Dymocks Wynyard, Professional and Technical Bookstore

We LOVE Nicole Richie's "Priceless" ♥

2010-09-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Williams is a poor little rich girl: she's spoiled, gorgeous, self-indulgent, narrow-minded and out of touch with the real world. But when her daddy ends up in prison, Charlotte takes a mighty fall. Nicole Richie is back with another fabulous riches-to-rags story.
Promotional Price $19.99 - ring us to reserve your copy on 02 9223 5974.

2010-09-20T21:59:00.001-07:00

It's that time of the month again! New Releases are arriving every day, and we're offering discounts on many titles.
Buy Bill Granger's new cookbook "Bill's Basics" for just $37.49, and get a free apron!

Dymocks September Young Adults Book of the Month is Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Book 3: Mockingjay.

2010-09-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has twice survived the Hunger Games. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe.

The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge . . .

Who do they think should pay for the unrest?

Katniss Everdeen.

Dymocks' September Book of the Month is Philippa Gregory's The Red Queen

2010-09-07T17:30:00.001-07:00

The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses.

The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

Redesign the Cover of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Competition

2010-09-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

Design a cover for the Bestselling Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the first book in the best selling Millennium Trilogy.

The chosen design will be printed on an edition that will be sold exclusively through Dymocks stores in November. AND, you will also win* a Mac Book Air valued at $2000!

Follow this link for further details:
http://www.dymocks.com.au/PDF/GWTDTComp.pdf

2010-08-30T23:27:00.001-07:00

We LOVE these great titles, especially with 30% off! On top of that receive a FREE BOOK when you purchase either 'Lost Empire' and 'The Rembrandt affair'.

2010-08-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

Don't waste another second mulling over what to get your Dad for Fathers day! Pick from these great titles at 25% off! Call us on 02 9223 5974 to reserve your copies today.

2010-08-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

Because Dad's a good sport, we have hundreds of gift ideas for Father's Day at Dymocks Wynyard. Pay us a visit and check out our Father's Day catalogue today.

This August we're offering 2 for $40 on a huge range of Biographies. Come in and check them out!

2010-08-06T20:51:00.001-07:00

Win your Book Club a Special Preview Screening of Stieg Larsson's 'The Girl Who Played with Fire'!

2010-08-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

With the next cinematic instalment of the sensation that is the Millennium Trilogy, 'The Girl Who Played with Fire', set to open in cinemas on 23rd September, Murdoch Books have an exciting opportunity for your Book Club! Simply send them an email telling us about your Book Club, the book you are reading at the moment, and why you'd love to win a private preview of 'The Girl Who Played with Fire' for your Book Club.

Entries will be judged on creativity and chance will not play a part.

The details are:

* The Prize is one exclusive theatrette screening for up to 20 people of 'The Girl Who Played with Fire' for the winning Book Club

* It includes a candy bar pack of small soft drink / choc top / popcorn for each person at the screening

* The prize must be taken before 23rd September

* The prize must be used in a metro location in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth

Please send your entries to Jane Duffy from Murdoch Books on janed@murdochbooks.com.au by 31st August. Jane will then select the winner and contact them to make the arrangements for their private preview screening.

World Booklovers Day is Monday 9th August

2010-08-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

Shop using your Booklovers card on Monday 9th August and automatically earn double points.

Also, Booklovers who shop with their card will receive automatic entry for a chance to WIN a $1500 book library or to attend a Dymocks Literary Event and meet a world-class author.

Follow the link below to join Booklover:

https://dymocks.vii.com.au/Member/(S(kcut2r55dvaucwuuxrbbsw45))/login.aspx

Man Booker Longlist Announced

2010-07-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

This year’s Man Booker Longlist was announced last night. The longlist includes:

Peter Carey Parrot and Olivier in America (Faber and Faber)

Emma Donoghue Room (Pan MacMillan - Picador)

Helen Dunmore The Betrayal (Penguin - Fig Tree)

Damon Galgut In a Strange Room (Grove Atlantic - Atlantic Books)

Howard Jacobson The Finkler Question (Bloomsbury)

Andrea Levy The Long Song
(Headline Publishing Group - Headline Review)

Tom McCarthy C (Random House - Jonathan Cape)

David Mitchell The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet (Hodder & Stoughton - Sceptre)

Lisa Moore February (Random House - Chatto & Windus)

Paul Murray Skippy Dies (Penguin - Hamish Hamilton)

Rose Tremain Trespass (Random House - Chatto & Windus)

Christos Tsiolkas The Slap (Grove Atlantic - Tuskar Rock)

Alan Warner The Stars in the Bright Sky
(Random House - Jonathan Cape)

The chair of judges, Andrew Motion, comments:

"Here are thirteen exceptional novels - books we have chosen for their intrinsic quality, without reference to the past work of their authors. Wide-ranging in their geography and their concern, they tell powerful stories which make the familiar strange and cover an enormous range of history and feeling. We feel confident that they will provoke and entertain."

Now in Stock: 4 Ingredients, Fast Fresh & Healthy

2010-07-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

Over 400 sensational NEW recipes using 4 or fewer ingredients for a healthier mind and body. Purchase at Dymocks Wynyard for just $14.99!

2010 Miles Franklin Literary Award

2010-06-22T23:48:00.001-07:00

Peter Temple’s crime novel Truth has won the 2010 Miles Franklin Literary Award, presented last night at a ceremony in Sydney.

Michael Heyward of Text publishing told the Weekly Book Newsletter he was ‘over the moon’, following Temple’s win. He said Truth had ‘changed the possibility of the crime novel’. ‘Truth is a crime novel but also a novel about crime. It’s a contemporary tragedy,’ he said.

Temple’s acceptance speech, full of self-deprecating humour, went down well with the audience. He used it to ponder the trajectory of the Miles Franklin award, which began with Patrick White and had now led to his win, suggesting--and it was difficult to tell if he was joking--that White would ‘think it unthinkable’ that he had won.The South Africa-born author also added, and this time seriously, that he hoped ‘the Miles Franklin would put an end to the matter of my “Australian-ness”’.

STACKS OF HOT OFFERS!

2010-06-09T23:57:00.001-07:00

This month we're offering 25% off 65 selected Business Books. The selection includes Motivational, Property, Shares, Tax, Biography, Economics, Management and Sales. Email your enquiry to orders@dymocks.com.au

2010-06-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

FREE No Problem! seminar this eve 7.00-8.30pm at Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street Sydney (between Park and Market Streets). For more details & future seminar dates see www.noproblem.com.au

2010-06-04T20:42:00.001-07:00

We cannot contain our excitement! The new Stephanie Meyer book "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella" will be released at precisely 2.05pm TODAY! Ring to reserve your copy now!

We LOVE "What Next? Your Career-change Companion"

2010-05-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

All our copies have been signed with personal messages by the author Kaye Fallick! ♥

LOVE THE SALE ♥

2010-05-27T17:34:00.001-07:00

New titles at Fantastic Prices arriving every day! Why not pay us a visit this weekend?

We LOVE The Very Best of the Eurovision Song Contest: Over 50 years of hits on 3 CDs ♥

2010-05-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

We'll be watching this weekend - Will you?

LOVE THE SALE ♥

2010-05-26T00:28:00.001-07:00

Brave the rain and visit us this week for some great offers on bestselling titles, new and old.

iPad Portable Genius

2010-05-18T21:05:00.001-07:00

The newest addition to the best selling Portable Genius series is for the iPad. Available in store now.

