|
Nice
Try by Shane Maloney
A very witty, amusing and captivating book that took hold of
me like a wild Indian gastric disorder.
The characters are very “real” and as the book is based
in Melbourne, the entire storyline is easy to relate to ( like my Aunt…)
Mr Peter Rickard (Music)
The Haunting of L by Howard Norman
Like all his books, it’s bizarre, unsettling, rather obscure, sparsely
but beautifully written. I read it mainly while traveling on several bullet
trains in Japan in the September holidays. The trains go so fast you don’t
get to see the scenery anyway!
Mr Nick Pacitti (Head of Maths)
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
A wonderful satire on the modern American family with the central premise that
when we speak with our 'dearest', those we 'love' (or say we love) we cannot
help but verbally correct them in some superior/resentful way and this shows
in personal and work relationships!
Dr Mark Collins (English)
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Attwood
This Booker winning masterpiece blends mystery, futuristic fantasy and family
saga. It masterfully poses the question: how much are the bad turns of one's
life determined by things beyond our control, like sex and class, and how
much by personal responsibility? Atwood's foray into this moral terrain is
complex, surprising and always entertaining.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
F.
Scott Fitzgerald’s attempt to confront his conflicting feelings
about the Jazz Age through the eyes of his fascinated young narrator,
Nick Carraway.
Carraway reluctantly comes to see through the glitter to the moral emptiness
and hypocrisy beneath, yet remains as intoxicating and refreshing as ever.
Make yourself another Long Island Iced Tea and read it again!
Mr Jamieson Kane (English)
Transmission by Hari Kunzru
After making a big splash with his first novel, The Impressionist, Kunzru’s
second effort is a wickedly funny send-up of marketing consultancies, Bollywood
film stars and computer geeks who wreak havoc with viruses. It ranges from
India to the UK and the US and is perceptive about the state of the modern
world as well as having its comic elements.
The Known World by Edward P. Jones
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize last year, this novel about an African American
slave owner and the many moral complications that slavery involves is somewhat
of a slow burn, but will get you hooked promptly. You’ll find your
self caring deeply about the characters and outraged at the treatment they
receive.
Mr Blair Mahoney (English)
Beyond Belief by VS Naipaul.
This is a collection of interviews with people in ‘Converted’ countries-
i.e. the Islamic world beyond Arabia. It is well written and offers tremendous
insights into the state of Islam today.
Mrs Marnie O’Bryan (English)
Jeeves and Wooster Omnibus by P.G. Wodehouse.
I love P.G. Wodehouse's writing because it never fails to make me laugh. His
wit, brilliantly drawn characters and hilarious plots make him a comic genius.
His stories are escapist fun, and a great way to wind down after a stressful
day.
Dr Mark Johnston (Head of History)
Zen Golf by Joseph Parent
I found that this book assisted
me in feeling more relaxed and focused while playing golf as well as in my day-to-day
life. The author is a practising
Shambala Buddhist. He sets out an approach to golf - and life – that
is based on a “PAR” system (corny, I know …): Preparation,
Action Response. This is not a book that teaches the techniques of the various
swings, strokes, etc. It teaches an approach to golf that is suitable to
all.
Mr Ken Wheat (Head of Upper School)
One flew over the cuckoo’s nest by Ken Kesey
A classic which I hadn’t read before, and LOVED IT!! The power struggle
between the patients and a nurse in a mental institution, in the days when
electric shock was used as a therapy and also as a punishment.
Ms Kris Paterson (Library)
The Great Australian Diet by Dr John Tickell
A really common sense approach to healthy eating and diets. Tickell has great
enthusiasm for life and enjoying the ‘good things’ like eating
and a glass of wine or two!
Mr Barry Price (Director of Sport)
 |
 I
felt that I was living in Angelis too.
