robertafsmith
Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
robertafsmith's Completed Shelf
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The Lost Flowers of Alice HartThe Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, Book
by Ringland, HollyBook - 2018Book, 2018
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Oct 13, 2018
What to Do When I'm GoneWhat to Do When I'm Gone, BookA Mother's Wisdom to Her Daughter
by Hopkins, Suzy (Former Newspaper Reporter)Book - 2018Book, 2018
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Oct 08, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: This is a delightful book to help with loss. It would help in cases of any kind of loss of a loved one, but it was written by a mother to help her daughter cope after she dies. It is beautifully illustrated, funny, heart warming and contemporary.Roberta's Pick: This is a delightful book to help with loss. It would help in cases of any kind of loss of a loved one, but it was written by a mother to help her daughter cope after she dies. It is beautifully illustrated, funny, heart warming and…
The Wrong HeavenThe Wrong Heaven, BookStories
by Bonnaffons, AmyBook - 2018 | First edition.Book, 2018. First edition.
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's pick: In this first collection of short stories Amy Bonnaffons shows an amazing ability to be both direct and oblique, and hit her target every time. Great title plus Madonna covers are IN and this is one of the best.
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Sep 05, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Choice: Sixty years separate Kate and Rosemary, but they are united in their love of swimming and in particular, swimming at the outdoor Lido pool in Brixton. Property developers have their eyes on the site though, and therein lies the tale. A light read which comes at the topic of inter-generational friendships through the unlikely vehicle of swimming. I swim, so it really worked for me. Wonder how it will fare with the landlubbers out there!Roberta's Choice: Sixty years separate Kate and Rosemary, but they are united in their love of swimming and in particular, swimming at the outdoor Lido pool in Brixton. Property developers have their eyes on the site though, and therein lies the…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Sep 05, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: It must have happened to you, the battleground of a gift from an ex when you have moved on to a new relationship. But this time the gift can't be hidden in the sock drawer, it is a large , eccentric handmade standing lamp. What were the gift-givers real intentions? This is Shriver at her best.Roberta's Pick: It must have happened to you, the battleground of a gift from an ex when you have moved on to a new relationship. But this time the gift can't be hidden in the sock drawer, it is a large , eccentric handmade standing lamp. What were…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Jul 23, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: Famous for writings such as The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat, this small book of meditations by Dr Oliver Sacks is a beautiful read. Just 45 pages long and published just prior to his death at 82 from cancer, the four essays take in the full sweep of his life, his abiding belief in gratitude and his final words of wisdom on the power of retreating from the world as Jewish people do on the Sabbath. Pull back, eat with family and friends, let the world go its wild and woolly way all on its own for just twenty four little hours.Roberta's Pick: Famous for writings such as The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat, this small book of meditations by Dr Oliver Sacks is a beautiful read. Just 45 pages long and published just prior to his death at 82 from cancer, the four essays…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Jul 19, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: It is a tribute to Gekoski's writing talent that he takes a not very likeable main character in this his first novel, and by virtue of brilliant dialogue makes us fall for him. It is only towards the middle of the novel that one of Gekoski's blind spots (his hatred of the author Joan Didion) starts to sour things a bit. If you like Howard Jacobson's writing, Darke may well work for you.Roberta's Pick: It is a tribute to Gekoski's writing talent that he takes a not very likeable main character in this his first novel, and by virtue of brilliant dialogue makes us fall for him. It is only towards the middle of the novel that one of…
Alternate SideAlternate Side, BookA Novel
by Quindlen, Anna, 1953-Book - 2018 | First edition.Book, 2018. First edition.