Fun, hip, and straightforward, the Portable Genius series gives forward-thinking Apple users useful information in handy, compact books that are easy to navigate and don't skimp on the essentials. Collect the whole series and make the most of your Apple digital lifestyle.

Spirit Bound, the new book in the international bestselling series Vampire Academy has arrived!

2010-05-17T19:17:00.001-07:00

Ring to reserve your copy now 02 9223 5974.

2010 Dymocks Guide to Children's Reading

2010-05-13T22:18:00.001-07:00

Take the guesswork out of choosing books for your children with the 2010 Dymocks Guide to Children's Reading. Visit our store to pick up your free copy today.

We LOVE the new Pocket History Collection ♥ !

2010-05-13T22:01:00.001-07:00

Prickly pieces of bite sized History for your eyes to devour, catering for a wide range of tastes. From Obscurity to Infamy, there's bound to be something to quench your historical thirst.

Grab a great, environmentally friendly book bag for just $2.00

2010-05-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

We LOVE SJ Bolton's Blood Harvest ♥

2010-05-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

The terrifying, spine-tingling new thriller from the author of Sacrifice and Awakening.

A TIME TO BE BORN

Twelve-year-old Tom and his family have just moved to a small town perched on the crest of
the moor. But troubles begin when Tom sees a mysterious child lurking around the nearby
churchyard.

A TIME TO DIE

Psychiatrist Evi is trying to treat a young woman haunted by the disappearance of her little
girl. A devastating fire burned down their home, but even two years on she is convinced her
daughter survived.

A TIME TO KILL

Harry is the town's new vicar, quickly befriended by the locals. But unusual events around the
church suggest he isn't entirely welcome, and that this odd little town harbours a terrifying
secret.

FANTASY BOOK OF THE MONTH: Changes by Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files, Book 12)

2010-05-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

In this latest book in the bestselling urban fantasy series, world-weary wizard Harry Dresden faces his most difficult challenge yet. How far will he go to save the daughter he never knew he had?

Jim Butcher is on top form here, deftly weaving sly humour and high drama into a dizzying narrative that will leave readers stunned - and begging for more.

Jennifer Thurgate

We LOVE ♥

2010-04-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Secret Lives of the Great Authors: What your teachers never told you about famous Novelists, Poets and Playwrights

New Release of the week

2010-04-27T17:28:00.001-07:00

David Remnick's The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama.

Official Stockist of Hema Navigator GPS

2010-04-26T17:51:00.001-07:00

Call us on 02 9223 5974 or email orders@dymocks.com.au for enquiries.

This year's Miles Franklin Award shortlist was announced last week

2010-04-23T18:47:00.001-07:00

The shortlisted titles are:

LOVESONG by Alex Miller

JASPER JONES by Craig Silvey

THE BOOK OF EMMETT by Deborah Forster

TRUTH by Peter Temple

BUTTERFLY by Sonya Hartnett

THE BATH FUGUES by Brian Castro

Watch this space. The final winner will be announced on 22nd June.

From Heels to Heights: Make your Mum’s Day with fabulous prizes to be won at Dymocks

2010-04-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

This Mother’s Day, Dymocks is going beyond the books and offering Mum a whole bundle of goodies to make sure that she is spoilt rotten on her special day.

From 23 April until Mother’s Day (May 9th), Dymocks will be offering their Booklovers a variety of exciting prizes that will really make Mum smile; from a new pair of Manolo Blahnik heels, RedBalloon Day experiences and BridgeClimb Sydney; to a Masterclass ‘Face Off’ with TV Chef Gary Mehigan or a Masterclass at the Australian’s Women’s Weekly Test Kitchen.

“We always get excited around Mother’s Day as it is a great time to thank your mother for their support. To become a Dymocks Booklover is easy, you can head in store or online, and now is a great time to join as you instantly have the chance to win some great prizes!” says Don Grover, Chief Executive Officer, Dymocks.

Garry Mehigan, acclaimed Chef and TV judge on MasterChef has just launched his new book, Comfort Food and Booklovers who purchase the cookbook will go into the running to win a Masterclass with Gary at his Fenix restaurant in Melbourne with three friends, valued at over $3,000.

Every Mum’s favourite magazine, The Australian Women’s Weekly (AWW) has also partnered with Dymocks to offer the chance to win one of three double passes to an AWW Test Kitchen Cooking Masterclass with Pamela Clark, Food Director of The Australian Women’s Weekly Test Kitchen. This prize includes airfares and accommodation valued at over $3,000 each. Simply buy Mum a copy of AWW Slow Cooking, The AWW Cooking School by Pamela Clark or AWW High Tea at Dymocks for the chance to win.

Mum can instantly cook in style and discover new exciting flavours as in Jamie Does...plus there are five Jamie Oliver by Tefal Professional Series five piece Stainless Steel Cookware sets valued at $799 each to be won with every Jamie Does... purchase.

For the style-conscious Mums, Dymocks Booklovers is offering the chance to follow the footsteps of Carrie Bradshaw in a pair of Manolo Blahnik’s. Pre-order The Carrie Diaries with a Booklover card before Mother’s Day for the chance to win a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels to the value of $1,000.

Booklovers who present their card when purchasing in store between 1 April and 9 May will have the chance to win a RedBalloon experience gift certificate valued at $3,500. Also up for grabs is an unforgettable Sydney Harbour experience with a BridgeClimb gift certificate and overnight accommodation at the Shangri-La Hotel valued at $3,896.

Dymocks has a range of new release books to treat your Mum this Mothers Day.

Top book buys this Mother’s Day:

1. Blue Skies by Fleur McDonald, RRP $32.99
2. Oprah by Kitty Kelley, RRP $35.00
3. Stainless by Shannon Lush and Trent Hayes, RRP $19.99
4. This Body of Death by Elizabeth George, RRP $32.99
5. The Dog Who Came in From the Cold by Alexander McCall Smith, RRP $39.95
6. The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark, RRP $32.99

We LOVE Sydney Free & Dirt Cheap from Frommer's

2010-04-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

381 Free Events, Attractions, Classes & more. Live it up in Sydney's harbour playground for next to nix!

We LOVE Hugh Ambrose's The Pacific

2010-04-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Published to coincide with the broadcast of the brand new HBO miniseries The Pacific ♥

Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year 2010

2010-04-16T19:12:00.001-07:00

It's the 25th Anniversary of The Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year 2010.

Submit an original short story on any theme or topic. You must incorporate the Young Writer Trigger word SILVER into your piece, any way you can - be creative!

Visit www.youngwriter.smh.com.au for details on how to enter.
*Entries close Friday June 25th, 2010.

Announcing the new 2010 Booklovers' Best Top 101 List!

2010-04-01T01:23:00.001-07:00

We're offering 3 for the price of 2 on the whole range until Mother's Day :)

New Stephenie Meyer novella released JUNE 5 "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner"

2010-03-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Pre-order your copy at orders@dymocks.com.au

Building Code of Australia 2010 and Building Books

2010-03-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to advise that we are now official NSW stockists for the Building Code of Australia.

The 2010 edition of the Building Code of Australia is now in stock and available, starting from $180 for Vol 2.

2010 Building Code of Australia (3 volumes, V1, Appendices, V2) $315 (Hardcopy or DVD)

2010 Building Code of Australia (Single volume V2) $180 (Hardcopy or DVD)

Guide to 2010 Building Code of Australia (single volume) $180

To order please contact Dymocks Wynyard by phone or by fax using the order form below.

(NB other Dymocks stores do not stock the Building Code of Australia).

