Berkelouw Balgowlah - Book Reviews

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Reviewed by Elena & Maria, Balgowlah

LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! Imagine a world without love. There would be fewer wars. Fewer lies. Less pain. People would all have a life that is "safe, measured, predictable, and happy". Of course, there would also be no romance. No family ties. No real friendships. Less pa... (continued)

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

Reviewed by Elena, Balgowlah

"love, n. I'm not going to even try." It is hard to do justice to a book that is so captivating but in such an indescribable way. Nevertheless I am going to try anyway because I want you to read it. This is a sparingly written, but beautifully crafted exploration of the m... (continued)

Mirror by Jeannie Baker

Reviewed by Liam, Balgowlah

Jeanie Baker is back with another visually stunning story told in her signature collage style. This wordless picture book is both innovative & unique in that it contains two separate books, both telling the one story. One is of a young boy and his family living in the busy urban metropolit... (continued)

Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Reviewed by Elena, Balgowlah

This adorable adventure, full of linguistic fun, will absolutely charm your socks off (and probably your shoes too)! Princesses Rhyme and Reason have been banished from the Kingdom of Wisdom. Milo, with the help of his watchdog Tock, the loveable but bumbling bug Humbug and a host of other... (continued)

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Reviewed by Elena, Balgowlah

Philosophic and oh-so-French, Barbery peeks behind the curtain of a wealthy Parisian apartment, focusing her story through the prickly yet refined eyes of the concierge. Barbery's elegant prose reveals the inherent beauty in even the most ordinary things - a pot of camellias on the landing... (continued)

Mr Rosenblum's List by Natasha Solomons

Reviewed by Elena, Balgowlah

This endearing tale of a German-Jew immigrant to England resolved to become a Very English Gentleman (bless!) is the perfect holiday read. His determination finds its ultimate expression in trying to build his own golf course (the height of Englishness is indeed to belong to a golf club, and n... (continued)