I’ve struggled a little with a couple of the series Janet Evanovich has co-authored in recent times, but her Stephanie Plum novels never seem to fail to deliver. They’re ‘light’ reads usually – not macabre – and generally more about the antics of Stephanie and her merry band of misfits rather than the mystery at hand. And that’s the way we fans love this series, which is now up to its 23rd instalment!
I’ve confessed my love of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum before. I enjoy the series and the books consistently offer me the escapism I need. They’re fun and written in an entertaining and comedic way that help overlook any glitches in plot or realism.
I note she’s going down the James Patterson route of writing books with other authors and I’ve tried a few of the different series on offer, so was interested to see yet another creation, this time with award-winning television writer Phoef Sutton.
Last year a book called My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises was doing the rounds. I loved the title but – for reasons I now do not recall – didn’t get around to reading that book.
It wasn’t until after I finished Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman that I discovered the Swedish blogger and columnist also authored ‘My Grandmother… etc’ and his latest had a quirky and beguiling warmth that makes me realise I would have loved to read about the apologising grandmother.
My mum received a ‘joke’ present from someone at her exercise class late last year. I suspect it’s because she takes things seriously. This is a Ball by Beck and Matt Stanton was passed onto my friend’s son who ADORED it, as did his daycare teacher and class.
It was a no-brainer therefore when the same duo released a new book – although this childless 40-something year old normally shies away from children’s books I had to share it with 4yr old Pickle.
From the media release:
“Five Novellas released each month from May 2016, all individual, all linked in subtle and intriguing ways…
The novella is disturbing the literary waters and I&B is stirring the ripples with Wisdom Tree: five pocket-sized, richly intelligent novellas by the internationally renowned Nick Earls.
I’ve long been a fan of Woogsworld – a blog named after its author… Mrs Woog. Which isn’t really her name, rather a moniker adopted in the hope of maintaining some anonymity while the Aussie mum quips about her kids and daily life. It’s a hugely popular blog here in Australia and she has garnered a devoted following of those who appreciate what she describes as ‘making the most out of the mundane’.
I don’t have kids – or a husband – so can’t always relate, but I almost always find her posts unflinchingly honest and hilariously funny.
It came as little surprise then, that Mrs Woog was approached by Allen & Unwin to put her often-unique take of the world, in print.
I don’t have kids so usually steer clear of reviewing children’s books. However… when I was offered the opportunity review Dinosaur Dump I couldn’t say no as I immediately thought of my favourite (just turned) 4yr old, Pickle, as it features two of his favourite things: dinosaurs and poo.
It’s billed as…
An ex-STINK-tion story that will bowel you over!