Book Review by Arieta Milford

‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens truly encapsulates the spirit of the upcoming season with his timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, which has continued to warm hearts and captivate readers since its publication in 1843. This novella follows the miserly and cold-hearted old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, who despises anything and everything but especially the festive season of Christmas.

'A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!' cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge's nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach.

'Bah!' said Scrooge. 'Humbug!'

He had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost, this nephew of Scrooge's, that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again.

'Christmas a humbug, uncle!' said Scrooge's nephew. 'You don't mean that, I am sure?

'I do,' said Scrooge. 'Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.'

'Come, then,' returned the nephew gaily. 'What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough.'

Scrooge, having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said, 'Bah!' again; and followed it up with 'Humbug!'

On the night of Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of the dire consequences of his actions once he reaches the afterlife. Throughout the night, Scrooge is visited by three spirits; the Ghost of the Past, described as a ‘strange figure – like a child, yet not so like a child as like an old man,’ the open and cheerful Ghost of the Present and finally the last silent spirit of the Ghost of the Future, shrouded in darkness and concealed perfectly representing the fear of death many hold along with being silent to symbolize the future being ‘still unknown’ and unable to speak about it. During these encounters, Scrooge is shown glimpses into his past, joyous memories long forgotten by him, and cheerful festivities of others in the present time before revealing the bleak, empty future that awaits him if he does not change his ways.

Dickens’ expertise in narrative writing shines in A Christmas Carol, weaving a powerful moral lesson on the importance of compassion, kindness, and generosity that is still relevant in our lives. As the piece shows the transformation of Scrooge from a grumpy old man, muttering only ‘Bah humbug’ to the slightest of Christmas cheer to heartful and contemptuous conversations with locals, reminds readers of the ability to change and the importance of empathy in our lives. Dickens masterfully weaves together a narrative that is both a ghost story and a celebration of the Christmas Spirit, making vivid descriptions of Victorian-era London that make the setting come alive which also makes it difficult to read if not for the assistance of a quick Google search. The novella's way of portraying its environment and characters truly gives the text its charm that most readers fall in love with, evocative descriptions and vivid characterizations along with its stark contrasts between the rich and the poor serve as a powerful backdrop for Scrooge’s transformation. The tale’s message – “It’s never too late to change, to find joy in the simplest of gestures and to be kinder and compassionate to one other” – continues to inspire others to reflect on their own lives and actions along with giving a positive reaction from readers for the cheery holiday.

A Christmas Carol is a testament to the power of storytelling to convey the importance of life lessons. In today’s fast-paced world, where avarice and self-centeredness often prevail, Dickens’ exploration of the human nature of greed and the transformative power of love and generosity continued, since almost 180 years ago, to remind readers that nobody is beyond redemption and care and to try to understand one another, to not see each other as enemies but ones to look out for, to be compassionate and forever kind. It makes it a must-read (or watch) during the season whether you celebrate the holiday or not.

Book Review by Marriam Rafae

‘Again, But Better’ by Christine Riccio

Christine Riccio's debut novel, "Again, But Better," takes readers on a delightful and relatable journey of self-discovery and second chances. In this captivating coming-of-age story, Riccio crafts a world filled with compelling characters, heartfelt storytelling, and a narrative that strikes a chord with anyone who has ever dreamed of rewriting their own story.

The story unfolds in the present day, introducing us to Shane Primaveri, a college student whose life feels like it's stuck in a never-ending loop of monotony. As a dedicated reader and aspiring writer, Shane longs for adventure and personal growth, but her fear of stepping out of her comfort zone keeps her tethered to her routine.

Shane's decision to embark on a study abroad program in London is a relatable theme for many young adults. It's a leap into the unknown, a chance to hit the reset button on life, and an opportunity to rediscover one's true self. Shane's journey resonates with anyone who has felt the pressure of societal expectations and the fear of missed opportunities.

Riccio's storytelling is both charming and relatable, drawing readers into the world of Shane and her new friends. Her writing style is imbued with vivid descriptions, witty humour, and evocative language that immerses readers in the story. You'll find yourself turning the pages eagerly, eager to accompany Shane on her adventure.

At the core of "Again, But Better" lies the universal theme of second chances. Shane's journey of self-discovery mirrors the struggles and dreams of countless young adults, making her an instantly relatable and endearing character. In a world where self-doubt and societal pressures can stifle personal growth, Shane's story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions and reinvent your life.