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Jul 04, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's pick: Wealthy inner-city suburbia (with its attendant parking problems) and homelessness may seem like unlikely bed partners. But if you add in an assault, a spouse's imploding career and Quindlen's whiplash dialogue, it all gels quite nicely. It might not be Quindlen's best, but it is still very good.Roberta's pick: Wealthy inner-city suburbia (with its attendant parking problems) and homelessness may seem like unlikely bed partners. But if you add in an assault, a spouse's imploding career and Quindlen's whiplash dialogue, it all gels quite…
The Shepherd's HutThe Shepherd's Hut, Book
by Winton, Tim, 1960-Book - 2018Book, 2018
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for The Shepherd's Hut, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 4 copies
Holds: 0 on 4 copies
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Jun 14, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: You're right inside the mind of Jaxie as he makes a run from a crime scene through increasingly dry scrub far north of Perth. Tim Winton excels himself in this novel. The setting (I swear it can be smelt), the dialogue (say what you like about Ozzie accents, it is a marvelously inventive language) and the story - where will all of Jaxie's hopes get him?Roberta's Pick: You're right inside the mind of Jaxie as he makes a run from a crime scene through increasingly dry scrub far north of Perth. Tim Winton excels himself in this novel. The setting (I swear it can be smelt), the dialogue (say what you…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Jun 05, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: Some novels are plot driven, some are little slices of life. History of the Rain is a book about the beauty of language, books - and family. Every sentence holds mystery, adventure and surprise. Each sentence lilts its Irish way to eventual resolution. Quite beautiful. But don't say you weren't warned!Roberta's Pick: Some novels are plot driven, some are little slices of life. History of the Rain is a book about the beauty of language, books - and family. Every sentence holds mystery, adventure and surprise. Each sentence lilts its Irish way to…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added May 31, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: Written by Donna Leon, an author well-known for her detective series set in Venice, this beautiful small book is a joy to hold, look at, read and (with its CD of gondolier music included), listen to.
Added May 30, 2018
Comment:
Staff Pickle Roberta: Artist Sally Muir sketched/painted a dog a day for 365 days over one calendar year and compiled them into this wee book - a must for dog-lovers and artists alike.
The Flight AttendantThe Flight Attendant, BookA Novel
by Bohjalian, Chris, 1962-Book - 2018 | First edition.Book, 2018. First edition.
robertafsmith's rating:
Added May 27, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's pick: By page 8 you know who has been murdered. By page 18 you know who did it. The rest of this unputdownable roller coaster ride from Dubai to New York via Rome is a fast paced exploration of the life of Cassie, the quintessential flight attendant stereotype, and her wild card choices. Best character development in a novel in a long, long time.Roberta's pick: By page 8 you know who has been murdered. By page 18 you know who did it. The rest of this unputdownable roller coaster ride from Dubai to New York via Rome is a fast paced exploration of the life of Cassie, the quintessential flight…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added May 05, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's pick: This wee gem will be one of my best reads of 2018. In a novel set in the USA interior, a disparate group of pub crawlers tease out the fine line between secrecy and privacy in sparkling dialogue.
Added May 02, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's pick: This is a sweet read about coping with bereavement after a lifelong marriage, (one in which you had thought you knew everything there was to know about your partner). Arthur Pepper finds out more than he ever knew about his late wife when he explores the charms on a bracelet he discovers a year after her death. You will forgive it the predictability of its structure because it is a kind book and a heart-warming read.Roberta's pick: This is a sweet read about coping with bereavement after a lifelong marriage, (one in which you had thought you knew everything there was to know about your partner). Arthur Pepper finds out more than he ever knew about his late wife…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added May 02, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: James Mollison has travelled the world to photograph the different places where children sleep. This beautifully produced book started life as a project focusing on children's rights. There are 110 photo essays in all. Let's just say : "We don't know how lucky we are."Roberta's Pick: James Mollison has travelled the world to photograph the different places where children sleep. This beautifully produced book started life as a project focusing on children's rights. There are 110 photo essays in all. Let's just say…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Apr 17, 2018
Comment:
Roberta's pick: This is a deliciously convoluted read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Friendship and all it's various nuances underlie this read. That and the fine, blurred line between friendship and love. All this set at a time when superstition pits itself against the logic of science.Roberta's pick: This is a deliciously convoluted read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Friendship and all it's various nuances underlie this read. That and the fine, blurred line between friendship and love. All this set at a time when superstition pits…
The Rat Catchers' OlympicsThe Rat Catchers' Olympics, Book
by Cotterill, Colin, 1952-Book - 2017Book, 2017
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Apr 13, 2018
Comment:
Colin Cotterill does for Laos what Alexander McAll Smith does for Botswana. The Rat Catcher's Olympics finds Dr Siri accompanying the Laos team to the Summer Olympics set in Moscow. It's his usual blend of eccentricity, humour, plot and a bit of the spiritual thrown in for good measure. It's not to be taken all that seriously though you do get a bit of a slant on life in Laos past and present.Colin Cotterill does for Laos what Alexander McAll Smith does for Botswana. The Rat Catcher's Olympics finds Dr Siri accompanying the Laos team to the Summer Olympics set in Moscow. It's his usual blend of eccentricity, humour, plot and a bit of the…
CrayonCrayon, BookAn Artist's Colorful Guide to Drawing on the Go!
