25 August 2007

Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak book coverI've been reading all afternoon, and just finished The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. The author lives in Sydney, and I was sucked into this book on the first page. The book has two narrators, one is Death, and the other a young girl by the name of Liesel. Set in 1939 in Nazi Germany, Death becomes interested in Liesel's story as a young German girl during the war, who steals books. I read quite a few books set in this period when I was at ADFA, but this is a completely unique perspective on this era in history, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Although it's quite a hefty book, it's easy to read and the pages fly by (almost as quick as a Patterson). Zusak's unique style includes snippets and notes throughout the book, and he often jumps ahead to let you know what will happen, and then goes back to explain the events leading up to it. Surprisingly this style doesn't detract from the pace, and I really enjoyed this book.

Zusak has written two other books, so I might need to check them out.

My rating = *****

Carpe Librum!

Phantom of the Opera - Melbourne Theatre

I went to see the Phantom of the Opera a few weeks ago, and it was just as moving and magical as I remember. I went to see it twice in High School and absolutely loved it. Seeing it again all these years later and knowing every word and every note now made it even more memorable.


I can see now why it had such an impact on me all those years ago, and I enjoyed it from a different perspective this time. The score is haunting, the special effects are mesmerising, and the gothic and medieval sets and costumes are captivating. It wouldn't take much twisting of the arm to go again.


You've simply got to see it.


My rating = *****


That's my four bucks!
22 August 2007

Review: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling book coverI finished reading the long awaited Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows and thoroughly enjoyed it! I won't spoil the ending in case you haven't read it yet, but I can tell you it was well worth the wait, and provided a lot of 'closure' to previous plots and sub-plots.

I thought the epilogue was a little weak, but I won't say any more.

Highly recommended for any Harry Potter fans, but not as a stand alone book.

My rating = ****

Carpe Librum!