The novel beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, embracing change, and pursuing one's dreams. These themes resonate deeply with readers, no matter their age, as they navigate the twists and turns of life. In a society where conformity often overshadows individuality, "Again, But Better" inspires readers to seize the moment and follow their true desires.

The book's cast of characters is diverse and authentic, each with their own quirks and complexities. Personal favourite? For many readers, it's Pilot, a character who injects humour, charm, and depth into the narrative. The relationships among the characters evolve organically, adding emotional depth and authenticity to the story.

In conclusion, "Again, But Better" deserves a special place on the bookshelves of young adults and anyone who has ever dreamt of rewriting their own story. Like Shane, it encourages us to embrace change, take risks, and pursue our passions. As Shane embarks on her transformative journey, the story reminds us that the future is filled with endless possibilities, waiting for us to grasp them.

So, whether you're a student looking for inspiration or an avid reader seeking a relatable and heart warming story, "Again, But Better" is a must-read. Christine Riccio has crafted a tale that speaks to the dreamer in all of us, making it a timeless addition to the world of contemporary literature.

Book Review by Eden Tavsanli

‘Crime And Punishment’ by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment is said to be one of the greatest books to exist. It is an amazing example of classical literature that explores the feelings of shame, guilt, and a search for redemption perfectly.

Crime and Punishment is set in the slums of St. Petersburg in 19th-century Russia.

The novel goes through the journey of a broke former student, named Raskolnikov, who is the main character in the book. He is portrayed as a troubled individual in a state of psychological distress. Raskolnikov’s emotions and state of mind play a big part in the book, as a main part of it is all the emotions and anxiety he feels later in the novel.

The crime in Crime and Punishment happens quite early in the book, in chapter 12. It is successfully planned and executed by Raskolnikov. He had stolen an axe from the caretaker of his apartment building, and that became the murder weapon he used. Raskolnikov went to the apartment of Alyona Ivanovna, a cranky and hateful pawnbroker. She was under the impression that he was there to pawn an item, so she let Raskolnikov into her apartment. Once inside Alyona Ivanovna’s apartment, he hit her right in the head with the heavy axe, which resulted in her death:

Trying to untie the string and turning to the window, to the light (all her windows were shut, in spite of the stifling heat), she left him altogether for some seconds and stood with her back to him. He unbuttoned his coat and freed the axe from the noose, but did not yet take it out altogether, simply holding it in his right hand under the coat. His hands were fearfully weak, he felt them every moment growing more numb and more wooden. He was afraid he would let the axe slip and fall.... A sudden giddiness came over him.

“But what has he tied it up like this for?” the old woman cried with vexation and moved towards him.

He had not a minute more to lose. He pulled the axe quite out, swung it with both arms, scarcely conscious of himself, and almost without effort, almost mechanically, brought the blunt side down on her head. He seemed not to use his own strength in this. But as soon as he had once brought the axe down, his strength returned to him. (Chapter 12)

Something that made the crime a lot more difficult was Alyona Ivanovna’s half-sister, Lizaveta Ivanovna, witnessing the crime. Because she had witnessed it, Raskolnikov decided to kill her as well because he did not want anything to lead to him being caught. After killing them both, he stole a small purse he found inside the apartment.

From what I have heard, there have been a lot of great reasons put forward as to why Raskolnikov killed both victims. People have said it's because he needed the money desperately, that he saw himself as an “extraordinary person” and believed that he could kill them for the greater good, that he wasn’t thinking straight, or even because he simply just wanted to. In my opinion, I believe it was because he needed the money and wasn’t thinking straight, or even a mixture of those two reasons.

Crime and Punishment is a great book for anyone who likes psychological thrillers or crime. It can be a bit confusing to read as almost everyone in the book has about three names, so it is hard to keep track of who is who, and there are also a lot of big words in it. But in my opinion, it is a great book and I recommend reading it!

Book Review by Michael Callander

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ by Erich Maria Remarque

Erich Maria Remarque’s ancestor was from France and had emigrated to Germany at the time of the French Revolution in 1789. A hundred years later, Erich was born in 1898 in Osnabruck, Lower Saxony. He went from school straight into the army and was soon sent to the Western Front. During his time at war, his mother died, and all his friends were killed. At the end of the war, he found himself completely alone. The war experiences of he and his friends prompted Remarque to write All Quiet on the Western Front, which was published in 1928, initially as a newspaper serial and then in book form in 1929. Interestingly, this anti-war book was banned, and copies were burned in Germany during Adolf Hitler’s reign.

