what others might think of him. There are so many great things about this book but I was surprised to see, in a book published in 2001, things that have not passed the test of time: the teenage sister that is constantly on a diet, the casual references to what is perceived as "women behaviour" and the repeated use of the word retarded to describe Julie's uncle, who has a severe disability and lives in a private care facility, as a result of the umbilical chord being wrapped twice around his neck during birth. Ages 12 + Finished January 2024

[overratedmemory]

The keys to the kingdom (7 books) by Garth Nix

[overratedmemory]

On the Jelicoe Road by Melina Marquetta

Interesting YA book but a bit too dramatic. A bit too much tragedy for me. Themes of death, grief, friendships, love, drug abuse, child abuse, depression. Story told in two perspectives (characters in the past and characters in the present, separated by 17 years). The mystery of Taylor (present time protagonist) is gradually explained, as both stories meet. Finished September 2022.

[overratedmemory]

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

Excellent YA book. Themes of depression, family, romantic love, toxic friendships, sexism, new school. For my memory: Fankie moves from an all-girls school to a former boys school that now also admits girls in year 12. Frankie misses her old school and friends and is finding hard adapting and making friends in the new school. Frankie's mother is severely depressed and Frankie and her brother are struggling to cope and understand. Frankie supresses her personality in order to fit in and as the book progresses, realises her old friends were never really good for her and eventually makes good friends and is able to be herself. Finished september 2022.

[overratedmemory]

Mister Monday by Garth Nix

So fun and original. Whatever is Garth Nix's mind made of 🤣? YA but suitable for upper primary. Notes for memory: Arthur, asthma, creation, epidemic, keys, the house, the will, time. Finished September 2022.

[overratedmemory]

Murder most unladylike by Robin Stevens

Entertaining but I didn't love it. Fell like I need to read another one in the series to make up my mind. Historical fiction, mystery, friendships, boarding school. Finished August 2022.

[overratedmemory]

Remarkable creatures by Tracy Chevalier

Really enjoyed this historical fiction book inspired by the life of Mary Anning. Even though I don't have a particular interest in paleontology, this was a fascinating story. It transported me to the late 1800s - a time where gender and birth status completely dictated a person's life. Oh, the horrors of being a horrors of being a woman from a poor family at that time... Adult read. Finished August 2022.

[overratedmemory]

Blubber by Judi Blume

Fantastic middle grade read. Judi Blume at her best. Realistic fiction. Themes of bullying, mob behaviour, families and friendship. The author doesn't shy away from portraying the main character, Jill, as flawed, at times cruel and selfish. Published 48 years ago but as relevant as ever. Finished August 2022.

[overratedmemory]

Aurora Rising, Aurora Burning and Aurora's end by Amie Kaufman

Fun YA trilogy. Sci Fi. Finished August 2022.

[overratedmemory]

A spoonful of murder by J.M Hall

Entertaining crime mystery. Finished August 2022.

[overratedmemory]

Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children by Ransom Riggs

Finally read this book that had been sitting forever on my TBR pile. Interesting idea, born of real old strange photos collected by the author. Pretty scary, specially the people-eating monsters! The print edition is better then audio because the photos really enhance the story. Upper primary (at least) read. I'm not sure if I like it or not. I liked many things, the main character, the grandfather, the old house and the island. I did not like the children much, except for the strong girl. There is something missing to make a connection with the character of Emma. The kid who reanimates corpses was plain disgusting - did not like that part of the story one bit... and there are holes in the plot that annoyed me. For one, it was ridiculous that Jacob's grandfather - a former soldier and skilled monster hunter knew that a deadly monster was after him and instead of breaking into the locked cupboard containing his guns, wasted time calling Jacob, looking around for the key and ended up leaving the house defenceless. The time travelling, the loops, etc... it doesn't add up. The villain? I guessed it was the psychiatrist straightaway. And weren't the children supposed to age quickly and die if they left the loop? Ages 13+ Finished July 2022.

[overratedmemory]

August and Jones by Pip Harry

Another winner middle grade novel by Pip Harry. Realistic fiction jam packed with themes of family (including siblings relationships, parent-child relationships and marital beak-up) , friendship, grief, cancer, disability, bravery, sport (AFL, running, mountain climbing), failure, depression (a bit of gaslighting moments), moving from country to city, mean behaviours (classmates and team mates), being true to self and acceptance. Phew... Surprisingly, all this is done without making this story a heavy read. It is light, enjoyable and age appropriate. Great characters all round. Ages 9+. Finished July 2022.

[overratedmemory]

The simple gift by Steven Herrick

Loved this YA novel about grief, friendship, belonging and love. Beautifully written, great characters, touching story. Ages 12+ Finished July 2022.

[overratedmemory]

The railway children by Edith Nesbit (abridged)

I hadn't realised it was a short version until it ended, very shortly. Still, lovely story. Father falsely accused of espionage and imprisoned, children had to move with their mother and entertain themselves exploring the neighbourhood and particularly watching the trains. Themes of hardship, injustice and loss. Ages 9+. Finished July 2022.

[overratedmemory]

Blueback by Tim Winton

Lovely little book particularly for anyone who loves the ocean and marine life. Themes of environment protection, family, loss, grief. Ages 8+. Finished July 2022.

[overratedmemory]

A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey

Amazing life story (1894-1982). A tale of hardship, grief, resilience and optimism. An incredible insight into Australia's recent history with accounts of settlement by European farmers, WWI, depression and WWII. Finished July 2022

[overratedmemory]

Seven Little Australians by Ethel Turner

Australian classic. Published in 1894. Back in the day, this was a children's book that would have entertained and delighted readers with its humorous tone and account of all the mischiefs the children got themselves into. Today, however, it is a fascinating insight into a culture and lifestyle that are no longer accepted. Babies were left in the care of their (quite young) siblings. Children were completely unsupervised and parents had no idea where they were all day long. A child leaving a baby for their father to care for a couple of hours was an act of such misconduct that it demanded punishment (in that case, the actual banishment of the unruly child to boarding school). The middle aged father takes a wife that is 20 years old and only slightly older than his oldest child (ha! that hasn't changed!) The children were not invited to their father's wedding. Children ate separately to adults and were given much worse food. Physical punishment (lashes and all) were the norm. I find that this book is no longer fit for young children to read. It is now a book that requires maturity to be appreciated. I would say 12+. Really enjoyed. Finished July 2022.