Wednesday, 29 February 2012

60. The Smallest Bilby and the Easter Tale by Nette Hilton and Bruce Whatley


The Smallest Bilby and the Easter Tale by Nette Hilton illustrated by Bruce Whatley
Published February 2012 Working Title Press

From the publisher:



It's the night before Easter and for the first time Billy and his band of little bilbies must deliver the eggs.
'This is fun,' they sing as they hide eggs here and there and up and down. But when one of the bilbies gets into trouble, only Billy knows what to do.


Strangely enough, it seems that most of the readers of this blog are not from Australia, which is great.  I am happy to already (after only 2 months) have readers from all over the world. I bring it up now because this book is about a uniquely Australian animal. See links at the end of this post to find out more.

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

59. Legacy by Thomas E Sniegoski

Legacy by Thomas E Sniegoski
Published January 2012 Random House

From the publisher:
What if you found out your deadbeat father is a superhero? Would you leave your small-town life to take up the mantle of a father you never knew? For 18-year-old Lucas, the choice is an easy one: he's not going to leave behind his mother and his comfortable, if dead-end, life as a high school dropout and auto mechanic for a father who's never been around. But his father--known officially as billionaire Clayton Hartwell, and secretly as the vigilante superhero the Raptor--tells Lucas that as he is dying, evil is growing, and the world needs Lucas to become the new Raptor. As Lucas spends time with his father observing his "heroic" behavior up close, he is left wondering about the line between good and evil, and if good is only a matter of perspective.

This book took me by surprise.  I didn't think I would like a book about an 18 year old by who is destined to be a superhero, after all I am not a 14 year old comic book obsessed boy.  That is a huge generalisation, I will admit, and also absolutely wrong.  This (much older than 14) year old woman really enjoyed this book.

Monday, 27 February 2012

58. Billie B Brown: The Cutest Pet Ever by Sally Rippin

Billie B Brown: Cutest Pet Ever by Sally Rippin
Published February 2012 Hardie Grant Egmont

From the publisher:

Billie has found the most adorable guinea pig in the pet shop. She is going to love it forever! If only she can convince her Mum and Dad...


The Billie B Brown books have been hugely popular with girls just beginning to read on their own.  They are particularly good for girls who are not interested in Fairies, Unicorns etc.


Many readers will be able to identify with Billie in this latest story.  She is BORED.  She has played with her toys, done her puzzles, read her books, her best friend Jack (from the Hey, Jack! books) is not home, and her baby brother is too young to be of any use to her.

Sunday, 26 February 2012

57. Things a Map Won't Show You: Stories From Australia and Beyond edited by Pam MacIntyre & Susan La Marca

Things a Map Won't Show You: Stories From Australia and Beyond edited by Pam MacIntyre and Susan La Marca
Published February 2012 Penguin

From the publisher:
An unforgettable collection of short fiction, poetry and comic art from Australia and beyond . . .
Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, always compelling, this collection featuring both established writers and emerging talent will broaden your horizons and excite your imagination.



This is my second short story collection so far this year.  At this rate I may read more short story collections this year that I have in my whole life!  I have said before that I am not a huge short story fan, but this may be changing.  Maybe it's because I am reading so much this year, that I appreciate the idea of a short story much more!

Saturday, 25 February 2012

56. Ten Scared Fish By Ros Moriarty illustrated by Balarinji

Ten Scared Fish by Ros Moriarty illustrated by Balarinji
Published March 2012 Allen & Unwin

From the publisher:
Simple, intelligent, bright and cheerful, this early childhood concept book introduces animals and numbers and celebrates indigenous art in a joyous, non-didactic and playful way.

This is a very simple, but very clever first counting book.  We start at the waterhole, with one turtle, then there are two turtles by the waterhole, three turtles by the waterhole and a snake. Then there are four snakes in the river grass, and so on, following the river into the sea.  In the sea we have ten scared fish who meet one big mouth!

