The author of The Last Beach Bungalow and The Only True Genius in the Family talks about her latest novel, her thoughts on the origin and nature of genius, on her characters, on losing a parent, on the writing “zone”, and lots more.
A review of The Only True Genius in the Family by Jennie Nash
Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers: The Story of Success, argues that natural genius is a myth, and that other factors, including hard work, are what distinguish the top performers at something, given equal ability. Nash addresses this myth, and makes it a vital part of her central protagonist’s journey.
A review of phobiaphobia by rob walker
Even in the 24 pages of this chapbook, however, readers will find that walker touches on the full spectrum of human frailty. This is a book that takes us through our many fears, both realistic ones, and those that poke fun at the many strange habits of the modern human. It’s a powerful little collection full of quirky introspection, original and intense imagery, and lots of pithy black humour.
A review of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights illustrated by Michel Streich
Though it’s only small, this book packs a powerful punch in terms of its striking prose which is no less relevant today than it was 60 years ago, its apt illustrations, and its applicability to the way we choose to live our lives.
A review of Zuke ‘Em: The Colle-Zukertort Revolutionised
Zuke ‘Em: The Colle-Zukertort Revolutionised is a book with many virtues: it is lucid and rigorous and interactive and authoritative and engaging. Its lucidity is most apparent in the way the author organises his material; most chapters begin with a ‘Familiarization’ section – a gentle introduction to its main themes – after which the teddy bears are taken away and we get down to brass tacks
A review of Fire to Fire by Mark Doty
In their citation for the award, the judges observed that the poems “gently invite us to share their ferocious compassion. With their praise for the world and their fierce accusation, their defiance and applause, they combine grief and glory in a music of crazy excelsis. In this generous retrospective volume a gifted young poet has become a master.”
A review of Three of the Best: The Modern Woman’s Guide to Everything by Candace Lewis & Margaret O’Sullivan
All in all, Lewis and O’Sullivan have done a very clever job of distilling just about everything you need to know about life into seven key areas, and then providing three things that you need to know on that topic. If you need more than that, well you probably are too serious a person anyway.
A review of The Rasner Effect by Mark Rosendorf
The Rasner Effect is a multifaceted psychological thriller peopled with convincing characters, packed with gritty, pithy discourse all set against a backdrop of trickery, maneuvering and danger.
A review of Magellenica by Justin Lowe
There’s a freshness to this form of novel, and Lowe handles it well, but I still feel like I’ve been left with a snapshot rather than a story. Nevertheless, as a portrait of both a post-WWI veteran, an image of cricket at its most exciting period in Australia, and a portrayal of Sydney in the 20s, this is a lovely, evocative book, full of rich imagery and sensual moments.
A review of One Pot French: More than 100 Easy, Authentic Recipes by By Jean-Pierre Challet
All in all, this is a nice offering for the beginning or intermediate cook looking to take on the world of French cuisine in a non-pretentious, easy to learn form. You might need more than one pot, but not many more, and the overall results will certainly be worth it.