Dunedin Public Libraries News & Reviews Blog

Drawing on her vast knowledge of Shakespeare and Elizabethan times, Germaine Greer has written a scholarly but very interesting book on Ann Hathaway. She forms a picture that is quite different from the accepted view of Ann’s place in Shakespeare’s life.

Instead of an older (26) woman seducing a handsome young (1 Shakespeare, a hateful marriage and time spent mostly apart, Greer puts the few known facts firmly in the perspective of the times.

She portrays Ann as an intelligent, independent woman who runs the family home and business, and raises the children in her husband’s absence.

I did skim through some of this, especially the quotes, but I recommend Shakespeare’s Wife to anyone who enjoys history, Shakespeare and/or Greer’s witty style of writing.

Whether the title shocks or amuses you, this book is well worth reading. This really entertaining Australian adventure won the 2003 Australian Popular Fiction competition and though it does stretch the boundaries of reality at times, it is about a man having a mid-life crisis!!!

Martin Carter has a complete meltdown on his 50th birthday. Redundancy, danger, bitter truths, intrigue and romance, this book contains aspects that appeal to any adult reader.

Fat, Fifty & F***ed includes philosophical ideas about coffee, truck stop breakfasts, brown suede shoes, cancer and relationships. I feel this is a story written for film.

The latest issue of Childrens Choice has been published and contains a good list of books for kids spanning fiction, non-fiction, picture books as well as news updates from staff working in the childrens area.

Read the latest issue (.pdf) online today.

The latest issue of Childrens Choice has been published and contains a good list of books for kids spanning fiction, non-fiction, picture books as well as news updates from staff working in the childrens area.

Read the latest issue (.pdf) online today.

Her Magazine is a very interesting NZ based business magazine.

It’s published monthly and available to borrow from the 2nd floor of the City Library.

Sarah Raven’s Garden Cookbook is full of gorgeous colourful full page illustrations of home-grown produce and yummy recipes. There is a definite Italian influence, but lots of British favourites are also given new life. Have a look at the page on edible flowers, sorrel soup, primavera risotto (with asparagus), cauliflower cheese with Lord Dalrymple’s top (an Edwardian dish), and rhubarb tart, to name just a few favourites. Sarah Raven has written some beautiful gardening books too.

Olivia Lowell believed her father when he said that her mother died in childbirth. That was until the shocking day, informed by a lawyer, that her mother had just passed away, leaving her a fortune.

However, it comes with a catch and a lot of heartache.
Olivia’s mother in a letter reveals that she and two college friends committed a bank robbery a long time ago, she now wants Olivia to track down her accomplices and convince then to come clean and give the money back.

Fulfilling her mothers request is not easy, nor is mending her relationship with her father. Although, there is the handsome lawyer to help her and her beloved dogs for companionship.
Fool Me Once is a great read for those who like chick lit.

Recommended by Gwen

Emily’s life is a bit of a mess. She can’t make any decision about her love life, but hang on, does she actually have one?

Her life is turned upside down when her mother tells her she has cancer. To help her mother through this, Emily quits her job as a lawyer to move back home.

How will this affect her so called relationship with Sam? And how does her father fit into all this?

Complex, too many questions unanswered? Read this book and you’ll understand the title, Ask again Later. A nice light read, but still very enjoyable.

Recommended by Dianne