Our Tweed Heads team have hit the spotlight this week, and they have a plethora of awesome reading suggestions for you!
Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin: Living in a poor village in China, Li was the 6th of seven sons and his family were no strangers to sacrifice and struggle. At 11 years old, Li was selected for Madam Mao’s Dance Academy in Beijing to study ballet. He knew if he could excel it would be a chance for his family to be free of the poverty they had endured. Separation from his family to move to Beijing at such a young age was just the beginning of the hardships Li had to overcome. His discipline, determination and willingness to make sacrifices for the good of his family is truly inspirational. Loved this book from beginning to end! – Helen (Store Manager)
Still Alice by Lisa Genova: Still Alice is about a fifty year old psychology professor who is beginning to forget things but the diagnosis for why she is losing parts of herself is far from what Alice and her family are expecting – early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Alice’s story is told from her point of view and having a family member with Alzheimer’s made this book particularly poignant for me but there were plenty of moments that made me want to laugh as well as cry. I am sure it will capture the heart of anyone who reads it – Karen L
The Messenger by Markus Zusak: Ed Kennedy is your average, everyday citizen. He works as a taxi driver in his sleepy little hometown and lives alone with his charming canine companion, the Doorman – but one day he accidentally prevents a bank robbery and that’s where all the fun begins. Part thriller, part mystery, part drama and part romance, the Messenger is one of my all-time favourite books. It’s a perfect portrait of the many faces of humanity that will make you laugh, cry and ultimately feel a little warm and fuzzy inside – Karen C
1788 by David Hill: A very well researched and documented history of the First Fleet and its trials and tribulations. This book was an interesting insight into the colonisation of Australia, one every history buff should read. David Hill doesn’t waste his words in this amazing story; you will be intrigued by the brutal truth of how our nation came to be and from the first page to the last, he lays bare what life was really like for those on the First Fleet – Ashley
Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter: Alice in Zombieland is the type of book you will not be able to put down. It leaves you hanging, needing to know what happens next and is a perfect mixture of actions and romance. From zombie slaying to loves in the ranks, what more could you ask for? With an amazingly original plot and characters that you’ll fall in love with, by the time you turn the last page you’ll be begging for more. Trust me when I say don’t just buy the first book… buy all three! – Chris
Afterlife by Barry Eaton: This book is about the different concepts regarding life after death and is something that could be a comforting read for anyone who has lost a loved one. I loved that it was clear, simple and easy to read and understand – Wonda
