November Book Review Competition - Winners Announced

The Library held a Book Review Competition during the entire month of November '08. Library members who added book reviews to the Library's online catalogue during this period were automatically in the running for some great prizes from local busineses.

The competition saw an unprecedented 86 reviews added to our catalogue records - a result which was very pleasing and promoted this unique service available to our online customers.

All entries were judged by Library staff and after a lot of discussion the five winning finalists were selected.

The Winners (library members and reviewers extraordinaire):

Leone Raffaele

Entertaining Ambrose by Deirdre Purcell
This beautifully crafted Irish story weaves humour, grief, the human spirit, warmth and intelligence into a contemporary work of fiction. May carries the burdens of life gracefully, and then an angel called Ambrose comes to live with her. We soon understand why he is there. There are some immensely gut-wrenching periods of sadness, and also times of humour and great courage. I loved this book. It is different from Deidre Purcell's other books, and is not as dark. Well worth the read!!

Christine Anderson

Twelve sharp by Janet Evanovich
Finally some background on Ranger (for all you Ranger fans!). And keep an eye out for some hilariously discriptive writing of when Grandma, Lula and Sally do a dress rehearsal for there new band in Stephanies parents house. Laugh out loud funny ... I could barely see the page for tears. Both thumbs up! Cheers Christine

Fiona Dean

Brisingr, or, The seven promises of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Bjartskular by Christopher Paolini
Paolini's worked his magic again in this third addition to his hit Inheritance series - which was originally meant to be a trilogy but is instead going to have a fourth installment. Brisingr brings back the characters we knew and loved from Eragon and Eldest, as well as the entrancing and realistic fantasy world - but the action in Brisingr tends to be unfortunately slow, and readers of the others may find it too "same-y". Despite this, there are the trademark surprises, quests, magic battles, and - of course - the lovable dragon Saphira.

Donna Alderman

God's callgirl by Carla van Raay
Fantastic read! Great insight into the life of Catholic nuns a generation ago. Would be of particular interest to anyone, who like me, completed their education through the Catholic Education system! A controversial, honest and very interesting read. One of those hard to put down books!

Allana Madigan

The Reunion by Sue Walker
A great read - keeps you guessing right up to the end! I have never read a Walker book before - preferring thrillers & action but this book combining suspense, psychology & great writing kept me engaged right to the very end. From the changes in time frame to the varying fonts, from the present back to the past, Sue Walker has written a story that unlocks a 25 year secret that accounts for the life patterns of the 6 main characters. Long buried secrets come to the fore as the story unfolds.... brilliant writing that kept me up all night!

Congratulations to the winners and well done to all who entered. There were many excellent entries and judging was not easy!

Also, a big thank to the local business who contributed prizes to the competion:

• WOW Sight & Sound - Apple iPod Nano and Digital Camera
• Carobana - 2 big baskets of goodies
• Friday Creek Resort - box of wine