BOOK REVIEWS
'MICRO' and 'THUMBNAIL' reviews from your venerable CB&M editor.
Updated 21 July, 2008.
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a. MICRO REVIEWS Books read, mostly enjoyed, but not always ...
b. MICRO REVIEWS (AUDIO) Recordings
c. THUMBNAIL REVIEWS Books reviewed briefly within set guidelines.

a. MICRO REVIEWS Quickie reviews of books read, mostly enjoyed, but not always...

ALDISS, Brian: THE EIGHTY-MINUTE HOUR (1974) Peculiar; I gave up at the end of chapter 1. (JT 11.07)
ASIMOV, Isaac: BUY JUPITER and OTHER STORIES (1975) 24 short stories from the classic SF author, not all brilliant as he admits but mostly entertaining. More interesting are his anecdotes, so recommended. (JT 10.07)
AVERY, Harold: ALL PLAY AND NO WORK (pre-1934: my rep. copy) Excellent school story set at Rudwick Grammar School; much humour with interesting characters. Recommended to all school story fans. (JT 10.06)
BENFORD, Gregory: TIMESCAPE (1980) Long, complex but ultimately rewarding novel dealing with scientists three decades apart, one group trying to warn others of what disaster lays ahead; a foretelling of global warming. Convincing, chilling and reflective; an amazing achievement and perhaps a masterpiece. Thoroughly recommended but not for the average reader; it took me a month to read! (JT 7.08)
BOYLAN, Eustace: THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL (1920) Genuine Australian Catholic college setting, Xavier in Kew, Victoria, gives this fine story substance and interest. Almost 400 pages in length, interest never flags due to the excellent writing style. This isn't really a children's book and the occasional religious references may give cause for reflection and uneasiness on the part of some readers. The first story I've ever read which successfully explains the intricacies of both Australian Rules Football and the Catholic faith! Recommended. (JT 8.07)
BRESLER, Fenton: THE MYSTERY OF GEORGES SIMENON (1983) Annoyingly confusing bio which took months to plough through; only for keen fans of Maigret's author. (JT 9.05)
BRODSKY, Isadore: THE STREETS OF SYDNEY (1962) History of Sydney's streets written in a mildly peculiar style, useful though! (JT 10.05)
BROWN, Fredric: NIGHT OF THE JABBERWOCK (1950) Amusing mystery/crime/whodunnit with overtones of 'Alice'. Keeps you guessing. From the brilliant author of 'What Mad Universe'. Recommended. (JT 11.06)
BRUNNER, John: AGE OF MIRACLES (1973) Satisfying SF story; aliens arrive on earth, destroy all nuclear weapons without any human contact, governments fall, are the alien 'cities' really that, or something else? Recommended. (JT 11.07)
BRUNNER, John: THE DREAMING EARTH (1963, 72) A future overpopulated planet, a mysterious narcotic, people disappearing, our hero working for the United Nations hasn't a clue! Engrossing if depressing. (JT 11.07)
BRUNNER, John: THE SHEEP LOOK UP (1974) An almost-accurate forecast of today's poluted Earth; I gave up after 52 pages as the narrative tends to jump from one character to another, and back again. (JT 5.08)
BUTLER, Lt Col E & BRADFORD, Maj J. S.: DUNKIRK aka THE STORY OF DUNKIRK aka KEEP THE MEMORY GREEN (1950) Factual story of Britain's darkest hour; first hand anecdotes and stories of the regular tommy and other in the line of fire in 1940. Memorable and recommended. (JT 1.03)
CALLISON, Brian: THE SEXTANT (1981) Generally a good author, I was unable to finish this unsatisfactory story of a sextant which appears 30 years after the ship carrying it went to the bottom during WW2. (JT 7.06)
CARR, Terry; LUPOFF, Richard; SILVERBERG, Robert: NO MIND OF MAN (1973) Three novellas, the first I gave up, the second memorable and living up to the title and the last perhaps the best read. (JT 2.08)
CLARKE, ARTHUR C.: THE CITY AND THE STARS (1956, paperback 1986) Awesomely entertaining story until the final chapters whereupon I was left with a bleak, depressing view of humanity as portrayed therein. ( JT 9.07)
CLARKE, ARTHUR C.: THE GHOST FROM THE GRAND BANKS (1990) The author's novel on attempts to raise the 'Titanic'. Having enjoyed the author's early work, I read this tedious novel to the bitter end. :( (JT 4.06)
CLARKE, ARTHUR C.: THE WIND FROM THE SUN (1972) Short stories from the master, mostly ho hum but the final two, 'Transit of Earth' and 'Meeting with Medusa', are brilliant, so recommended. (JT 11.07)
CONNELL, Charles: DOCTOR IN SOHO (1956) Remarkable adventures as per the title; only the names have been changed. Both entertaining and enlightening! (JT 9.04)
COURAGE, John*: DEATH OF A VILLAGE (Stanley Paul, 1954) Newly married couple looking to settle down after WW2 arrive in a Welsh village, to find undercurrent of evil, and murder! Excellent mystery. (JT 2.06)

