Today it’s reviews galore as our Blacktown team share with us what they have been reading!

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams:
Although David Walliams books are aimed at kids and young adults I thoroughly enjoy reading them. Gangsta Granny has to be my favourite!
The story revolves around a boy named Ben who is made to stay at his grandma’s house whilst his parents are away. Like most kids, he thinks that she is a boring old lady, however he couldn’t be more wrong- she is in fact an international jewel thief! Ben grows quite fond of his grandma, listening to her stories of great heists she has pulled off in her time, so much that he wants to help her with one last heist, stealing the crown jewels!
David Walliams uses such great humour, very much like Roald Dahl. It will keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat! – Wade (Store Manager)

Guilt by Matt Nable:
I absolutely love Matt Nable as an actor and when I discovered he is also an author I had to read this. I’m so glad I did as I was certainly not disappointed.
Jumping from past to present this book shows a group of friends entering adulthood in the late 80’s and how loves, lives and friendship can change in an instant. It has you speculating throughout the book and leaves you coming up with your own conclusions. Guilt is a book that will make you think that you are friends with the group and wishing you were there to tell them how their actions have consequences… I couldn’t put it down and am now on the hunt for Nable’s other books! – Mel

Hitler by Ian Kershaw:
A stunning achievement historically, socially, and morally, Hitler lifts the veil on arguably the most infamous tyrant in modern times. It exposes Hitler’s formative childhood, army career, and political emergence in post WW1 Germany as well as spotlighting his mental state during the celebrated “Mein Kampf” release and the obsessive political rise to the be ultimate warlord of Europe.
Sifting through historical records and first hand accounts from staff, Generals, and Field Marshals alike, Kershaw has created a bible if you will, not to be eclipsed any time soon. – Stuart

Emmy and Oliver by Robin Benway:
A hilarious, fun, heart-wrenching contemporary about Oliver, a young boy who is kidnapped by his father and comes back ten years later, re-connecting with his family and old friends- most importantly, his best friend Emmy. A wonderfully weaved novel, Emmy and Oliver has entire rants on social sexism, deals with homophobia in an upper-class “traditional” family, and has a wonderful female friendship that support and love each other. One of the best contemporaries I’ve read in a long time. – Alison

My Fight, Your Fight by Ronda Rousey:
You don’t need to be a UFC fan to appreciate Ronda Rousey’s autobiography. Rousey’s journey to success was definitely a roller coaster with a lot of ups and downs which allows the reader to be inspired, motivated and moved. With Rousey’s charm, wit and ability to overcome any obstacle that is thrown her way it is hard not to love her. Rousey shares the account of the toughest fight of her life – losing her father when she was eight years old, the intensity of her training and her struggles with relationships. Rousey shares lessons that can apply to any area of life including how to succeed at what you do, how to sacrifice to reach a goal, how to bounce back from defeat and how to keep going, even on your worst day. – Jessie

A Work In Progress by Connor Franta:
“Question: Why does life have to be such a struggle? Answer: Because without the struggles the triumphs wouldn’t taste as sweet”
For some, writing a memoir at only 23 is absurd, but for Connor Franta he has a lot to say and millions of people willing to listen. Franta has over 5 million YouTube subscribers, a thriving clothing brand and is a member of the Grammy’s Academy cementing him as an influencer among young people. Regardless of whether you know who he is, A Work In Progress is a beautifully written collection of childhood memories and adolescent anecdotes adorned with personal photography by the author. For me, what made it memorable is the honest advice on identity, creativity and self acceptance that felt more like a heartfelt discussion than a lecture. – Amy

Pandora Hearts by Jun Mochizuki:
When reading this it felt as if you could feel the emotion of the characters. The story itself is a unique play on the famous Alice in Wonderland as it has a similar feel with popular references although remaining completely unique and original.
The story immediately takes off in the first volume and keeps a good pace. You can see the art develop beautifully of the course of the chapters. There is a good balance of action and slower moments and there are no unnecessary lengthy fillers. There is amazing and deep character development of all characters, specifically Oz. Jun Mochizuki in Pandora Hearts allows their readers to immerse into the characters shoes and into the old Victorian setting.
This manga has easily become my all time favourite. If you love adventure and a twisted plot this is definitely the series for you. – Daniel