Caringbah Happenings
Childrens week was celebrated at storytime this week on Tuesday the 24th of October and to celebrate we encouraged any children attending to dress up. Some of our staff even joined in the fun by wearing a cape and funny hats. The theme for the stories this week was birthdays and a fun time was had by both parents and children.
Recently at Caringbah a couple of books have stood out as in demand items. There have been a lot of reservations on James Patterson's newest novel Cross which continues the adventures of his popular character Alex Cross. The other hot item which was released in the past week is Alan Jones' biography, Jonestown. If you want to read either of these items contact us as soon as possible as the waiting lists are continuing to grow!
Finally, a tip for students. We suggest that you come to the library as soon as possible after getting your assignments. Otherwise, you may be disappointed if you come the day before it's due and find that we don't have anything left on your topic.
Good Luck to all 2006 HSC students!
Looking for a quiet place to study? Try the Reference Libraries at Sutherland, Caringbah, Engadine, Miranda or Menai libraries. Study guides are available to use in the library and there are also some available for loan. Sutherland Library also has past HSC papers, notes from the marking centre, and critiques on English texts for use in the library. Lockers are available to use at Sutherland free of charge.
HSC Advice Line Opens on October 9
The NSW Board of Studies will open the 2006 HSC Advice Line at 4pm on Monday, 9 October and will remain open until Thursday, 9 November. The Advice Line number is 13 11 12.The advisors are highly experienced HSC teachers who provide guidance for students studying for the HSC. Students can ask any question or just seek reassurance that they are on the right track. Advice is available for 26 of the largest HSC courses.
Advice line hours of operation:
4pm - 10pm Monday to Friday
10am - 6pm Saturday
10am - 10pm Sunday
Read the full media release here.
Looking for a Good Read?
Why not give one of the books on the 2006 Booker Prize Shortlist a go...You will probably have to reserve a copy but the recently announced winner was:
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran DesaiAt the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas, lives an embittered old judge who wants nothing more than to retire in peace. But with the arrival of his orphaned granddaughter, Sai, and his cook's son trying to stay a step ahead of US immigration services, this is far from easy. When a Nepalese insurgency threatens Sai's blossoming romance with her handsome tutor they are forced to consider their colliding interests. The judge must revisit his past, his own journey and his role in this grasping world of conflicting desires - every moment holding out the possibility for hope or betrayal. (from the publisher)
Other titles in the shortlist include Australia's own Kate Grenville and M. J. Hyland:
The Secret River by Kate GrenvilleIn 1806 William Thornhill, a man of quick temper and deep feelings, is transported from the slums of London to New South Wales for the term of his natural life. With his wife Sal and their children he arrives in a harsh land he cannot understand. But the colony can turn a convict into a free man. Eight years later Thornhill sails up the Hawkesbury to claim a hundred acres for himself. Aboriginal people already live on that river. And other recent arrivals—Thomas Blackwood, Smasher Sullivan and Mrs Herring—are finding their own ways to respond to them.
