Our team at Knox City has been reading up a storm!
Check out their latest reads:
Jack West Junior 01: Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly:
With the new book in the Jack West series ‘The Four Legendary Kingdoms‘ coming out in October, I decided to revisit where it all began. Seven Ancient Wonders is still one of my favourite books of all time and an exciting start to an action-packed series that does not disappoint. Reilly blends history and religion in a story that unfolds at a breakneck pace which will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The locations Jack West and his quirky crew travel to are spectacular, and the little hand drawn maps and diagrams and the start of each chapter really make you feel like you are there with them. Every colourful character in this book is unique, and with the endearing nicknames assigned to them by Jack’s 10 year old adopted daughter, you will be biting your nails hoping that they survive. This series is definitely a must if you are a fan of authors like Clive Cussler or Andy McDermott, or really any action adventure novels. – Mitch (Store Manager)
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom:
Although the book has been given somewhat mixed reviews over the years, I’m of the opinion that it’s fabulous.
We read about Morrie (College Professor) a man slowly dying from Lou Gehrigs Disease, who is being interviewed (on Tuesdays) by his former college student Mitch Albom.
Morrie gives Mitch insight & advice about how we need to take a good look at ourselves & the world around us by being grateful for the things we already have in our lives. He explains how daily woes (family, financial, career, health etc.) can often get us down and he tries to remind us not to let the days just slip by, by being jealous or bitter towards others in our life and to focus more on appreciating the things/people we do have & to make each day count.
Although this is ultimately a sad & at times tearful memoir, I loved Morrie’s wisdom and simple attitude, reminding us that it’s not about “keeping up with the Jones’s” and just how easy it can be to be “happy” in life. – Tracey (Store 2IC)
The Awakening by Kate Chopin:
Kate Chopin’s The Awakening follows Edna Pontellier through a journey of self-discovery which was often prohibited to women by society in the late 19th Century, wherein the novel is set. Chopin explores the everyday realities of women’s oppression in America as it dictates not only a women’s autonomy, but her freedom to her own mind and creativity– should it disrupt the status quo. Edna Pontellier, in demanding her own autonomy over body and mind begins a disastrous journey to discover what it is to be an artist and a woman. The novel also allows for the voices of numerous women to heard as artistry, beauty and autonomy are extensively discussed. Chopin’s The Awakening is an excellent classic novel for those interested in gaining a perspective of women’s lives in the 19th Century as well as those looking to begin reading classics as the novel’s short length and modern english makes it easy to lose yourself in. – Rebecca
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead:
I tackled this series with some hesitation, unsure if it could successfully follow one of my favourite series by Richelle Mead, Vampire Academy. However, the action packed plot coupled with the developing romances and witty characters had me unable to put it down. Sydney is an alchemist who’s sole purpose is to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires with the aid of magic, whilst keeping her alliance to humans unwavering. But one night, her life is turned upside down when she is forced to protect Jill Dragomir, the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir in order to prevent the looming war. This involves going into hiding at a boarding school, posing as Jill’s room-mate, when the last thing Sydney wants to do is be seen affiliating with vampires, and now she has to live with one.
Along the way, Sydney encounters a forbidden romance, develops friendships she never knew were possible, and discovers things about herself that changes her life forever. I highly recommend this book for any fan of paranormal romance, Richelle Mead, or Vampire Academy. – Cassie
Mortal Instruments 01: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare:
This series is one of my favourites! I was hooked after only reading the first book. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare is a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next, It will keep you up till five in the morning. The characters in her books are funny, sassy and witty. The story itself follows Clary Fray and her journey of at first seeing strange things then to find out she is part of this whole other world of shadow hunters, werewolves, and warlocks in underground New York Brooklyn. This book would be good for anyone who likes action and a thrill but with the little tie in of twisted romance. After reading it I went out to get the next five. – Amber
Room by Emma Donoghue:
I had a friend recommend Room to me a few weeks ago and I’m so glad I picked this one up.
It follows Jack and his Ma as they go about their daily lives in Room; the only place Jack has ever known. Outside is a foreign place to him, only accessible through the television and Old Nick when he brings the Sunday Treat.
The unique choice of a five-year-old narrator works really well in this novel, despite Jack himself not quite understanding what’s happening, Donoghue really manages to convey the trauma and emotions of those he interacts with. Throughout the novel is an undercurrent of mystery: Who is Old Nick? How did Ma and Jack end up in Room? And what would happen if Old Nick stopped coming back?
Room is an amazing read and will leave its mark on you for a long time to come. I’m still reeling from the emotional roller-coaster ride. I can’t wait to check out the film adaptation and Donoghue’s other works. – Lana
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