Book Review by Arezo Jamshidi

‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give is a profound and challenging book that explores the complexity of racism, identity, and social justice. The novel provides a moving portrayal of the Black experience in America through the perspective of its teenage protagonist, Starr Carter.

Readers may easily identify with the characters and their hardships because of Thomas's powerful and sincere storytelling. Starr is an engaging and relatable narrator who finds herself torn between two worlds: her neighbourhood of Garden Heights, which is mainly Black, and the private school she attends, which is mostly white. She is forced to consider issues of belonging and identity because of the constant code-switching.

People glance over at me with that "who is this chick, standing against the wall by herself like a lame-ass?" look. I slip my hands into my pockets. As long as I play it cool and keep to myself, I should be fine. The ironic thing is though, at Williamson I don't have to "play it cool"—I'm cool by default because I'm one of the only black kids there. I have to earn coolness in Garden Heights, and that's more difficult than buying retro Jordans on release day.

Funny how it works with white kids though. It's dope to be black until it's hard to be black.

When Starr sees her childhood buddy Khalil being fatally shot by a police officer, the story takes a terrifying turn. Starr is forced to confront issues of systematic racism, police brutality, and the value of speaking up against injustice because of this event, which sets off a series of emotions and incidents. Thomas never backs away from the brutal truths of the world she depicts while handling these important topics with care and sensitivity.

Character development is one of the book's assets. Starr's family, especially her parents and siblings, strengthens and gives the story depth. Various supporting characters are also introduced by the author, each with their unique personalities and perspectives, that improve the narrative and provide depth to the investigation of racial dynamics.

"The Hate U Give" is a story about resiliency, action, and finding one's voice rather than just being a book about sadness and injustice. It serves as a call to action, urging readers to discuss racial inequalities and confront their own prejudices. The title of the book, which was influenced by Tupac Shakur's THUG LIFE concept ("The Hate U Give Little Infants F***s Everybody"), emphasises the idea that systematic injustices have an impact on every member of society in conclusion, "The Hate U Give" is a novel that everyone should read since it addresses important issues in society with a gripping story and realistic characters. This novel makes an important contribution to the modern young adult fiction canon because Angie Thomas's storytelling is compelling and profound. It serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done in the struggle for justice and equality and that young voices like Starr's may be an effective tool for improvement.

Book Review by Ali Reza Rezaei

‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I personally love this novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald it has everything you would look for in a novel, from the artistic level of writing to the imagery it paints in your head, as well as the beautiful language used. Set in 1922, The Great Gatsby follows the story of Nick Carraway, a WW1 veteran who has just moved to West Egg in Long Island, New York, in the hopes of working in the business industry. His life spontaneously turns around when he meets his second cousin, Daisy Buchanan, who lives nearby in East Egg.

Upon visiting Daisy, Nick learns about Jay Gatsby, a millionaire whose reasons for success are kept secret and fictionized by everyone. Many suspect he “was a spy during the war” or “a bootlegger”, however, his success was due to the illegal distribution of alcohol which was banned during the time. He is a character who embodies the American Dream, and his relentless pursuit of wealth and love is both inspiring and tragic. The novel's themes are as relevant today as in the 1920s. Fitzgerald's exploration of the emptiness of the pursuit of wealth, the vague characteristics of the upper class, and the fragility of the American Dream resonate deeply in a world where materialism and excess often overshadow true human connection and values.

Fitzgerald creates a boundless number of personalities in his novel, filled with excitement and mystery. My favourite character in the novel is Jordan Baker, also known as Ms. Baker. She stands out with her unique qualities, intriguing personality, and subtle complexity making her a compelling presence in the story. Jordan Baker is a woman of independence and self-assuredness. In an era where societal norms often restricted women's autonomy, she defies convention. As a professional golfer, she exudes confidence and a sense of self-reliance that sets her apart. Her carefree attitude and unwavering self-assuredness make her a breath of fresh air in the suffocating social circles of the novel.

Overall, The Great Gatsby is a work of literary genius that deserves a place on every bookshelf. Its exploration of human desires, dreams, and disillusionments transcends time and place, making it a novel that continues to resonate with readers of all generations. Whether you're revisiting it again or picking it up for the first time, The Great Gatsby is a literary journey that you won't soon forget. It reminds us that beneath the face of wealth and glamour lies a deeper, more profound search for meaning and authenticity in our lives.

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther...And one fine morning—

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

Book Review by Marisa Martino

‘Don’s Party’ by: David Williamson

Don’s Party is a play written by David Williamson. It is a slice-of-life satire, set at an Australian barbecue hosted by 30-something couple Don and Kath on election night, 1969.