DEIGHTON, Len: SS-GB (1979) The Nazis have invaded and occupied England. Totally engrossing and brilliantly realised novel; you can believe it. Highly recommended. (JT 1.07)
DOYLE, A Conan: THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (1902) A masterpiece; my first Sherlock Holmes story and a brilliant read. (JT 1.03)
DUNSTAN, Keith: SUPPORTING A COLUMN (1966) Australian journalist relates some of his adventures used to drum up content for his newspaper columns. Interesting and entertaining look at mid-20th Century Australia. (JT 6.06)
ELLISON, Harlan: SHATTERDAY (1980) Short stories of various genres with individual introductions by the author; 'Jeffty is Five' is the standout story; brilliant, followed by 'Opium'. Recommended for all readers. (JT 6.08)
FINNEMORE, John: TEDDY LESTER'S SCHOOLDAYS (1914, reprinted 1949) One of the most exciting school stories of all time but some readers may find the boys' adventures a trifle sadistic! Recommended. (JT 1.04)
GERROLD, David: THE MAN WHO FOLDED HIMSELF (1973) THE ultimate time travel novel; rivetting reading, unputdownable! 100% recommended. (JT 11.07)
HILL, Leonard: SAUCY BOY - THE LIFE STORY OF BENNY HILL (1990) Excellent bio by Benny's brother, illustrated. Recommended to all fans of this talented performer, an ordinary nice chappy! (JT 8.05)
HEINLEIN, Robert A : THE DOOR INTO SUMMER (1967) A near perfect mix of SF novel and thriller; cat lovers will really appreciate this unorthodox time travel story. Recommended. (JT 11.07)
HERZOG, Arthur: MAKE US HAPPY (1978) Computers rule the Earth in this macabre SF story quite unlike any other novel on the subject, with humour aplenty. Quirky but recommended. (JT 3.08)
HITCHMAN, Janet: SUCH A STRANGE LADY (1975) Bio of DOROTHY L. SAYERS This she may have been, but no stranger than this almost unfathomable bio which took me months to finish! (JT 12.05)
HOYT, Edwin P.: THE LAST CRUISE OF THE EMDEN (1967, White Lion 1975) Exciting factual account of Capt. von Mucke and his crew as they lose their ship and travel back home through the Middle East during WW1. (JT 1.07)
IRVING, John: TRYING TO SAVE PIGGY SNEED (1993) My first read of anything from the author of 'The World According to Garp'. Seven short stories, everyone a cracker, and the author's piece on Charles Dickens ('The King of the Novel'). Irvin'gs style is impeccible to my way of thinking so if you see any of his books, I'd suggest you give them a try. Highly recommended. (JT 11.03)
JONES, Barry: A THINKING REED (2006) Our wisest living Aussie's autobiography which I'm currently reading. Totally engrosing and thoroughly recommended. (JT 6.08)
KING, Stephen: DESPERATION (1996) The desert of Nevada, mysterious mining town, dead-eyed cop, group of likable strangers, endowed child, strange presence are the engredients of this marvellous thriller. Gripping and the best of King's later novels. Top recommendation (JT 1.04)
KING, Stephen: GERALD'S GAME (1992) The central character spends most of the book handcuffed to her bed. For King fans only. (JT 4.03)
KING, Stephen: HEARTS IN ATLANTIS (1999) A story, or stories, of the US Vietnam generation - then, in 1960 - and at the end of the century. Interconnected, with 'Low Men in Yellow Coats' being the pick of the sections. The card game 'Hearts' may also be known as 'Rickety Kate'. A good starter for new SK readers. (JT 3.03)
KING, Stephen: INSOMNIA (1994) Lengthy story with elderly and unlikely hero. Brilliant characterisation, slow to get going - but with a mind-numbing climax. In some ways a reworking of MISERY. For King fans only. (JT 6.03)
KING, Stephen: MISERY (? title page absent) Unputdownable, claustrophobic, horrifying, gripping tension. Author gets pulled from car crash by number one but insane fan, locked up until he will resurrect the heroine he killed off in a run of popular if despised novels. And when he does that, well ... ! Highly recommended. (JT 11.03)
KING, Stephen: NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES (1993) Short stories and other miscellaneous writings, not all entertaining. The best IMO are "Dolan's Cadillac" (the perfect murder) and "Umney's Last Case". (JT 5.07)
KING, Stephen: SKELETON CREW (1985) 22 short stories from the modern master of horror, mostly good to great with THE MIST being the pick of the collection. (JT 1.03)
KING, Stephen: THE DARK HALF (1989) Author's character comes alive and does his best to destroy his creator's life. But who created who? Tense, with excellent character development. Lots of ideas thus recommended for aspiring writers. (JT 11.03)
KING, Stephen: THE TOMMYKNOCKERS (1988) A lengthy but totally engrossing mix of SF and horror. (JT 2.03)
KING, Stephen & Straub, Peter: THE TALISMAN (1984) Avoid at all costs. I gave it up after 60 or so pages. Boring, padded and generally sleep-inducing. (JT 8.03)
KNIGHT, Damon [ed.]: A POCKETFUL OF STARS (1971) 19 stories, the best of which are Terry Carr's 'Hop-Friend', Keith Laumer's 'The Last Command' and Avram Davidson's 'The Sources of the Nile'. (JT 3.08)
