'MICRO' BOOK REVIEWS
Quickie reviews of books read, mostly enjoyed, but not always...by your venerable CB&M editor.
Also see BEST BOOK, 'THUMBNAIL' REVIEWS and REGULAR REVIEWS which preceded this page.
Just ONE page on the Collecting Books and Magazines web site based in Australia.
Updated 9th July, 2010.
MICRO REVIEWS (AUDIO) Talking books

ALDISS, Brian: THE EIGHTY-MINUTE HOUR (1974) Peculiar; I gave up at the end of chapter 1. (JT 11.07)
ALLINGHAM, Margery: THE MYSTERIOUS MR CAMPION (omnibus, 1963) Contains "The Case of the Late Pig" - good, "Dancers in Mourning" - excellent, "The Tiger in the Smoke - I gave up; very confusing!, and "On Christmas Day in the Morning". Recommended if you've watched the Campion TV series, and want more, the first story being the only one filmed. (JT 4.10)
ASHTON, Marvin: PEOPLE OF ASA (1953) English pocket pulp from Curtis Books; invasion from within Earth, sexist, crudely developed but for all that, interesting and amusing story worth a read! (JT 4.09)
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: A CLOSE FINISH and OTHER SCHOOL STORIES (1934) A collection of short stories, all amusing and entertaining. Recommended to all school story readers, young and old. (JT 12.08)
AVERY, Harold: ALL PLAY AND NO WORK (1901) Excellent school story set at Rudwick Grammar School; much humour with interesting characters. Recommended to all school story fans. (JT 10.06)
AVERY, Harold: FRANK'S FIRST TERM (1896) Entertaining school story set at Stonefield written in this author's brotherly manner, pehaps a little too "preachy" for some readers, but I found it a treat. Frank bears similarities to Frank Nugent at Greyfriars. Highly recommended. (JT 12.06)
AVERY, Harold: PLAY THE GAME (1906) Well over 300 pages, this story set at Westacres School, embodies a seemingly simple plot, surrounded by a mystery which enthrals the reader right through to the final chapter. As always, a thorough good read from one of the greatest school story authors. (JT 1.09)
BALLARD, J G: THE VOICES OF TIME (1963, 85) Short SF stories which seem to improves as you move through the book. The best are brilliant, others less so. (JT 6.09)
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)
BRADBURY, Ray: THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES (1950, 79 illust. Ian Miller) A classic yet unique SF series of tales woven together by a master storyteller; a "must read" for everyone. Top recommendation. (JT 9.09)
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)
BURGESS, Douglas H. , Jnr: SEIZE THE TRIDENT (2005) "The race for superliner supremacy and how it altered the Great War" pretty much explans this lengthy book, which covers the British and German race to cross the Atlantic faster, no matter what! An in-depth look at the personalities and ships, from the 1880s through to WW2. Opinionated, and all the better for it. I really enjoyed this book; highly recommended! (JT 2.10)
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)
CHRISTIE, Agatha: CURTAIN: Poirot's Last Case (1975) My first Christie novel; I was inspired by the TV series to finally read it. Brilliant entertainment and a change from what I've been reading. I had to finish it in a day. Highly recommended. (JT 11.09)
CLARKE, ARTHUR C.: ASTOUNDING DAYS (1989) Comments and anecdotes on the contents and contributors to Astounding Stories; how early SF ideas come to reality and what else happened in the world of SF and science over the 1930s - 1950s period, mostly. Highly entertaining and opinionated, always intetresting, you won't be able to put this book down if you're at all interested in SF! Highly recommended. (JT 2.10)
CLARKE, ARTHUR C.: 2061 ODYSSEY THREE (paperback 1989) Halley's Comet returns and explorers find a diamond mountain on one of Jupiter's moons. Readable but somehow dated, though the final third of the book is worth the trip. (JT 8.08)
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)
CONWAY, Jill Ker: THE ROAD FROM COORAIN (1989) An Australian childhood on the Western Plains of NSW remembered. WW2 memories and later; the childhood memories are brilliantly related before the author diverts to other less appertising events in her life. Recommended. (JT 3.10)
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)

DANIELSSON, Bengt: LOVE IN THE SOUTH SEAS (1959) Revelations which will intrigue, amuse and horrify you; they did this reader. Recommended but with an R+18 rating. (JT 9.09)
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)
DELDERFIELD, R.F.: THE DREAMING SUBURB Book 1 (1919-1940) (1964) Brilliant portrayal of one London street; the life and people in that street, itimate looks as they leave and return during the between-the wars period. 470 pages with not a word wasted, readable and totally entertaining. Highly recommended. (JT 5.10)
