Hayley Kellaway

the book I have begun reading for my wider reading assignment is called ‘Nanberry Black Brother White’, written by Jackie French. This book is about a young aboriginal boy named Nanberry, who is adopted by a white surgeon -John White. 

I picked this book because the front cover reminded me of one of young my cousins –Nicklaus. Also, it is a true story based on a boy set in Australia in 1789. This attracted me to the book as I enjoy reading true stories about what life was like for past generations in Australia.

The part of the book that I have read so far shows Nanberry’s two very different worlds. One where Nanberry could laze around the fire with his aunties eating yams, where he could learn to be a warrior and become a real man. Until the white ghost came and took over their land, spreading their vicious diseases whipping out tribes. Nanberry’s life was then turned upside down after his tribe suffered from a ferocious disease and his family were left to die, as he is adopted by a white surgeon and expected to live a whole new lifestyle. With people who he didn’t know anything about.

I think this book would be suitable for all mature ages to enjoy. And I would recommend reading it as from the part I have begun to read, it is very intriguing to also learn about Australian History as well as be entertained by a good story.

The End

The last 50 pages were probably the best - or I was just getting excited at finishing the darn thing! Again, overkill on the plot-lines but the near drowning incident was quite exciting:

I force myself to dive down deeper, scrabbling at him, trying to catch hold of anything to drag him to the surface. He's dead weight in my arms and shows no sign of life, and for a moment I just want to give up too - open up my mouth and let the sea flood in and drown my pain... (p.252)

The offer still stands - can someone please read it and tell me what you think?
Miss ^__^

What Now?

Page 228 folks and I am patiently waiting for the bitter end. That guy lying unconscious in hospital has a sister and, you guessed it, the sister was molested by their dad! The author is trying too hard to cover too many controversial topics. The problem with this technique is that no one topic will be dealt with sufficiently. Please, I am calling for someone in Year 9 to read this and tell me if it appeals to you!!!
Miss ^__^

In ecstasy- Kate McCaffrey - blog by Maddy Slade 9D

In ecstasy is a book about two young girls around 15-16, First girl (Sophie) is a beautiful girl who get all the boys attention and another girl (Mia) shy, smart and funny. These to have been best friend since they could walk.

One night they were invited to a party, they didn’t enjoy it as much as they thought, until they were offered E (ecstasy) it took 20min then they loved to world, everyone was beautiful, they mia met Lewis, schools biggest hunk!

Mia and Sophie were invited by Lewis to a club they jumped in the car and took more E Sophie was in the back seat with Lewis’ mate “glen”

I like the book it relates to everyday living, the book is very believable because i know many people that this has happened to, i was a confusion for me at the beginning but then it got real interesting and detailed. Its relates to teens easily because they fight with friend, parents and boyfriends.

“I knew I was going to try E one day” this bit made me realise she wasn’t as innocent as I thought.

I like the book so far.

BRUTAL BASHING LEAVES PROTAGONIST IN THE POO

I'm up to page 180 now, waiting for something of interest to happen. The trouble with this novel, as I see it, is that it peaked too soon - like watching the Titanic sink at the start of the movie.
So we've had drunkenness, a rape, a brutal bashing leaving the alleged rapist unconscious in hospital, and a suspicious best friend. Yawn. If the writing doesn't improve soon I will have to chuck this book into the 'don't waste your time' pile. Sorry, Mandy.
Miss ^__^