The Secret Cure by Sue Woolfe

Sophisticated and artistic from cover to eloquently glowing reviews on the back,  this book is somehow enchanting even though the author does not once mention the word stalking, even though this is what this fairytale-like book is all about!  The stalked become stalkers themselves in this believably poignant tale.

I really enjoyed reading this because I couldn't predict what would happen next. I was also very surprised to find it was about autism (showing I don't really read everything on the back of a book unless I get really sucked in!) For me, it highlighted the then current medical viewpoint on Aspergers Syndrome as being nurture shaping the child so it must be the parent's fault, and the implications this has on parents of autistic children - all twisted into a clever tale of deceit and aspirations, morals and good intentions. 

Under the characters voices and quirky humour- all Australian except for the German doctor / genius - we experience the pursuit of science and love at all costs with one of those twists of fate endings.

The front cover boldly states, Extraordinary" and yes, I agree; this book is worth reading, and one that stays living within you in some way...  marvelous (to put it mildly LOL)

The People Collection by Zenna Henderson

It's been quite some time since I read an un-put-down-able book, and this one certainly fits the bill as one I will read again! I purchased it for $1.50 at an op shop in the mall. As engrossing as Sheri Tepper and "The Time Traveller's Wife", this collection of stories written about The People almost sixty years ago has not dated. In fact, it could have been written in contemporary times, and the themes of both the storyline and subject slot perfectly in the current popular genres of supernatural themes and mystery.

A collector of ephemera, Zenna Henderson (born 1917, died 1983 aged 65) appears as a dichotomy to her writing - a homely looking lady with incongruous pig tails; also in many ways an archetypal teacher of the 1950's. The world she has superimposed on our own is one where supernatural powers are a natural part of one's makeup. Being able to read minds, or move objects, detect metal deposits or shares market returns, the gifts are varied. The original (Star) People are scattered over earth and many manage to reunite. The whole concept is fascinating and like good sci fi, utterly convincingly believable as being possible - which this series is.

Zenna Henderson writes in a lilting style, she plays with words in a way that is offbeat and expressive. Her turns of phrase and deep soul searching hook the reader into the plot almost instantly as you see the reality of the challenges the characters face. And these aren't the usual challenges in life, but ones of high drama, morals and virtues as much as death and separation.

I really enjoyed reading how the various characters met the challenges they faced in blending into the world of the outsiders. Their special gifts can cause a different reaction depending on whom they meet. They sometimes alienate, frighten, bewilder and draw others, and as their children have less control than adults in spontaneously revealing their differentness, they tend to live together in isolated areas. There's several themes in the book which address archetypal emotions from a sense of isolation to deep belonging, of community yet also individual drives and goals. which all come together under the lives of The People.

Magician by Raymond E Feist

I have been on a real fantasy binge lately - and not a book review writing binge, that's for sure!

Magician. Classic fantasy... highly regarded... and very enjoyable! I did find I skimmed quite a few pages, glossing over the finer details of war and blow by blow accounts... "A good yarn" certainly described this novel well!

My major quibble was later in the novel, one of the main characters finds a wife. That in itself is plot, however Feist totally left her an empty personality that was unbelievable. Pug unexpectedly returns after four years absence, they re-unite and within minutes their four year old child becomes hungry and she meekly absents herself to feed him - hello!!!! This character, after all the detailing of Carline, is a non-entity and certainly fits the sterotype of the non-dominant woman who has no opinions or participation other than "there." She should have become a major character, in my opinion!

I also found some of the major characters did not get enough attention. For example, Tomas' change of appearance and personality seems as abrupt as Pug's was... and why did not Tomas confide in anyone? His actions were not believeable, so I would say character development was both excellent AND lacking, even in the "author's preferred edition" that I read.

Don't let me put you off! If you enjoy fantasy this is worth escaping into! A nice thick book as well (even if you are like me and prefer to gloss over wars!) There's humour and plot surprises, intrigue and your curiosity is certainly aroused in places... yes, "not a bad yarn!"

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

What a brilliant novel! I thoroughly enjoyed this one, being hooked on the first page!

I picked it up in an opportunity shop in Weybridge, London where there were several copies... in several shops... wondering at the time if it was so good, (best seller embalzened on the cover), wouldn't it be a keeper and hard to find? Well whatever the reason, I am glad I didn't allow my pre-conceived judgment as to the plethora of second-hand copies to cloud my mind and preclude me from buying it.

One gratuitous thought was, as I started it, how wonderful it was a thick book... hours of venturing in a new world awaited me... Books are a little like drugs, pills with pages... you can forget everything and just immerse yourself... lose yourself... and live vicariously through the adventures, albeit fictionalised, of others.

I did make the mistake of being so excited about this novel, I googled it to see if there was a movie in the making (there is) and darn it, Wikepedia had spoilers! All the same, my enjoyment of this novel was not thwarted however I did find one small wee continuity error, such as it is... which of course, in the nature of the book, had me spinning in a few time zones.... and it wasn't just the fact I had time traveled myself from the northern hemisphere back to my home in the southern!

Henry has a genetic disorder that spontaneously places him into a different time zone and place... so of course, he inherited this from ... whom? I suspect his mother, which is what caused the car accident she was in... and is the deep seated motive Henry has in not ever driving... however one then surmises, why didn't the mother jump into the future to meet Henry after her death, why does he not once mention either of his parents having the disorder? To me, this leaves a very logical and obvious hole in the book.... Hmmmmm....

I became deeply attached to the characters, yes I cried reading this book, sucking up the pathos like a greedy slug reeling on the intense emotions... this review is short, because it can be so easily summed up with... grab a copy, if you haven't taken this journey.... I cannot imagine anyone not loving, and I mean LOVING, this book!!!

