Rachel Roberts
The Boot Camp, by Kate Harrison
Reviewed on October 20, 2012
Steph, Vicki and Darcy, whether it be through personal choice or the imposed will of others, all end up at The Boot Camp, a hard-core exercise camp run by two personal trainers who were previously in the forces. The opening chapter describes the men as ‘…two blokes in black Army berets and camouflage gear, cross-armed [...]
The Games, by Ted Kosmatka
Reviewed on September 3, 2012
Having recently experienced the excitement of the Olympic Games, it’s clear how an event that brings every country together can capture us. This book may help you to reignite that feeling of competition in a world that takes it one step further. Imagine the tension and hysteria of London 2012 magnified to monstrous proportions, with [...]
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins
Reviewed on June 27, 2012
Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. Although she has come out of The Hunger Games alive, in doing so, Katniss has committed an act seen to defy the Capitol, and is now in a more dangerous situation than ever. Katniss’ act, her attempt to end The Hunger Games without a victor, [...]
Ninety Days, by Bill Clegg
Reviewed on June 10, 2012
Ninety Days is a revealingly honest account of the author’s battle to be free from drug addiction. Through this account, the reader may feel his turmoil. Bill Clegg speaks with an openness that transforms his history into a gripping read, stripped bare to the very truth of his experience. Ninety Days is a memoir of [...]
Daughters, by Elizabeth Buchan
Reviewed on June 5, 2012
Elizabeth Buchan’s story of a mother and her daughters is told from different perspectives within a family of women. Lara, mother to Maudie and adoptive mother to Eve and Jasmine sparks the story alight. Her story is filled with love for her daughters, initiating the theme of motherhood with her portrayal of the strong bond [...]
A Life Lived Ridiculously, by Dr. Annabelle R. Charbit
Reviewed on May 24, 2012
Maxine’s obsession with finding the perfect lighting for her bedroom is taking over her life. She has recently moved into her own flat, but can find no peace of mind there. Feeling unsuccessful in comparison to her younger brother, who is getting married to ‘Miss Perfect’, she has added pressure from her parents, who are [...]
An Invisible Sign of My Own, by Aimee Bender
Reviewed on May 19, 2012
An Invisible Sign of My Own is an insightful novel which tells the story of Mona, a young woman struggling with her own mind. Her father has been suffering from an unidentifiable long-term illness, which has caused him and his family to become withdrawn and melancholy. When she starts work as a maths teacher at [...]
Now You Know, by Christopher Chase Walker
Reviewed on May 9, 2012
Now you know is written in the words of Charlie, a character who is talking to Stephen Fry. Charlie is describing his friend, referred to as ‘M’, and the chain of events that lead to M’s death. M has had an enormous influence on Charlie. Charlie explains that, in the eyes of the public, M [...]
Heft, by Liz Moore
Reviewed on May 6, 2012
Heft is a novel which explores two very different characters. Although their lives appear to be asymmetrical, Arthur and Kel are united in facing similar problems under different guises. Arthur is alone in the world. His obesity has become such an issue that he no longer leaves the house. Despite having worked successfully as an [...]
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Reviewed on April 19, 2012
Katniss Everdeen lives in a world that is controlled by the central government, an unquestionable authority that has devised a series of ‘Games’ in order to demonstrate its ultimate power to its’ citizens on a yearly basis. The Hunger Games dictate that two young people from every district will be selected to compete in a [...]
The Sea, The Sea, by Iris Murdoch
Reviewed on April 1, 2012
When Charles Arrowby moves away from his busy theatre life in London and relocates to a house by the sea, he is looking for peace and freedom to reflect. However, the appearance of a childhood girlfriend begins to entwine his past with his present, consuming his mind and distorting his perspective. There is a calm [...]
The Child Inside, by Suzanne Bugler
Reviewed on March 14, 2012
The Child Inside tells the story of Rachel, who lost her unborn baby girl years ago and continues to lament her death. She allows her continued grief to consume and infuse with every part of her present day situation. This novel is unusual in that it is not about the present moment of tragedy. Bugler [...]
The Buddha in the Attic, by Julie Otsuka
Reviewed on February 29, 2012
Through The Buddha in the Attic the reader is taken on a journey, hearing the stories of Japanese women who travelled to America during the 1900’s, in the hope of a better life. We hear of their experiences as they are submersed in a totally new culture, where they don’t speak the language and are [...]
The Angel at No. 33, by Polly Williams
Reviewed on February 21, 2012
The story of The Angel at No 33 is told in a truly enjoyable manner. Whilst at times it is very moving, it is never too intense. In juxtaposition to this, it also has the ultimate benefit of humour. Williams’ writing style is instantly engaging, from the very first sentence as her protagonist, Sophie, announces [...]
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The Bookgeeks Interview
Mark Oldfield
Mark Oldfield has worked in criminological research for over 20 years. He has a PhD in Criminology from the University of Kent and has carried out research in the areas of risk assessment and prediction and as well as evaluative research on policing, prisons and probation. He has also taught in various Universities on research, crime and criminal justice.