Mrs Libby Moore (Head of IT)
|
The Turning by Tim Winton
I found the stories gripping
and enjoyed the thread he wove throughout them all. Whilst reading the book I
was on holiday at the beach. The stories are
set in Angelis, a seaside town in WA. I felt that I was living in Angelis
too. I knew the people and followed their life journeys. The stories carried
with them an element of despair and did not have a climax or happy ending.
I think Tim Winton is having a mid life crisis!
Mrs Libby Moore (Head of IT)
Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
The story of Daniel, who chooses from the Cemetery of Forgotten Books the title ‘Shadow
of the Wind’. The story and its implications leads him to explore the
lives and characters in the story, ultimately bringing Daniel to face his own
mortality through the maze of events which lead to the novel’s conclusion.
Ninety-Three by Victor Hugo
This great novel by literary giant, Victor Hugo is set in France in 1793. I
had the Chinese translation before and tried to get an English version for
my daughter and myself. But I could not find any copies in Melbourne and
ordered it from America. It is a great book for me and any layman to read
a vivid account of the time of French revolution meanwhile enjoying the plot
and characters in this book.
Mr Luke Jiang (Chinese)
|
a
father’s memoir about the death of his son Josh in the
Bali bombings
|
Remembering Josh: Bali, a father's story by Brian Deegan
This Australian book is a father’s memoir about the death of his son Josh
in the Bali bombings. Deegan describes the life of his son, the time when he
learnt of his death and the bureaucracy he had to deal with in order to retrieve
his son’s body. A very personal perspective on this tragic event.
Eucalytpus by Murray Bail
An Australian farmer who has an obsession with the eucalytus species decides
that the man who can name all the eucalyti on his vast property can have
the hand of his beautiful daughter. Well written though the gammit of the
eucalyptus species is treated ad nauseum in the plotline.
Mr Glen Robins (French)
Secret Sanction by Brian Haig
A great read. An enjoyable story, with conspiracy involving the highest ranking
US officials and US Army officers. It combines the horror and reality of
war with the twists and intrigue of a cover-up. Fast moving suspense.
Mr Chris Appel (Head of Year 7)
|
Set
in the early 1900’s Melbourne...
|
The Burnt City by Marshall Browne
Set in the early 1900’s Melbourne, this story evokes the feel of life
in that era, both of the upper echelons of society and the fate of the lower
classes as times become harder. A vivid portrait of our city in all its past
glory and despair.
Temple by Matthew Reilly
Incredibly exciting thriller set in the jungles of South America. Matthew Reilly
successfully threads together ancient legend with modern day treasure hunt.
The 3 Miss Margarets by Louise Shaffer
The best book I have read all year! Beautifully written story set in America’s
deep south. Centres around a secret that 3 friends have sought to keep hidden
for decades.
Mr John Prior (Maths) *with a bit of help from his wife!
Tell No One by Harlan Coben
Eight years ago Dr Beck’s wife was kidnapped, mutilated and murdered
in an incident he has yet to recover from. He then receives an email that brings
all that he believed into question. Follow the twists and turns of his pursuit.
A fast moving easy read
Mr Richard Bayliss (PE)
|
This
is a true story about four backpackers.
|
Heart of the Amazon by Yossi Ghinsberg.
This is a true
story about four backpackers who trek into the Amazon on a ‘once
in a lifetime’ adventure. It all starts off well, however the group of
four quickly become lost in the jungle. One of the group, Yossi Ghinsberg, was
eventually found after 20 days wondering through the Amazon. Two of his companions
were never found. It is an easy read which I would recommend to anyone with an
interest in South America or anyone who enjoys survival stories.
Mr Scott Armour (PE)
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
A wonderful story about different families and their struggles (successful
and unsuccessful) to live in rural and urban India. It helped bring alive
a lot of what I saw on the Himalayan Expedition!
Going Native; living in the Australian environment by Michael Archer and Bob
Beale.
A thought provoking account of how European settlement has destroyed the Australian
environment and what we need to do create a sustainable future.
Mr Tim Byrnes (Head of Commerce)
Music and Silence by Rose Tremain.
Beautifully written, funny, incisive. Strong characters and sense of time and
place. The King’s wife is a scream!
Mr Rob Hortin (English)
Black Juice by Margo Lanagan
These short stories “blew
me away” with their diversity, their
strength and their originality. 2004 Premier’s award winner.
Ms Suzette Boyd (Head of Library)
|
Gut
wrenching descriptions of the fight of survival on the
life raft.
|
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
A great read on many levels. Enjoyable observations about the validity
of various religions and some thoughtful comments about man’s relationship
to animals. Gut wrenching descriptions of the fight of survival on the
life
raft. And an intriguing twist at the end that leaves the reader with many
questions and a desperate need to discuss!
Ms Rachel Kerr (Library)
Whiteout by Ken Follett
A lethal virus has been stolen! Knife-edged drama with intriguing characters
fast paced excitement all the way. A great read.
Ms. Sharon Roth (Library)
Rose Boys by Peter Rose
Don't cast this book aside because you are not interested in football. This
is a biography of a wonderful family and the way in which they cope with
the quadriplegia of older son Robert.
Marlene Bevan (Chemistry Dept)
Playing with Fire by Henning Mankell
Not another detective novel but a story, based on fact, of a family living
in a village in Mozambique and the impact of civil war and HIV Aids on it.
A worthwhile read.
Marlene Bevan (Chemistry Dept)
|
This
is a great
read for lovers of good books.
|
The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler
This book gives an insight into the past and present lives of the friends who
belong to the Jane Austin Book Club. Each friend has a favourite Austen book
which they review (quite heatedly sometimes) each month at one another’s
homes. They are all going through some “drama” or “trauma” at
present and we read about their very interesting and funny past. This is a great
read for lovers of good books. Highly recommended with 4 stars out of 5.
Kathy Hyde (Printroom)
That Certain Age by Elizabeth Buchan.
This book traces a period in the lives of two women who never meet - one in
1960 and one in the 21st century - the former being restricted by have no
choice and the latter has too much choice. With gentle but penetrating wit
and insight, Elizabeth Buchan tells the story of these two women whose lives
are separated by fifty years, but linked in a variety of subtle and surprising
ways as they try to make sense of the conflicting demands of liberation and
duty, freedom and necessity, and the pursuit of happiness.
Val Hyde (Secretary Sports Dept)
Almost French by Sarah Turnbull
Experiences of a young Australian journalist living in Paris and falling in
love with a gorgeous Frenchman. Romantic but gritty as the highs and lows
are first hand experiences and all expressed from an Australian’s perspective.
Easy and enjoyable read.
Lillian White (Vice Principal’s Secretary)
The Chocolate King by Jill Robertson
A very interesting account of the life of Sir Macpherson Robertson
Hugh Wilson (Finance Manager)
The Return of the Dancing Master by Henning
Mankell
Compelling reading, captured my attention from page 1. Wonderful use of historical
references revealing an insight into life during WWII.
Robyn Doherty (Secretary, History Dept)
The Runes of the Earth by Stephen Donaldson
It takes over from where the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant ended twenty tears
ago, and with Linden Avery as the central figure, pursues the fate of the
Land with the chilling twist of the harruchai becoming apparently the destroyers
of the Land rather than the guardians. It is the first in the new series
(The Final Chronicles of Thomas Covenant) and I have therefore gone back
to the original ones for a refresher course.
I am on book 5 from 6 at the moment. Still quite compelling despite Donaldson's
propensity for purple passages and arcane language!
Alan Watkinson (Director of Development)
Surrender,
by Sonya
Hartnett
Can Sonya Hartnett get any bleaker? On the evidence of this, her
latest novel, the answer is yes. She is one of Australia's finest
prose stylists, but she sure is depressing. Do not read if you're
having a bad day, otherwise give it a go.
