Each month we bring you the best new release books in our Book Brief
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Fiction Books
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When The Night Comes by Favel Parrett
A story of growing up, journeys into the great unknowns and that anything in life is possible. Parrett’s writing is truly mesmerizing. Her words immediately draw you in and you are swept away. Poetical, evocative and truly moving this will not only have you immediately falling for her characters but also have you falling in love with an Antarctic supply ship, the Nella Dan. Favel Parrett has carefully crafted an exquisite novel. Skilfully written, elegantly constructed, beautifully told and an absolute pleasure to read and experience. Jon
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The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
David Mitchell fans will absolutely love this book and it will definitely create new ones too as you are swept away by the storytelling, the language and the imagination. The novel opens in 1984 in England. We meet Holly Sykes, aged 15, who has run away from home. In the process Holly becomes part of a chain events outside her, and our, comprehension. Holly inadvertently makes a promise the consequence of which will have repercussions for many lives. Jon
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The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
A love story full of surprises. A crime story of immense tension, a deeply satisfying read. Set in 1920’s London, this is an atmospheric portrait of that fascinating period. A time when women have to make many choices about surviving without fathers and brothers and an income. A mother and daughter decide to take in paying guests (lodgers only they don’t use that word) . The arrival of a young couple into this seemingly quiet and ordered household has dramatic and disturbing consequences. Chris
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The Children Act by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan’s new novel is one of his best. His delicate and smooth tone pulls you into a thrilling novel with a moral dilemma at its core. A High court judge is about to have her private life shattered and her professional life compromised. What makes this an exceptional novel is the way it is told. Full of compassion, so unpretentious and tender towards all the characters and ideas. Chris
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Lock In by John Scalzi
Fifteen years from now, a new virus sweeps the globe. 95% of those afflicted experience nothing worse than fever and headaches. 4% suffer acute meningitis, creating the largest medical crisis in history. And 1% find themselves ‘locked in’ – fully awake and aware, but unable to move or respond to stimulus. But then two new technologies emerge that gives people hope. Nothing can go wrong. Certainly nobody would be tempted to misuse it, for murder, for political power, or worse…
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Non-Fiction Books
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This House of Grief by Helen Garner
On Father’s Day 2005 a father and his three sons plunged into a dam. The boys drowned and the father survived to face a murder trial. Why does Helen Garner choose to write such uncomfortable and confronting books and more to the point why do we read them? I think it is because we want to understand ourselves and other people. Helen Garner is the best writer for such a task. Her eye for detail, her precision and clarity of writing plus her non-judgemental attitude make this a formidable read. Chris
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Jamie’s Comfort Food by Jamie Oliver
Jamie’s new cookbook brings together 100 ultimate comfort food recipes from around the world. It’s all about the dishes that are close to your heart, that put a smile on your face and make you feel happy, loved, safe and secure. Inspired by everything from childhood memories to the changing of the seasons, and taking into account the guilty pleasures and sweet indulgences that everyone enjoys, it’s brimming with exciting recipes you’ll fall in love with.
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Lego Architecture by Philip Wilkinson
These amazing LEGO Architecture sets showcase incredible buildings from around the world. From the Empire State Building and the Guggenheim, to Farnsworth House revealing amazing exploded images of the LEGO Architecture models, showing every LEGO brick involved in the build. This is perfect for architects, designers and architecture enthusiasts of all ages.
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1-Minute Gardener by Fabian Capomolla & Mat Pember
As the brains behind The Little Veggie Patch Co., Fab and Mat have taken the mystery out of – and put the fun back into – growing fruit and vegetables. 1-Minute Gardener features 70 fast, illustrated step-by-step guides to edible gardening essentials, from preparing and caring for your patch through to harvesting the rewards (and getting the kids involved along the way).
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Strictly Parenting by Michael Carr-Gregg
In his work as a family psychologist, Michael Carr-Gregg has noticed a worrying trend in our modern parenting styles, which sees kids running riot and parents running for cover. In our desire to give our kids the best, we may have given them way too much, and overlooked the importance of setting boundaries. He believes it’s a recipe for disaster. In Strictly Parenting, Michael asks parents to take a good hard look at the way they are parenting – to toughen up and stop trying to be their kids’ best friends.
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Travelling To Work: Diaries 1988-1998 by Michael Palin
These latest Diaries show a man grasping every opportunity that came his way, and they deal candidly with the doubts and setbacks that accompany this prodigious word-rate. As ever, his family life, with three children growing up fast, is there to anchor him. Travelling To Work is a roller-coaster ride driven by the Palin hallmarks of curiosity and sense of adventure. These ten years in different directions offer riches on every page to his ever-growing army of readers.
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Childrens’ Picture Books
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Is There A Dog In This Book? by Vivian Schwartz
Tiny, Moonpie and Andre are scared of dogs, and there might be a dog in this BOOK! What are they going to do? The dog could be anywhere, on any page, there are so many hiding spots in this book. So funny! You’ll love it! Jan & Danica
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A House of Her Own by Jenny Hughes
Audrey is getting bigger and bigger, so she decides that she needs a house of her own. Her dad builds her a fabulous treehouse, but there is something missing. A story of the need for independence and the importance of family. Such a charming read! Jan
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Books for First Readers
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Jedi Academy: Return of the Padawan by Jeffrey Brown
I could not wait for this book to come out, and now it’s here! This book made me laugh so hard. You don’t even have to be a Star Wars fans to enjoy this book, but if you are then you’ll love it all the more. Great for kids who are becoming confident readers. Danica
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Books for Young Readers
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The 52-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths
It’s here! It’s here! It’s here! The wait is over! Andy and Terry have added ANOTHER 13 storeys to their treehouse and things are more hilarious than ever. Come and get your copy today! Danica, Ian & Jan
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Loot by Jude Watson
International jewel heists, a twin that March never knew he had, and a curse that destroy them all. This book is packed with more action and intrigue than any book we’ve read in a long time. Great for girls and boys alike, everyone will love this book! Ian & Danica
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Books for Young Adults
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The Mission by Allen Zadoff
If you loved ‘Boy Nobody’ as much as we did, then you going to absolutely love the sequel! It’s even better than the original, and that’s saying a lot. Get this book into every teenager’s hands that you know! Danica & Ian
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The Revenge of Seven by Pittacus Lore
This is the latest installment in the ‘I am Number Four’ series, and it won’t disappointment fans waiting to read about what happens when Seven fights back. A gripping read from start to finish!
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