Book No. 10

A teenage girl confronts the crises of growing up -- some typical, some unusual -- in this drama. Josie is the 17-year-old daughter of Christina Alibrandi, a single mother and member of a large extended family of Sicilian immigrants living in Sydney, Australia.

While Josie loves her mother, she's grown weary of her strict family, especially her grandmother Nonna Katia. The fact that her relatives still have issues with Christina raising her child out of wedlock hasn't made Josie's life any easier.

A good student, Josie has earned a scholarship at a top private school, where she has to deal with Carly, a racist who often taunts Josie for her Sicilian heritage. Josie is also suffering from the tribulations of teenage romance, as she finds herself attracted to both clean-cut John and working class Jacob.

Meanwhile, the house is abuzz over a visit from Michael, who Josie soon learns is Christina's old flame -- and her father. Looking for Alibrandi was based on a novel for young people by Melina Marchetta, which was a major best-seller in Australia. Marchetta also wrote the screenplay for this film adaptation.

Clubber Number Nine

This month we've welcomed two new members to The Book Club -- Casey Castro and Teresa, both from Australia. We love new members, and in staying true to our word (a new incentive) these two lovely ladies have and/or are recieving the current 'read' -

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates.

And so a big welcome goes out to you!

Know of anyone else who'd like to join us 'literature loving lumberjacks?

Shoot me us an email at thebookclub.est09@gmail.com OR follow us on twitter.

Book No. 9 - June 2010

Hailed as a masterpiece from the moment of its first publication, "Revolutionary Road" is the story of Frank and April Wheeler, a bright, beautiful, and talented couple whose empty suburban life is held together by the dream that greatness is only just round the corner.

With heartbreaking compassion and clarity, Richard Yates shows how Frank and April mortgage their hopes and ideals, betraying in the end not only each other, but their own best selves.

Book No. 8 - May 2010

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of their human hosts, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading 'soul' who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too-vivid memories. But she did not expect that Melanie would refuse to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with vision of the man she loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding.

Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Book No. 7 - April 2010

With a sharp eye for comic detail and a wicked ear for the absurdities of life, Dawn French shows just how and RAF girl from the West Country with dreams of becoming a ballerina/air hostess/bridesmaid/thief rose to become of the best-loved actresses of our time.
Here she reveals the people, experiences and obsessions that have influenced her and, for the first time, shares her experience of losing her beloved dad and later finding a tip-topmost chap in Lenny Henry.

From hailing the virtues of grandmas, David Cassidy and stealing, to describing the highs and lows of family and friendship, Dear Fatty reveals the surprising life behind the smile.

book no. 5 - january 2010

'12th June, 1942: I hope I will be able to confide everything to you, as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support.'

In Amsterdam, in the summer of 1942, the Nazis forced teenager Anne Frank and her family into hiding. For over two years, they, another family and a German dentist lived in a 'secret annexe', fearing discovery. All that time, Anne kept a diary.

An intimate record of tension and struggle, adolescence and confinement, anger and heartbreak, this is the definitive edition of the diary of Anne Frank.