Mr Blair Mahoney (English)
Wolves
Eat Dogs, by Martin Cruz Smith
Smith resurrects Renko, the star inspector in Gorky Park (great
film, too), Polar Star and Red Square. A “new Russian”
plunges ten floors to his death in Moscow – a suicide? Investigator
Renko suspects not, especially as his commander (militia) is in
such a hurry to close the case. When the dead man’s best friend
is also found dead in Chernobyl, his body at the entrance to a village
cemetery, off limits due to the disaster in 1986 and with his throat
slit, Renko is sent to the Ukraine to investigate. A frightening
place not only because of the spectre of the sarcophagus of Reactor
4 looming large on the horizon, but also because there are wolves
everywhere.
Mr Ken Wheat (Head of Upper School)
Saturday,
by Ian McEwan.
A beautiful and insightful book. (I predict another Booker for IM).
Set in London on the day of the anti-Iraq war demonstrations, Henry
Perowne, a successful neuro-surgeon who loves his wife and family
has his contented lifestyle disrupted by a minor car accident and
its consequences. The emotions, thoughts and memories of this man
are sensitively portrayed.
Mrs Mim Blomquist (Library)
Revenge
of the Middle-Aged Woman, by Elizabeth Buchan.
A funny, sophisticated look at a contemporary family – sad
but perceptive and well written.
Mrs Lilliane White (Vice-Principal’s Secretary)
The
Charlie Parker series,
by John Connolly
I have been reading John Connolly over the last couple of years and
although I have just finished the White Road it is the 4th Charlie
Parker book and reading out of order would kind of spoil the others.
They are, in order Every Dead Thing, Dark Hollow, Killing Kind, and
White Road. Charlie Parker is a private investigator and Connolly
writes about his confrontations with the extremes of society with
a dark malevolence and little in the way of moral posturing, at times
a truly horrific read!
Mr Richard Bayliss (Physical Education)
Seducing
Mr Maclean, by Loubna Haikal
When Naitim's family swaps war-torn Beirut for the outer suburbs
of Melbourne, all hopes rest with their daughter who hopes to be
a Doctor, a hence the saviour of the family. Belly dancing at restaurants
and skilful manipulation of Medical Professors lead the reader on
a funny journey of life in Melbourne through the eyes of a Lebanese
family.
Mr Peter Rickard (Music)
The
Da Vinci Code,
by Dan Brown
I found the plot realistic without being ridiculous. The intrigue
was great and the numerous attempts I had to deduce the villain
were challenging without being frustrating.
I also enjoyed the descriptions of various landmarks as I had visited
a number of them in my youth. This brought back fond memories. Finally
I found the book an easy read. You could put it down for a time
and pick it up without losing the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mr Simon Hood (Physical Education)
Losing
My Virginity,
by Richard Branson
So that's why he's got so much money!! and a sense of humour,,,a
great rags to riches tale
Ms Julie Young (Nursing staff)
|
A great yarn if you know your history and European
geography.
Mr Ken Wheat
(Head of Upper School)
|
The
Last Legion,
by Valerio Massimo Manfredi
The most recent work by this star scribe. He also wrote the Alexander
triology, Spartan and a couple of others that I have not read. Again,
he chooses ancient settings. It’s 476 CE and the empire is crumbling.
A legionnaire, some of his comrades, a formidable female fighter and
the emperor’s tutor – he’s only 12 escape from the
barbarians to England where the story segues into the Arthurian legend
a long bow, but it works. Lots of battles, death-defying escapes and
personal suffering. A great yarn if you know your history and European
geography.
Mr Ken Wheat (Head of Upper School)
Kafka
on the Shore,
by Haruki Murakami
An unidentified flying object that appears over Japan during World
War Two, a man who can speak to cats, a ghostly visitation from
someone who is not dead, and just who could 15-year-old Kafka’s
mother and sister really be? Do Johnnie Walker and Colonel Sanders
have the answers? Maybe the entrance stone will make things clear.