KOTZWINKLE, William: ET: THE BOOK OF THE GREEN PLANET (1985) Sequel to ET. ET, back on his own world and in disgrace, comes up with a remarkable plan to change his way of life. He also manages to send part of himself to Eliott back on Earth who is moving into his teens. Pretty much a unique work, highly enjoyable and a 'feel good' read for the young at heart. Recommended. (JT 1.06)
LEIBER, Fritz: SHIP OF SHADOWS (1979) 'Catch that Zeppelin!' was readable, but the other stories were less so. (JT 6.08)
LINDSAY, Jane: PORTRAIT OF PA (1973) Norman Lindsay at Springwood. Entertaining and engrossing recollections of Norman Lindsay's bohemian daughter about their time in the Blue Mountains. (JT 11.04)
LINDSAY, Norman: THE COUSIN FROM FIJI (1945) A peculiar Norman Lindsay novel which was unable to sustain my interest past page 40. The humour is dated and the style affected. Has its moments, but a hard road to slog! (JT 5.06)
LORD, Graham: JAMES HERRIOT-THE LIFE OF A COUNTRY VET (1997) In depth history of Alf Wight, aka 'James Herriot', author of famous series of books under the 'All Creatures Great and Small' banner. Engrossing. (JT 8.05)
LOVE, John F: McDONALD'S-BEHIND THE ARCHES (1986) A comprehensive and remarkably interesting and revealing look at the history, development and style of McD's. Although I do my best to avoid eating there, I found this book a great read. Highly recommended, especially for anyone thinking of going into the fast food business! (JT 5.08)
LOWE, Stephen: ARTHUR LOWE: DAD'S MEMORY (1997 pb) Occasionally interesting look at the famous commander of the TV DAD'S ARMY squad. The lack of interest isn't the fault of the author. DA fans only. (JT 2.08)
MARSHALL, William: SCI FI (1981) A Yellowthread Street Mystery. Mystery set in the East, during a science fiction convention, a mystery person setting fires, $54 million worth of what, what's it all about? Humorous, gripping story which contains a stunningly described climax. Highly recommended. (JT 12.07)
MEYER, Nicholas: THE WEST END HORROR (1976) Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson story featuring Bernard Shaw, Bram Stoker and a host of intersting characters; very entertaining. (JT 3.06)
MOONEY, Michael M: THE HINDENBURG (1973) Painstaking reconstruction of events leading up to the destruction of the German airship in 1937. Riviting, breathtaking, totally believable. Highly recomended. (JT 2.07)
NIVEN, Larry : INCONSTANT MOON (1973) Collection includes the title story, a chilling "what if" and finishes up with a great "whodunnit", 'Death by Ecstasy'. Highly recommended. (JT 1.08)
O'GRADY, John SURVIAL IN THE DOGHOUSE (1973) Classic Australian humour as funny and readable today as when first published, guaranteed to cause laughter and highly recommended. (JT 3.08)
PRENTIS, Evelyn: A NURSE IN ACTION (1978) Centre book of a trilogy, semi-biographical experiences of an English nurse, this book covers WW2. Well-written but for those in the profession judging by my lack of interest. (JT 11.05)
RANKINE, John: MOONS OF TRIOPUS (1968) Earth expedition attempts to take over an apparently already populated planet, with surprising results. Some good sequences but not very well written. (JT 5.08)
REED, Talbot Baines: THE MASTER OF THE SHELL (my copy 1948) Humorous, entertaining school story in the classic mould with well-formed characters and a realism rarely matched by other authors. Highly recommended. (JT 7.07)
Santoli, Lorraine: THE OFFICIAL MICKEY MOUSE CLUB BOOK (1995) Definitive behind the scenes story of the Mousketteers; how they were recruited through to where they were in 1995. Fascinating, entertaining, nostalgic if you're a baby boomer and surprisingly useful for anyone wanting to get into showbiz. Highly recommended. (JT 12.07)
SHAW, Bob: THE PEACE MACHINE (1985 revised) Intense, non-stop thriller, about a British scientist's race to build a machine which will destroy all the world's nuclear devices with the push of a button. Highly recommended. (JT 12.07)
SHAW, Bob: A WREATH OF STARS (1976) Did you know there is a smaller, anti-neutrino planet inside the earth, and it's rising to the surface? Another brilliant read, highly recommended. (JT 2.08)
SILLITOE, Alan: THE LOST FLYING BOAT (1983) Wonderful story of a re-united crew and one newbie on a treasure hunt in the Indian Ocean. You won't find better written air adventures than this. Highly recommended. (JT 8.07)
VADER, John: THE BATTLE OF SYDNEY (1971) Fact mixed with fiction; the Japanese reach Sydney and take over parts of Australia. Totally fascinating if a trifle confusing unless you know your history of WW2. (JT 12.02)
VAN VOGT, A E: CHILDREN OF TOMORROW (1970 or earlier) OUTSTANDING 'first contact' vintage space story, with the 1930s feel but with teenagers showing adults the way to the stars. I read the 254 pages in one afternoon, which is pretty unusual. Top recommendation. (JT 1.08)
VAN VOGT, A E: THE PLAYERS OF NULL-A (1970-1948) Highly imaginative vintage SF which will test both your memory and intelligence. You should read THE WORLD OF NULL-A before tackling this sequel. Recommended for discriminating SF fans. (JT 1.08)

