Still no fixed address by Jackie Hartnell

Find this book at your library


Genre - Non-fiction

Jackie has travelled extensively through the world, mainly by herself and sometimes with members of her family. Her travel dialogues are very easy to read, enjoyable and entertaining.

With a backpack an an enquiring mind, Jackie has adventures in southern England, Spain, Prague, Norway, Cambodia and Vietnam. The details of her 'moto' rides in Cambodia and her funny experiences in outback Australia are just two examples of her travels. Read her first book, No fixed address, for further fun and adventures.



---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully

Bad Hair Days by Pamela Bone

Find this book at your library



Genre - Non-fiction


This biography was published in 2007 while Pamela was in remission from cancer. Pamela was a well known Melbourne Age journalist, feminist, human rights champion and a passionate advocate for women. This is not a true step by step account of medical intervention but a journey into an extremely interesting and often sad struggle to awake the Australian public about the reality of the happenings to humans in Africa, especially children and women. A moving look at serious illness and how it affects sufferers and their families. Pamela died on 27 April 2007.

---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully

La Vie Parisienne : looking for love and the perfect lingerie by Janelle McCulloch

Find this book at your library



Genre - Non-fiction

If you have ever visited Paris, this book is a good reminder of the feel of the atmosphere of this city. Janelle has caught the essence of a Parisian in the respect that she has spent many hours studying the culture, especially the female of the species. Being well dressed and wearing high heeled shoes are a must for the women and the men just love females. There are great descriptions of walking in the back streets of Paris and the gazing that happens when sitting having coffee in one of their many wonderful cafes. You will learn about food, wine and local titbits of everyday life. As quoted in her book, ‘An education in style, glamour, gastronomy and grace in a place where even the asparagus spears are exquisite’. I loved the black and white photographs that really complement the style of book.

---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully

Muck by Craig Sherborne

Find this book at your library

Genre - Autobiography


In Craig Sherborne's first book, Hoi Polloi, you learnt of his journey from New Zealand to Sydney, Australia. In Muck you venture more into his life as he grows up. His parents buy a large dairy farm and decide to become "Lords of the Manor" with other people doing all the work. There are many funny stories and incidents in this book but throughout you remain aware of how dysfunctional his family truly are.

---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully Library

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Find this book at your library

Read more reviews

Genre - Biography


Ayaan Hirsi Ali writes a fascinating account of her experience as a child growing up in Islamic Somalia. As the middle child of her family, she was often told that she was stupid and would amount to nothing. She shares her hardships with Islamic culture, the wars, and the control of the masses. She describes the female circumcision she was subjected to, against the wishes of her parents, by her grandmother. Her life changed when she became a refugee in The Netherlands. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and applaud her for her courage to publish her life story.

---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully Library

Broken by Ilsa Evans

Find this book at your library

Genre - Family


After years of abuse from her husband, Mattie decides that she has had enough and decides to move out to a nearby unit. However, her husband, Jake, is not willing to see her leave the family home and causes many more problems. Mattie discovers the joyless search for a job and Centrelink benefits for her two children. This book looks at the serious problem of domestic violence and how it effects both the wife and children.

---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully Library