Friday, 24 February 2012

55. Fated by Sarah Alderson

Fated by Sarah Alderson
Published January 2012 Simon & Schuster

From the publisher:

What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? When the person you love is the person who must betray you. If fate is already determined - can you fight it? Lucas Gray is half Shadow Warrior, half human, and a member of the Brotherhood - a group of assassins tasked with killing the last purebred Hunter on Earth before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy. The Hunter's name is Evie Tremain. Evie Tremain is seventeen-years-old, a waitress and has just discovered she is the last in a long line of demon slayers - and an unwilling participant in a war between Hunters and unhumans that has raged for the last thousand years.

OK, so I think it will be impossible for me to, get through a month without some kind of paranormal teenage fiction creeping in. 

Thursday, 23 February 2012

54. Walker Stories: Losing Turtle by Adrienne Frater illustrated by Cat Chapman


Walker Stories: Losing Turtle by Adrienne Frater illustrated by Cat Chapman
Published February 2012 Walker Books


From the publisher:

Gran’s excited to knit Sam a jumper with a leatherback turtle on it – just like the one she saw on her holiday. But Sam already has many knitted jumpers from Gran and he doesn’t like them as much as he used to. Perhaps he can lose turtle so he doesn’t have to tell Gran his true feelings about her woolly presents? Sam always has the best of intentions, but some how his plans always seem to go wrong.

This is a new title in the wonderful Walker Stories series.  This is a great series of books, each one containing three very short stories, all written by different authors.  They are a great read for beginning readers, because they feel like a 'grown up' novel.

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

53. H.I.V.E Book 5: Aftershock by Mark Walden

H.I.V.E Book 5: Aftershock by Mark Walden
Published February 2012 Bloomsbury

From the publisher:
Scheming, extorting, menacing and general evilness are nothing new in the world of villainy - indeed it's expected. But there are codes of conduct. Until now. In an attempt to purge the Global League of Villainous Enterprises of its more destructive elements, Dr Nero has underestimated the cunning and resources of those who oppose him. Meanwhile, Otto and the rest of the Alpha stream - including several new members - have been sent to begin their most feared exercise: The Hunt, in the icy wastes of Siberia. But there is a traitor in their midst. The first strike against Nero will be a strike against the Alpha stream. Villain-kind is on the brink of CIVIL WAR.

This is book five in the HIVE series.  I hadn't read any of the earlier books in this series, and it didn't seem to matter.  There was references to things that had happened in previous books, but the story in this novel stands on its own.

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

52. Aussie Bites: Rif anf the Riddle by Sue Cason Illustrated by Andrew Joyner

Aussie Bites: Rif and the Riddle by Sue Cason, illustrated by Andrew Joyner

Published January 2012 Puffin

From the publisher:
Rif is in deep trouble with his fellow villagers. On his quest to make things right, he must face a mountain troll, a pair of tricksters, a terrifying dog - and a very tough riddle.
Riff is so proud of himself for catching the huge silverfin for his family.  His good mood and pride take a fall when he realises that while he was fishing the villages bull has been killed by "tiger wolves' and he was supposed to be guarding the herd!


Monday, 20 February 2012

51. Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and illustrated by Maria Kalman

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maria Kalman
Published February 2012 Hardie Grant Egmont


From the publisher:

A moving story about a relationship breakdown which is a topic not often touched on. Focus in this genre is usually on romance, love, desire and the start of something. This is an important story about the realities of things ending. It is realistic and mature and speaks directly to teenagers about real life experience.
    

The story of this relationship is told by Min (Minerva).  She is writing Ed a letter to add to the box of all the bits and pieces she has kept from their time together.  They have broken up, and Min is giving Ed the box.
All of the bits and pieces are things that Min has kept, from the bottle tops Ed put in her hand the night they met, to the jar of chestnuts she bought for their Thanksgiving stuffing (they didn't make it to Thanksgiving).  Each section of the book starts with a colour illustration of the thing in the box, and the tells the story of that part of their relationship.
Min is smart, loves old movies, is proud to be a quirky and her friendship group is made up of like minded people. Ed is co-captain of the basketball team, he likes beer, basketball, and the Goofballs movies.  There is no way that they should have ended up together...but they do.



