Review: Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

I just finished reading Fierce Conversations and it was really quite good. Fierce conversations is a style of conducting business, an attitude, a way of life'. Author Susan Scott is a Communications Expert and has spent 16 years helping clients improve their conversations, and the book contains many case studies from CEOs who have engaged her services. Many of these were quite entertaining, and great eye openers.

Much of the book is guff, but there are pearls of wisdom scattered amongst the pages, and many of these gave me pause, as I wished I had the courage and or skill to deliver that type of message. The book also takes you through how to deal with conflict, one conversation at a time, and includes a plan and helpful tips and questions to assist you at 'starting the conversation you are most avoiding'.

I enjoyed some of the tips relating to co-workers and managers, and laughed at some of the questions: for example, a manager asking their co-worker: 'what are you hoping I won't bring up?' Can you imagine the response?

By the end of the book I realised I had absolutely no excuse to avoid the 'fierce conversation', and made an appointment with the person I had been most avoiding. This fierce conversation was extremely productive and has lifted a burden I had been carrying for over a year.

Even though it could be culled (at least 50 pages) I thoroughly recommend the book if you could benefit from tips on communication (who wouldn't)?

My rating = ****

Carpe Librum!

Review: My Story by Schapelle Corby with Kathryn Bonella

This is quite a controversial book, which sparked conversation (even amongst strangers) wherever I went with it. It would seem that Schapelle Corby is the modern day Lindy Chamberlain, and her guilt/innocence will be discussed long into the future.

I was warned that this book was quite graphic, and very depressing, but I thought that if Schapelle can live it, I can read it. I'm glad I did. It was refreshing to hear her point of view, and not the media version which has hindered her situation beyond belief.

Believing that Schapelle is innocent, makes this a very difficult book to read, but I encourage you to put aside any pre-conceptions, and hear her story. Remember: being beautiful and belonging to a family with questionable connections, does not make you guilty. Being in the middle of a media frenzy does not make you guilty.

Read it, and then decide.

Even if you believe she's guilty, surely you agree that no Australian deserves to spend 20 years in that filthy hell hole.

Bring her home.

Carpe Librum!

Review: Brother Odd by Dean Koontz

One of the great things about being on holidays, is that there is plenty of time for reading! While staying at a beautiful B&B in Healesville, I finished the latest novel in the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz.

Brother Odd was an exciting read, and I enjoyed the monastic setting, and learning about the Brothers and the life that led them to God.

I would give anything to see the 'computer representation of the thought patterns of God that underlie all matter'. In the book, Brother John states that: "This little exhibition so profoundly affects people, it resonates with us on some level so deep, that witnessing more than a minute of it can result in extreme emotional distress."

I'm not sure if there will be another book in this series, but I sure hope so.

My rating = ****

Carpe Librum

Review: Cross by James Patterson

Cross is the latest novel in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. I always love the fact that his books are a quick read - perfect for the holidays. I won't spoil the ending for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but I was thrilled when Cross resigned from the FBI to spend more time with his family!! It always annoyed me that up until this point, he had permanently left 'Nana Mama' (his Grandma) to take complete care of his kids.... gggrrrrr, and spent his spare time with his love of the moment.

I enjoyed reading this novel, and reaching closure on a long standing storyline of the murder of Alex Cross' wife.

Highly recommended for all James Patterson fans.

Rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Review: Lisey's Story by Stephen King

When I unwrapped Stephen King's Lisey's Story at Christmas, I couldn't wait to get started on the 560 page novel. Believe it or not, after 100 pages I was ready to put it back on the shelf. The beginning was dull and boring and the writing style was completely different to any other King book I've read. In addition to that, the main character's use of the word 'smucking' instead of 'fucking' was driving me crazy!

The only reason I persevered was because it was Stephen King, and in the end I wasn't disappointed. A crime plot eventually emerged which was mildly interesting, however when the 'supernatual theme' surfaced I was hooked, and stayed up until 3.00am in the morning ploughing through the pages.

The beginning and ending are slow, but the body of the novel is an absolutely thrilling read!

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Comet McNaught

Over a couple of nights this week, I had the pleasure of watching the brightest comet in 40 years. I must say, watching the comet (known as McNaught) certainly reminds you how small we are in the universe. It was an absolute privilege.