DELDERFIELD, R.F.: THE AVENUE GOES TO WAR Book 2 (1940-1947) (1964) Continues the story of The Avenue through the years of WW2 and beyond, with the inhabitants as they serve in the armed forces and on the home front. Will their part of London make it through unscathed? As entertaining as the first part and as such, highly recommended. (JT 5.10)
DELDERFIELD, R.F.: TO SERVE THEM ALL MY DAYS (1972) The life of an English schoolteacher, from his post-WW1 shell-shocked days to the early days of WW2. All aspects of his life, the boys he teaches, his comrades in the common room, and his loves, are all brilliantly portrayed in this monumental work of literary merit. The best book I've read about school life. Highly recommended. (JT 2.09)
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)
ELLIOTT, SUMNER LOCKE: WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE (1977) Ophan looked after by stage star in Sydney circa 1932, and some of the folk with whom he comes in contact. A long novel, winner of the 1977 Patrick White Literary Award, this is totally engrossing, brilliantly written and highly recommended. (JT 11.08)
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)
ENGEL, Joel: ROD SERLING (1989) An often unsympathetic but interesting and indepth bio on the 'Twilight Zone's' Rod Serling. Highly recommended. (JT 12.08)
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)
FOLLETT, Ken: NIGHT OVER WATER (1991) Two days after Britain has declared war in 1939, a group of people depart for America on the Pan American Clipper. Criminals, scientists, people from all walks of life are brought to life in this fine story of romance, mystery and adventure. Highly recommended. (JT 9.09)
GERROLD, David: THE MAN WHO FOLDED HIMSELF (1973) THE ultimate time travel novel; rivetting reading, unputdownable! 100% recommended. (JT 11.07)
GRAHAM, Shelia: HOLLYWOOD REVISITED (1985) Behind the scenes of Hollywood during the golden age, and later. Always interesting, sometimes surprising, any movie fan will enjoy this book. Recommended. (JT 6.10)
HALL, Timothy: DARWIN 1942, AUSTRALIA'S DARKEST HOUR (1980) The truly astounding story of the aerial attack on Darwin by the Japanese in 1942: the horror, cowardice, lies, betrayals and ultimate cover-up including the truth behind the Brisbane-Adelaide Line. A 'must-read! (JT 1.09)
HESS, Joan: THE GOODBYE BODY (2005) Amusing and intelligent whodunnit, a Claire Malloy Mystery, Claire being a bookshop owner who dabbles in real mysteries, to the annoyance of her policeman pal. I loved it! Highly recommended. (JT 7.09)
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)
HEINLEIN, Robert A : DOUBLE STAR (1960) Humorous impersonation space opera, just not my cup of tea due to the idiotic main character. (JT 11.08)
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)
HOFFMAN, Mary: THE GHOST MENAGERIE (1992) Entertaining (pre-10) children's book about a pet mouse which seems able to bring forth all the past animal residents of his master's house. (John 6.09)
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. 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)
LAUMER, Keith: THE LONG TWILIGHT (1969, 1976 UK) Two mightly warriors on Earth, a prison breakout and a mysterious weather formation if the Bahamas; an entertaining, well-written and timeless story which kept me on the edge of my seat for several hours. Highly recommended. (JT 8.08)
LEIBER, Fritz: SHIP OF SHADOWS (1979) 'Catch that Zeppelin!' was readable, but the other stories were less so. (JT 6.08)
LEWIS, Peter: THE 50s (1978) Overview of the post-WW2 period through to the end of the 1950s. Intelligent retrospective which will fill you in on the baby boomer period. Recommended. (JT 8.09)
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)
McALEER, Neil: ODYSSEY / The authorised biography of ARTHUR C CLARKE (1992) Lengthy, rambling bio on a complex individual which perhaps not surprisingly only seems to scratch the surface. It's commendable, often interesting, occasionally boring, especially when discussing the subject's underwater excursions. Fans will find it fascinating, other readers should steer clear! Despite that, recommended. (JT 3.10)
McCRUMB, Sharyn: BIMBOS OF THE DEATH SUN (1988) Classic whodunit set in the midst of a Science Fiction convention. Humorous, nostalgic, not completely satisfying, but recommended. (JT 7.09)
McCRUMB, Sharyn: MISSING SUSAN (1991) Elizabeth McPherson's on a tour of true-life sites of Southwest England, with a guide who's intent on despatching one of her companions! Good fun, well thought out mystery, recommended. (JT 11.09)
McCRUMB, Sharyn: THE WINDSOR KNOT (1990) Elizabeth McPherson's getting married so she can attend a garden party for the Queen. I could not get into this story, sadly, which isn't up to the usual standard. (JT 12.09)
McCUTCHAN, Philip: BOWERING'S BREAKWATER (1964) Ship's Captain takes his ship to safety upon the outbreak of a third world war, but is it safety? Excellent characters, story telling at its finest; highly recommended. (JT 8.08) See note on author below.
