The author has almost 20 years of lived experience with family violence. This could be known as domestic violence, or as Deborah Thomson likes to callThe author has almost 20 years of lived experience with family violence. This could be known as domestic violence, or as Deborah Thomson likes to call it, domestic terrorism. This would have been a horrific experience for not only herself, but her children as well when I reflect on what that would actually mean to a woman.
The author eloquently tells her story, and that of her children, of their suffering at the hands of her husband, the only man she had an intimate relationship with. This coercive control started from the beginning and formed the basis of what she thought was normal. Pushed aside as a man having the right to take it out his anger on a wife if the wife doesn't keep house appropriately, or whom simply is not a good enough one to start with. Imagine hearing this from a mother in law?
In very simple terms the author's wish is to educate young people (and everyone else) on what to look out for in their relationships, so the recurrence of this insidious treatment begins to decline.
Rates are rising, services are over capacity, and women (in the majority) have their autonomy removed in trying to leave dangerous situations. There is nowhere to go. Women’s Legal Services Tasmania states there is a need to ‘triage’ services.. many women are turned away as others are in a more drastic situation, they do not have the capacity to help. The numbers given assistance versus those needing is astounding and Funding to support services is woeful and inadequate.
Coercive control serves a purpose for perpetrators. It is a vital part of the abusive relationship in that it makes a victim pliable and open to suggestion and creates a mental state of mind that suits the abuser's purposes but is extremely deleterious to a victim's sense of self and sense of reality. Recognising it in your relationship should it exist, will help to dispel its power over you.
Deborah has become a voice for the issue, attending schools and rallies, and has given speech to parliament. She tells high school students what healthy relationships look like, and conversely about what control may look like, and how to spot it in friends’ relationships. Does ‘caring’ from a partner look too much, is it in fact control?
It is important to understand coercion is abuse, it does not involve its counterpart which is compromise and collaboration. The author speaks of grass roots ideas. Healthier male to male role modelling to foster more functional relationships in achieving better outcomes; educating adolescents before life patterns are established.
Told in a very plain English style and presented in small essay form in which the author does state there is some repetition given this layout, the book achieves a very real goal in laying the foundation to the very alarming awareness that Tasmania needs lots of help and reform in support services and authorities being better equipped for a real and life threatening situation. The author very nearly did lose her life and this book is testament to this.
Her children, all psychologically affected have admirably included personal letters to their mother showing ways their lives have changed due to their upbringing.
Rating a book like this does not always feel suitable, in this instance I feel the book is honest, important and factual, so I will happily rate 5 stars, and hope I can donate this as a resource to my library. The book plays an excellent part in showing observers/family/coworkers/friends on how to best help, what to be aware of, and very importantly, what not to say. Particularly questioning why they have not left already, and insinuating the problem really must not be that bad.
Thank you to Green Hill Publishing and the author for providing me a physical copy of her book to read and review, and for your tireless and important work....more
I decided to read this book with the awesome cover on it because it reminded me of my favourite childhood series, and that which inspired my love of rI decided to read this book with the awesome cover on it because it reminded me of my favourite childhood series, and that which inspired my love of reading, Kristy's Great Idea. The Scholastic vibe drew me in, and I thought it would be a nice change. The book wasn't even on my GR shelves but somehow found it on my physical shelf.
It disappointed me. A Freaky Friday premise that was a little flat for me. Best friends end up being stuck on the same day, and funnily enough, one of the kids had a 'Freaky Friday' movie poster up on her wall at her movie themed birthday party.
This was written, just not exciting enough of a plot, and full of repetition. But of course, tame enough for the intended audience. ...more
This book was kindly sent to me by the author. I did not finish reading it, the subject matter is pretty intense and sometimes this can be a tad heavyThis book was kindly sent to me by the author. I did not finish reading it, the subject matter is pretty intense and sometimes this can be a tad heavy for a reader. The author has made a brave and courageous effort at being honest with her story telling, and if her candid nature can help others, how good is that?
With many thanks to Dawn S'Espoire for sending my a physical copy of her memoir....more
This was a cute read. Sweetness and fun and all things light. I love reading books about authors and the writing process, and this was one of those. AThis was a cute read. Sweetness and fun and all things light. I love reading books about authors and the writing process, and this was one of those. As the blurb states, it’s a plot within a plot. Devoted single mum Vanessa is committed to her children and toiling away in her day job as a dental technician. She aspires to write a romance novel, she feels she might as well live out her less than ordinary love life on the page, her real life love didn’t go so well (what would you do if your husband took off with the marriage counsellor?!!) and it’s always been her dream. She is not totally unrealistic and in her heart of hearts thinks she may very well receive the dreaded rejection letter. To Vanessa’s horror she hears her favourite author reading from her book! At a book launch of all things! Queue all types of mayhem and hijinks; things do get a bit silly, but it is a nice little story to ride along with as we watch Vanessa come to grips with this blatant plagiarism and her attempt to right the wrongs. Enter the oh so nice ‘nice guy’, an annoying ex-husband (let’s not forget the marriage counsellor) and a funny but lovable best friend. One theme I do tend to often come across is that of the unlucky in love ex-wife and the husband that takes off with someone he should not. It’s not always healthy to see a woman being constantly trodden upon, but it is nice watching and hoping that she can make her way back on top.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for supplying me with an advance review copy. ...more
Isobel and Rosie are as different as two women could be. Rosie is a single mum looking over her shoulder after a violent ex-partner is let out of gaolIsobel and Rosie are as different as two women could be. Rosie is a single mum looking over her shoulder after a violent ex-partner is let out of gaol, and Isobel is a lawyer who has finally decided to ditch her high powered career and take time off to go ahead with IVF. Isobel’s mother also has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. These women’s lives meet each other when a tragedy occurs, closer to the end of the book. Rosie’s character was the one I warmed most to, and her son was lovely. Told in alternating chapters from both women, I did not fully engage with this book, the characters did not warm to me and I felt I was missing out on something. It was a quick read, but not one I would recommend. I may be in the minority here though, as most of my friends loved it.
With thanks to Allen and Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy to read and review....more
This is one instance where I much preferred the film to the book. The bleak climate of East Anglia matched the helplessness of the story.
Mrs Greene iThis is one instance where I much preferred the film to the book. The bleak climate of East Anglia matched the helplessness of the story.
Mrs Greene is a relatively young widow takes the chance of opening a bookshop in this town, which certainly could use the culture, resources and a freshening up.
Faced with negativity from all aspects she trudges along, barely making profits and keeping her chin up, never complaining. Everyone she had dealings with from the bank manager, to her solicitor, other shop owners were bleak and rude and cut her off at every chance possible.
The arts centre was more important, and the particularly nasty Mrs Gamart is sure to get her way. The location of this quaint bookshop is more suited to her purposes. Mrs Greene has one ally, who tries in vain to help. This character's demise was sad, but expected in keeping with the utter hopelessness.
On helping a worker in the field, before the work is undertaken to prepare her store. Now, Mrs Green, if you'd catch hold of the tongue. I wouldn't ask everybody, but I know you don't frighten. This was a horse. But this sums it up. Mrs Green did not shy easily.
She blinded herself, in short, by pretending for a while that human beings are not divided into exterminators and exterminatees.. The writing is very good, don't you think?
The harshness of the climate supported the harshness of the community, and the equally lack of support of her venture. They had been broken during the previous winter in rather a strange manner, when the washing on the line froze hard, and she was caught a blow in the face with an icy vest. This was in reference to a ten years old's teeth.
The ending was sad, but this story was not to be anything else; I happily hold onto the ending of the movie to buoy my spirits a little. Mrs Green loved books, and although her book keeping skills were not perfect, her store damp, and the community being fickle, she did try her best.
A lovely tale of Rachel and Inga, and a book that was never to be. All that remains are the fragments of Inga's next wo3-4 stars, so I will go with 4.
A lovely tale of Rachel and Inga, and a book that was never to be. All that remains are the fragments of Inga's next work. After a terrible fire ravages all copies all that is left are some burned pieces of a few pages. Inga Karlsson is famous world wide, her death is a tragedy with no bounds.
Caddie is a young book lover working in a book store and obsessed with Inga, she is dying to find out what happened. Told in alternating chapters from Caddie's days in Brisbane 1986 and the New York in the 1930's, this is a well written book with well drawn characters. Loved to read about Brissie in the 80’s.
I enjoyed both timelines, and considered there to be no other way to go about the storytelling. The heat and tension of Brisbane's summer was well contrasted to the simmering tension leading up to the reveal. Toni Jordan is a wonderful author, nothing can top Addition for me, but this offering was very good....more
This book baffled me. I have been trying to work out my feelings toward it. I am left feeling underwhelmed, uninterested and despondent about it all. This book baffled me. I have been trying to work out my feelings toward it. I am left feeling underwhelmed, uninterested and despondent about it all. It may have something to do with the fact it was set in the 90's? I spent my teens here and the fashion was also bland, and a little daggy if I was to be honest. Perhaps I think this book is a bit daggy?
Joni likes to think she is a free spirited arts graduate, she loves to paint in the daytime and work for her bread and butter money at a French restaurant in the evenings. Finding love is her top priority, but she seems to be immature, condescending toward others in her inner dialogue; she is boring and lacking any personality. She had been fixated on losing her virginity, bordering on being embarrassed by her virginity status. Her boss is beautiful and oddly mean and times, then became nice at the end. Joni is a little obsessed with her beauty; superficial in a way. Joni sees her having sex on a table at work with the chef that she thought she may have been attracted to, then decides no, she isn't attracted to him anymore. The relationship between the chef and the owner was neither here nor there, as was the guy Joni ends up falling for.
Enter her best friend who is an instant man magnet who falls in love at the drop of a hat, and always gets the guy as she is a gorgeous and famous singer who ends up sleeping on Joni's couch for months. They have the expected jealousy issue which is conveniently forgotten after five minutes. The man Joni falls in love with seems semi interesting, but their coupling lacks any spark or chemistry at all. The best friend finds a new guy that seems a bit of a no-hoper, but they seem to find a match quickly without effort, as well.
An underwhelming read, that lacked a lot of spark for me I am afraid. I think it lacked maturity.
With thanks to Allan & Unwin for my hard advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review, a shame I can't deliver positively in this instance. ...more
A really sad story where the two outcasts at primary school find comfort with the other with the understanding that both lack a lot in their lives.
ThiA really sad story where the two outcasts at primary school find comfort with the other with the understanding that both lack a lot in their lives.
This was not a book I loved, I don't love open endings.
I remember a really cute scene where the lovely little Cassie loves her Vita Weats at recess I think it was bonding with the outcast Simon.
The themes are very sad the lovely teacher becomes a quiet ally, and when she becomes missing this continues on the story. The ending was too open for me, and I found this a bit of an odd book. ...more
Firstly, I am loving the book spreading initiative these two authors, and best friends have developed. Here is a link for your reading pleasure: httpsFirstly, I am loving the book spreading initiative these two authors, and best friends have developed. Here is a link for your reading pleasure: https://www.booksontherail.com/
It is a Melbourne based initiative where books can be left on public transport, for other to enjoy and to continue to share the love by placing it somewhere else. Some Australian publishers and authors have climbed on board. I think it's very cool!
This is an easy read, Frankie Rose (named after Frankston train station and an apt point of conception, but that really is another story) is unlucky in love, she finds it hard to connect properly with her men and wants to find a partner who can match her literary tastes. Yep, she is quite the book snob, and is desirous to find a man who loves the classics, just like she. Deciding to track down an eligible man, she peppers classics all over the Melbourne tram network, leaving a note and her details to hopefully score a date.
Full of quirky literary quotes, bookstore banter and all things a little ridiculous; it really is full of all things silly - things happen that will raise eyebrows, but this is meant to be light reading. The writing is of high quality, and I enjoyed the blog entries peppered throughout. Not to overthink things, but I would say this is more of a 2.5 star read, rounded up. Probably worth noting - younger woman would enjoy this more than the older demographic meaning I don't entirely fit the target audience ;)
With many thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
This was a GREAT example of the extreme unreliable narrator, written by an expert in the field who is a GP. Sasha, our brand-new mother, has just giveThis was a GREAT example of the extreme unreliable narrator, written by an expert in the field who is a GP. Sasha, our brand-new mother, has just given birth a little prematurely after many failed pregnancies. She is a smart woman who herself is a health care professional. Having suffered a hard case as a paediatrician, she lost a very young patient. This comes to us in in bits and pieces, but it was enough to turn her off the specialty. Sasha does admit throughout the story that as a motherless woman, giving advice to women with babies in hospital as a doctor would be so different, now after giving birth, on reflection.
Sasha thinks the baby ‘assigned’ to her is not hers, she is sure there is a mix up and that the tags have been swapped. It’s all very convoluted, but the good part about it is us, the reader, thinking we are going crazy, watching her questioning her sanity. The more she questions and tries to prove her saneness, the less of sound mind she appears!
I couldn’t stay in the moment and needed to know what was going on; I guess this is a good sign, but I wasn’t convinced. I didn’t love it.
There were characters I hated. The midwife, made to sound even worse, by good audio narration. Sasha’s chef husband was gormless, and it was frustrating watching him as I felt him to be very unsupportive. Sasha needed a good guy.
The relationship Sasha had with her father was another element to this already layered story in which Sasha continually assesses the lack of a mother in her own life. Does this effect Sasha’s ability to know her own child?
I wasn’t convinced of the happenings between Sasha and her best friend overseas who herself had fertility problems, these conversations didn’t feel like real life when they were discussing how to rule out possible guilty parties.
This was a book that I wished I loved more, although I’m pleased to have read it as it had been a part of my physical collection that I culled to listen on audio, to make room for the continual stream that makes my collection mine!
I am generous in giving this a 3 star rating, it's probably more a 2.5 (for me)....more
Some simple, no frills straight forward, easy reading. I have not read this author before, this being her first foray into literature that differs froSome simple, no frills straight forward, easy reading. I have not read this author before, this being her first foray into literature that differs from the author's usual genre of Aussie rural romance.
The author dedicates this book to fellow Aussie woman writer, Rachael Johns, which was very sweet, it seems they are good mates and bonded over a cruise, to spend time together and discuss their writing. That would have have been a lovely few days break, reading, writing and chatting!
A group of 3 gals, all from high school, along with another mate - one of the girl's partners - reconnect and have a mini reunion of sorts. They are all needing a rest and recharge, one busy single working mum; one stressed out nurse feeling frustrated in her relationship and work; and another having gone through a secret break up and just not feeling well within herself. I wasn't too sure why a bloke was attending even though all mates, it seemed to get in the way of a true gals weekend.
Very dialogue heavy, this story tells of secrets and frustrations between girlfriends, and no, not everything ends up plain sailing. I think fans of this author would be pleased with some nice women's contemporary story telling. I found a couple of inconsistencies with the story line, but these very well may have been resolved.
This was a present to myself, for Christmas. Kmart have great little bargains. A big fan of reading about personality types, and of course of Quiet: TThis was a present to myself, for Christmas. Kmart have great little bargains. A big fan of reading about personality types, and of course of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, I looked forward to reading this. This little book is nothing like Susan Cain's book, more like a little guide of handy hints. I found them to be quite basic, and mostly in point form. Here are a few:
Excellent beach read, Crawford and Holly have some major chemistry fighting the bad guys. Sandra Brown's books always have the sultry, brooding and atExcellent beach read, Crawford and Holly have some major chemistry fighting the bad guys. Sandra Brown's books always have the sultry, brooding and attractive protagonists, with the good girl falling hard and fast. Another format of books I love to read, especially on summer holidays. Light and easy. Recommended....more
Trapper and Kerra. I enjoyed reading about these two, but wanted more romance. Being the romance thriller genre, I did not think it overly romantic. ATrapper and Kerra. I enjoyed reading about these two, but wanted more romance. Being the romance thriller genre, I did not think it overly romantic. A solid 3 star read though, Trapper is ex FBI who left before being fired. Kerra is a well known journalist trying to get to the bottom of the Pegasus bombing, that she was personally involved in, losing her mother to. This is the usual bad boy protagonist, falling for the gorgeous lady. Kerra and Trapper work closely toward who was behind the deadly plot.
This was a fast read that was mostly undertaken in my car on a trip home from 'way out west' literally in the NSW outback. This was a fast-paced read This was a fast read that was mostly undertaken in my car on a trip home from 'way out west' literally in the NSW outback. This was a fast-paced read on a contemporary theme of bullying on social media. There was a twist I should have picked up way earlier than I did.
I always enjoy a setting that is local, and Newcastle is a great setting. Two siblings, a cocky popular girl, and her older sister, who is more reserved and thoughtful from her sometimes mean younger sister.
Relocating back to Sydney from over a decade in the United States, Lizzy and her family come back home. Written party in the form of blog entries, this really does set the tone for a story that is all about Instagram and who's asking who what on askFM.
Can cool and hip mums raise little devils? Or are those little devils bound to be regardless?
Another story rounded down from 4 to 3 stars, I did not love this one as much as my friends did this time around.
Thanks to Carol from https://readingwritingandriesling.wor... for her generous hard copy. I saw this book in a bookshop in Canberra and said out loud 'I really want to win this one' thinking it might pop up as a GR giveaway, but that same day I found the blog giveaway. Lucky me!