That's my four bucks!

Review: The 5th Horseman by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Reading a book by James Patterson is always a pleasure because it is so quick and easy to read. The 5th Horseman is another crime fiction novel in the Women's Murder Club series, and although I prefer the Alex Cross series, this book was ok. The last few James Patterson books have been co-authored, and this one was co-authored by Maxine Paetro.

The best Patterson co-author book I've read so far would have to be The Jester, co-written with Andrew Goss. The Jester was set in medieval times, (instant plus) but Goss seemed to add so much to Patterson's easy writing style to make for a spectacular plot.

It was disappointing that Paetro didn't seem to add anything to this plot, except perhaps for the 'girlie' influence which drove me nuts. I don't know any girl that refers to her friend as 'butterfly' or who goes for a run after 30 hours without sleep and then has a pizza.

I'm committed to reading every Patterson, but if you aren't already a fan, this book won't convert you.

My rating = **

Carpe Librum!

Review: Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris

Hannibal Rising was high on my Christmas wish list simply because it's the story of Hannibal's life as a child, and the circumstances that shape his development. We know him as the popular Hannibal Lecter of The Silence Of The Lambs fame, however his experiences as a child during the Second World War growing up in Lecter Castle, are very different from medical school later in life.

Perhaps not as thrilling as I was hoping, there are several pieces of writing that have stayed with me long after finishing the book, which is a rarity for me. I will leave the 'scary bits' for you to discover on your own... however one funny line I will share: 

"Are you looking for sympathy? You'll find it in the dictionary between shit and syphilis."

Thomas Harris certainly has a way with words, and a macabre flair for plot.

I enjoyed this book.

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

New Format for New Year

I've changed the look of my blog for the New Year, so hope you like it!!!


Another book review coming very soon.


Happy New Year!!


That's my four bucks!

Review: Forever Odd by Dean Koontz

After reading the first book of this series in July entitled Odd Thomas, I finally got around to reading the second book in the series: Forever Odd. Not as good as the first, I still enjoyed following Odd Thomas on his second documented crime busting adventure. The main character Datura was not nearly as frightening as the miles of underground tunnels Odd spent most of the story in.

At the end of this book, Odd Thomas is leaving his small home town of Pico Mundo to go and live in a monastery. Hopefully this will provide a different adventure altogether - I can't wait to read the third book!

Rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Merry Christmas 2006

Wishing all my faithful readers and random visitors (I know you're out there) a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!


That's my four bucks!

Review: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I finished reading The Thirteenth Tale last week, and what a page turner!!! I'd seen this book on the shelves at least 12 months before I bought it, and was initially attracted by the cover. I know what you're thinking, but I always judge a book by it's cover, and in this case, the cover is of book spines... I know, the perfect lure for a book lover, and ultimately, it met its mark.

So what's it all about? Vida Winter is a successful author and she is dying. She decides to tell her life story, although she has done so on countless occasions, and each time she gives a different story! This time however, she is going to reveal the dark truth about her past. The story centres around twin girls, and reminded me a little of Flowers In The Attic, 2006 style.

I absolutely loved this book, despite reading several 'dull' reviews earlier in the year. I was definitely hooked and got through it in no time.

I am going to recommend it to my sister next.

My rating = *****

Carpe Librum!

Review: Satan In St Mary's by Paul Doherty, P.C. Doherty

After reading Paul Doherty's recent novel The Cup of Ghosts I was extremely eager to read his first medieval mystery featuring Hugh Corbett. The plot wasn't as exciting as The Cup of Ghosts, the incidental descriptions of medieval life kept the pages turning at a rapid rate. I love this genre, and it's enough to keep me wanting to read the remaining 13 novels in this series.

I'm looking forward to seeing how his style of storytelling develops over the ensuing novels. Hopefully one or two will find their way under the Christmas tree for me...

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Review: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Last week I finished The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, easily my favourite book of the year!! I enjoy reading historical fiction but this particular style/plot weaving was completely new to me. This novel is a combination of everything I love: mystery, danger, research, libraries, ancient ruins, murder, supernatural, ancient texts, and the basis for all this is vampire lore. 