Thornhill, a man neither better nor worse than most, soon has to make the most difficult choice of his life. Inspired by research into her own family history, Kate Grenville vividly creates the reality of settler life, its longings, dangers and dilemmas. The Secret River is a brilliantly written book, a groundbreaking story about identity, belonging and ownership. (from the publisher)
Carry Me Down by M. J. HylandJohn Egan lives with his mother, father and grandmother in rural Ireland. The Guinness Book of Records is his favourite book and he wants to visit Niagara Falls with his mother. But, more than anything, he is determined to become a world-famous lie detector, almost at any cost. Carry Me Down is written in clean, compelling prose, and is about John's obsessive and dangerous desire to see the truth, even as his family is threatened in countless ways. In this singular tale of disturbed love every word rings true. (from the publisher)
The final three books in the shortlist include:
In the Country of Men by Hisham MatarIt is a white hot day in Tripoli, Libya, in the summer of 1979, and nine-year-old Suleiman sees his father standing across the street. Why does he pretend he hasn't seen him? And why doesn't he come over when he knows Suleiman's mother is falling apart? From a breathtaking new talent comes an utterly gripping novel told from the point of view of a young boy growing up in a bewildering world where his best friend's father disappears, and a man sits outside their house all day, asking strange questions. Soon the whispers become so intense that Suleiman, in an effort to save his family, may end up betraying his friends, his parents and ultimately himself. (from the publisher)
The Night Watch by Sarah WatersMoving backwards through the 1940s, through air raids, blacked out streets, illicit liaisons and sexual adventure, to end with its beginning in 1941, The Night Watch is the story of four Londoners - three women and a young man with a past, drawn with absolute truth and intimacy. Kay, who drove an ambulance during the war and lived life at full throttle, now dresses in mannish clothes and wanders the streets with a restless hunger, searching . . . Helen, clever, sweet, much-loved, harbours a painful secret . . . Viv, glamour girl, is stubbornly, even foolishly loyal to her soldier lover . . . Duncan, an apparent innocent, has had his own demons to fight during the war. Their lives, and secrets connect in sometimes startling ways. War leads to strange alliances . . . Tender, tragic and beautifully poignant, set against the backdrop of feats of heroism both epic and ordinary, here is a novel of relationships that offers up subtle surprises and twists. (from the publisher)
Mother's Milk by Edward St AubynThe novel's perspective ricochets among all members of the Melrose family – the family featured in St Aubyn's praised trilogy, Some Hope – starting with Robert, who provides an exceptionally droll and compelling account of being born; to Patrick, a hilariously churlish husband who has been sexually abandoned by his wife in favour of his sons; to Mary, who's consumed by her children and an overwhelming desire not to repeat the mistakes of her own mother. All the while, St Aubyn examines the web of false promises that entangle this once-illustrious family whose last vestige of wealth – an old house in the south of France – is about to be donated by Patrick's mother to a New Age foundation. An up-to-the-minute dissection of the mores of child-rearing, marriage, adultery and assisted suicide, Mother's Milk showcases Edward St Aubyn's luminous and acidic prose – and his masterful ability to combine the most excruciating emotional pain with the driest comedy. Absorb Mother's Milk into your bloodstream and postnatal depression will never seem the same again. (from the publisher)
Don't want to wait for your copy to come up? You should be able to get hold of something from the 2006 Longlist.
- Theft: A Love Story by Peter Carey
- Gathering the Water by Robert Edric
- The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson
- Black Swan Green byDavid Mitchell
- Be Near Me by Andrew O’Hagan
- Get a Life by Nadine Gordimer
- The Ruby in her Navel by Barry Unsworth
Have you read any of these books? Leave a comment below and let other readers know what you think. Happy reading!
Fiction Follies - October 2006
Fiction Follies is a monthly newsletter containing a selection of NEW fiction added to the collection of the Sutherland Shire Libraries. Click on the book title to reserve your copy.If you like The Da Vinci code try these books and authors…
- Black order by James Rollins
- Satan’s church by Cam Lavac
- The remnant by Christy Kenneally
- The lizard’s bite by David Hewson
- The icon by Neil Olson
- The last Templar by Raymond Khoury
- The Templar legacy by Steve Berry
- The Testament by Eric Van Lustbader
New Mysteries
Dark tort by Diane Mott DavidsonThe 13th culinary mystery in the series featuring Goldy Bear. Light and entertaining sleuthing with delicious recipes thrown in. For readers of Joanne Fluke and Carolyn Hart.
The vision by Heather Graham
Romantic suspense set in the Florida Keys. When diver Gen Wallace claims to see a body whispering the word “beware” the rest of her crew think she is losing her mind. That is until the body of a woman surfaces and more women are reported missing.
The last days of Newgate by Andrew Pepper
Gruesome murders, political unrest and an innocent man condemned in this fast moving historical mystery set in St Giles, London of the 1820’s. Sure to interest readers of Kept : a Victorian mystery by D J Taylor.