From the Author:

This book is to be neither an accusation nor a confession, and least of all an adventure, for death is not an adventure to those who stand face to face with it. It will try to simply tell of a generation of men who, who even though they may have escaped its shells, were destroyed by war.

All Quiet on the Western Front follows the lives of classmates who had no plans for the future, they were without a care or interest to forge a career or an occupation. Their heads were filled with patriotism and honour from their teacher, bombarded with propaganda including posters and slogans. Kantorek called Paul's class the "Iron Youth", teaching his students a romanticised version of warfare with glory and duty to the Fatherland. They were a class of twenty young men who enlisted in the German Army.

The story follows teenagers Paul Bäumer and his friends Albert and Muller who became soldiers full of eagerness and enthusiasm. They trained for ten weeks springing to attention, marching in parades, presenting arms, clicking their heels, wearing the insults of their superiors, and training for heroism as though they were circus ponies.

While fighting at the front, Bäumer and his comrades engage in frequent battles and endure the treacherous and filthy conditions of trench warfare. The battles fought are insignificant with no names. Pieces of land are gained but are eventually lost except for the possibility of injury or death which could be a certainty. When they joined the army toward the end of the war, they were eighteen, they had begun to love life but the death and destruction, the constant shelling, the gas attacks, starvation, and the filthy conditions left them emotionally drained and shaken.

With visits home and their lives at the Front, the comparison of civilian life highlights the cost of war on their psyche. Their town hasn’t changed since going to war and they feel they don’t belong anymore. There is no connection with fellow townspeople. Questions about war experiences are distressing and the townspeople don’t understand that they can’t talk of such things and can’t wait to return to their comrades because civilians don’t understand what war can do to your physical and mental health.

In 1918 the war was nearing its end, and the German Army was retreating. Paul watches as his friends fall one by one. His mentor’s death is the last straw that finally causes Paul to lose his will to live. In the final chapter, he comments that peace is coming soon but he does not see the future as bright and shining with hope. Paul feels that he has no aims left in life and that their generation will be different and misunderstood.

Remarque writes – “The book does not focus on heroic stories of bravery, but rather gives a view of the conditions in which the soldiers find themselves. The monotony between battles, the constant threat of artillery fire and bombardments, the struggle to find food, the lack of training of young recruits (meaning lower chances of survival), and the overarching role of random chance in the lives and deaths of the soldiers are described in detail”.

Book Review by Ellen Newton

‘Get Remarkably Organised’ by Lorraine Murphy

I’m sure many will agree that there is only one person who can get us to write a book review and that is Mr Geoff Shinkfield. It is such an honour to be asked but then the panic sets in – hang on, when was the last time I read a book that wasn’t Units 3&4 Health and Human Development and one that was worthy of a review? I had to quickly dust off the bookshelf and find something because I couldn’t let Geoff down! Additionally, it would go against my values and beliefs (spiritual health and well-being) to promote a book that I hadn’t read or thoroughly enjoyed.

Now before the accusations come flying through that I have breached our college’s plagiarism policy and used Chat GPT for the book review below I can assure you I haven’t because I tried to, and it had no data or information on my book and I can provide you the devastating screenshot of that moment if you wish – so rest assured AI isn’t quite the knower of all just yet!

The book I am reviewing and recommending to you all is Get Remarkably Organised by Lorraine Murphy and considering I am writing this review after the due date Mr Shinkfield set, after four teams chat reminders and a few chase downs in the school corridors I think it might be time I re-read it myself! Jokes aside this book is such a quick read, it is straightforward, no-nonsense, and provides practical tips that you can implement into your school, work, home, or personal life to regain a sense of control and organization.

Commencement being well and truly underway may be the best time for you to consider reading this book or implementing some of the tips the book encourages. Some of the main points include starting your day strong with a personalized morning routine (not one some influencer on Instagram is pretending they do every day but instead, one that makes you feel good and prepared for your day), the need to remove distractions and avoid procrastination, and structured ways to prioritise your time during the day to get everything you need to do done!