Address: 350 George Street, Sydney PH: 02 9223 5974 Fax: 02 9232 3061

Email: orders@dymocks.com.au

New Australian titles on Estimating:

Cordell Housing Building Cost Guide March 2010 edition $445.95

Cordell Commercial and Industrial Cost Guide 2010 edition $445.95

Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook 2010 edition $360.00

Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide 2010 edition $238.00

Australian Building Economist Current Construction Cost Guide (CD/PDF) $29.95

Recent Illustrated Titles on Residential Architecture:

21st Century Houses: 150 of the World's Best (Robyn Beaver) Hardcover $ 59.99

21st Century Beach Houses: with plans and architect descriptions, (Images) Hardcover, $49.99

Details in Architecture: creavive detailing by leading architects (Images) 312 pages, Hardcover $59.99

100 Country Houses: New Rural Architecture (Beth Browne) 280 pages, Hardcover $69.95

Houses of Steel: Living Steel's International Architecture Competition (Images) Hardcover $49.95

Illustrated Titles on Design:

Space Planning Basics (Mark Karlen) 3rd edition, softcover, 230 pages $79.95

200 Solutions for Interior Design (Phillipe de Baeck) 620 pages, softcover $44.95

1000 New Designs 2 and where to find them (Jennifer Hudson), 352 pages, softcover $55.00

Green Design Creative sustainable designs for the 21st Century (Tom Dixon) $49.95

21st Century Interiors 50 examples of world's best interior commercial design $79.99

Can a guilty face betray an innocent heart?

2010-03-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

Jodi Picoult's new book House Rules has arrived! Call us on 02 9223 5974 to reserve your copy

#1 on our Dymocks top 10 Fiction Titles

2010-03-23T19:18:00.001-07:00

"61 Hours" The New Jack Reacher Thriller from Lee Child

Building Code of Australia BCA 2010 now in stock

2010-03-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

Reserve your copy at orders@dymocks.com.au or call us on 02 9223 5974

The titles longlisted for this year's Miles Franklin Literary Award have been announced

2010-03-17T17:54:00.001-07:00

The longlisted titles are:

Lovesong (Alex Miller, A&U)

The Bath Fugues (Brian Castro, Giramondo Publishing)

Jasper Jones (Craig Silvey, A&U)

Sons of the Rumour (David Foster, Picador)

The Book of Emmett (Deborah Forster, Vintage)

Siddon Rock (Glenda Guest, Vintage)

Boy on a Wire (Jon Doust, Fremantle Press)

Figurehead (Patrick Allington, Black Inc.)

Parrot and Olivier in America (Peter Carey, Hamish Hamilton)

Truth (Peter Temple, Text Publishing)

Butterfly (Sonya Hartnett, Penguin)

The People's Train (Thomas Keneally, Knopf)

The award shortlist will be annouced in April, with the winner to be awarded at a presentation dinner on 22 June.

Construction Costs & Standards Guides now in Stock

2010-03-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

1. Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide

280 pages, paperback, published Feb 2010 $238.00

2. Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook

950 pages, hardcover, published Feb 2010 $360.00

3. Acceptable Standards of Domestic Construction

250 pages, paperback, updated march 2009 $25

4. Residential Timber Framed Construction (Timber Framing Code)

260 pages, 4-ringed binder with hardcover, with disk of amendments and tables, $97.95

5. Building Code of Australia 2009, Volumes 1 and 2 set,

Commercial Volume 1 (Classes 2-9), 877 pages paperback, + Residential Volume 2 (Classes 1, 10) 708 pages, set of two books $265.00 (available with web access, form to fill out, please ask)

6. Building Code of Australia 2009, Volumes 2 Residential Housing Provisions (Classes 1, 10) 708 pages, $150

(available with web access, form to fill out, please ask)

7. Building Code of Australia 2010, Volumes 1 and 2 set,

Commercial Volume 1 (Classes 2-9), paperback, + Residential Volume 2 (Classes 1, 10) , set of two books $315.00 (available with web access, form to fill out, please ask)

Due early April 2010 (includes 6 star energy efficiency ratings)

Order now for April delivery (add $11 for postage)

8. Building Code of Australia 2010, Volumes 2 Residential Housing Provisions (Classes 1, 10) $180

(available with web access, form to fill out, please ask)

Due early April 2010 (includes 6 star energy efficiency ratings)

Order now for April delivery (add $11 for postage)

Highly Recommended

2010-03-09T22:05:00.001-08:00

We have been selling lots of copies of EM Hanley's "No Problem! 4 simple steps to solve any problem".

Elizabeth is running FREE monthly seminars to accompany the book. If you're interested in booking a place, let us know.

We LOVE Horns by son of Stephen King, Joe Hill ♥

2010-02-18T21:53:00.001-08:00

Ignatious "Ig" Perrish was the second son of a renowned musician and the younger brother of a rising late night TV star. Within his hometown of Gideon, New Hampshire, Ig had position and security. But the rape and murder of his girlfriend, Merrin Williams, changed all that. Though he was never charged or tried, Ig was found guilty in the court of public opinion.

Ig spent the last year in a sort of private purgatory, lost in the drunken cursing of God. Last night was no different. This morning, Ig awoke with a hangover, a headache and... a pair of horns.

Moreover, people have a sudden compulsion to confess their darkest secrets and ugliest impulses to Ig. It isn't long before he turns his terrible new power towards finding the man who killed his beloved.

It's time the devil had his due.

The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens - Reviewed by Angie Wilson

2010-02-11T21:07:00.001-08:00

I knew nothing about this book when I picked it up. I didn’t even bother to read the blurb on the back of the book I just dived in with trepidation and a hopeful spirit. What I got was nothing like what I was expecting. I was submerged into a tale that truly resonated with me; so much so that at times it felt like kismet that I should be reading this book at this point in my life.

The story centres on Mary Gooch. Mary is a wife, a pharmacy clerk, a daughter, a sister-in-law, a daughter-in-law all in the body of a 302 pound woman. Mary lives in Leaford, Canada; a small town where there are no secrets and everybody is watching everyone else. Mary has grown up in Leaford, fallen in love in Leaford and eaten her way through millions of calories in Leaford.

Lori Lansens tells this tale with a poetic and masterful voice. Her language is rhythmic and captivating. The story is brought to life through the strong voice that Lansens empowers Mary with. While Mary is unable to give voice to her thoughts in her daily life, her internal dialogue is potent and compels this story.

Mary is thrust into leaving her predictable and repetitive life when her Husband, Jimmy Gooch, fails to come how from work on the eve of their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. This one act of her Husband triggers a reassessment of all the moments in Mary’s life that have lead to this point in time.

Mary remembered, when she was nine years old, stepping off the scale in Dr. Ruttle’s office and hearing him whisper the word to her slight mother, Irma. It was an unfamiliar word, but one she understood in context of the fairy-tale world. Obeast. There were witches and warlocks. So must there be ogres and obeasts. Little Big Mary wasn’t confused by the diagnosis. It made sense to her child’s mind that her body had become an outward manifestation of the starving animal in her gut.

- The Wife’s Tale; page 2.

It’s the battle between Mary and her Obeast that really speaks in this novel. It casts a light on an epidemic that is killing the Western World in a way that is fresh and raw. Addiction to food is as real as any other addiction; gambling, drinking, drugs – it’s all the same mental battle. The voice in the head that compels a person to make the decisions they do. Mary’s voice has 43 years of experience at pushing her buttons. It is the love of her Husband, or more importantly the fear of abandonment that she sometimes confuses as love, that gives Mary the impetus she needs to ignore that voice for the first time in her life.