The night gardener by George Pelecanos
A body of a 14 year old is found in a Washington D.C. garden. This latest killing by “the night gardener” brings together 3 very different detectives. This novel combines socio-political commentary with the psychology of the detectives working the crime. Similar to Michael Connelly and Ian Rankin.
The undertow by Chris Wakling
The 19 year old daughter of a successful businessman is badly injured while diving in Byron Bay. The police claim it is an accident but he is not convinced. As his investigation continues he discovers how little he really knows about his own daughter.
Missing link by Joyce Holmes
Fizz has on odd request from elderly, gentle Mrs Sullivan. She wants Fizz to prove that she has committed a murder. Things get more complicated when 2 other people claim responsibility for the killing of “scruffy little slut” Amanda Montrose.
Messenger of truth by Jacquelyn Winspear
Maisie is asked to investigate the death of the wealthy painter Nick Bassington-Hope. Set in 1930’s Britain it contains great period detail and commentary on the divide between the wealthy and poor during the depression.
New Thrillers
Visibility by Boris StarlingLondon 1952. “At first it seems the Great Fog has claimed another victim. A drunk wandering unsighted… stumbling into the icy shallows of Long Water. But Max Stensness was stone cold sober when he died. And in the hours before his death, the young biochemist had claimed to be in possession of a secret that could change the world. [Now] the CIA, KGB and MI5 are all vying to get their hands on the dead man’s secret.” From synopsis.
The Testament by Eric Van Lustbader
When Braverman Shaw’s father dies he discovers that his father was involved in the Order of Gnostic Observatines. The sect preserved a secret Testament that could rock Christianity to its foundations and now Braverman is the chosen protector of the document. Who can he trust, especially as another sect sponsored by the Papacy is prepared to kill anyone in order to attain the documents.
The Cobbler’s apprentice by Sandy McCutcheon
“When Samir Al-Hassani does the impossible, and escapes from Guantanamo Bay, a chain of events is set off that is to lead to tears and bloodshed around the world. Sami, a young Palestinian who had been caught in Iraq, thinks he has been helped by feoolw jihadis, but the CIA and Mossad are pulling his strings or is he being set up?” from synopsis.
New Romance and Chicklit
Out of my depth by Emily BarrWhen Susie invites her old school friends to her house in France the object is to show off how well she has done for herself. During the catching up and comparisons it emerges that each is haunted by a secret from the past. Now that it is time to face the truth who will sink and who will survive?
Immediate family by Eileen Goudge
"The old adage you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family takes on a cunning new connotation in Goudge's zesty tale of four college pals catching up on life at their fifteenth Princeton reunion. Goudge excels at exploring the unconventional ways in which the bonds of family and friends are pulled, twisted, and tested, and her trademark creation of genial, winsome protagonists makes the process delectably entertaining." - Carol Haggas from ALA Booklist
Susannah’s garden by Debbie Macomber
When Susannah turned 18 her parents sent her to school abroad. She said goodbye to her boyfriend, Jake -- and never saw him again. She never saw her brother again, either; Doug died in a car accident while she was away. Now, at fifty, she finds herself regretting the paths not taken. Especially the chance to be with Jake . . . Long married, a mother and a teacher, she should be happy. But she feels there's something missing, although she doesn't know exactly what. Not only that, she's balancing the demands of an aging mother and a temperamental twenty-year-old daughter.
New Supernatural and Horror
The keeper by Sarah LanganSome believe Bedford, Maine, is cursed. Its bloody past, endless rain, and the decay of its downtown portend a hopeless future. With the death of its paper mill, Bedford's unemployed residents soon find themselves with far too much time to dwell on thoughts of Susan Marley. Once the local beauty, she's now the local whore. Silently prowling the muddy streets, she watches eerily from the shadows, waiting for . . . something. And haunting the sleep of everyone in town with monstrous visions of violence and horror.
