Otago Boys' High School

66,329 pages read and 4,814 team points

Team members

Helen W

7,352 pts

(5,402 pages read)

See How They Fall

By Rachel Paris

5 stars

This was one of those plot lines that had you muttering, “No, don’t do that,” to the protagonists. But, the plot line didn’t become, and wasn’t, predicable so what you suspected would transpire, didn’t. This made this novel challenging to put down and the final twist was satisfyingly unexpected.
On the Edge

By Kate Horan

4 stars

This one took a moment to get into. What initially seemed overly descriptive at the expense of plot, soon shifted to a story well told. I was satisfied that the end was not what I predicted, but also not disappointed with the author's choice.
The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe

By Angela Kelly

4 stars

An easy read that provides the background and creation of many iconic moments from The Queen's wardrobe.
Hamnet

By Maggie O'Farrell

4 stars

At times the change in narrative time was so quick and not signalled that it took a little more focus than I was always willing to give. The storyline and perspective was fabulous so kept this a worthwhile read.
Where the Crawdads Sing

By Delia Owens

5 stars

This one has been sitting in my “must read” collection for a while and it certainly lived up to expectation. The description and action were immersive without the author needing to resort to linguistic gymnastics to achieve this.
The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana

By Paul Burrell

5 stars

The author explains his rationale for writing this book. He captures his journey into royal service, and how his work shaped his life and relationships, without appearing to overstep. It was more of an explanation rather than revelation which made it an enjoyable read.
The Last Thing he Told Me

By Laura Dave

4 stars

Although thrillers are not usually my preference, this was mild and more unpacking the mystery disappearance than “thrilling”. It was slightly predictable, but I wasn’t dissatisfied with the ending.
The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service with Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III

By Grant Harrold

5 stars

While providing fascinating and illuminating anecdotes from his time as a royal butler, Grant Harrold does this without presenting as gossipy or indiscrete. Filled with humour, this was directed at himself and not at the people he worked for.
Gracehopper

By Mandy Hager

3 stars

The plot was engaging, but a little drawn out. Overall a worthwhile read.
Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants

By Tom Quinn

3 stars

Some interesting and obscure details of royal court from Henry VIII to today.
It’s a Bit More Complicated Than That

By Hannah Marshall

5 stars

Typically shifting narrators frustrate me, however, although their voices were similar, the shift worked to tell the story of the two main characters.
The Mess of Our Lives

By Mary-Anne Scott

4 stars

A modern twist on the coming of age trope. A strong teen male protagonist who faces challenges, makes errors, considers life choices, without being unnecessarily dramatic or with an overly full plot.
The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal, and Survival

By Robert Jobson

5 stars

An interesting unpacking of the house of Windsor from Edward VII to today.
The Heir Apparent

By Rebecca Armitage

2 stars
Bear

By Kiri Lightfoot

4 stars

At first I wasn't sure whether the stream of consciousness would detract from the story. Once I settled in, the insightfulness of the author in creating the voice of the narrator, and his lists of worries to Google :), kept the interest and engagement going.
Anything Could Happen

By Grant Robertson

4 stars

An enjoyable read: a memoir with illuminating back story of the author's entry into politics and return to his home town.

17 - 0 - 1

Add pages read

Otago Boys' High School

66,329 pages read and 4,814 team points

Team members

Maria Z

Rach C

Athrawes

Helen W

Kelly K

Tim Hyslop

EM

Kate H

JI

Quentin

Richard

GB

JZani

Mr Thomas

A Ward

HH

NicoleB

Helen W

See How They Fall

On the Edge

The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe

Hamnet

Where the Crawdads Sing

The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana

The Last Thing he Told Me

The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service with Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III

Gracehopper

Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants

It’s a Bit More Complicated Than That

The Mess of Our Lives

The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal, and Survival

The Heir Apparent

Bear

Anything Could Happen

Otago Boys' High School

66,329 pages read and 4,814 team points

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