Sunday, 19 February 2012

50. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Published February 2012 Harper Collins

From the publisher:

Ivan is an easy-going gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he′s seen, and his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home-and his own art-through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it′s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.

Ivan is a proud silverback who lives in a shopping mall.  He hardly remembers his life before this. His parents and sister all killed by humans, and now Ivan sits in his domain to be stared at by other humans.

Saturday, 18 February 2012

49. Words In The Dust by Trent Reedy

Words In The Dust by Trent Reedy
Published February 2012 Frances Lincoln

From the publisher:

Zulaikha hopes. She hopes for peace, now that the Taliban have been driven out of Afghanistan. She hopes for a good relationship with her hard stepmother. And she hopes one day even to go to school, or to have her cleft lip fixed. Zulaikha knows that all will be provided for her, Inshallah - God willing. Then she meets Meena, who offers to teach her the Afghan poetry she taught her late mother. And the Americans come to the village, promising not just new opportunities, but surgery to fix Zulaikha's face. These could mean a whole new life - but can Zulaikha dare to hope they will come true? Trent Reedy's breathtaking first novel, based on his experiences serving with the US Army in Afghanistan, shows astonishing insight into the different cultural attitiudes of the traditional people and their peace-keepers, and, in a land where hidebound traditions clash with an emerging desire for freedom, offers humanity and hope.

The blurb of this book only gives away one of the stories told in this book.  Yes, the main character is Zulaikha. Yes, the story is about her having the opportunity to have her cleft lip fixed by the American soldiers. The bigger story is that of Afghani life seen through the eyes of this 13 year old girl.

Friday, 17 February 2012

48. Wonder by RJ Palacio

Wonder by RJ Palacio
Published February 2012 Random House

From the publisher:
Wonder is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial deformity, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The most poignant, moving and heartwarming tale you will read this year; a book to devour in one sitting and press urgently into the hands of your friends and family.

When I was told about this book by our rep, he raved about it, the publishers were saying that they had only had this kind of reaction to a book three times , once with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, once with The Boy With the Striped Pyjamas and once with Before I Die.  With such a huge amount of hype I worry that the book might not live up to it.  I needn't have worried because this book was everything I was told it would be.  It's a big call to say this, as it's only February, but this might be my book of the year.

Thursday, 16 February 2012

47. Just Ducks! by Nicola Davies and Salvatore Rubbino


Just Ducks! by Nicole Davies and Salvatore Rubbino
Published February 2012 Walker Books

From the publisher:

What do you know about ducks? I bet you know that they quack … a lot! Well, discover much more in this book that’s all about, well, just ducks! Learn all about which is a boy duck and which is a girl, why some quack louder and others softer. Find out what they eat when it is cold outside and where they perch their bottoms to sleep!

This is the new title in what used to be called the Read and Wonder Series, and was then called the Nature Storybook Series and now doesn't seem to have a series name, even though it follows the same format.

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

46. Cinnamon Rain by Emma Cameron

Cinnamon Rain by Emma Cameron
Published February 2012 Walker Books


From the publisher:
Luke spends his days hanging out at the beach, working shifts at the local supermarket, and trying to stay out of trouble at school. His mate Bongo gets wasted, blocking out memories of the little brother social services took away and avoiding the stepdad who hits him. And Casey, the girl they both love, dreams of getting away and starting a new life in a place where she can be free. A powerful and authentic look at teen life from talented new author Emma Cameron.


This is a verse novel that looks at three characters all heading into their last years of high school and decisions that they make about what they want to do with their lives.

People either love of hate verse novels. I love them. To me a verse novel tells the heart of the story.  No periphery story lines, no wasted words, just the story.

There is Luke, average student, nice family, hard worker.  He comes across as the most stable of the three. He is going to leave school early and get a scholarship in the city.

Casey, who Luke quietly loves, lives under the weight of a father who controls every aspect of her life.

And Bongo, whose mother is a junkie, whose step dad beats him, and whose brother was taken away by social services. 