My favourite takeaway from this book was the idea that you need to remove the rock from your shoe before you can do anything else. The rock is a task or conversation that you are avoiding and all it does is stay in the back of your mind (or shoe) and cause pain, distraction, or hold you back from succeeding at other things. This is something I remind myself of when I need to action a task that I know I am avoiding (reports anyone? Sorry Derrick! Or exam marking… sorry James who asked for his exam result on four separate occasions). I tell myself I can’t focus on any of the fun work I am excited to action until I remove the rock from my shoe first! Sometimes our rocks aren’t even that bad – we are just feeling overwhelmed, have left it too late, or don’t know where to start. This book gives you practical ways to tackle tasks in an organised way that helps you reduce your stress levels (promoting mental health and well-being). Students – I encourage you to treat your holiday homework like the rock in your shoe – remove it first so you can relax and enjoy the rest of your break without it haunting you at night/the night before!

If you want to read this book based on my un-organised, procrastinated book review then come and grab my copy to borrow! I enjoy reading books and then giving them to someone else to have as it has served its purpose for me – the first teacher to message me can have the book! 😊

Book Review by Gabrielle Phelan

‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt

Will this book change your worldview, your politics, or the way you engage in your day-to-day life? Absolutely not! For that, I recommend: Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall, Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, and The Yield by Tara June Winch. Now, back to grimy escapism!!!

“It is better to know one book intimately than a hundred superficially.”

Published in 1992, The Secret History is philosophical, literary, and satirical. It centres on the unreliable narrator, Richard, who has just started studying at a highly prestigious university. He becomes aware of an exclusive group of carefully selected students who study the Greek classics, taught by the elusive professor Julian. The students internalise many of the ideas of the Greek classics, including platonic ideals and rituals.

“Beauty is terror. Whatever we call beautiful, we quiver before it.”

The group of students includes twins Camilla and Charles, Francis, Bunny, and of course, Henry. Whilst studying the classics, the dynamics of the group change, there are dark twists, murder, betrayal, scheming, and shock romances.

“Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn't. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this: a morbid longing for the picturesque at all costs.”

The novel opens with a prologue that reveals the primary conflict of the novel – one of the five students will be murdered, and it will be at the hands of the students themselves. Knowing this, the novel is filled with delicious dramatic irony, where we as readers know what terror is to come, whilst the characters are blissfully unaware of how their lives are about to unravel. It is about guilt and how to deal with remorse.

“In short: I felt my existence was tainted, in some subtle but essential way.”

The novel is largely a satire of elitism. It is a story that at once glamorises the plight of high academia and studying at an institution that has history and prestige. Mostly it is a cautionary tale against placing too much emphasis on status, and how many people within these intuitions can be soulless – and that it is ultimately superficial.

“I am nothing in my soul if not obsessive.”

This novel is for you if you love dark academia vibes (think old university libraries, musty books, blazers, rainy days, and grey skies). It’s for you if you love messy drama, beautiful prose, and juicy storytelling. It’s 500 pages long but you’ll fly through it, a perfect holiday read for those of us who like our novels on the darker side!

Book Review by Annie Siupolu

‘Christmas in the Manger’ by Nola Buck

Laura Godwin, (writing under the pen name, Nola Buck), is the author of several beloved children's novels, one of which is Christmas in the Manger. She has also written The Meanest Doll in the World, The Runaway Dolls, The Doll People (with Ann M. Martin), and many more.

She is originally from Alberta, Canada, and has recently moved to New York City and spent many happy Christmas Eves watching her family's donkey, Eeyore, participate in the live Christmas pageant in her homeland.

Nola Buck introduces to her readers the characters, animals, and even the star from the tale of Jesus' birth. The Nativity stories are told in straightforward language and soft rhymes, accompanied by vivid and striking pictures. As you read, she mentions Mary, the Wise Men, the animals in the ten stables, and other people. All the key figures from the Nativity Story are presented in this board book. I adore this book since it touches on every important Christian Christmas topic, and it has fantastic poetry.

Similarly, it has strong, simple illustrations that highlight the topic content of each two-page set. Every page flip features a poem about a different character from the nativity, concluding with the infant Jesus. With its brief, sentence-length writing on one page, it is suitable for younger readers.

Every page consists of four lines that begin with "I am", for example:

I am the baby

Asleep in the hay,

And I am the reason

For Christmas Day.

It is a wonderful book for young children to discover the true essence of Christmas.