Probably not, though. This is an hallucinatory romp through modern
day Japan that, although it doesn’t make much sense, is utterly
riveting.
Mr Blair Mahoney (English)
Touching
the Void, by Joe Simpson
A short but great read, sure to become a “classic”. Tells
the story of Joe and climbing partner Simon negotiating a steep mountain
descent in the Peruvian Andes. Joe’s leg is badly fractured;
he falls into a deep crevasse; in desperation and out of self-preservation
Simon ‘cuts the rope’. Joe writes a stunning and intimate
account of an incredible circumstance – definitely a “hard
to put down” book!
Mrs Jan Dunn (Bursar’s Secretary)
Across
the Nightingale Floor,
by Lian Hearn
A beautifully written, poignant story, set back in the time of Japanese
feudal lords, written from the perspective of the main protagonist,
that captures the historical and cultural elements of the era well.
I particularly enjoyed the surprisingly well drawn characters and
the grace of the Samurai values and the minimizing of conflict for
its own sake ,reminds me very strongly of the appeal of the afilm
with the same quality, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Mr Warwick Barry (English)
Generals
Die in Bed,
by Charles Yale Harrison.
(First published 1928. Reprinted 2002)
One of the first books to be written by a soldier who fought on the
Western Front in WW I.
It is shockingly realistic. The 20 year old new recruit faces death
daily, from combat, from disease, from accidents and from monumentally
dishonest orders from his military leaders. It certainly dispels any
romantic myths young men might have about the excitement of war. Couldn't
put it down
Ms Suzette Boyd (Head of Library)
Citizens: Chronicle of
the French Revolution, by Simon Schama,
Schama writes history with style, wit and moral sense-quite unpopular
with many historians! His analysis of political art and rhetoric
is long overdue and a lively companion to ideas and personalities.
A top read.
Dr Mark Collins (English)
French Women Don't Get Fat,
by Mireille Guiliano
A book about attitude, about joi de vivre, about savouring not only
what you eat, but all that life has to offer. There are of course
insights into why the French are considered to be the world's gastronomiques.
Fresh food, the best ingredients and until recently, rejection of
the Americanization of eating habits. There are some deliciously
tantalizingly simple recipes in the book, for the reader's enjoyment........superb!
Ms Suzette Boyd (Head of Library)
|
A must for any readers interested in polar geography,
teamwork, leadership, determination and perseverance.
|
South With Endurance: Shackleton’s
Antarctic Expedition 1914-1917, photographs by Frank Hurley
An Inspirational photographic essay of the heroic expedition to Antarctica
and following the Endurance being crushed by the ice, the epic successful
survival story and rescue bid with Shackleton and a selected crew
reaching South Georgia Whaling Station after the leaving the rest
of the crew on Elephant Island…A must for any readers interested
in polar geography, teamwork, leadership, determination and perseverance.
Shackleton - leader, team member, courageous and ambitious, determined
to beat all odds. All of his crew survived.
Mr Tony Glover (Science)
Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides
A story spanning three generations of Calliope Stephanides' family.
The narrative moves backwards and forwards between Cal's new reality
as an hermaphrodite to trace the family history of his incestuous
grandparents and parents. A fascinating account of Calliope's physical,
emotional and sexual discovery.
Ms Rachel Kerr (Library)
The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel
Hawthorne
I decided to read this book as a result of my participation in the
Kingswood-Oxford exchange in Connecticut, USA. This ‘novel’
is a common class text in American schools because it is seen as
a beautiful but spare tale (only 200 pages) highlighting the various
moral and personal challenges embedded in puritan 18th century America.