What more could you ask for?

I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thriller and the search for truth.

Book of the year!!

My rating = *****

Carpe Librum!

Review: We Are Their Heaven by Allison DuBois

This is the second book by Allison DuBois, the woman who inspired the TV show Medium.

I find her life and experiences fascinating, and this was a great read. My only criticism of the book is that her writing is poorly structured, and the chapters are not well organised. This was the same with her last book, but this is one author I will forgive without question, as she has an amazing gift.

This book will bring comfort to those who have ever wondered about the other side, or who have lost someone special to them.

Rating = ****

Carpe Librum!

Review: September 11 - From The Inside by Rubram Fernandez

The anniversary of September 11 this year was accompanied by a myriad tv shows and documentaries. I watched them all of course.

Several months ago, I heard about a book called September 11 - From The Inside by Rubram Fernandez and ordered it from my favourite bookstore with the intention of reading it in September. After waiting two months for the book to be shipped from USA, I couldn't wait to read the novel claiming to 'stir deep emotion in the reader'. 

Well it certainly did do that, except the emotion was disappointment!!! This was the most ridiculous attempt at recreating the events from inside the World Trade Centre buildings, with pathetic descriptions. 

Here's one pathetically amusing excerpt: 
"the sight of dozens dead white doves made the scene remind one of a documentary on the effects of the atomic bomb."

It was almost an insult to the victims and their families to print such rubbish, and I'm annoyed now that I bought the book, but I was 'sucked in' by the subject matter.

Don't buy/read this book.

Carpe Librum!

When to put a book aside

The last time I put a book down without ever intending to finish it was about 10 years ago, and the book was Moby Dick. In fact, there were several books in that era (University) that I didn't have the time or the will to finish.


Since then however, I always finish every book I start. This is probably why it took me two years to read Crime and Punishment, and one year to get through Anna Karenina. They were classics, sure, but just soooo boring.


So, imagine my dilemma, 361 pages into Grand Days by Frank Moorhouse when I realised that the book was boring, and just a waste of time? Sure, I could keep reading, but there is a stack of books waiting for me on my shelf, and another 330 pages of this book and probably another 600 pages in the sequel Dark Palace!!!


Well, I decided to take the advice from Sara Nelson and recognise when to put a book away for good. It's not like anyone cares if I finish it or not, and it's certainly not a crime.


Having made the decision, I feel quite relieved, almost as if the weight of 900 pages have been lifted from my shoulders! Quitting a book is okay!


That's my four bucks!

Review: Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

I remember reading the Golden Books version of Pollyanna as a kid, and wanted to read the novel now given it's status as a classic. 

 I was very pleased to find that although the language has dated, the moral of the story is still very valid in today's society (usually the case in a classic). 

Pollyanna was an easy and uplifting read, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a break from reading heavy crime novels, and who need a little 'sunlight' between the pages.

Rating = *****

Carpe Librum!

Review: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

This is the first science fiction book I've read in such a long time, and it felt good to immerse myself in a genre so alien to me (pun intended).

This is a book about a group of Jesuits and scientists that travel to a planet many light years away and meet two species of alien. Only one priest returns to Earth alive, and the book is a means to the priest's confession of what happened on planet Rakhat and his struggle with God.

Although it took me a while to follow in the beginning, the story quickly picked up, and soon I was racing through the 500 pages to a satisfying end. I just learned of a sequel to The Sparrow, although I haven't decided if I want to read it based on the direction of the plot.

Recommended to me by a friend, I immensely enjoyed The Sparrow, hailed as 'One of the year's most powerful and disturbing books' by The Times.

Rating = ****

Carpe Librum!

State Library of Victoria in Melbourne

I went to the State Library today and had a terrific time. There is a free exhibition on at the moment called: Mirror of the World: Books and Ideas. The exhibition contains all types of rare and exquisite books from ancient texts to the classics.


It was amazing to see both the massive and miniature leather bound books from medieval times and to ponder their history.


I've included a photo of the impressive domed reading room for some inspiration. The State Library was a really relaxing place to visit and the exhibition is great, so go and see it!


That's my four bucks!