Inside Story-Catherine Keenan

http://www.pressreader.com/australia/vogue-australia/20160501/282050506213683

Read this inspiring story about Catherine Keenan- a journalist who started a creative writing centre to help  marginalised youth in Sydney. Along with her colleague, Tim Dick, they established the Sydney Story Factory where students from 7-17 participate in storytelling and writing. Students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Waterloo, were involved in the project of writing their own books with the help of Catherine and Tim. At the end of six weeks each child was handed their own bounded book with their own story in print and a photo and biography at the back of the book.

Have a read of the article and I'm sure you will be impressed and inspired by the dedication and work of not only Catherine Keenan but also everyone associated with the Sydney Story Factory

This book is a book about tragedy, friendship, companionship, family, perseverance and hope.  It made me smile, it made me cry , it broke my heart, it warmed my heart,  and the ending……..Well let’s say I was surprised with my own feelings about the ending. I just couldn’t put it down. Now that I’ve read the book I can watch the movie. I’ve passed the book onto Shereen. M, ( Shereen, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did)……Tina.

Six Under Eight by Madeline West

Hi all,

This book captured my attention on the shelves in Big W in the holidays and was added to a growing list of books I wanted to read. It has sat on my beside table until I picked it up this week to take with me to the hospital whilst Rocco was having his operation. I read this book in a day....

Madeline West (she played Dee Smart on Neighbours some time ago)  is married to Masterchef mentor and famous chef Shannon Bennett. Together they have 6 kids (the last in their brood are twins) under 8 years. All children have an "X" somewhere in their name. The couple states that this wasn't intentional. I love the nicknames she has given them and how each of their personalities comes to light at various parts in the book.

Madeline posts little entries over a year of the tales and tribulations in raising her children. The posts are written in such a way that you ride the emotions with her. The fears, the joy, excitement, the sadness, the anger. She offers some practical advice about motherhood, social topics and definitely diminishes the fact that she is "Supermum". She admits to her "hired help' quite early in the book.  I laughed, I cried, I shrieked with joy as I got an insight into her life of 6 kids. As much as I would love my dream of having a family come true, 6 kids is not something I aspire to!

If you are after an easy read, appreciate some real truths and want something to relate to, I'll be happy to lend it to you.

The Uncommon Reader

The Uncommon Reader
This is a clever and really funny short story by Alan Bennett who is also the author of Lady in a Van which was at the movies a little while ago.

The central character in this story is the Queen who has by accident discovered reading for enjoyment.  She becomes an avid reader but this takes her away from all the things that she must do.  It impacts on her relationships, her opinions and changes her world view.  The Queen starts to question the way things are run. Everyone wants to stop her reading! Quite the opposite of what we want for our students!

It is an easy and short read of 123pages.  I am happy to lend it to you.