This novel is a coming of age tale; despite the fact that Mary is 43 years old and should know what she wants from life by now. Mary has hidden in her world. Shut herself off from the judging gaze of those in her community. Her weight has coloured everything; every experience, emotion or event. In her hiding she has given all her power to her Obeast. Every time she ventures into public her low self opinion is reinforced by the actions of others and in turn the Obeast grows stronger.

When her Husband leaves to ‘find himself’ Mary embarks on a single-minded journey to find him. Instead what she finds is the power to overcome her fear of living and ventures outside of Leaford for the first time in her life. Her hunt for her Husband takes Mary to Los Angeles and the home of her Mother-In-Law.

It seems no coincidence that the author has brought small town overweight Mary to Los Angeles, where body image reins supreme. However the experiences that Mary has while in Los Angeles are in no way predictable nor does the end of the book resolve them. It would have been so easy for the author to paint a standard generic view of the beautiful people in Los Angeles, but she skilfully avoids this pothole.

At times the inability of Mary to take control of her life is frustrating and agonizing. Her lack of confidence in her basic decision making is paralysing and has resulted in her relying on her Husband to do a lot of things she now needs to do to survive. With her Husband gone, and no return in sight, she must learn to stand on her own two feet. This struggle for independence is not only a mental one, but it is mimicked in her physicality as well as she is at times unable to support her own weight.

The relationships that Mary develops while in Los Angeles are unpredictable, moving and heart warming. Lansens shows a side of humanity that is often overlooked in this age of instant gratification and individuality. It’s through these relationships that she starts to learn how to believe in herself and her abilities.

This book finished leaving me wanting more. The book, while it ends does not end with everything resolved; which is rare in this age of a thirty-minute wrap up of all of life’s problems. Lansens has created a great novel that should resonate with a multitude of those suffering under the weight of an eating disorder. I am one of these people and for the first time I feel like some of the things that I have experienced in my life have been given a voice in print that is not judgemental nor compassionate; it just tells it like it is and it doesn’t offer the magic solution. It’s just one woman’s story told beautifully and expertly.

Reviewer Bio:

Angie Wilson is an avid reader of almost anything. A collector of classics and a junkie for romance she lives in Canberra, ACT with her Husband and their fur kids. When not reading she manages her own website at http://gnomeangel.com - it’s a rambling mess of everything she finds interesting and something’s she has no idea about but is willing to give it the good ole’ college try. Her motto in life; “How hard can it be?”

We LOVE Alexander McCall Smith's The Double Comfort Safari Club - latest from The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency ♥

2010-02-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Kind, witty and wise, on this new journey Mma Ramostwe again proves herself the most trustworthy of guides in an uncertain world.

#1 on our Dymocks top 10 Non-Fiction titles - Elizabeth Gilbert's Committed. From the Bestselling Author of Eat, Pray, Love.

2010-02-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

At the end of her bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with Felipe - a Brazilian-born man of Australian citizenship who'd been living in Indonesia when they met. Resettling in America, the couple swore eternal fidelity to each other, but also swore to never, ever, under any circumstances get legally married. (Both were survivors of previous horrific divorces. Enough said.) But providence intervened one day in the form

of the U.S. government, who - after unexpectedly detaining Felipe at an American border crossing - gave the couple a choice: they could either get married, or Felipe would never be allowed to enter the country again. Having been effectively sentenced to wed, Gilbert tackled her fears of marriage by delving completely into this topic, trying with all her might to discover (through historical research, interviews and much personal reflection) what this stubbornly enduring old institution actually is. The result is Committed - a witty and
intelligent contemplation of marriage that debunks myths, unthreads fears and suggests
that sometimes even the most romantic of souls must trade in her amorous fantasies for
the humbling responsibility of adulthood.
Gilbert's memoir - destined to become a cherished handbook for any thinking person
hovering on the verge of marriage - is ultimately a clear-eyed celebration of love, with all
the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails.

Fall in ♥ with a Fictional Character!

2010-02-02T14:45:00.001-08:00

During February, we will be offering 3 for 2 on a range of classical & modern fiction titles.

Biggest Loser BIGGEST Aerobics Class!

2010-01-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

We will be selling copies of Michelle Bridges' brand new Crunch Time
Cookbook this Sunday at the Biggest Loser BIGGEST Aerobics Class!
Michelle will be signing books at lunchtime.
Help us to break a World Record!

Sunday 31st January 2010 at EQ Moore Park Show ring. Follow link below to register.

http://ten.com.au/competitions-Aerobics.htm

#1 on our Dymocks top 10 House & Garden list - Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion

2010-01-27T17:16:00.001-08:00

We LOVE Book of the Month The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova ♥

2010-01-19T22:13:00.001-08:00

A story of obsession, history's losses, and the power of art to preserve hope.

James A. Levine's The Blue Notebook - reviewed by Shandos Cleaver

2010-01-13T21:06:00.000-08:00

The Blue Notebook is the tragic tale of Batuk, a beautiful Indian girl sold into prostitution by her poor rural family at the age of nine. After her virginity is auctioned off to the highest bidder, she is taken to work on the Common Street of Mumbai, kept in a cage next to other child prostitutes, including her friend Puneet, a girl-boy who is the most valuable of all.

Upon pilfering a dropped pencil from her boss, the immense Mamaki or “Hippopotamus”, Batuk, miraculously literate followed a protracted hospital stay due to TB, begins to record her life, firstly with the pencil in a blue notebook, followed by a variety of other writing materials. Batuk’s writing is a way for her to reclaim part of her life and keep it secret within herself. “And so I look within myself and assemble myself in words,” she writes. “I take the words that are my thoughts and dreams and hide them behind the dark shadow of my kidney… I craft the words of merriment and sadness (they are the same) into a pyramid and place it under my skin so I can touch it whenever I need to know where my feelings are.”

Repeatedly throughout her writing Batuk descends into a world of fantasy to escape from the grim realities around her. Some of these fantasies she acknowledges that she knows are false, such as the euphemism of “sweetcake” for the act of sex and the references to herself as a “princess” and her cage as a magnificently decorated “throne”: “I am not deranged, but there are countless days I wish I were.” However, there are other times when it seems that her senses are overwhelmed and she no longer knows what is reality and what is imagination, particularly with the tiger skin in the hotel penthouse she is later taken to.

As you delve deeper into the world of Batuk, particularly during the scenes that ensue in the hotel penthouse, it is hard not to hope that as this is a work of fiction, occurrences like this don’t really happen in the world. However, it is hard to ignore the stark truth and the facts about child prostitution in many parts of the world, including India. And whilst Batuk’s story may be fictional, it was inspired by the author’s sighting, whilst investigating child labour for the UN, of a street girl, “the girl in the pink sari with the rainbow trim”, in such a street Mumbai writing intently in a notebook.

A mesmerizing story despite the heartbreaking tale that it tells, The Blue Notebook brings a touching human face to the sad reality of child prostitution. Along with the benefits that it will bring through the donation of part of its proceeds to the International and National Centers for Missing and Exploited Children, hopefully this book will also raise people’s awareness and stop us from deluding ourselves that such issues don’t exist.

REVIEWER BIO:

An avid reader as long as she can remember, Shandos Cleaver has most recently worked as an IT programmer and enjoys art festivals, wine tasting, books that let her experience life all over the world and a healthy addiction to Twitter (@scleaver).

Angels are the new Vampires! We LOVE Lauren Kate's "Fallen" ♥

2010-01-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Chandler Burr's You Or Someone Like You - Reviewed by Elena Gomez

2009-12-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

New York Times perfume critic Chandler Burr decided to vent his angry opinion about orthodox religion to the world. His chosen medium? A charming and sophisticated novel about married couple Anne and Howard Rosenbaum.

