Randa Abdel-Fattah - 'Does my head look big in this?'

I saw this book on the shelf at a bookshop a few years ago and thought it would be good for my girls to read. They go to school in a very multicultural school and a number of girls were headscarves. My knowledge of Muslim culture is sadly lacking and I thought this book might help with that. Anyway when I saw it on sale online I snapped it up and I am glad I did!

The book is narrated by "Amal Abdel-Hakim, a sixteen-year-old Australian-Palestinian-Muslim still getting to grips with [her] various identity hyphens". Amal makes the decision that she wants to wear a hijib full time. If this wasn't a big enough decision, the story is also set in the year following September 11, so anti-Muslim sentiment is rife. It is important to note though that this isn't a key point of the story. It comes up in passing as part of natural storyline, but the focus is really on what it is like to be a teenager becoming your own person. For Amal wearing a hijib is part of this journey.

Amal's friends also have their own problems.You also get to see different perceptions of what it means to be an Australian Muslim. From one family who's primary aim is to be as "true blue Aussie" as they come to a friend is super smart but has a mother who thinks she should be getting married. Amal's school friends have their own issues too. Including the all important boyfriend issue.

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and perfect for teenagers (who are the target audience). My 12 year old has started it and is enjoying it too (much to her amazement). Definitely recommended to anyone who wants to learn a bit more about Islamic culture, for any girl who may be coming to terms with her own religious identity especially if it comes with dressing or acting a bit differently and really any one who has ever had to work out who they are how they fit it.

Matthew Reilly 'Seven Ancient Wonders'

I haven't read anything by Matthew Reilly before. I inherited this book from my cousin and co-incidentally, it is also on the 100 book list that I am attempting to read in 1001 days (see tab above!).

It took me a few chapters to get into the story. However once I got through the first few chapters I was hooked. It was unputdownable.

Style wise it is short, snappy and includes lots of diagrams as you go along with the team on a daring adventure. Headed by Captain Jack West Jnr, an Australian ex-SAS officer, there is a team of nine members made up from eight different nations of the world. On a daring mission to find all of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and taking with them a 10 year old girl named Lily. The story is full of twists and turns and villains and bravery and the intrigue and mystery which can only come when you are talking about the ancient world. When you combine this with an action story of warring nations and a battle for ultimate supremacy it is a intriguing combination!

I am looking forward to reading more of Matthew Reilly's books and I am very sorry I have waited so long to do so. Highly recommended for those people who like adventure stories and conspiracy theories.

Monica McInerney 'Lola's Secret'

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I got this book for Christmas. Not strictly accurate. I actually bought it for my mother-in-law and told her to tell me if she already had it. Someone else had given it to her the day before and it had been on her wish list! Great minds clearly think alike ;) Anyway I got her a different book and I kept this one. I would just like to say this was not the plan though.

If you have read 'The Alphabet Sisters' this is a sequel set five years after the first book finished. WARNING: If you have not read 'The Alphabet Sisters' read it first. In fact if you have not read 'The Alphabet Sisters', stop reading now and do not read any reviews of 'Lola's Secret' until after you have. Trust me. You will thank me.

Back to 'Lola's Secret'. It is a warm, funny book. Filled with family dramas as Lola, the undisputed matriarch, continues to dispense advice to her family, friends and the community in general. This book is about Lola. At 84 years young it is a reminder that you are only as old as you feel and that the 'matures years', a long string of grandchildren and great-grandchildren does not mean you are not a person in your own right too. Friends still annoy you. Family is still family. And sometimes you still have to face up to things that you do not want to face. Throw in some colourful clothes and a whole heap of scheming and you have 'Lola's Secret'.

A lovely read for anyone who has friends, family and frenemies. Who likes a bit of love, laughter and drama in their life. And for anyone who is hoping their second attempt at youth is even more fun the then first time round. A very fitting sequel to the wonderful 'The Alphabet Sisters'.

Wendy Squires 'The Boys' Club'

I seem to have co-incidentally picked a number of Australian books recently. Most of them have been new ones I have recently bought too. No idea why they are all on sale at the moment!

'The Boys Club' is one of these books. Set in the Australian television industry it tells the story of one woman's struggle with work-life balance. Rosie took a change of career path from journalism to publicity for a television company. Here she hit the glass ceiling while watching the boys' club laughing on the other side. The story deals with issues such as sexism in the workplace, blatent nepotism, the struggles of single parenthood, emotions of divorce, parental pressure (even once you have your own kids) as well of the pressures of being a parent.

Be Warned! This book has a lot of swearing.

Cate Kendall "Gucci Mamas"

It is no secret that I love chick lit. That said, I do appreciate that there is a difference in quality and style amongst the books that fit in the chick lit genre.

"Gucci Mamas" would come under the broader chick lit/women's literature type category. As the name suggests it comes under the sub-category of books based around women who are mothers rather then the young and single. The book centres around Mim and her circle of fashion conscious, competitive mother, nanny hiring, circle of rich friends and her increasing sense of resentment for her life. One of the things that makes this different from other similar books I have read is that it is set in Australia. This added a slightly different dimension to it for me.

The characters aren't very convincing and at the same time not "clever" enough to feel you are reading a satire. If anything, I got the feeling that the writers would like to live more these sort of lifestyles. Minus the problems of course! Although realistically who wouldn't love to have unlimited money!

Despite the above observations, the authors have gone to lengths to show the hidden sides to each of the main characters. Additionally, every mother knows the perils of over-competitiveness amongst the school/playgroup/mothers' group set regardless of social economic circles and those analogies are well done and will make you smile.

I wouldn't rush to recommend this book and if you don't read a lot I wouldn't put this book on your list. However if you read a lot, have kids and like chick lit give it a go!