Tuesday, 14 February 2012

45. Fearless In Love by Colin Thompson and Sarah Davis

Fearless In Love by Colin Thompson and Sarah Davis
Published February 2012, ABC Books

From the publisher:
The only thing Fearless could remember his mother telling him was, "Life is much nicer if you love everyone."  But loving everyone is much more complicated than Fearless had imagined. Until he meets Primrose ... A hilarious new picture book about Fearless the bulldog.

A special book about LOVE, just for Valentine's Day.

Monday, 13 February 2012

44. Our Australian Girl: Meet Nellie by Penny Matthews

Our Australian Girl: Meet Nellie by Penny Matthews
Published February 2012 Penguin

From the publisher:
It's 1849 . . . and Nellie O'Neill is arriving in South Australia on a ship bringing orphan girls from Irish workhouses. Nellie and her best friend, Mary, have left the famine in Ireland far behind, and are full of hopes and dreams for the future. Nellie longs to learn to read, to be part of a family once more, and never to be hungry again. But with no job and no one to turn to, how will Nellie make her wishes come true?

Meet Nellie and join her adventure in the first of four stories about an Irish girl with a big heart, in search of the freedom to be herself.

The latest in this extremely popular historical fiction series for girls.  Each of the different series with the Our Australian Girl series looks at a different time in Australia's history.  In the first book about Nellie we are in South Australia in 1849.  Nellie is one of many girls that have left their families behind to make a new life far from the famines they left behind.


Sunday, 12 February 2012

43. Far From Home by Na'ima B Robert


Far From Home by Na'ima B Robert
Published January 2012 Frances Lincoln


From the publisher:

14-year old Tariro loves her ancestral home, the baobab tree she was born under, her loving family - and brave, handsome Nhamo. She couldn't be happier. But then the white settlers arrive and everything changes - suddenly violently, and tragically. Twenty-five years later, 14-year old Katie loves her doting father, her exclusive boarding school and her farm with its baobab tree in rural Zimbabwe. Life is great. Until disaster strikes and the family are forced to leave everything and escape to cold, rainy London.

I must admit that my knowledge of African history is pretty limited, so I found this an extremely interesting book.  It would be an interesting book to use when looking at white settlement in Australia.

Saturday, 11 February 2012

42. Red Dirt Diary 2: Blue About Love by Katrina Nannestad

Red Dirt Diary 2: Blue About Love by Katrina Nannestad
Published February 2012 ABC Books
From the publisher:

When Blue′s favourite teacher announces she′s engaged, Blue thinks she must have lost her mind. Why would Miss McKenzie want to get married? Especially to someone named James Linley Welsh-Pearson! Surely it couldn′t be because she loves him -- could it?
Can Blue stop the wedding in time or will Miss McKenzie leave Hardbake Plains ... forever?

Blue is a tomboy who is really struggling with this romantic love stuff!  She lives on a farm with her crazy accident prone twin brothers, and would much rather spend time with her new baby duck Petal than plan a wedding.  Blue can't understand why her teacher would want to leave the tiny town and it's 19 student school...why would anyone want to live in Sydney!

Friday, 10 February 2012

41. The Little Old Man Who Looked Up At The Moon by Pamela Allen

The Little Old Man Who Looked Up At The Moon by Pamela Allen
Published January 2012 Penguin

From the publisher:
The little old man looked up at the moon. 'Does the sky go on forever and ever?' he asked. 'Where do we come from? Where do we go? Why are we here?'

In this touching story, one of Australia's most celebrated author-illustrators takes young readers on a journey that asks some of life's big questions. Playful and thought-provoking by turns, The Little Old Man Who Looked Up at the Moon touches on universal themes and will spark many a conversation between young and old.


A little old man and a little old woman lived together at the top of a hill.  The little old man asks his wife some tricky questions  "Where do we come from?", "Where do we go?" and "Why are we here?".  The little old lady sets off to find the answers to her husband's questions. She meets a rooster who answers her with "Cock-a-doodle-do", a pig who answers " Oink! Oink! Oink!", a cow who answers "Moooooooo!" and a duck who answers "Quack! Quack! Quack!".  When she arrives home again she answers her husbands questions with the responses she received from the animals...he then asks "Yes, but who am I?"...and her answer is "Why, you're my husband,". 