English-born, and with a PhD in literature, Anne Rosenbaum is classy. But she’s also a snob. As the narrator, her eloquence and powerful opinions set her apart from the glamourous superficial world of Hollywood that her movie executive husband is part of. Despite the glaringly obvious: “nobody in Hollywood reads”, Anne suddenly finds herself the leader of a book club, filled with hotshot directors and agents.

Despite Anne and Howard’s love for each other, and their seventeen-year-old son Sam, they can’t escape the dark spot in their lives: Howard comes from an Orthodox Jewish family who refuse to accept Anne as their daughter-in-law. And Orthodox Jewish religion dictates that the child is the religion of the mother. You can imagine, they have their fair share of awkward moments. Howard has shunned the Talmudic reasoning for Anne’s love. As the presence of this truth ebbs and flows in their lives, Anne finds she is becoming a celebrity in her own right, with all of Hollywood waiting to see what book she will recommend to her club next.

You Or Someone Like You is a multilayered story. Firstly, and perhaps at its most shallow level, it is a wistful scenario about what Hollywood would be like if all its top suits and execs were well-versed in English literature. But it is also a sociological examination about humans and group identity, of “Us and Them”, as explored through Howard’s sudden orthodox Jewish reawakening. It’s a bitter and controversial look at the hypocrisy of religion, and while in this case examines the faults of Judaism (Burr suggests a ‘holier-than-though’ attitude), it could be easily said about any of the major religions of the world, religions that require their followers to believe they are better people than others because of their faith. But, to the book loving readers of Burr’s novel, it is a gorgeous exploration of literature, and how it affects us, how it permeates through our lives, and informs our relationships with others and ourselves. Anne is the ever articulate expert on Eliot, Auden and Shakespeare, and her love of the written word is contagious, leaping off the pages. She tells her audience, and us, “Literature shocks not because what it shows about us is inherently surprising. It does the exact opposite. It is shocking because it breaks down what we would be and shows us what we know we are.” (p378)

Despite being a compelling read, the story at times is didactic and a little preachy. And with all these layers, it’s an emotional and intellectual bombardment. Anne is a self-proclaimed snot, yet her other fault, a coldness-masked fragility, is ultimately what allows us to sympathise with her. The book will fill your head with so much to think about that you emerge from it feeling a little heady. But this isn’t exactly a terrible thing.

A startlingly emotional story about the pervasiveness of orthodox religion, told through the marriage of Jewish Hollywood executive Howard Rosenbaum and his Gentile, PhD literature-holding wife, Anne. Witty and full of fantastic references to English and American literature, it’s a social exploration of the ever-confusing notion of identity and belonging in the modern world.

We LOVE The Dragon Book ♥

2009-11-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

A collection of stories that will challenge your perceptions of Dragons by authors Garth Nix, Naomi Novik, Jonathan Stroud and many more! $24.95

We LOVE Diana Souhami's Gertrude & Alice ♥

2009-11-23T16:05:00.001-08:00

"A brilliantly witty chronicle of one of the happiest marriages in modern literary history. Not only star-studded but light-filled" John Richardson, author of A Life of Picasso.

We LOVE Dita Stripteese: Enter the World of Burlesque Superstar Dita Von Teese. See her Splash, Sparkle & Seduce in three exquisite flip books ♥

2009-11-15T21:49:00.001-08:00

New British TV Serial Wuthering Heights

2009-11-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

The Brits have done it again. Another great retelling of Emily Bronte's Haunting Novel: TRAGIC. DARK. MYSTERIOUS.
For the Romantic in All of Us.

Non-book Gift Ideas for Christmas - or any other Occasion!

2009-11-15T18:42:00.001-08:00

We now have Gorgeous Popular Penguin Mugs and Notebooks. Perfect Christmas Gifts for Booklovers. Come and have a look!

Non-book Gift Ideas for Christmas - or any other Occasion!

2009-11-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

Top Gear Fans! Great Adventures Limited Edition Stig Helmet DVD Collection in stock! It has to be seen to be believed!

We LOVE Cautionary Tales for Boys & Girls by John Hay-Mackenzie. -Quirky kids' picture book perfect for Christmas ♥

2009-11-09T20:45:00.001-08:00

We LOVE Andre's Australian Adventure: The incredible story of Andre Rieu's Australian Success ♥

2009-11-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

Amanda Cole In-Store Book Signing at Dymocks Wynyard

2009-11-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

Date:	Monday, November 9, 2009
Time:	11:00am - 1:00pm
Location:	Dymocks Wynyard, 350 George Street, Sydney

On Monday, 9th November Dymocks Wynyard will host a book reading & signing with up and coming young author – Amanda Cole for her novel “I Hate Cinderella”.

“I Hate Cinderella” follows Lucy Summers three weeks after her heart has been broken. Enroute travelling for work, the plane Lucy is on crashes; what happens next encourages Lucy to learn that you have to know what you want to be able to get it!

“I Hate Cinderella” promises to keep readers turning the pages and wanting more.

Amanda will discuss her inspiration and process for writing and self-publishing “I Hate Cinderella”, common relationship issues & mistakes and how to recover from a break-up. Her relationship advice is based on her university studies - with a degree in Psychology she is well qualified to assist those who seek her insight.

Since the launch of “I Hate Cinderella” at various book signings, readings and social events, Amanda has counselled many heartbroken and grieving women and men through their latest relationship dilemmas earning her the title of “Relationship Expert”. To date copies of “I Hate Cinderella” have been sold France, Dubai, Spain, Brazil, Ireland, New Zealand, England, USA, Canada, Hungary, Greece and Japan.

Amanda is currently at final edit stage with her second book; “You are My Future” which will be released early in 2010.

All those attending the Dymocks Wynyard book reading & signing will have the chance to win a signed copy of “I Hate Cinderella” and a bottle of “Amanda” Verdelho from Camberwarra Winery.

See you on the 9th!

The Five Greatest Warriors by Matthew Reilly

2009-11-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Excellent end to an action packed trilogy.

Hold on for the ride, it’s awesome!

Christmas Shopping Event at Dymocks Wynyard

2009-11-02T15:19:00.001-08:00

Date:	Thursday, November 26, 2009
Time:	8:00am - 8:00pm
Location:	Dymocks Wynyard, 350 George Street, Sydney 2000

Dymocks Wynyard invites you to attend our Booklover Cristmas Shopping Event.

Please join us for some Christmas cheer and be among the first to preview the wonderful books and gift ideas featured in our Christmas Catalogue.

Complimentary refreshments will be available on the night!
Present your Booklover card at the event and receive 20% OFF*

New Booklover Members Welcome. Bring a friend and sign them up!

Merry Christmas from all the team at Dymocks Wynyard!

*Please present your Booklover Card when shopping. Discount is off Publishers' Recommended Retail price and excludes special orders, books on hold, textbooks, Gift Cards, Stationery and items already reduced.

Critic's Choice

2009-10-28T23:14:00.000-07:00

A novel about being good, being at fault, being human. When Clary, a single woman in her 40s, has a car accident, she collides with a family of six living in their car. Motivated by guilt, she offers them temporary shelter in her quiet home and it changes her life forever.

It’s time to order Euromarket Day Finder® 2010

2009-10-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Place your order now for the 2010 edition of Euromarket Day Finder®, the international GoodBusinessDay® calendar published by Copp Clark Professional.

Euromarket Day Finder® is specifically designed for use in forward foreign exchange and derivatives markets. It is the endorsed world standard and recognized globally for its accuracy in identifying bank holidays affecting forward value dates.

