Marlborough Girls' College

35,025 pages read and 2,698 team points

Team members

ColleenS

4,579 pts

(3,538 pages read)

Everyone in this bank is a thief

By Benjamin Stevenson

4 stars

I really like the way Stevenson approaches his murder mysteries, telling them in second person. This third one however was a bit slow to get started - maybe I have read too many. But if you enjoy a bit of a different approach this bank heist mystery / thriller might be one to try.
Mad Mabel

By Sally Hepworth

4 stars

81 year old Elsie Fitzpatrick is suspected of murdering her elderly neighbour when people discover she is really Mabel Waller convicted of murder at the age of 15. Mabel tells her story to two youtubers in an attempt to clear her name. I loved the character of Mabel and her adorable young neighbour Persephone and though described as a thriller this really is a study of society with great descriptions of character. I did guess one part of the plot but other revelations were a surprise. Very enjoyable read.
Journey Under Warning

By Elsie Locke

5 stars

I read this as research for a book I am working on and I did enjoy it. It is set during the Wairau Incident and although I think there are said to be some queries over historical facts it did add to my understanding of differences at the time. Both cultures were presented with empathy. I can see why the book has slipped into oblivion but would be great to have an updated version.
Kings of this world

By Elizabeth Knox

3 stars

I have to admit I am not a big fantasy reader but I wanted to persevere with this new YA fantasy thriller, because dark academia is getting some traction among teen readers. Set in a boarding school where the students have special powers allowing them to 'push' people into doing things, there are elements here of a good thriller .. secrets, kidnapping, hitmen and a group of teens who are feared by society because they are different. Personally I found the plot a little disjointed but Knox's writing is superb and I think fantasy fans will love it
Lessons on Living

By Nigel Latta

5 stars

So glad I read this book. With dead-pan humour and weird but effective metaphors, Nigel presents his three principles on living life, using examples from his experiences. There are lots of takeaways here for educators especially, including understanding people and teamwork and work culture, but I think everyone should read this book.
Almost Nothing Happened

By Meg Rosoff

4 stars

Both the cover and the title drew me to this YA book. it was slow to start but by chapter 2 the pace had picked up and I enjoyed the ride. When 17 year old Callum decides not to catch the Eurostar back home after a summer exchange in Paris, he gets swept into an adventure of car chases, embezzlement, fraud, theft and oh ..a hot girl. A stark contrast to his 2 month exchange when nothing happened. The fast pace of this book plus the generous use of space in the layout means that I'll be recommending this to reluctant readers wanting an adventure. And as a 'coming of age' story there is a few subtle life lessons here too.
The Christmas tree that loved to dance

By Miranda Hart

5 stars

I'm a big fan of Miranda Hart and there are plenty of one liners in this beautiful book so it didn't disappoint. It's a hard book to describe - it has pictures but is not a picture book and the story is not just for children. It's a fable with talking trees and animals and a message about getting a second chance at life.
The Women

By Kristin Hannah

5 stars

My first encounter with Kristin Hannah and I wasn't disappointed. Dealing with a nurse's story of the Vietnam War, the first half reminded me of the TV series M.A.S.H. where parties helped to ease the horror. Part two dealt with P.T.S.D. and coping with the anti-war movement in the U.S. in the early 70's.
Wednesday's children

By Robin Hyde

4 stars

A republished edition of the 1937 novel by Robin Hyde. This wasn't an easy read but I enjoyed the story. Wednesday is an unconventional woman an unmarried mother of five children, living on an island off the coast of Auckland. This story casts a light, not always favourably, on society and the role of women.
Twice

By Mitch Albom

5 stars

I've never read a Mitch Albom story i didn't love and this one delivered like the others. Part love story but more an exploration of being human and all the emotions that brings. What would you change if you had the opportunity to live moments a second time - and would that always mean things were better? I adored Alfie and his interesting life.
Death at Morning House

By Maureen Johnson

4 stars

Great teen read to recommend to lovers of One of Us is Lying. Satisfying twist at the end
Normal Woman

By Philippa Gregory

3 stars

Interesting and comprehensively researched. Intended for Young adult and the humour will appeal. I would have liked a reference list but I understand this is in a much longer version. Very British - would love to see something similar for NZ - we have so many trailblazers here.

15 - 0 - 1

Add pages read

Marlborough Girls' College

35,025 pages read and 2,698 team points

Team members

Olga

ColleenS

Chels

SarahB

Frith

SMcLees

Sophie Taetuli

Nomes

CMac

Shalom

Katelovestoread!

Surrey

Libs

Marco

Sia

ColleenS

Everyone in this bank is a thief

Mad Mabel

Journey Under Warning

Kings of this world

Lessons on Living

Almost Nothing Happened

The Christmas tree that loved to dance

The Women

Wednesday's children

Twice

Death at Morning House

Normal Woman

Marlborough Girls' College

35,025 pages read and 2,698 team points

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