b. MICRO REVIEWS of AUDIO BOOKS

HARRY, Lilian: THREE LITTLE SHIPS (2005 - audio ISBN 1 84559 224 7) The stories of 3 of the little boats, their crews and eventual passengers, during the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940. Read by Gordon Griffin, published by SOUNDINGS, 12 CDs. A wonderful story, well read, delving into a wide cast of characters which will have your heart captured from beginning to end. Highly recommended. (JT 8.06)

c. THUMBNAIL REVIEWS Books reviewed briefly within set guidelines.

Why not send us a thumbnail review of every book you read? It's easy, just follow the guidelines below. If you don't agree with a review, you're welcome to send in your own review. See the samples below.
Ratings for each section are out of 10. Poor would score 1-2, fair to average 3-5, above average 6, good 7, excellent 8-9, brilliant 10.
Synopsis. One sentence of less than 40 words which tells us what the book's about, without giving away the ending.
Section 1. Rate the story interest. (Did you have to keep turning the pages to find out what happened next, or did your interest lag?)
Section 2. Rate the character interest.
Section 3. Rate the literary merit of the book.
Section 4. Rate the 'recommendability'. (Is this a book you would recommend to a friend?)
Section 5. Rate the value of this book. (We know you borrowed it. Would you actually go out and BUY another copy if the library copy disappeared.)
Section 6. Rate the collectability of the author. (It was so enjoyable you're going to hunt down every other book by the author.)
Section 7. Rate the skill of the artist in portraying the author's characters. (If no artwork, give a 5 rating.)
Section 8. Rate the interest spectrum of the book. (In your humble opinion, does the book appeal to all ages, thus gaining a high rating, or just to a narrow band of readers, say girls of the 12-15 age group?)
Section 9. Rate the 're-readability' of the book. (A one-shot wonder, or one to be read again soon.)
Section 10. Rate the book as a desert island selection, or not.

Thumbnail reviews appear in AUTHOR order. Current top scorer in RED.