No trading room or back office should be without this invaluable publication. Order your copy today. Make sure every day is a GoodBusinessDay® in 2010.

Special Bonus

With your purchase of Euromarket Day Finder® 2010 you will receive FREE access to GoodBusinessDay®.com Silver Edition, the go-to site for confirming holidays affecting world financial markets.

Euromarket Day Finder® 2010 is distributed exclusively in Australia by Dymocks Professional & Technical Books.

Call us on 02 9223 5974, or e-mail your orders or inquiries to orders@dymocks.com.au

We LOVE "Good to a Fault" by Marina Endicott

2009-10-25T21:40:00.001-07:00

Spencer Ratcliff's Wonder, Thunder and Blunder Down Under - reviewed by Shandos Cleaver

2009-10-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

At first glance, I didn’t really like the look of Wonder, Thunder and Blunder Down Under, the debut book from Spencer Ratcliff, a “Ten Pound Pom” immigrant to Australia in the 1970s. The cover was so brash and colourful, with a comic style similar to Mad magazine, that I wondered what kind of travel memoir this would be. Maybe this book was just one for the lads?
Once I started reading the book, however, I realised that the overly bright cover was partially deceiving. Yes, Wonder, Thunder and Blunder Down Under did detail some very humorous and at times candid exploits, particularly involving women, but it always stayed on the right side of good taste. Probably one of the reasons for this, is that, along with picking up some Australian strine and a slight twang to his accent (which he occasionally used trying to pass himself off as an Aussie whilst around women, rather unsuccessfully), Ratcliff’s move to Australia also resulted in him picking up the typically Australian gift of yarning. The resulting writing is entertaining and deprecating, and whilst not as polished as I generally would expect in a published book, the casual style is probably part of the book’s charm.
Ratcliff’s tale is divided into twenty-two stories, or should I say “yarns”. Starting with his arrival in Sydney in 1970, for the first half of the book Ratcliff details the exploits of his initial two-year stay in Australia, working as a journalist for ABC radio, both in Grafton on the northern coast of NSW and in Sydney, just down the road from the temptations of Kings Cross. Ratcliff’s encounters with Australian women are particularly memorable, such as the women sitting outside the hotel in Grafton in their boyfriend’s cars and the dangerous Bondi encounter with a bride-to-be.
When a visit from a young English rose and the subsequent blooming of their love leads him to return back to England, Ratcliff promises the land he has also fallen for, and the Coathanger in particular, that he “shall return”. However, it ends up being a long six years, during which time he travels around the globe, taking in England, Africa, Israel and the USA, before he returns to his yearned for Oz.
Whilst Australia is obviously the country at the centre of the book, I found the most engrossing stories to be those set in 1970s Zimbabwe (then known as Rhodesia), during the three years that Ratcliff spent working at a journalist there during the civil war immediately before Zimbabwe’s creation. Displaying a sensitive insight into the issues being encountered in the country (and from close range due to his work), these sections provide an interesting contrast to the humorous exploits that populate the majority of the book.
It all adds up to Wonder, Thunder and Blunder Down Under being an entertaining read, whether you are interested in Ratcliff’s perspective on 1970s Australia and Zimbabwe, or you just want to casually dip into a collection of funny and entertaining yarns whilst on holidays or while riding the train to work (perhaps even going over Ratcliff’s beloved Coathanger).

Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith - Reviewed by Ron Reynolds

2009-10-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

From the author of "Tuesdays with Morrie." This is in the same genre
and a delightful read.
Mitch is asked to prepare a eulogy by his old Rabbi (Reb) Albert Lewis.
Not understanding why, he accepts and thus follows a spiritual journey
for Albom that has him for thinking about his Jewish roots but also the
reasons for our need for belief whether it be in a Creator or perhaps
why we need to have any outer faith outside our own inner belief in the
"self"
A thoughtful read for those who like the challenge of asking, "Do we
need Faith," is the discipline of religious practice really necessary to
our needs in this 21st. century?
Mitch's book is a very interesting non-intellectual look at what some of
us may need reminding of, that material means may not provide us with
the inner peace many of us are searching for. A very good book.

Tara Moss' The Siren - Reviewed by Ron Reynolds

2009-10-19T15:45:00.001-07:00

Having only read critiques of Tara's books I looked forward to evaluating a book for myself.

She is a very entertaining read and her plot and its development had me totally riveted to the last page. This has all the elements required for an enthralling read. Her central character Makedde Vanderwall is a beautiful,
intelligent,and totally desirable woman who one can't help but visualize as the fiction representative of the books author.
All in a good read, a definite page turner! Enjoy!

Ian Rankin's The Complaints - Review by Ron Reynolds

2009-10-18T23:44:00.001-07:00

Another good read from Rankin.
D.I. Malcolm Fox works in the most unpopular unit of any Police
Organization, Internal investigations.
After his latest successful investigation, Fox finds himself thrust into
a web of intrigue which is set to challenge his reputation and destroy him.
The story is well written characters credible and all in all a fine read
one for one's self or for a Christmas gift.
Whatever you decide, if you give it as a gift,buy a copy for
yourself......borrow it back.....or read it before you wrap it!

Erick Satiawan's Of Bees and Mist - Reviewed by Tara Poole

2009-10-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

This is a tale of women, blending aural traditions with demons and ghosts, together with the ever-present pressures of family. Saturated in myth and legend, Erick Satiawan’s debut novel follows the phantasmagorical life of Meridia as she grows up in a complicated house with her distant mother, Ravenna, speaking in tongues and her possessed father, Gabriel, who disappears every night shrouded in mist. The story centres on Meridia and we track her life as she falls in love and marries the enigmatic, yet uncomplicated Daniel, bringing her up close with the schemingly powerful Eva, Daniel’s mother. Throughout it all Meridia must make sense of the ghostly powers that surround her, and divine answers about her family’s past.

This is a novel about the power of women, the magic of mothers, and their hold over family and society. Setiawan’s language is steeped in folklore. He has been imprinted with stories reflecting his complicated upbringing which, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, is “a trifold identity struggle - born in Jakarta, Indonesia, to Chinese parents, where he lived before immigrating to the United States at age 16”.

We see his folklore heritage in every character - every woman has a connection to the spirits, whether it be using bees and fireflies, flowers and scent to their advantage – and in Setiawan’s acknowledgement of the power of gossip and how it can be used to destroy as well as build.

Meridia’s life is lived in an unnamed magical town, where mystics, faith healers, doctors of the occult, prophets, exorcists, flagellants and fortune-tellers are commonplace. As if to reflect this mystical environment, Setiawan’s language is layered and dense, giving a sensation of eating too-rich food. His flourishes are heavy and you are often left with little understanding of the motivations of the characters, or how they came to possess such powerful skills.

The roles of the men are reduced to being pawns at the hands of women, infected with their curses. In Eva’s case she uses bees on hapless men such her husband Elias, compelling him to undertake distasteful tasks which he would never agree to under his own will. This is unfortunate as it means we never get a clear view of the men in Setiawan’s novel as they are shrouded by the women.

Meridia and Eva are the two main protagonists of this tale, and the story is a battle of their wills to control their families. There are dramatic conflicts of demons and ghosts, summoned by the women to turn the minds of others. Meridia must find herself through this coming-of-age tale, hold on to her sanity and understand her past as she comes under constant attack from her mother-in-law. This plot keeps the story on track, even in the face of distracting sub-characters including a madly rutting pig beast who masquerades as a foreigner and an invisible best friend.