McCUTCHAN, Philip: LEAVE THE DEAD BEHIND US (1962) Captain on his last voyage, on the Australia migrant run through the Red Sea, face his final possible disaster. Wonderful characterisation, authentic backgrounds, a brilliant read, you won't be able to put it down. Highly recommended. (JT 9.08)
McCUTCHAN, Philip: CONVOY EAST (1989) Cdr Kemp taking a WW2 convoy through the Mediterranean encounters air and sea attacks but the crew and passengers cause him just as many problems. A great read and recommended. (JT 9.08)
McCUTCHAN, Philip: THE KID (1958) The study of a young officer court-martialled for deserting his post, but given a second chance on an old naval tub during the Suez crisis. Great story, recommended. (JT 10.08)
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)
MORTIMER, John: CLINGING TO THE WRECKAGE (1983) Rumpole author's bio, generally depressing but interesting throughout, not recommended for anyone looking for an amusing read :(. (JT 8.09)
MORTIMER, John: RUMPOLE AND THE PENGE BUNGALOW MURDERS (2004) The often-recalled case when Rumpole met "She who must - " and won a case without his leader. Wonderful writing; funny, witty and all enveloping; highly recommended. (JT 7.09)
MORTIMER, John: RUMPOLE AND THE PRIMROSE PATH (2002) A further collection of Rumpole stories including his stay in Primrose Path home, while recovering from an 'attack' in chambers. Great humor, great writing, great characters, highly recommended. (JT 7.09)
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)
O'LEARY, Elizabeth: A HOUSE AT WAR (the continuing story of THE HOUSE OF ELIOTT) (1994) An excellent and engrossing continuation of the story of London's greatest fictional fashion house, based on the acclaimed BBC television series; from the late 1930s to the ascension of Elizabeth 11. Highly recommended! (JT 9.09)
OXENHAM, Elsie J: QUEEN OF THE ABBEY GIRLS (1926) The next generation of Abbey Girls are doing what they do; I managed to read the first half but couldn't manage the rest. Little story or action, just talk; my least enjoyable foray into EJO's books. (JT 11.08)
PARRISH, Robert: GROWING UP IN HOLLYWOOD (1976) Bob Parrish, perhaps better known as a director, began as a child actor in Hollywood. His matter of fact recollections, gleaned from a photographic memory, put the reader there with him as he takes directions from some of the greats of Hollywood including Charlie Chaplin and John Ford. This is without a doubt the best collection of Hollywood memories ever penned. By the time you reach the final few chapters, you will be wishing for another book to follow and there was. That's another story, and another review. Top recommendation. (JT 6.10)
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)
POUL, Frederik: MIDAS WORLD (1983) A future Earth where thanks to unlimited power, plenty is poverty; a somewhat dated satire, amusing in parts, but I tired of it after the first 50 or so pages. (JT 10.08)
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)
RENDELL, Ruth: TALKING TO STRANGE MEN (1987) Tedious reading, I couldn't go on with it after 23 pages! (JT 7.09)
REYNOLDS, Quentin: THE AMAZING MR DOOLITTLE (1953) Generally entertaining bio on Jimmy Doolittle who led the Tokyo bombing raid in 1942. He did a lot of other things and this book does a good job of covering his really amazing life up until the year of publication. recommended. (JT 12.08)
ROSENBERG, David: THE MOVIE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE (1993) Misnamed "Great writers on their favorite films", as in many cases the films they remember were despised then, and often, more so now. Some interesting, many pretentious treatments, but interesting for the most/some part; well, occasionally! (JT 12.09)
SATOLI, 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)
SCOBIE, Pamela: THE SCHOOL THAT WENT ON STRIKE (1991) Amazing but true; fictionalised account of Burston (Norfolk, England) strike by pupils in support of their head, led by a 13 year-old girl in Edwardian times. Brilliantly written story which I HAD to read in one sitting. Yes, it's that good; thus highly recommended. (JT 6.09)
