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the_plodding_historian's Reviews (41)
informative
reflective
slow-paced
The bookshop of the title, I think, was meant to be the centre of a story about Canberra during World War II. However, Verity Hewitt and her bookshop, and even Canberra itself, after the initial introduction, seem out of place when they suddenly popped up. The book reads more as an anecdotal reflection on various moments of the Australian war story that result in publishable materials, which are then linked back to the eponymous bookshop as “were probably stocked” or “were available” there. There are also a cast of characters who are noted as ‘possibly visited’ the bookshop.
The book feels a little disjointed. But if you take each chapter individually, I found it interesting to learn more about some of Canberra earlier residents and the role they played in the war effort and in the development of Canberra, particularly the latter in the sense of the cultural and social community of the nation’s capital. For this reason, I have given the book a three star rating and would recommend it to those who are interested in learning more about the national capital and Australia during the war.
What it didn’t do for me is tell me enough about Verity Hewitt and her bookshop, which is what led me to purchase the book after being led by the gorgeous, pick-me-up-and-buy-me cover. Luckily, there is the National Library of Australia, with a collection of materials to help me do that.
The book feels a little disjointed. But if you take each chapter individually, I found it interesting to learn more about some of Canberra earlier residents and the role they played in the war effort and in the development of Canberra, particularly the latter in the sense of the cultural and social community of the nation’s capital. For this reason, I have given the book a three star rating and would recommend it to those who are interested in learning more about the national capital and Australia during the war.
What it didn’t do for me is tell me enough about Verity Hewitt and her bookshop, which is what led me to purchase the book after being led by the gorgeous, pick-me-up-and-buy-me cover. Luckily, there is the National Library of Australia, with a collection of materials to help me do that.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Oh Miriam! I wish we could be friends. My first conscious memory of awareness of Miriam Margolyes is Blackadder II and her puritanical, turnip-loving Aunt. From that moment, I eagerly sought out films, telly and, if the budget enabled (which it never quite did, alas, £16k p.a. didn’t go far), theatre in which she was part. Delightful, thoughtful, outrageous, outraged, joyful and naughty, a smile on your face as you read her last volume of recollections and anecdotes. Definitely a keeper this book. Like Stephen Fry’s volumes of autobiography, there will be chapters or moments I want to have another dip in into.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Another excellent mystery read by Sulari Gentill. Another case of, ‘Got it!’, ‘I don’t got it’, ‘Yes! I know!’, ‘Bollocks! Another red herring in my brain!’.
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Absolutely loved this book. So many great elephant facts that I didn’t know. Would absolutely love to keep this for myself, but I am 51, so it needs to be passed on to a young one. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and funny. Gorillas overtook elephants as my favourite animal a few years ago, but after reading this book, I may have to adore the elephants just a little bit more. I mean they tell jokes!
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Purchased in support of local authors and also because I just wanted to. Good thing I did as well as there was a lot of reminders about which sensational creatures I should be wary of; not that I go into The Outside much. Also, lots of things learned that in 51 years on this planet, I didn’t know about Australian animals. The young ones will definitely love it. The illustrations are just delightful as well.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
A beautifully illustrated account of the discovery of the dinosaur tree and efforts to save it. Being an educator, the author, Samantha Tidy has included learning resources in the back of the book as well as on her website, so it’s perfect for teachers and for inquisitive, fabulous kids who want to know more. Rachel’s illustrations are also beautiful and fun and bright. Now excuse me, I am popping off to Canberra’s National Arboretum to go and see a dinosaur tree for myself.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The inspiring story of the Gurindji people of the northern territory of Australia who, in 1966, walked off the land on which they were working and living for rations, not fit for animals, let alone people and began a nearly 9- year strike for land rights, for human rights and for the right to live as they had lived for thousands of years before 1788. The book is based on the Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody song of the same name and it is illustrated by some very talented young Gurindji students. It also includes the story of the Wave Hill Walk-Off in the Gurindji language. A really beautiful telling of a story of great hope and resilience.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Beautifully illustrated children’s book about a little paper boat going on a grand adventure. Gets a little dark and depressing when the little paper boat encounters man, but I just nipped back to my favourite underwater creatures to bring back the joy of adventure. I think this would be a very inspiring read for would be mini-adventurers, marine biologists and artists. And I’m sure there would be inspiration for a lot more young ones as well. Just delightful.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There is nothing to say about this book other than you must do yourself a favour and #ReadIt!
I LOVE @kathy.lette’s way with words, her #Kathyisms, “vagilantes”. 🤭 The rage was raging as Matilda, Cressy, Jo and Penny dealt with all the criminal, misogynistic, ageist, sexism bullshit, but a Kathyism would deflame me with a #GiggleSnort.
I was concerned in Part Three that there wasn’t going to be a Kathy Ending, but I should have known she would never let us down!
More #IDontGiveAShitLit from KL and any other #FF50s+ #WomenWriters out there please! I’m thinking it’s time to stop jotting and start writing the little idea of my own. KL, @authorjanetara, @rachaeljohnsisanauthor and all the other fabulous Aussie authors I’ve been reading lately are inspiring me. (And yes, I will aim to work on my #FF50sMiscellaniesProject alongside the #LongAwaitedLongAvoidedThesis too. 🥴)
Now pop along to your local #bookshop and grab yourself a copy of #TheRevengeClub.
And don’t forget to #GoForthAndBeFabulous!
I LOVE @kathy.lette’s way with words, her #Kathyisms, “vagilantes”. 🤭 The rage was raging as Matilda, Cressy, Jo and Penny dealt with all the criminal, misogynistic, ageist, sexism bullshit, but a Kathyism would deflame me with a #GiggleSnort.
I was concerned in Part Three that there wasn’t going to be a Kathy Ending, but I should have known she would never let us down!
More #IDontGiveAShitLit from KL and any other #FF50s+ #WomenWriters out there please! I’m thinking it’s time to stop jotting and start writing the little idea of my own. KL, @authorjanetara, @rachaeljohnsisanauthor and all the other fabulous Aussie authors I’ve been reading lately are inspiring me. (And yes, I will aim to work on my #FF50sMiscellaniesProject alongside the #LongAwaitedLongAvoidedThesis too. 🥴)
Now pop along to your local #bookshop and grab yourself a copy of #TheRevengeClub.
And don’t forget to #GoForthAndBeFabulous!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I won a copy of this book from my local bookshop late last year. I’ve only just got around to reading it now. By the end of the first chapter, I suspect this was a book I would be returning to. By the time I read the last sentence, I knew this was a book I will return to. I finally got around to reading it at just the right time in my life. As I embark on this unexpected ‘Rest, Recovery and Reset’ year, this book will be my inspiration and my courage. And it’s also just a very lovely, engaging and hopeful read.