Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • A Lemon for Safiya – Jemima Shafei-Ongu. Illustrated by Nisaluk Chantanakom.

    Hachette Australia May 2025 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books | 9780734422224 | RRP $24.99 When Safiya spots an old lady sitting on the kerb, she feels worried for her. Her parents sense something is amiss as well. The family are quick to see that the old lady is confused, also that she has no English, and it is apparent by…

  • The Gift of a Good Death Our palliative dementia story – Lisa Twigg

    November 2024 I had great pleasure in reviewing Lisa’s first book 80 Years Without Dementia last year, not only because she is one of our friends from Redcliffe SLS but also because her story touches so many lives. This is particularly so for those of us who are older and have had the heartache of…

  • Moonboy – Anna Ciddor

    Allen & Unwin March 2025 ISBN:9781761180743 Imprint:A & U Children RRP: $17.99 I love Anna Ciddor‘s historical time-slip adventures, and this newest one speaks to me even more because of personal connections. I was instantly transported back to First Form at St George Girls High School, and sitting with the rest of my cohort, squashed…

  • 80 Years Without Dementia: diagnosis doesn’t define life – Lisa Twigg

    Inspirational Writers You could say this is a review with a difference, because it is a local book, but also a book of universal reference. Lisa Twigg, is a member of our Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Lifesaving Club, along with The Kid, and that is how I came to know her. Her book, while slim, is loaded…

  • Mama’s Chickens – Michelle Worthington & Nicky Johnston

    EK Books March 2023 ISBN: 9781922539458 RRP: $24.99 When the news about Bruce Willis’ aphasia condition first came out, my family and friends will attest to the fact that I was devastated – given that I freely admit, and have done for years, that he is my ‘Oh yeahhhhhh’ guy and always has been. But…

  • All Four Quarters of the Moon – Shirley Marr

    Penguin Australia July 2022 On the last day of her old life, Peijing makes moon cakes with Ah Ma for the Autumn Festival. The following Peijing and her family, Ba Ba, Ma Ma, little sister Biju and Ah Ma, move to Australia and their new lives begin. Moving house is always a time of upheaval…

  • Dancing with Memories – Sally Yule with Professor Ralph Martins & Maggie Beer. Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini.

    Harper Collins July 2022 Imprint: ABC Books AU RRP: $24.99 The length of time I’ve been sitting on this is certainly no reflection of its quality or value so please don’t think it is. Given my rather tumultuous year, there came a point where I just thought – save all these PBs for November so…

  • Toffee – Sarah Crossan

    Bloomsbury June 2019 9781526608147 Bloomsbury YA RRP $14.99 Exquisitely, compellingly poignant and haunting, I was so happy that I took this to the hairdresser’s yesterday. It meant I could read it one sitting without feeling guilty about neglected house chores! I am not who I say I am. Marla isn’t who she thinks she is.…