Bates, H E: A MOMENT IN TIME
Young girl, friend to a group of fighter pilots, goes through all the emotions of war time. JT rating = 64%

BAWDEN, NINA: CARRIE'S WAR
Children evacuated to the country during WW2 come of age. JT rating = 89%

Brickhill, Paul: THE DAM BUSTERS
The story of 617 Squadron, RAF, and the extraordinary inventor, Barnes Wallis. JT rating = 89%

Brisbane, Coutts: THE MEMORY MAN
Eccentric story paper collector/inventor, his niece and M.I.5 friends take on the German Secret Service. JT rating = 64%

Buchan, John: THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS
Richard Hannay is chased across the wilds of Scotland by both the police and German spies. JT rating = 84%

BULEY, E.C.: GLORIOUS DEEDS OF AUSTRALASIANS IN THE GREAT WAR
Published in 1915, this is a remarkable collection of interviews and eye-witness reports. JT rating = 94%

Collier, Richard: THE SANDS OF DUNKIRK
The true story of history's great rescue mission. JT rating = 95%

Deighton, Len: BOMBER
The story of a bombing raid in Europe, 1943, from allied and axis viewpoints. JT rating = 52%

Forester, C. S.: THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The story of a destroyer escort crossing the Atlantic in WW2. JT rating = 90%

Harris, John: RIDE OUT THE STORM
The story of Dunkirk; with a selection of interesting characters. JT rating = 78%

Harris, John: THE SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM
The story of four men lost in a life raft in the North Sea during 1944, and the search for them. JT rating = 70%

Heinlein, Robert: STARMAN JONES
Science fiction: Hillbilly with photographic memory worms his way aboard a star ship. JT rating = 84%

Harris, John: THE SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM
The story of four men lost in a life raft in the North Sea during 1944, and the search for them. JT rating = 70%

Hilton, James: GOODBYE MR CHIPS
The story of a master in an English school, told in retrospect, in the first person. JT rating = 90%

Hilton, James: KNIGHT WITHOUT ARMOUR
Englishman joins the Secret Service, into Russia, endures the Revolution and finds his one true love. JT rating = 94%

Hilton, James: MORNING JOURNEY
Larger than life actress and movie director journey through the 1920s and 30s via Europe, New York and Hollywood.. JT rating = 79%

Hilton, James: NOTHING SO STRANGE
American scientist working in Nazi Germany meets girl looses contact before moving back to Hollywood!. JT rating = 89%

Hilton, James: TIME AND TIME AGAIN
The life of a British diplomat during the first half of the 20th Century. JT rating = 66%

Hoehling, A A & Mary: THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE 'LUSITANIA'
The true story of the 'Lusitania's' sinking by torpedo off the coast of Ireland in 1915. JT rating = 91%

Kleinfield, Sonny: THE HOTEL
The writer spent a week in NY's Plaza Hotel (1988) talking to the staff, and guests, and experience 'it'. JT rating = 82%

Korn, Jerry: THE RAISING OF THE QUEEN
Four amateurs salvage a 20,000 ton oil tanker; a true story. JT rating = 94%

Llewellyn, James: HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY
The lives of a Welsh coal-mining family and their town during the latter part of the 19th Century. JT rating = 86%

Llewellyn, James: NONE BUT THE LONELY HEART
Young man in London's East End joins a razor gang in the 1920s. JT rating = 80%

Moyes, John P.: SCRAP IRON FLOTILLA
The true story of Australia's 5 ex-WW1 destroyers in the Mediterranean during WW2. JT rating = 92%

Muir, Marie: TORRIDONS IN TROUBLE
Last of the Torridon series; Jan of the small Scottish boating business. JT rating = 90%

Ollis, Ray: 101 NIGHTS
WW2 novel based on RAF Special Ops Lancaster Squadron 101. JT rating = 97%

Pape, Richard: AND SO ENDS THE WORLD
Weird futuristic story about the end of the world which combines SF with Spiritualism. JT rating = 58%

Peters, Ellis: DEATH AND THE JOYFUL WOMAN
16 yo schoolboy sets out to solve a mystery one step ahead of his policeman father. JT rating = 90%

Shaw, Jane: NO TROUBLE FOR SUSAN
Jane and friends take over running a book shop at Christmas.. JT rating = 56%

Streatfeild, Noel: WHEN THE SIREN WAILED
WW2 and the three Clark children are evacuated to Dorset. JT rating = 81%

Trease, Geoffrey: NO BOATS ON BANNERMERE
Bill, Sue and Mum arrive in Bannermere. First in the series of five. JT rating = 85%

West, Frank, MBF: LIFEBOAT NUMBER SEVEN
Britannia sinking in WW2; 82 survivors in one lifeboat, heading for South America. JT rating = 90%

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