by Forsberg, MonikaBook - 2017Book, 2017
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Apr 09, 2018
Comment:
I love this book! If you enjoy colour and drawing, chances are you will love it too. It would also be a very useful addition to any pre-primary/primary school teacher's aids and a real boon for mum's trying to entertain kids at home.
The Sisters BrothersThe Sisters Brothers, Book
by deWitt, Patrick, 1975-Book - 2011Book, 2011
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for The Sisters Brothers, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Dec 12, 2017
I Actually Wore ThisI Actually Wore This, BookClothes We Can't Believe We Bought
by Coleman, Tom (Writer)Book - 2017Book, 2017
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Dec 12, 2017
Waiting for Monsieur BellivierWaiting for Monsieur Bellivier, Book
by Röstlund, BrittaBook - 2017Book, 2017
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Oct 30, 2017
Comment:
Roberta says: Two parallel stories alternate throughout this book. The mystery that must surely bring these two disparate sets of characters together is a very contrived one. The strength of this first novel (set in Paris) is in the interesting personalities portrayed and good character development. Staff Pickles.Roberta says: Two parallel stories alternate throughout this book. The mystery that must surely bring these two disparate sets of characters together is a very contrived one. The strength of this first novel (set in Paris) is in the interesting…
The Music ShopThe Music Shop, Book
by Joyce, RachelBook - 2017Book, 2017
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for The Music Shop, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Added Sep 07, 2017
Comment:
Who could forget The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry? Rachel Joyce has done it again with her latest novel The Music Shop. Terrific characterisation, sharp, funny dialogue, and a plot twist that will wrench your heart. Unlike Harold Fry, Frank ( the main character) doesn't walk that much but he is prone to outbursts of clumsy running. The book has a marvellous on-the-page soundtrack. Highly recommended reading.Who could forget The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry? Rachel Joyce has done it again with her latest novel The Music Shop. Terrific characterisation, sharp, funny dialogue, and a plot twist that will wrench your heart. Unlike Harold Fry, Frank (…
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Aug 29, 2017
Comment:
Roberta's Pick: If you enjoyed The Miniaturist and The Last Painting of Sara de Vos, you will love Midnight Blue. This book has a strong sense of atmosphere and place - Holland in 1654. What is more, it conveys information about gender and craft through a strong story line and some feisty characters. Staff Pickles.Roberta's Pick: If you enjoyed The Miniaturist and The Last Painting of Sara de Vos, you will love Midnight Blue. This book has a strong sense of atmosphere and place - Holland in 1654. What is more, it conveys information about gender and craft…
Laura Rider's MasterpieceLaura Rider's Masterpiece, BookA Novel
by Hamilton, Jane, 1957-Book - 2009 | 1st ed.Book, 2009. 1st ed.
robertafsmith's rating:
Added Aug 29, 2017
Comment:
Jane Hamilton is a very versatile writer. Anyone who can span the emotional intensity of her Map of the World and this romp, is in a class of her own. Spoiler Alert. This book is a light fun read. That is what it is meant to be. But it is funny, clever and well written. I breezed through it in no time at all. That said, it's a love it or loathe it offering. Staff PicklesJane Hamilton is a very versatile writer. Anyone who can span the emotional intensity of her Map of the World and this romp, is in a class of her own. Spoiler Alert. This book is a light fun read. That is what it is meant to be. But it is funny,…
Comment: