Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Book Review Competition 2006
To celebrate this occasion, the Gippsland Grammar Information Services Centre is running a Book Review Competition. All participants in the competition will be eligible for a " lucky draw " prize as well as the "best review" prize. The winners of the competition will be announced on the 25th August at a special luncheon held in the ISC for all participants.What Does the Competition Involve?
The competition requires you to:
- Select and read one of the shortlisted novels from the list below
- Checkout YARA online and CBC websites They will give you an idea about how to write a review.
- Write your review ( a maximum of 150 words) and post it at the appropriate comments site for that novel.
Please note : You are encouraged to read as many of the shortlisted novels as you like and to post as many reviews as you like. The more entries the more chances of winning a prize!There are multiple copies of these novels in the ISC.
# posted by Marianne Lee @ 1:47 pm
Short Listed Novels
Millie and the Night Heron - Catherine BatesonA feelgood story about a non traditional family dealing with the problems of life. Millie and Mitchell are content living in a share house with their single mothers. All is well until new boyfriends and new jobs come along.
Recommended for younger readers
The Story of Tom Brennan - J.C. BurkeThis is the compelling story of Tom whose life revolves around rugby, his mates and family life. Life in the small town is pretty cruisy until his older brother drink drives and is involved in a tragic car accident. Life changes for Tom forever.
Recommended for older readers
Double Exposure - Brian CaswellA mystery story about identical twins, Chris and Cain. Although they look the same, these twins are very much individuals. Set in Melbourne the plot revolves around love, hate, abuse and denial. An intriguing and challenging read with a great plot twist that you are sure to be unprepared for.
Recommended for older readers
No Worries - Bill CondonA confronting and sad story about life, love and family. Brian Talbot has a tough life for a seventeen year old. He has dropped out of school, has to deal with his mother's mental disability and tolerate his father's lack of concern for his situation. Emma, his love interest is the only bright spot in Brian's life but she too seems unreachable.
Recommended for older readers
Chasing Charlie Duskin - Cath CrowleyAn uplifting story of Charlie Duskin's journey to happiness and love. It will appeal to readers who like to read about someone overcoming life's many difficulties.
Recommended for older readers
Helicopter Man - Elizabeth FenshamA poignant story of a young boy at the point of realizing his father is suffering from schizophrenia. Told in the first person through Pete's diary it gives an incredible insight into this mental illness. At first it is a bewildering time for Pete and his father, but once the illness is diagnosed it becomes a healing time.
Recommended for younger readers
Once - Morris GleitzmanA beautiful lyrical story of a naive ten year old Jewish boy caught up in the tragedies of the holocaust. He has been placed in an orphanage by his parents for protection from the Nazis. He escapes from this orphanage to search for his parents and goes on a journey of self discovery.
Recommended for younger readers
How Hedley Hopkins Did A Dare.... - Paul JenningsThis is Paul Jennings' first full length novel. It is an hilarious and sometimes bizarre account of growing up in the 1950's and will appeal to readers of all ages. It is the " coming of age " tale of Hedley Hopkins who is the new kid at school, straight off the boat from England.
Recommended for younger readers
It's Not All About You,Calma! - Barry JonsbergThis is the stand alone sequel to "The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull" which starred witty and sarcastic Calma. This is a humorous story about friendship, loyalty and acting on impulse. The book ends with an unexpected twist and Calma learns some lessons about making hasty judgements.
Recommended for older readers
Lost Property - James MaloneyFrom the outside, Josh's life looks perfect.He's in a band, has a girlfriend and enjoys school. His family appears to have their act together but has been falling apart since his older brother disappeared two years before. The title of the book sums up the things that are lost in Josh's life. Not only has he lost his own sense of meaning but he has to deal with his "lost" brother as well. A thoughtful novel with an upbeat ending.
Recommended for older readers
