Rozen Maiden Volume 1 by Peach Pit

Rozen Maiden Volume 1
Peach Pit
2003, 2006, Tokyopop, Los Angeles
1598163124
unnumbered

Jun is a recluse who likes to order junk from the internet and return it before the grace period expires. When he orders a strange doll, he discovers that he cannot return her and is taken on a strange journey.

This is pretty cool manga. I was expecting it to be a bit childish as it's rated T13+, but I thought the style was quite mature and it touches on some not-so-angsty teen issues. Except now I'm going to have to find Volume 2.

The Spare Room by Helen Garner

The Spare Room
Helen Garner
2008, Swann House, Melbourne
9781847672674
195p.

Helen offers her spare room to her friend who is undergoing treatment for cancer. The battle is very difficult on both of them and the relationship is strained.

I don't think this is a true story, but the way it is written, it could very well be ... the author and narrator share a first name and the narrator is a writer living in Melbourne. It's a good little book in that it deals with a very sensitive topic without sugar-coating it or turning it into some sweet saccharin tale of a friendship forged through tough times. Very honest voice.

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Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison

Make Room! Make Room!
Harry Harrison
1966, 1973, Doubleday, New York
0425040437
224p.

This is the book the movie Soylent Green is based on. It is the tale of an over-populated world at the turn of the millennium.

I thought this was brilliant. I adored the movie Soylent Green, and when I heard that the main premise of the movie didn't come from the book (y'all know what I'm talking about), I was a bit worried that I wouldn't enjoy the book. But I did! The writing style is beautiful for a little science fiction novel, and there is so much humanity in this book. I'm just glad it wasn't prophetic.

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Brighton Rock by Graham Greene

Brighton Rock
Graham Greene
1938, 1985, Penguin, Middlesex
0140004424
247p.

Story of Pinkie - a gang member in pre-WWII England - who murders a gambler who owed him money and the repercussions of that event.

I couldn't say I enjoyed the book - it was bleak and difficult to read at times - but I felt I couldn't stop reading, it sucked me in completely. It's an uncomfortable read. I did however learn a lot of 1930s British mobster lingo!

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The Essence of Happiness: A Guidebook for Living by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler

The Essence of Happiness: A Guidebook for Living
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
2001, Hodder, Sydney
0733613799
120p.

Psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler talks to the Dalai Lama to find out his thoughts on how we can lived a more happy and fulfilled life. This is an extract from the more complete work The Art of Happiness.

A little book with some good advice - some of it practical, some of it not so much. I will endeavour to be more compassionate towards others now. :)

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Doctor Who: The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Christopher Bulis

Doctor Who: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Christopher Bulis
1995, Virgin, London
0426204476
296p.

The First Doctor, Susan, Ian and Barbara land on a planet with dragons, faeries, elves and leprechauns. The TARDIS locks them out so in order to get off the planet they must solve the mystery of the magic.

This was an enjoyable Dr. Who novel - I really like the first doctor. The mystery was intriguing as was the way the fusion of fantasy and science fiction was accomplished.

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The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank

The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing
Melissa Bank
1999, 2000, Viking, London
0140278826
274p.

This is a book about Jane and her life, the men she meets and her experiences growing up.

Another surprisingly good book for me. Normally I don't read chick lit and enjoy it at all, but this book was subtle and interesting. I didn't find Jane to be amusing however, which is contrary to all the reviews - I found her humour to be that of a 14 year old school-girl. Despite that, I did like Jane and her exploits. It makes a nice change to read something a bit light.

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