What is a Nativity story you may ask? The Nativity story tells us about the conception and birth of Jesus Christ. A Christmas tradition that is essential to the Christian celebration of Christmas is telling the Nativity narrative. In the narrative, Joseph, a village carpenter, and Mary, a teenager, get engaged. An angel appears to Mary and tells her that she will fulfil a prophecy by bearing God's son, the world's saviour, while she is a virgin. I rate this little children’s book a 5 out of 5, it is very cute and heart warming to read and teach our little younglings about the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day.

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21, NIV)

Book Review by Geoff Shinkfield

‘Silent Night’ by Stanley Weintraub

In World War 1, the Western Front stretched 700 kilometres from the North Sea through Belgium into northern France and south-east to the border with Switzerland. The Front was essentially a line of Allied and German trenches where thousands of soldiers faced each other over No-Man's Land, a barbwire-enclosed, crater-filled muddy terrain which varied between 50 metres and 250 metres, depending on the geography. The trenches were dug in September 1914 after the Allies halted the German invasion of France and Belgium following the Battle of Marne. As the two sides settled into their lines of trenches their defensive positions ensured that the trenches of the Western Front remained in the same position until the Armistice on November 11th, 1918. Effectively, it was a stalemate, with both sides unable to advance. That led to the inevitable slaughter of at least four million men.

After three months of trench warfare in terrible conditions through spring and the start of winter in December 1914, a miraculous series of events took place as the year’s end approached. Stanley Weintraub’s Silent Night is a very interesting and very well-researched account of what took place as the first Christmas was celebrated by the soldiers of both sides, along the 700 kilometres of the Western Front. Essentially, opposing soldiers from units along the length of the Front spontaneously engineered Christmas truces. Though strictly against orders in many locations, German and British soldiers, both Christian of course, put down their weapons, ventured out into No-Man’s Land and exchanged gifts, sang carols, and even played games of football. French and Indian soldiers, however, refused to take part in the truces, the French because they hated the German invaders, and the Indians because they were not Christians.

Weintraub reveals that it was the persistent horrible wintry rain in early December that had led to a ‘live and let live’ approach by both sides, as survival in the filthy, muddy, and flooded trenches became more important than killing. Soldiers on both sides started to fraternise and throw gifts at each other. Soldiers’ letters home reveal the first cases of fraternisation:

“ … a most extraordinary thing happened…Some Germans came out and held up their hands and began to take in some of their wounded and so we began bringing in our wounded also, The Germans then beckoned to us and a lot of us went over and talked to them and they helped us to bury our dead. “

Suddenly, up, and down the Front, soldiers from both sides were meeting to collect their wounded and bury their dead. It allowed them to swap cigarettes and exchange souvenirs, with the many Germans who could speak English, making communication relatively easy. As Christmas Eve approached the unofficial truces began, with the Germans erecting Christmas Trees on their trench parapets, and then lighting them up so the Allied soldiers could see them. One British soldier recalls that at 11.00 o’clock French time but midnight Berlin time in the opposing trenches, they began to hear from the German parapet:

“…a rich baritone voice singing ‘Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht’…It was all so strange, it was like being in another world, to which he had come through a nightmare; a world finer than the one he had left behind…”

Following the carol singing by both sides on Christmas Eve, Weintraub documents the wide-ranging festivities that took place on Christmas Day all along the length of the Western Front. In some places, the Christmas fraternisation between enemy forces continued to New Year's Day, when the media publicity of the Christmas Truces and exchanging of gifts and playing of games in No-Mans Land was forcibly ended by the politicians and generals of both sides. It was only then that the soldiers on both sides picked up their rifles and the war began again in earnest.

Stanley Weintraub’s exhaustive documentation of the Christmas Truces covers both sides, using letters, military reports, photos, and newspaper articles. There are so many interesting stories from this inspiring but short-lived period in a four-year war, a few days where ‘Tommies’ and ‘Jerries’ put their Christian beliefs before their job of killing one another in what to them must have seemed a futile war. A few days when opposing enemies became friends and realised, they were all just the same. They were men, not demons. Sadly, the Christmas Truce that could have ended the war was not allowed to continue and future attempts to celebrate Christmas in the trenches were squashed by the military of both sides. However, in 1914, in No-Man's Land, a real Christmas miracle did take place: for a short time, life replaced death.

A scent of truce was in the air,

And mutual compliments were paid =

A sausage here, a mince-pie there,

In lieu of bomb and hand-grenade;

And foes forgot, that Christmastide,

Their business was to kill the other side.

By Sir Owen Seaman, Punch, 13 January 1915

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