SHELLEY, Noreen: FAMILY AT THE LOOKOUT (1972, 75) The acclaimed 1973 Australian Children's Book of the Year about a family which moves to the mid-Blue Mountains of NSW, then has to face the terror of a bushfire. Brilliant characterisation, superbly told. Set in Barbara's hometown, "Galley Heights" in the book. Highly recommended. (JT 8.09)
SELLINGS, Arthur: INTERMIND (1967) Labelled as SF but really a spy thriller set in Turkey. Reasonably enjoyable but that's it. (11.08)
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)
SHAW, Bob: OTHER DAYS, OTHER EYES (1972) Slow glass, which lets light through at rates from seconds to years, proves benificial, then dangerous, to mankind. Terrific tale, well told! (JT 11.08)
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)
SILVERBERG, Robert: CAPRICORN GAMES (1976) Short stories, mostly SF, with 'Getting Across', set on an overpopulated and robot police-controlled Earth, being the best. (JT 8.08)
SOUTHALL, Ivan: THEY SHALL NOT PASS UNSEEN (1958) A brillantly written book, the factual story of the author's own 461 Squadron, flying Short Sunderland 4-engined, 27-ton flying boats during WW2. This is not what purists would call a "unit history". It does list outstanding and less so experiences of the squadron during the war years and contains details of crews involved - and those who did not return. Numerous b/w photos taken on missions are to be seen within. You will be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable read, fact or fiction, on aircraft. Highly recommended. (JT 2.09)
SPUFFORD,Francis: BACKROOM BOYS / The Secret Return of the British Boffin (2003) Interesting background stories on Blue Streak, The Concorde, Geno and similar; too technical for me but suitable for the more intelligent reader! (JT 2.09)
UPDIKE, John: THE COUP (1978) Period piece, no doubt amusing for its time. Momentarily entertaining, though I gave it up after 30 pages. (JT 9.9)
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)
WHERRETT, Peter: THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT CAR (1999) Peter Wherrett's life in motoring. His name will be familiar to most drivers who grew up in 1970s Australia, for his excellent TV series 'Torque'. The book is a revelation of sorts on the Aussie way of life and takes you to the outback in detail. Well worth a read! (JT 10.08)
WHITE, Michael: ASIMOV: THE UNAUTHORISED LIFE (1995 pb) Warts and all biography on one of the greatest SF and science factual authors of all time. Entertaining, informative and amusing; this is memorable and highly recommended. (JT 5.09)
WILLIS, Connie: DOOMSDAY BOOK (1993 pb) A student is sent back to 14th Century. I gave this away after 90 or so pages as what initially seemed to be a time travel story soon slowed to a snail's pace, bogged down to repititious dialogue. Well written, but not my cup of tea! (JT 12.09)
WODEHOUSE, P G: LOVE AMONG THE CHICKENS (my copy c1939) Ukridge is the feature player who decides on the spur of the moment to use a "borrowed" mansion to raise the wind via a flock of chickens and author pal Garnet; if PGW is to your taste, you'll laugh your way through this humorous novel with a light touch of romance thrown in. If not, as in my case, you'll still enjoy it! Recommended. (JT 6.10)
WOLLHEIM, Donald A as editor: THE 1973 ANNUAL WORLD'S BEST SF (1973) A mix of good and bad as always; "Oh, Valinda!", "The Man who Walked Home", "Long Shot" and "Thus Love Betrays Us" being the pick. (JT 11.08)

Jacket Notes
Philip McCUTCHAN was born in Cambridge and educated at St Helen's College, Southsea, Hants. He entered Sandhurst in 1939, but left to join RN as an ordinary signalman, eventually becoming a lieutenant. From 1949 to 1954 he worked for an oil company and as a teacher in a preparatory school.

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)

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