Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: challenges

  • Struggle and Success

    Struggle and Success

    Success comes in numerous forms but many consider success, large or small, which results from struggle the sweetest of them all. The latest book in ‘The Timeless Wisdom’ series is ‘Struggles & Success’ a collection of human-interest stories, all of which relate the struggle the authors have experienced in order to achieve success.

    The editor’s mission to reflect diversity of writing has certainly been achieved. Authors have come from Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, from middle class and underprivileged backgrounds, but the thing they have in common is that they have reached the ‘Age of Wisdom’ – 60 plus years. The accounts are of those who have overcome drought, bullying, gambling addiction, lack of opportunity, childhood illness and ‘glass ceilings’ and many other obstacles which require determination and persistence to conquer.

    Each of the twenty-five inspirational stories in this collection, is prefaced by a thought provoking quote; many from well-known achievers.  The reader is encouraged to explore the link between the quote and the account which follows; some are more obvious than others. This collection is a tribute to those who face the hurdles, which life puts in their path, with a willpower to succeed.

    The reader will not only enjoy this anthology but will also be given an insight into human endeavor and resilience.

  • Losing the Plot

    Losing the Plot

    By definition a Romantic Comedy novel should include two people who are perfect for each other, with one or both of them being quite vulnerable. There should be an obstacle that keeps them apart until a solution is found. The comedy can be situational or slapstick, but by the end of the story we are sure the couple will be together happily. Elizabeth Coleman has followed this formula quite successfully, has characters who are credible, interesting and who vary in age.

    The main character in this story is Vanessa, recently divorced from her husband who married their marriage councillor. Nessie as her mother calls her, has two children and a large mortgage, so Mum (Joy) is living with her and pays rent. Vanessa has always had a desire to write a novel and has taken advantage of long nights to type up and send off a manuscript to a publisher.

    Meanwhile a famous author, who’s work she slavishly reads, has come to town with a new novel. Unfortunately, it is identical to Vanessa’s story and it is here the problems begin. A local single Dad who is a lawyer, advises her to sue the well-known author. A love triangle develops leading to all sort of mistakes and issues.

    The story is written in a lovely light hearted style. It is set in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. The characters form a complementary group and it is here that the humour is introduced. Vanessa is a Dental Nurse, and works for Anthony, the dentist and his lovely and supportive wife Kirri. A New Zealander, Kirri is always on the look out for Vanessa. Indeed, she tells the nurse frequently to “Look out for him, he’s a ‘Dickhid’.” Joy, Nessie’s mum is also quite a character and lives life to the full.

    As the story unfolds many issues arise such as those problems for single parents and people on a single income. These are the issues many of us face in real life so the ability to read about other peoples struggles and mistakes helps us to feel real. The odd chuckle along the way is a great help as well.

  • Neon Pilgrim

    Neon Pilgrim

    On the Island of Shikoku, there is an 88 Temple Pilgrimage which is walked by many people. It consists of a 1200 kilometre loop around the island, to pray at temples renovated and revered by Kobo Daishi, a Buddhist Monk. Many people complete this pilgrimage by bus, but many also prefer the experience of walking the trail on foot. They are identified by wearing a white jacket, and carrying a stick for walking. A prayer is said at each temple, and a stamp placed in a book for the traveler. There are special accommodation huts set aside for the traveler, and often gifts of food or drink are given by the locals.

     Lisa Dempster was a young exchange student from Australia who lived in Japan for a year to learn the language and customs. She spent her time attending school and fitting in with her new family. At age twenty six, Lisa was in a bad way. She was overweight, suffering from depression, living with her Mum in Australia and had little to look forward to in life. She knew that staying in this cycle of unemployment and misery would lead nowhere, and so she decided to walk the 88 Temple Pilgrimages she had heard so much about. So it was without any training, little planning, and a faint hope for happiness that she set out.

     The author has shared her travels faithfully; we understand the pain of her blistered feet and bleeding chaffed thighs with the focus of the first few days to get up and get going again. Her discomfort doesn’t magically diminish as she walks along. Each day is a struggle, with the heat and humidity, and mosquitoes adding to her misery. The walk is mainly a solitary one, and the few people Lisa meets are special, and conversations are precious. The reality of this Pilgrimage, tough and unrelenting, is tempered by some wonderful descriptions of the local scenery.

     For every Temple Lisa visits, her prayer remains the same; she recites the heart Sutra, and then prays to be healed. There is no euphoric ending to her pilgrimage, but a pride in her achievements and the willingness to go home and have a go at life. Life indeed changed as the she was offered a marvellous job and proceeded to involve herself in work and travel again, with helping to organise the Melbourne Writer’s Week Festival, one of the challenges given to her. However, depression is an insidious emotion, and after a few years, Lisa found herself challenged, once again choosing to walk the trails of the Grampians, where she gained comfort.

     This is such an honourable story, told from the heart and never, ever pretending to be anything other than truthful. Best wishes must go to Lisa for the courage and struggles she has faced and shared. Hers is a personal journey that is worth rereading for the inspiration, courage and beautiful scenery along the way.

     

  • The Covers of My Book Are Too Far Apart! (and other grumbles)

    The Covers of My Book Are Too Far Apart! (and other grumbles)

    This colourful Picture Book begins with a rather startling statement! “Huh! Reading is rubbish!” So says a young man sitting on a park bench. Another young man flying a plane says that he loves stories because you feel like you are there. Other advice from a youngster suggests choosing books more carefully, and a Librarian offers help to find a book the boy will enjoy. More suggestions include Superman’s offer to read comics, and a dog who loves joke books. This is not a story book, but a book about choosing a storybook.

     Cleverly, Vivian French has given a negative point of view, such as “I’m too busy to read”, and countered it with suggestions such as “I read in bed before I go to sleep”, and “read when you are supposed to be working”. The comic preference is reinforced many times by Superman himself. Books that are for girls are not out of bounds either, as some boys read a few pages to see if they will enjoy the storyline, and likewise many girls enjoy boy type adventure books.

     Issues are discussed such as “Reading is hard…” and complicated too. Kids with Dyslexia explain how they find reading difficult and some children wear special glasses to help them decode. A wolf with headphones is thoroughly enjoying a story and happy about hearing it, while Picture Books are enjoyed by all ages. After all, you watch TV and that’s pictures. Bedtime reading is shown to be a warm and sharing time for all. The idea of having to finish a book you don’t enjoy is discussed, and most people say that if you have given it a few pages then still don’t like it then choose another.

     This is a great book to introduce to children who have become jaded with reading. Every excuse for not reading is looked at and answered (especially by Superman) who loves comics. Children and families often feel that there is no one in a story who looks like them, and suggest that authors take up the challenge of varying their characters.

      The clever illustrations by Nigel Baines certainly add to the text, and in very creative ways. The Librarian is a horse, and Darth Vader suggests reading about a favourite film.

      The text is on a cream background to assist those children with visual issues, and many concerns children have are addressed in a stimulating and humorous way.