Thursday, 9 February 2012

40. Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan

Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan
Published February 2012 Allen & Unwin


From the publisher:
On remote Rollrock Island, the sea-witch Misskaella discovers she can draw a girl from the heart of a seal. So, for a price, any man might buy himself a bride; an irresistibly enchanting sea-wife. But what cost will be borne by the people of Rollrock - the men, the women, the children - once Misskaella sets her heart on doing such a thing?
Margo Lanagan weaves an extraordinary tale of desire and revenge, of loyalty, heartache and human weakness, and of the unforeseen consequences of all-consuming love.


The story is broken up into sections, told from different points of view and through the eyes of different generations. The book starts with Misskaella as seen by a young boy on the beach, a witch, knitting blankets made out of seaweed.  We then go back to when Misskaella is a small child and she first feels her connection with the sea and the seals.  She grows into a woman, the only one of her sisters who doesn't marry and start her own family.  What she finds out is that she can lure the human form from the body of a seal.

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

39. Alice-Miranda In New York by Jacqueline Harvey

Alice-Miranda In New York by Jacqueline Harvey
Published February 2012 Random House

From the publisher:
Alice-Miranda is in bustling New York City. It's a blur of skyscrapers, hot dog carts, chats with zoo animals and classes at Mrs Kimmel's School for Girls, right next to glorious Central Park. Her family's glamorous department store, Highton's on Fifth, has just been renovated but plans for the fabulous re-opening party are going curiously wrong. Is that why Alice-Miranda's father Hugh seems so worried? And why is her new friend Lucinda so shy about inviting Alice-Miranda home?

I think if you look up the word precocious in the dictionary you will see a picture of Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones.  Alice-Miranda is an almost 8 year old, very wealthy, but no the least bit spoilt, good natured, friendly, intelligent, inquisitive and charming girl who, in this book, finds herself in New York for a four week adventure.

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

38. Dinosaur Dreaming by Justin D'Ath and Mike Spoor

Dinosaur Dreaming by Justin D'Ath and illustrated by Mike Spoor
Published January 2012 UQP

From the publisher:

Winton, Poppy and their dog Banjo are on holiday with their Nan and Pa on their farm in Queensland. Winton is passionate about dinosaurs and when their dog finds a bone, he and Poppy play Pretend, starting out on an adventure in the time of the dinosaurs. Dinosaur Dreaming is a beautifully illustrated and effortlessly informative book that brings to life a child's love of dinosaurs.                     

Here we have a book about dinosaurs.  Not the T-Rex, diplodocus, stegosaurus or pterodactyl...but Australian dinosaurs! 

Monday, 6 February 2012

37. Time Riders Book 5: Gates of Rome by Alex Scarrow

Time Riders Book 5: Gates of Rome by Alex Scarrow
Published February 2012 Penguin

From the publisher:

Project Exodus - a mission to transport 300 Americans from 2070 to ad 54 to overthrow the Roman Empire - has gone catastrophically wrong. Half have arrived seventeen years earlier, during the reign of Caligula.

Liam goes to investigate, but when Maddy and Sal attempt to flee a kill-squad sent to hunt down their field office all of the TimeRiders become trapped in the Roman past.

Armed with knowledge of the future, Caligula is now more powerful than ever. But with their office unmanned - and under threat - how will the TimeRiders make it back to 2001 and put history right?


I love this series, but whenever I try to explain it, I feel it comes across as more confusing than it actually is.  If you don't know the series, I will give you the basics.