The turning by Jennifer Armintrout
Carrie Ames, a young doctor is attacked by a vampire and left for dead in the hospital morgue. Now her life is a nightmare. Once dedicated to saving lives she is forced to prey on others to survive.
New Family Sagas and Historical
Helen of Troy by Margaret George“Depicts with bravado, grace and eloquence the grand spectacle surrounding Helen of Troy. The author's research into Mycenaean culture, coupled with Trojan War mythology's larger-than-life heroes, enliven a bold story pulsing with romance and sacrifice, omens and battles.” - Publishers Weekly.
Fortune’s daugher by Benita Brown
Daisy-Belle, a talented performer has her illegitimate child stolen from her by her ruthless manager. Years later the daughter emerges as a rival to Daisy who decides to destroy her competition. Will she realize the child’s identity before it is too late?
A step in the dark by Judith Lennox
A young widow, Bess Ravenhart, is forced to leave her son with her Mother in law when she moves from India to start a new life in Scotland. Years later a reconciliation is attempted when her son travels to Scotland, however, he brings danger with him.
Please note, many of these book descriptions are taken from the publisher's synopsis.
Have you recently seen an interesting book that we don’t have? Visit our web site to Suggest an Item for the Library's collection.
Collection Capers: October 2006
Collection Capers is a monthly newsletter of NEW interesting or unusual non-fiction added to the Sutherland Shire Libraries collection. Click on the title to reserve a copy.Mayflower : a voyage to war by Nathaniel Philbrick
‘I was riding on the Mayflower when I thought I spot some land’. A tale of violence, subterfuge, and drama. This book tells the story of the Pilgrim fathers, who set sail on the Mayflower. Landing on the coast of North America the settlers and American forefathers came perilously close to annihilation and would not have survived except for Indian help and generosity. This was repaid in bloody battle that they ultimately waged against the Native Americans.
Berlin Games : how Hitler stole the Olympic dream by Guy Walters
The 1936 Olympic Games, held in Berlin, was the most political sporting encounter of the 20th century. Famed for its spirit of ferocious competition, it was the Nazi’s power display to the world. Not long after Hitler would unleash his Third Reich dream on the world. Of course, these days the dream has been stolen by drug cheats,
corporate corruption and an IOC more interested in travel, bribes and cocktail parties.
Busy body : my life with Tourette’s syndrome by Nick Van Bloss
Nick Van Bloss has had Tourette’s syndrome since he was 7 years old. A sudden compulsion to shake his head from left to right, twice in rapid succession developed into further frantic behaviour. Yet he learned to play the piano extremely well (not unusual for people with this and similar conditions who often have fantastic manual dexterity, or even the mental ability to be surgeons). This book allows us into the heart and mind of a wonderfully witty and talented man.
The curse of celebrity : how and why our favourite stars go off the rails by Rita Wright
They're beautiful, successful and rich, they lead lives most of us only dream of, and they seem so perfect. So with the world at their fingertips, why are celebrities so messed up? Read about a bunch of overpaid, self-important people who expect us to have pity when they get divorced or break a fingernail or get caught sniffing cocaine.
The sunburnt queen : a true story by Hazel Crampton
Reconstructs 18th-century South Africa. A seven year old girl is shipwrecked and brought up by a local tribe who eventually becomes a prince’s wife. The book relates her life and those of her descendants during a turbulent time.
Letters lifted into poetry : selected correspondence between David Campbell and Douglas Stewart 1946-1979
Ranging over a period of four decades, this is correspondence between two major Australian poets. Their lives of poetry, publishing, friends, nature and fishing are all canvassed Letters lifted into poetry documents a great Australian literary friendship and provides an insight into the writing and lives of these remarkable men. The love of the outdoors, in particular trout fishing is evidenced in their many pastoral poems.
Terra Australia incognita : the Spanish quest for the mysterious Great South Land by Miriam Estensen
There have been several recent books about Dutch exploration of the Pacific. This one dealing with the voyages of Luis Baez de Torres who may have been the first European to sight Australia. Then it deals with Quiros, the great explorer of the South American region sent by Philip III to search for the mysterious continent.