Don Henderson is a schoolteacher living with his wife Kath and baby son in the Melbourne suburb of Lower Plenty. On the night of the 1969 federal election, Don invites a small group of friends to celebrate a predicted Australian Labor Party (ALP) election victory, much to the dismay of his wife. To the party come Mal, Don's university mentor, and his bitter wife Jenny, sex-obsessed Cooley and his latest girlfriend, nineteen-year-old Susan, Evan, a dentist, and his beautiful artist wife Kerry. Somehow, two Liberal supporters, Simon and Jody also come.

TV: Polling closed tonight at eight o’clock and the counting of votes for the 1969 Federal Election has begun. We are now in the Central Tally Room in Canberra and as soon as the results come to hand we will bring them to you. Our panel of experts is standing by ready to interpret voting trends for you, and will be conducting interviews with party representatives throughout the evening. Stay tuned to this channel for a complete coverage of the 1969 Federal Election.

KATH: [sharply] Try and act like a host tonight, will you?

DON: [complaining] Cut it out. [DON turns down the sound.]

KATH: It wouldn’t take much effort.

DON: Since when have I been rude to guests?

KATH: You usually point them in the direction of the fridge and that’s it.

DON: That’s all my friends need.

KATH: I can’t see the point of coming to a party with the sole intention of drinking yourself into a stupor.

DON: That’s not the intention.

KATH: Hmm.

DON: There’s a bloody important event on the television tonight. Or perhaps you haven’t heard.

KATH: It’s just an excuse for a booze-up.

DON: [flaring] A booze-up? That’s why I’ve been out there all day handing out how-to-vote cards? Just an excuse for a booze-up?

As the party wears on it becomes clear that the Labor party, which is supported by Don and most of the guests, is not winning. As a result, alcohol consumption increases, and the sniping between Don and his male friends about their failed aspirations gets uglier, as does their behaviour toward the women. Mack, a design engineer whose wife has just left him, pulls out a nude photo of her for his friends' approval. Crass womaniser Cooley pursues the available women. The disillusioned wives exchange tales of their husbands' below-average sexual performance. By the end of the night, Don and some of his friends have begun to grasp the emptiness of their lives.

It’s not all politics. The comedy also comes from the permissive wife-swapping culture of the Australian middle classes in the late 1960s. Free love, lots of swearing, and detailed discussion of excretion characterised the swinging Australians. It’s a hilarious but bleak play about life in the Australian suburbs at that time and the boredom that produces such extremes of behaviour. The play led to a 2011 sequel Don Parties On.

I highly recommend this short read to see how far we have come in the respect of women and recognising just how much we now look at such alcohol-fuelled misbehaviour with disdain.

Book Review by Megan Beattie

‘Unbreakable’ by Jelena Dokic

Unbreakable by Jelena Dokic is a powerful memoir documenting her extraordinary journey from a tennis prodigy to a triumphant survivor. With remarkable honesty, Dokic reveals the immense pressures and personal struggles she faced in the competitive world of professional sports. Jelena also bravely shares her courageous battle against physical and emotional abuse, depression, and the weight of expectations.

Her willingness to confront her past and prioritize her mental health serves as a beacon of inspiration for readers facing their own challenges. By openly discussing her struggles and the importance of seeking help, she breaks down stigmas and encourages a discussion on mental wellbeing.

One of the darkest moments in Jelena Dokic's life spoken about in the book, was the emotional and physical abuse she endured at the hands of her father and coach, Damir Dokic. She courageously recounts the harrowing incidents when her father's temper escalated to alarming levels. During one particularly distressing episode, he berated and physically attacked her at a tournament in front of stunned spectators and officials. This incident exposed Jelena to public humiliation and made her question her worth as a person and an athlete. Such moments of intense abuse and humiliation had a profoundly negative impact on her self-esteem and mental well-being, contributing to the emotional scars that she would have to bear forever. These painful experiences emphasise the immense personal sacrifices she endured in her pursuit of pleasing her father and exemplify the depth of her resilience in ultimately breaking free from this cycle of abuse.

In the final chapters of Unbreakable, Jelena Dokic shares her post-tennis journey. She highlights her remarkable successes and newfound sense of purpose. Today, Jelena is an incredible example of resilience and transformation. She has transitioned from the competitive tennis world to a fulfilling career as a tennis commentator, using her deep knowledge of the sport to provide insightful analysis and commentary for major tennis events. Beyond her professional life, Dokic has become an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking openly about her own struggles and providing support and inspiration to those facing similar challenges. Her ability to rebuild her life and thrive in her post-tennis career underscores the depth of her inner strength and determination. Jelena Dokic's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, and her successes in both her personal and professional life serve as a beacon of hope for all who have followed her remarkable story.

This book is not just a sports memoir, but a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and emerge stronger. Jelena’s journey from darkness to healing is a compelling reminder that we, too, can find the strength to rebuild our lives. Unbreakable is an uplifting read that resonates with anyone seeking courage, hope, and the belief that they, too, can be unbreakable.

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