Sunday, 5 February 2012

36. Lily Alone by Jacqueline Wilson

Lily Alone by Jacqueline Wilson
Published February 2012 Random House

From the publisher:

Lily isn't home ALONE - but she sort of wishes she was; looking after her three younger siblings is a lot of responsibility. When Mum goes off on holiday with her new boyfriend and her stepdad fails to show up, Lily is determined to keep the family together and show they can cope without any grown-ups. But taking care of 6-year-old twins, her 3-year-old sister and the family's flat feels overwhelming and Lily is worried that school or social services might discover their situation and break up the family. What could be better than to take all the little ones for a camping adventure in the park? Plenty of space to run about, no carpet to vacuum, and surely no chance anyone will guess they're there . . .

There is no doubt...girls LOVE Jacqueline Wilson. From about age 11 and on they can't get enough of her.  Her books can be bleak and confronting...but they are hard to put down.

Saturday, 4 February 2012

35. Hey Jack! Robot Blues by Sally Rippin

Hey Jack! The Robot Blues by Sally Rippin
Published February 2012 Hardie Grant Egmont

From the publisher:

The only thing that the 'B' in Billie B Brown DOESN'T stand for is BOY! In response to demands from the market, industry, children, parents AND teachers we are BURSTING with pride to introduce the coolest, the funniest, the most imaginative dude that the early reader scene has ever seen...

Jack is invited to a costume party, and he's made an awesome robot suit. But what if the other kids at the party think it's lame?         

If you have read any of the Billie B Brown series, then you know Jack. Jack is Billie's friend and neighbour. Billie B Brown has been such a popular series because it really filled a gap in the 'first novel' market.  Hey Jack! will do the same for boys.  They are thin, just over 40 pages, there are illustrations scattered throughout, the font is large and easy to read, but it's a novel and has chapters!  

Friday, 3 February 2012

34. Ships In The Field by Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro

Ships In The Field by Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro
Published February 2012 Ford Street Publishing

From the publisher:

In a unique collaboration, Susanne and Anna have created a moving and significant picture book, Ships in the Field. It crosses boundaries in a universal recognition that children are part of the journey of war, migration, loss and healing. Through warmth, humour, pathos and story within story, it breaks the silence, engaging children, families and community.

The little girl in this story is the daughter of migrants, who have had to leave their country to escape war.  Her father was a farmer, her mother a teacher, but in this new country her father works in a factory and her mother is a seamstress. Throughout the narrative of the family's day to day life we also see double page spreads of the life her parents left behind. The name of the country they left is not mentioned in the book, the point being I guess, that it doesn't matter where you have come from, everyone who has to leave their country leaves something of themselves behind.  The challenge is, to find yourself again in your new home and finding a way to keep your country with you.

Thursday, 2 February 2012

33. Slog's Dad by David Almond and Dave McKean


Slog's Dad by David Almond and Dave McKean
Published January 2012 Walker Books


From the publisher:

Do you believe there’s life after death? Slog does. He reckons that the scruffy bloke sitting outside the pork shop is his dad come back to visit him for one last time – just like he’d said he would, just before he died. Slog’s mate Davie isn’t convinced. But how does this man know everything Slog’s dad would know? Because Slog says it really is his dad, that’s how.

At 61 pages, this is not a big book, it is a short story.  A short story, that weaves text and the illustrations of a graphic novel.  As with many books where the illustrations make up a significant amount of the book, we find the illustrations telling us another side of the story, a side we don't see in the text.


Wednesday, 1 February 2012

32. The Lunar Chronicles Book 1: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles Book 1: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Published December 2011 Penguin


From the publisher:

CINDER, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.

Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future.

One month into my year of reading, and I have already been surprised by so many of the books I have read.   This is another, a surprise because I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did.   Imagine...Cinderella living in the future city of New Beijing.  Yes, she is in many ways just like the Cinderella we know and love, she has an evil stepmother and two step-sisters, she is downtrodden and taken advantage of...but this Cinder is a cyborg.


One Month down...

Well, one month down, 31 books read...only 11 months and 335 books to go...easy!

Yesterday I had the most visits to my blog that I have had so far, so thank you to my readers whoever you are. 

It makes it very satisfying to know that people are actually interested in reading what I have to say, and I am not just doing it to make myself crazy.

 Here are some of my highlights  from January: