Check out all the great books our Charlestown team have been reading!
A Dogs Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron:
This book is about ‘mans best friend’ but with a spin…it is told entirely through the dogs eyes.
The best part though is the fact that throughout the book the dog gets reincarnated a few times and as the reader you get to experience what life is like for a dog in a number of circumstances and how these may play a part in the dogs experiences in life. I will admit…I did cry (a couple of times.)
Your heart strings will be pulled (tugged hard in some places.) We’ve all had a best friend who identified in the canine or feline persuasion so we can all relate to what the book is trying to say, whilst giving us a new angle of the story to consider. A fascinating read for all animal lovers and an ode to the most humble, reliable and dedicated member of our families. -Belinda
The Hotel on Place Vendôme by Tilar J. Mazzeo:
Mazzeo’s unique mixture of gossipy non-fiction with historical research is more for the historically interested than the historian. Painting a picture of intrigue and scandal surrounding the guests and patrons of the Hotel Ritz in Paris during the era of Nazi occupied France, The Hotel on Place Vendôme reads more like a soap opera than a history book. From Coco Chanel’s jewel encrusted gas mask being carried by her servants on a satin cushion, to the assassination of Hitler being planned across the bar, images of espionage and opulence drive the rich and captivating story of The Hotel on Place Vendôme. -Jack
The Road by Cormac McCarthy:
The intense apocalyptic story line combined with McCarthy unique writing style creates the most unpredictable and well written novels I’ve ever read. It’s quite a sophisticated text about a father and son taking on a troubled new world, together. This text is 5 star quality with lots of hidden meaning, I would highly recommend to mature readers! -Carter
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas:
The deadly Celaena Sardothien is offered a chance to win back her freedom on one condition: she must compete to become the King’s champion.
But what other evil does she stumble across in the King’s castle? Get lost in a world of fantasy extravaganza full of love, action and betrayal. – Alyssa
The Emperor of the Eight Islands by Lian Hearn:
The tale of a son left orphaned, with a murderous uncle intent on taking the family land. Boy turned warrior, turned sorcerer, Shikanoko grows through his own skills and societal traditions to become one of the most powerful men in the nation. In a search for the missing child emperor, Shikanoko becomes the centre piece to a host of people lives and they will all meet their end unless Shikanoko can find the emperor and return him to the Lotus Throne.
Prequel to the Tales of the Otari series, the Tales of Shikanoko is a twisting novel that portrays the folklore of Feudal Japan, as well as a compelling narrative that will have you on the edge of your seat. -Daniel
Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis:
This extremely honest memoir is an essential read for Red Hot Chili Peppers fans. Kiedis explores his failures and successes in this no holds barred retelling of his life. Kiedis has had an adventurous life, from overdosing on heroin to meeting the Dalai Lama. -Remy
Noose by Xavier Duff:
A very interesting read on a part of Australia’s history that is not often talked about. Featuring about a dozen different stories of those who were sentenced to the gallows and how they got there, the author also challenges whether all of these people were actually guilty of their crimes and did they actually deserve to hang? Ranging from the first man hanged in 1788 to the last in 1967 this book gives a great overview of capital punishment and how it largely controversial yet had not power in deterring those from committing their crimes. – Amorette