It centres around the personal trials of a woman (Hester Prynne)
who is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” on the front
of her dress as a punishment for her adultery. Her refusal to reveal
the identity of her fellow adulterer leads her through ostracism,
intrigue, reunion and dilemma. Complicated by the presence of her
child, she evokes sympathy, remorse, pity and ultimately even grudging
respect from the New England townspeople. Hawthorne cleverly turns
the prejudice and fear of the town back upon the reader to both
challenge and encourage them toward genuine moral insight and personal
empathy. A great read and recommended for anyone who liked Arthur
Miller’s The Crucible (Indeed, Hawthorne was a direct descendent
of the original participants in the Salem Witch Trials.) Note: Don’t
read the introduction, which looks like chapter 1. Read the actual
story first and then come back to it if you want to later.
Mr Bradley Wells (Head of English)
The Five People You Meet in Heaven,
by Mitch Albom
Author of “Tuesdays with Morrie”, this tells of Eddie’s
journey following his death while attempting to rescue a little
girl in a fun-fair accident. The best quote from the book :
“There are five people you meet in heaven. Each of us was in
your life for a reason. You may not have known the reason at the
time, and that is what heaven is for. For understanding your life
on earth.” Sounds a little ‘heavy’ – well it’s
not! It’s short, easy to read and thought-provoking.
Mrs Jan Dunn (Bursar’s Secretary)
Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell
This is an amazing ‘troika doll’ arrangement of several
individual stories that take place over an extended period of time
(from early 19th century to far into the future beyond the 21st
century). Each story has a subtle impact on the next. Half way through
the novel, the author reverses his narrative and takes us back from
the far future to where he began, allowing us to see how the stories
had an impact on each other. A very clever narrative with a remarkable
range of ‘voices’, from the rather Dickensian style of
the 19th century to the frighteningly clinical voice of crushed
individuals hundreds of years from now. Even the title is beguiling
and provocative… A real must read!
Ms Keiron Jones (Head of Year 11)
Five Quarters of the Orange,
by Joanne Harris
A genuinely enjoyable read. Author also wrote the book Chocolat
that became a popular feature film. Like Chocolat the setting is
in rural France. The story is written in first-person style, a woman
in her sixties is reflecting back on her childhood experiences during
the Second World War, including the relationships she shared with
her older brother and sister and her strict mother. Of particular
interest is the description of the relationship that developed between
the story writer as a child and a young German soldier. The story
line spends most of the time describing action during the years
of the war, however a significant portion of the story includes
incidents from the story teller’s present circumstances. Although
a novel the story provides genuine insight into what life might
have been like for a family in occupied France particularly from
a child’s perspective. Very well written, easy to read and
difficult to put down. Definitely worth considering.
Mr Grant Watson (Christian Education)
|
... a boys preparatory academy in Pennsylvania, its
quite reminiscent of Scotch College at times! Wonderfully
insightful on young men’s search ...
|
Old School, by Tobias Wolfe
Inspired by Wolfe's experiences at Hill School, a boys preparatory
academy in Pennsylvania, its quite reminiscent of Scotch College at
times! Wonderfully insightful on young men’s search for identity
and the intellectual snobbery and pride they can be prone to. This
novel allows us to learn much as values which both the boys and their
school pride themselves on – honour, loyalty and friendship –
crumble under the strain of a school creative writing competition.
Part lit crit, part coming of age story. Certainly partly memoir,
definitely an ode to writers and writing, its been described as Dead
Poets’ Society meets The Catcher in the Rye. A must read for
any student or teacher at Scotch!
Mr Jamie Kane (English)
The Kite Runner
by Khaled
Hosseini
An inspirational but haunting personal story of life in Afghanistan before the Russian invasion
and the choices of conscience that compel Amir (main character) to return to his country and face
his demons – and redemption. The author, Hosseini was born in Afghanistan but is now a US citizen
and medico and this is his first book.
Mrs Anne Martin (Education Support)
Specimen
days by Michael Cunningham
Like his earlier novel The Hours, this book consists of three parts. The first part is set during the
Industrial Revolution - the age of the machine; the second part is in the present - the age of terrorism
and the third part is in the future - the age of extra-terrestrial migration. Three characters; a young
boy, a man and a woman provide a link between the different sections of the book as does the philosophy
of Walt Whitman. An unusual and thought-provoking book.