However Setiawan’s touching scenes of love and loss are gently played out. There are moments of painful clarity when Meridia must turn against the man she loves, recognizing that he will never be free from the iron grip of his mother. This tale of release, longing and pain does hold its own in the end.

Reviewer Bio:

An avid reader of fiction, Tara’s diet includes everything from Amy Hempel to Zadie Smith. She has a passion for a well turned word, and a voracious appetite for a whacking good story. Her last great read was Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson, but holds a special place for Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre. Like most good readers of fiction TeeKayP believes she’s got “Australia’s next great novel” in her brain waiting to come out. Until then she’ll just manage and run a PR agency. Well, it pays the bills.

Happy Birthday Dymocks

2009-10-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

Dan Brown's THE LOST SYMBOL reviewed by Ron Reynolds

2009-10-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

At last it's arrived. Dan Brown's new book is a rollicking good story that travels at whip-cracking speed.
All the elements of Brown's stories that we have come to know, and mostly like, are there.
History, suspense and this time a real surprise, with a philosophy discussion at the end.
Langdon is a character I'd love to meet at a cocktail party, or morning tea where after 10 minutes I could discreetly excuse myself after 10 minutes, but in a story he is a reliable central figure.
Without telling too much of the story line. It takes place in a twelve hour period, is based in Washington and the Vatican is replaced by Washington and The Church by the Freemasons.
Dan Brown's capacity to invent a story and incorporate history, fact and philosophy has no bounds and he obviously does a lot of research, but how he concocts all of this into the complex stories must surely make him one of the best storytellers in this genre we have read for many a day.
Read it, read it and just enjoy......it's a cracker!
Now I'm off to Google and Wiki some of his sources......

We LOVE Sense and Sensibility with Sea Monsters, by Jane Austen & Ben H. Winters <3

2009-10-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

Possums! We LOVE "Handling Edna: The Unauthorised Biography of Dame Edna" by Barry Humphries

2009-09-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

Booker Prize 2009 Shortlist: The Little Stranger - Sarah Waters

2009-09-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

When Dr Faraday is urgently called to Hundreds Hall, he is both curious and nostalgic. Nearly thirty years before, he had visited the house with his mother, who had once worked there as a maid. As a ten year-old boy, he had been deeply impressed by the grandness of the house and of the Ayres family. But as he approaches the Hall on an unusually hot summer afternoon in 1947, Dr Faraday immediately recognises that much has changed there, as it has virtually everywhere in post war Britain. The crumbling house and its overgrown gardens are badly in need of maintenance, and the Ayres family is clearly struggling to maintain some semblance of their former way of life as well-respected country gentry.

So begins Dr Faraday’s friendship with the remaining Ayres family (the dowager Mrs Ayres, the spinster daughter, Caroline and the son and heir to the estate, Roderick), a relationship complicated by his lingering class resentments, by his growing attraction to Caroline and more importantly, by the oddness and drama of events that begin to occur in the house as the hot summer gives way to a dark and gloomy winter.

The Ayres family is left in a demoralised state after a shocking incident at a party. Roderick seems particularly badly affected, becoming anxious and secretive, and while Dr Faraday believes his behaviour to have its roots in nervous exhaustion, there are hints that there may be something odder at work. Betty, the maid, believes the house to be haunted; Caroline is uneasy, and Mrs Ayres is troubled with memories of her first child, Susan. Soon Roderick’s behaviour tips over into something more alarming and the house begins almost to take on a life of its own, even Dr Faraday’s scientific assurances are challenged.

Author Biography

Sarah Waters was born in July 1966 in Neyland, Pembrokeshire and went to the University of Kent. Her first book, the Victorian lesbian novel Tipping the Velvet won a Betty Trask Award in 1999 and was adapted into a three part television serial, taking the same title, on BBC2 in 2002. Fingersmith, published in 2002 was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize as well as the Orange Prize. This was also televised as a serial on BBC1 in 2005. Sarah Waters lives in London.

Booker Prize 2009 Shortlist: The Glass Room - Simon Mawer

2009-09-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

High on a Czechoslovak hill, the Landauer House shines as a marvel of steel, glass and onyx. Built specially for newlyweds Viktor and Liesel Landauer, a Jew married to a gentile, it is one of the wonders of modernist architecture. But the radiant honesty and idealism of 1930 that the house seems to engender quickly tarnishes as the storm clouds of World War Two gather. Eventually, as Nazi troops enter the country, the family, accompanied by Viktor’s lover Kata and her child Marika, must flee.

Yet the family’s exile does not signify the end of this spectacular building. It slips from hand to hand, from Czech to Nazi to Soviet and finally back to the Czechoslovak state, the crystalline perfection of the Glass Room always exerting a gravitational pull on those who know it. It becomes a laboratory, a shelter from the storm of war, and a place where the broken and the ruined find some kind of comfort, until with the collapse of Communism, the Landauers are finally drawn back to where their story began.

Author Biography

Simon Mawer was born in 1948 in England, and spent his childhood there, in Cyprus and in Malta. He now lives with his wife and two children in Italy, and teaches at the English School in Rome. Mawer is also the author of Swimming to Ithaca, The Gospel of Judas and The Fall for which he won The Boardman Tasker Award.

Booker Prize 2009 Shortlist: Wolf Hall - Hilary Mantel

2009-09-08T17:34:00.001-07:00

Set in England in the 1520s, Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the pope refuses to grant. Into this atmosphere of distrust and need comes Thomas Cromwell, first as Wolsey’s clerk, and later his successor.

Cromwell is a wholly original man: the son of a brutal blacksmith, a political genius, a briber, a charmer, a bully, a man with a delicate and deadly expertise in manipulating people and events. Ruthless in pursuit of his own interests, he is as ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages.

From one of our finest living writers, Wolf Hall is that very rare thing: a truly great English novel, one that explores the intersection of individual psychology and wider politics. With a vast array of characters, and richly overflowing with incident, it peels back history to show us Tudor England as a half-made society, moulding itself with great passion and suffering and courage.

Author Biography

Hilary Mantel was born in Glossop, Derbyshire, England on 6 July 1952. She studied Law at the London School of Economics and Sheffield University. She was employed as a social worker, and lived in Botswana for five years, followed by four years in Saudi Arabia, before returning to Britain in the mid-1980s. In 1987 she was awarded the Shiva Naipaul Memorial Prize for an article about Jeddah, and she was film critic for The Spectator from 1987 to 1991.

Her novels include Eight Months on Ghazzah Street (1988), set in Jeddah; Fludd (1989), set in a mill village in the north of England and winner of the Winifred Holtby Memorial Prize, the Cheltenham Prize and the Southern Arts Literature Prize; A Place of Greater Safety (1992), an epic account of the events of the French revolution that won the Sunday Express Book of the Year award; A Change of Climate (1994), the story of a missionary couple whose lives are torn apart by the loss of their child; and An Experiment in Love (1995), about the events in the lives of three schoolfriends from the north of England who arrive at London University in 1970, winner of the 1996 Hawthornden Prize.

Her other works include The Giant, O’Brien (1998) tells the story of Charles O’Brien who leaves his home in Ireland to make his fortune as a sideshow attraction in London. Giving Up the Ghost: A Memoir (2003), is an autobiography in fiction and non-fiction, taking the reader from early childhood through to the discoveries in adulthood that led her to writing; and Learning to Talk: Short Stories (2003).

Hilary Mantel’s novel Beyond Black (2005) tells the story of Alison, a Home Counties psychic, and her assistant, Colette. It was shortlisted for a 2006 Commonwealth Writers Prize and for the 2006 Orange Prize for Fiction. Her latest novel is Wolf Hall (2009).

