We review the final Harry Potter book, plus some books that will appeal to your sweet tooth. This month we’re bringing you a saucy romance, a bubbly chick-lit, some mouthwatering cookbooks and an anthology of lurve.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J.K Rowling It’s the end of an era. With the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the saga of The Boy Who Lived comes to a close. And did it live up to expectations? Damn right, it did. Reading this book made me really appreciate how carefully Ms Rowling planned out the series of books. Everything is explained, and convincingly so. And, as with the best books, you’re left hanging until the very end.
In the final installment of the series, Harry is venturing out into the big wide world with a seemingly impossible task – to leave Hogwarts, and go on a quest to find and destroy all of Voldemort’s Horcruxes (cursed objects which contain fragments of You-Know-Who’s evil soul). Beyond the comfort zone of his beloved school, Harry must rely on his friends for support. However, Harry is in for more than he anticipated. Outside the security of Hogwarts’ walls, there’s a whole new set of rules. This sense of the ‘unknown’ gives a thrilling uncertainty to the book. When the wizarding world goes topsy turvy, anything can happen.
While the first 200-300 pages plod along at a more leisurely pace, the second half of the book is where it really gets going. Towards the end of the book, there’s a kick-arse battle scene inside Hogwarts. It’s hard to write convincing action scenes, but J.K Rowling has you hooked on every word. Just a tip –there’s quite a few characters in this book, some of whom I’d forgotten the significance of. It might pay to re-read books five and six before reading this one. Also, be prepared for five or six noteworthy deaths throughout the book.
There’s drama, there’s action, there’s bloodshed, tears shed and all your questions will be answered. If you’re a Potter fan, you won’t be disappointed. The Lost Diary of Don Juan – by Douglas Carlton Abrams Hachette Livre - RRP $36.99 If you like your romances on the historical side, take a moment to get lost in the seductive, smoldering world of the legendary lover Don Juan. Can Don Juan seduce the local women and evade the Inquisition at the same time? Or even more impossible, can he find true love? A sexy, escapist read that will have you swooning.
The Summer Psychic – by Jessica Adams Allen & Unwin When British psychic Luke Gabriel tells reporter Jo that they will be married within a year, she laughs in his face. Jo’s already in love with someone else…right? But as Luke’s other predictions for 2006 start coming true – with freakish accuracy – Jo is forced to evaluate life as she knows it. The Summer Psychic is a fast-paced, bubbly read that made me laugh out loud. It’s the sort of book that puts a grin on your face.
All For Love – A Romantic Anthology – by Laura Stoddart Hachette Livre – RRP $29.99 All For Love would make a great coffee-table book. It’s a collection of romantic quotes from lovers across the ages, with words from Shakespeare, Tennyson, Keats and Jane Austen, to name a few. It’s a cute, colourful read with sweet little illustrations. Guaranteed to put a smile on any cynic’s face. Remember: “I shall be great, and you rich, because we love each other”. Awww.
The Australian Women’s Weekly – Cookies ACP Books – RRP $27.99 This book has pride of place in my flat’s kitchen – it wins points on every count. Cute-as-candy colours? Check. Droolworthy recipes? Check. Tempting photos – oh, yes. You could pore over this baby for hours. I was particularly smitten with mud-cake sandwiches, frangipani cookies and pink macaroons. Plus, the recipes are simple and easy to follow. An all-round winner.
will appeal to your sweet tooth. This month we’re bringing you a saucy romance, a bubbly chick-lit, some mouthwatering cookbooks and an anthology of lurve.
In the final installment of the series, Harry is venturing out into the big wide world with a seemingly impossible task – to leave Hogwarts, and go on a quest to find and destroy all of Voldemort’s Horcruxes (cursed objects which contain fragments of You-Know-Who’s evil soul). Beyond the comfort zone of his beloved school, Harry must rely on his friends for support. However, Harry is in for more than he anticipated. Outside the security of Hogwarts’ walls, there’s a whole new set of rules. This sense of the ‘unknown’ gives a thrilling uncertainty to the book. When the wizarding world goes topsy turvy, anything can happen. 
The Summer Psychic – by Jessica Adams
All For Love – A Romantic Anthology – by Laura Stoddart
The Australian Women’s Weekly – Cookies