Mrs Mim Blomquist (Librarian)
|
... Roman archives ... in the first education system for poor Italian kids way back in the 1600s ...
Dr Mark Collins
(English Literature Teacher)
|
Fallen
Order by Karen Liebriech
Quite lively sleuth job into Roman archives- disturbing account of sexual abuse scandal in the first
education system for poor Italian kids way back in the 1600s linked to contemporary clerical abuses.
Dr Mark Collins (English Literature Teacher)
|
I found myself reading sections out loud to friends and family, nodding in agreement at the duplicitous machinations of advertisers and laughing at some of the descriptions of marketers and economists.
Mr Tim Byrnes
(Head of Commerce)
|
AFFLUENZA:
When too much is never enough by
Clive Hamilton and Richard Denniss
Do material possessions buy happiness? Is having the latest ipod, most advanced car or
biggest house on the block mean we are a fulfilled and successful person? How do we
value individual contributions to society, by what they wear, where they live and what
possessions they own? If, as many economists and marketers believe, that our level of
personal fulfilment and happiness is directly related to our ability to purchase goods
and services, why is a record percentage of the population on some are form anti-depressant;
why are surveys showing Australians to be ‘unhappy’, stressed and over worked. ‘Affluenza’
looks at the excessive consumption of Australians and challenges our addiction to goods,
brands and materialistic lifestyles – it is one of the most thought provoking books I have
read for a long time. I found myself reading sections out loud to friends and family, nodding
in agreement at the duplicitous machinations of advertisers and laughing at some of the
descriptions of marketers and economists. If you are wondering where Australia is headed
in our consumption dominated society, then this is book will both challenge and scare you.
Mr Tim Byrnes (Head of Commerce)
Hughes: The Private Diaries, Memos and Letters :
The Definitive Biography of the First American Billionaire by Richard Hack
This book is masterly written and answers many questions about the eccentric
billionaire aviator, movie mogul, lover and recluse. I found every page riveting
and one of the most fascinating biographies that I have ever read!
Mrs Grace Cardaci (Mathematics Teacher)
The Seventh Scroll by
Wilbur Smith
This is a great mix of fact and plenty of fiction as Royan and Nicky join forces to look for
a 4000 year old Egyptian tomb. It is the third in the Trilogy and brings the deeds of the
ancient Egyptians into the modern setting as evil forces work against the coy couple. The chase
is on to get to the tomb and remove the prized possessions of the King before they are caught and
killed by Von Schiller, the mad and obsessed private collector. The mission is played out in the
tropical jungles of Ethiopia where the Nile River acts as both friend and a torrential foe.
Mr Chris Appel (Head of Year 7)
|
This is an anthology of the world's most infamous diarists.
Mr Dylan Coleman
(Design Technology Teacher)
|
The Assassin’s Cloak: an anthology of the world's greatest diarists
edited
by Irene and Alan Taylor
This is an anthology of the world’s most infamous diarists, from Xerxes to Andy Warhol.
I am a great lover of diaries, especially the journals of ordinary folk who may just
be keeping details of the seemingly mundane, and this book is ideal for just taking
in a page or two a day, referring to each particular through the experiences of the
diarists. Thus one can find the Reverend Kilvert in mid-summer Wales watching the
young girls in the fields with more intensity than perhaps a vicar should, and next
to his entry might be one by Siegfried Sassoon bogged down in the trenches of the
Great War. Some may find it irritating to jump about so much, preferring the slow
unravelling of one person’s day-to-day destinies, but I quite enjoyed the contrast
between Andy Warhol complaining about not being invited to Mick Jagger’s party and
Samuel Pepys relating just how much money he had saved in a year. I guess the other
comforting thing about people’s diaries, especially those that were written without
the author ever thinking of publishing, is that they reveal to us the common hopes
and fears, foibles and strengths of our fellow humans, no matter how great or how humble.