Dear God, What's Happening to Us? by Lynne Grabhorn

Dear God, what happened to Lynn Grabhorn?

I read the book, almost gave up half way through in shock and disbelief but out of respect for her previous books ("Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting" & associated playbook) I persevered.

I then followed up with reading the very mixed reviews on amazon.

Phew!

The book does seem to have been written in a rush, with many inconsistencies and some areas a lack of information. I believe Lynn experienced a psychic attack of some kind (or emotional breakdown) and am very surprised Hampton Roads didn't at least give the book to another of their authors in a related field to review. Robert Bruce springs instantly to mind ("Practical Psychic Self-Defense", which I edited before it went to them!) Then at least Lynne may have had a framework or context in which to place her bizarre experiences!

The message in the book is the archetypal balance and battle of light against dark. It is total antipathy to her previous work, and in this respect I was ... shocked! Gutted, even! I just couldn't believe that Lynne was raving on about all this, that this was Lynne Grabhorn... and that this book even made it to the bookshelves - truly!

Did she lose credibility for me, as a person?

On a deeper level, I do believe Lynne had some kind of archetypal intuitive visionary experience coupled with an extreme psychic attack experience (as did her friend Bailey, and we never hear what happened to her; nor why in all her vast research Bailey (or any of Lynne's spiritual friends) didn't venture into the obvious area of psychic attack!) I suspect the book was written and published before Lynne had a chance to digest and assimilate everything. Then perhaps the theme of the book may have presented as a more concise visionary journey instead of as a nervous breakdown.

Some paragraphs just didn't make any sense! Was this book even edited????

In light (pun intended) of where Lynne was coming from, she did not lose my credibility, the publishers did! I can understand the shock value of her message, garbled and inconsistent as it is, may have had something to do with this. She isn't bringing forth anything new. It certainly was thought provoking in a nonsensical twisted kinda way.... and validated quite a few things for me on a personal level... beneath the external inconsistency/technical/editorial problems within the text.

It's up to you whether you would want to read it - obviously! If so, and you can get past the mumbled higgedly-piggeldy nature of the manuscript, you might find some little pearls to take home.... that may reinforce something you already have heard about, or know ...

The Organ Grinders by Bill Fitzhugh

Pure comedy with intelligence, a thriller of sorts, twists and turns, megalomania and poignant sorrow, laugh out loud moments and the mental imagery is enough to curl any vegan tree-hugging bookaholic! I LOVE this novel!

My second time romp through the pages of this tome had me just as enthralled as the first time experience. It appeases the intellect's need for information and cognitive coherence, as much as it does the mystery behind the bizarre murders (the landfill manager buried in his own soiled dump, complete with dirty diaper in his mouth) and just how the whole sit com can resolve itself... vivisection, cross-species implants, environmental concerns, greed, revenge, the quest for immortal life, and so many more human conditions and issues are addressed through Bill's lighthearted yet twisted view on the world...

I can't forget Arty, the guy who severs his limbs for the insurance and sells his body organs for huge profit, reduced to just a torso being carted around in a backpack by his biker bud... and I will never shake the scrotal imagery evoked by the description of Mr Landis' testicles when he gets the third one implanted (courtesy of Arty.)

Read this novel - it's funny, thought provoking, and twisted! Highly entertaining escapism!

Dear Merilyn by Barbra Leslie

To say I have doubts I could do justice writing a review on this book is an understatement. The effects of the story within its pages lingers in the psyche, leaving me touched in such a deep way I am very tempted to track down the author and... hug her!

I really struggled writing this review. It took some deep thought and clarifying what meaning Barbra's journey has for me as an intrinsic part of "Dear Merilyn's" message. A deeply personal book, the courage this amazing woman has shown by being so frank is a gift of healing and insight for those who are devoured by it's story.

I was initially drawn in by the plethora of colour artwork scattered through the pages, from native landscapes to erotica to harsh depictions of domestic violence to the naiveties of youth.

A riveting, very real book chronicling the life journey of an incredible woman. Australian artist Barbra Leslie's forthright and frank, painful and exuberant, biography begins with the Ash Wednesday fires in 1980. A beginning of high emotion fraught with tension sets the stage for her journey fraught with highs and lows, pain and joy, light and shadows. As the native bush around Barbra regenerates, so too does she, as the writer reliving her experiences and healing her past.

I wonder if this book touched such chords within me as in many ways it reflected my own experiences, as well as the archetypal journey of artist, woman and survivor.

To intimately describe the contents of this book would really do it an injustice however some of the topics include child and sexual abuse, abortion, domestic violence, physical pain, the mother-daughter relationship, the concept of family, suicide and healing the past. Life's unpredictable tragedies are interspersed with golden sunlight catching the forms of eucalypti and sandy estuaries. Life is Art, in wholism.

"Dear Merilyn" is mostly written as a series of letters to Barbra's friend, and one also forms a relationship with her. It is 'what isn't said', 'what isn't told', that captures the mind and heart as much as what is said.

The book is raw, it is shocking, it is strength and vulnerability. It isn't a book of joy, however it is one of hope. Of victory. The feeling of finishing that last page leaves a lasting impression of familiarity, admiration, respect and deep affinity with the author. She surely brings you into the precious sanctums of her inner being, complete with fragile poppet.

Wherever Barbra Leslie is now, I surely know she is passionately exploring life as wholeheartedly and honestly as she can - hopefully with a glass of wine in hand, a sway to her hips, friends and family aplenty, and an eye on just how that flight of cockatoos paints its own unique calligraphy across the limitless horizon...