And of course Torres who disappeared from the Philippines. Of only he’d had a decent map.
The world according to the Simpsons : what our favourite TV family says about life, love and the pursuit of the perfect donut by Steven Keslowitz
This entertaining and informative book is a fun and intelligent look at how society is reflected in the TV show "The Simpsons". This book looks at subjects, such as: parenting; gender roles; individuality; expression; politics; and many others. Plus you might just get a laugh, which is why its there in the first place... and then you can go and buy all the merchandise that goes with it.
Surfings greatest misadventures : dropping in on the unexpected by Paul Diamond (editor)
These true surfing stories cross the spectrum, from horrifying to comical, to downright bizarre, they tell unbelievable stories of big waves, shark attacks, tsunamis, boating disasters, devastating wipeouts, pranks, and bad judgement calls. Not to mention too
much booze and dope (which probably aren’t mentioned).
Extreme weather : nature’s most dramatic moments
Earth's atmosphere is like a restless ocean of air, surging and swirling around us. It can be tranquil or it can be violent, capable of unleashing tempests, hail and destruction. Humanity has always been fascinated with the weather, and has striven to understand why and how phenomena such as lightning, thunder and rainbows occur. This book is full of fantastic photos which show just how powerful the forces of nature can be.
The Tour de France : a cultural history by Christopher S. Thompson
Tells the story of the Tour de France, from its creation in 1903. It links the history of the tour to key moments and themes in French history, and concludes with a discussion of the longstanding practice of doping, and considers the complex case of the seven-time champion, Lance Armstrong. Perhaps one year it might be nice if the race were contested by riders on Penny-farthings wearing three piece suits and top hats.
The way we were : remembering Diana by Paul Burrell
Another book about Diana. Wacko, absolute joy!
The dodger : inside the world of Roger Rogerson by Duncan McNab
This presents a brilliant, behind-the-scenes account of disgraced former policeman Roger Rogerson, and the police culture that created him. It tells of the rise and fall of Rogerson, a bent cop in a bent police world. Friends with criminals and police (sometimes one and the same) it also describes the macho, dog-eat-dog culture where a honest policeman went in fear of his life.
Intractable : hell has a name: Katingal: life inside Australia’s first super-max prison by Bernie Matthews
Intractable is not only a shocking story of what it's like to do time but it is also a history of one of the great political scandals of the 70s, from a unique perspective. Bernie Matthews, convicted armed robber is a man who managed to turn his life around in the worst of Australia's prisons, Katingal.
Have you recently seen an interesting book that we don’t have? Visit our web site to Suggest an Item for the Library's collection.
September Additions to our Web Resources
This is a list web sites added to our collection of Web Resources during September. We are always adding interesting sites to our collection and the list is constantly updated on the New Sites page of our site.MCA: Museum of Contemporary Art
Information from the gallery dedicated to contemporary art forms. Find details of current and past exhibitions.
Date added: 28 September, 2006.
Page: Visual Arts.
Australian Biography
Australian Biography Online is a web-based biographical resource profiling some of the most extraordinary Australians of our time. The project draws from valuable material collected for Film Australia's Australian Biography TV series, which features remarkable and inspiring individuals who have had a major impact on our cultural, political and social life. In revealing in-depth interviews, these people have shared their experiences and insights.
Date added: 20 September, 2006.
Page: Biographies.
Internet Ancient History Sourcebook
This site is a collection of public domain and copy-permitted historical texts. The goal is to provide and organize texts for use in classroom situations. It is part of the larger Internet History Sourcebooks Project, which includes the Medieval Sourcebook and the Modern History Sourcebook.
Date added: 18 September, 2006.
Page: Ancient History.
The Ancient Greek World
This site is a virtual gallery at The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. It includes sections on life and times, daily life, religion and death, the economy and more.
Date added: 18 September, 2006.
Page: Ancient History.
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