Mr Dylan Coleman (Design Technology Teacher)
Flashman on the March: from the Flashman Papers 1867-8
by
George MacDonald Fraser
A fabulous romp with that heroic bounder, Flashman, as he confronts the cursed Russians in the
Crimean War. With echoes of ‘Blackadder’ and a slightly irreverent ‘Hornblower’, this book was
lots of fun and cheekily irreverent. Somehow though one can’t help but admire this cheeky scallywag
who you just know will live on, with his reputation as firmly intact as his immaculate uniform, to
serve King and Empire. Tally Ho and Huzzah!
Mr Bradley Wells (Head of English)
|
They are certain they are dealing with a killer ... and it may already be too late to save the next victim.
Mrs Val Hyde
(Assistant to Director of Sport)
|
The Dead Place
by
Stephen Booth
The anonymous caller who taunts the Derbyshire Police with talk of an imminent killing could
be just another hoaxer. The macabre descriptions of death and decomposition could be
someone's sick fantasy. But after listening to the voice, so eerily calm and
controllled as it invites the police to meet the 'flesh eater', they are certain they
are dealing with a killer...and it may already be too late to save the next victim.
I read this very quickly - couldn't wait to turn the next page! Absorbing.
Mrs Val Hyde (Assistant to Director of Sport)
Quartered Safe out Here by
George MacDonald Fraser
Fraser is famous as the author of the Flashman series, and as a screenwriter. This is his memoir
of his time in the British army in Burma in 1945. It's an exciting read, with a very authentic
feel. It's also alternately hilarious and moving.
Dr Mark Johnston (Head of History)
Lance Armstrong's War:
One man's battle against fate, fame, love, death,
scandal, and a few other rivals on the road to the Tour de France by
Daniel Coyle
Following the two written from the cyclist's perspective, this is a more 'warts and all'
account by a benevolent journalist who follows Lance Armstrong's pursuit of his 6th consecutive
Tour de France victory. It's not only well written, but also a fascinating insight into the
dubious world of cycling. A great update for anyone who's read the first two or who would like
a glimpse of elite training regimes.
Mr Steven Whittington (French Teacher/Director of Rowing)
The Hours by
Michael Cunningham
A well written but rather depressing tale of three women linked through time, their
lives and missed opportunities, as well as their efforts to find meaning in a fairly meaningless
world. Not the sort of thing to cheer one up on a rainy day.
Mr Rob Hortin (English Teacher)
The Burn Journals by
Brent Runyon
This is the harrowing true story of a gifted 14 year old who seemed to have it all but was
so mentally tormented that he set himself on fire in a failed suicide attempt. The book chronicles
his mental and physical recovery over the following year and gives an unflinching portrayal of Brent’s
life at this time.
Mr Blair Mahoney (English Teacher)
Sweet Guy by
Jared Thomas
Main character Michael Sweet is 18 years old, finishing Yr 12 and moving onto uni. Set in Adelaide,
it’s an excellent story about a young man facing the challenges of moving out of home, balancing study
with surfing, while living at a co-ed college. A hilarious read for anyone in VCE who needs a laugh!
Miss Kris Paterson (Teacher Librarian)
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpugo
This book is beautiful! Set in the First World War, it follows 24 hours of Thomas Peaceful on the battlefields,
as he remembers his childhood and wartime experiences. The horrors of trench warfare are exposed in this thoughtful
story.
Miss Kris Paterson (Teacher Librarian)
Joe Cinque’s Consolation by
Helen Garner
In Canberra in 1997 Joe Cinque was killed by his girlfriend. She’d planned it for weeks and many of her friends were aware of her plans. Helen Garner provides a narrative account of attending the trials that resulted from this crime and poses troubling questions about conscience and culpability. It’s the sort of book that you read in one sitting but then can’t stop thinking about for weeks! Harrowing in parts but very worthwhile.
Ms Rachel Kerr (Teacher Librarian)
|