In 2006 she was also awarded a CBE.

Booker Prize 2009 Shortlist: The Quickening Maze - Adam Foulds

2009-09-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Quickening Maze is based on real events and is set in and around the High Beach Asylum in 1840. The asylum, built within Epping Forest, is a place of disorder and unpredictable dramas.

Foulds’ compelling tale centres on the life of the great nature poet John Clare. After years struggling with alcohol, critical neglect and depression, Clare finds himself in High Beach Asylum. At the same time another poet, the young Alfred Tennyson, moves nearby and becomes entangled in the life and catastrophic schemes of the asylum’s owner, the peculiar, charismatic Dr Matthew Allen.

Historically accurate, but brilliantly imagined, the closed world of High Beach and its various inmates - the doctor, his lonely daughter in love with Tennyson, the brutish staff and John Clare himself - are brought vividly to life. Foulds also exquisitely depicts life outside the walls; Nature and Clare’s paradise -the birds and animals, the gypsies living in the forest; his dream of home, of redemption, of escape.

The Quickening Maze is a deeply affecting book and work of intense and atmospheric imagination.

Author Biography

Adam Foulds was born in 1974, took a Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia and now lives in South London. His first novel, The Truth About These Strange Times, was published in 2007 and his book-length narrative poem, The Broken Word, the following year. He was named the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year in 2008.

Booker Prize 2009 Shortlist: Summertime - JM Coetzee

2009-09-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

A young English biographer is working on a book about the late writer, John Coetzee. He plans to focus on the years from 1972-1977 when Coetzee, in his thirties, is sharing a run-down cottage in the suburbs of Cape Town with his widowed father. This, the biographer senses, is the period when he was ‘finding his feet as a writer’.

Never having met Coetzee, he embarks on a series of interviews with people who were important to him - a married woman with whom he had an affair, his favourite cousin Margot, a Brazilian dancer whose daughter had English lessons with him, former friends and colleagues. From their testimony emerges a portrait of the young Coetzee as an awkward, bookish individual with little talent for opening himself to others. Within the family he is regarded as an outsider, someone who tried to flee the tribe and has now returned, chastened. His insistence on doing manual work, his long hair and beard, rumours that he writes poetry evoke nothing but suspicion in the South Africa of the time.

Sometimes heartbreaking, often very funny, Summertime shows us a great writer as he limbers up for his task.

It completes the majestic trilogy of fictionalised memoir begun with Boyhood and Youth.

Author Biography

J M Coetzee was born in South Africa in 1940. He won the 1983 Booker Prize with Life & Times of Michael K and then again with Disgrace in 1999. His novels include Waiting for the BarbariansThe Master of Petersburg (awarded the Irish Times International Fiction Prize in 1995). In 2003 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. J M Coetzee lives in Australia. (awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1980) and

Booker Prize 2009 Shortlist: The Children's Book - AS Byatt

2009-09-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

Olive Wellwood is a famous writer, interviewed with her children gathered at her knee. For each of them she writes a separate private book, bound in different colours and placed on a shelf. In their rambling house near Romney Marsh they play in a story-book world - but their lives, and those of their rich cousins, children of a city stockbroker, and their friends, the son and daughter of a curator at the new Victoria and Albert Museum, are already inscribed with mystery. Each family carries their own secrets.

Into their world comes a young stranger, a working-class boy from the potteries, drawn by the beauty of the Museum’s treasures. And in midsummer a German puppeteer arrives, bringing dark dramas. The world seems full of promise but the calm is already rocked by political differences, by Fabian arguments about class and free love, by the idealism of anarchists from Russia and Germany. The sons rebel against their parents’ plans; the girls dream of independent futures, becoming doctors or fighting for the vote.

This vivid, rich and moving saga is played out against the great, rippling tides of the day, taking us from the Kent marshes to Paris and Munich and the trenches of the Somme. Born at the end of the Victorian era, growing up in the golden summers of Edwardian times, a whole generation were heading for the darkness ahead; in their innocence, they were betrayed unintentionally by the adults who loved them. In a profound sense, this novel is indeed the children’s book.

Author Biography

A. S. Byatt was born in Yorkshire in 1936. She attended a Quaker school in York, and went on to study at Cambridge. In 1972 she became a full-time lecturer. She taught at the Central School of Art & Design, and was Senior Lecturer in English at University College, London, before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. She is the author of The Biographer’s Tale and the quartet, The Virgin in the Garden, Still Life, Babel Tower and A Whistling Woman, and her highly acclaimed collections of short stories include Sugar and Other Stories, The Matisse Stories, The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye, Elementals and her most recent book Little Black Book of Stories. In 1990 her novel Possession won the Booker Prize and the Irish Times/Aer Lingus International Fiction Prize. A S Byatt was appointed CBE in 1990 and DBE in 1999.

Fight Club by Chuck Palahnuik

2009-08-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

The book that inspired the iconic film. A disillusioned salesman is drawn into the chaotic world of the mysterious, engimatic Tyler Durden and his loyal army of alienated, angry young men. Equally disturbing and darkly funny, this ode to anarchy is a stinging critique of the modern, money-driven world and a warning to those who prosper by it.

Watchmen by Alan Moore

2009-08-13T19:00:00.001-07:00

The greatest graphic novel of all time. A psychotic vigilante searches for the murderer of an amoral superhero against the backdrop of looming nuclear catastrophe. With Watchmen, Moore single-handedly brought comics to the mainstream, and did it in style.

Ransom by David Malouf

2009-08-13T18:59:00.001-07:00

A sublime homage to the iconic tale of King Priam and his desperate quest to retrieve the body of his son from the wrath of Achilles. Malouf weaves a humanity and depth into this oft-overlooked part of the Iliad that holds a candle to the original. A wonderful book.

The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

2009-08-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

This series has it all- breakneck action, hilariously dry humour and genuinely fascinating characters. Abercrombie turns the tired old conventions of the fantasy genre on their heads, and throws in a healthy dose of nihilism for good measure. A breath of fresh air from one of modern fantasy's best new writers.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies By Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

2009-08-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what romance in Regency England would be like if hordes of the undead periodically rose from the ground and feasted upon unfortunate livestock, servants and the occasional country gentleman? Here's your answer. A good read if you love Austen; a must if you loathe her.

The Lost Boys by Sam de Brito

2009-08-13T18:43:00.001-07:00

A stunningly raw account of growing up and losing hope in the Eastern Suburbs. Any Sydney male will recognise themselves in this tale of drugs, sex, surf and lost hope that captures the Australian psyche perfectly. Watch for de Brito's books over the next few years- he might just be the next Tim Winton.

The Prince of Nothing Trilogy by R. Scott Bakker

2009-08-13T18:40:00.001-07:00

A Holy War, an impending apocalypse, vicious political intrigue-all familiar themes, but this underrated gem combines the breathtaking heights of the best epic fantasy novels with a gritty, flawed humanity that marks Bakker as arguably the best fantasy writer since Erikson. The scope is tremendous and the quality of writing is the best I have ever come across-in any genre. I cannot recommend this series highly enough for lovers of great fantasy.

4 Ingredients 1 & 2 by Kim McCosker & Rachel Birmingham

2009-08-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the perfect cookbooks for modern times - cheap, healthy, easy-to-cook meals that leave plenty of room for a little creative flair. Highly recommended.

Some of us with our favourite books

2009-07-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

2009-07-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Getting lost in the Kids' section..

2009-07-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

We have entered the Bodytrim National Window Display Competition!

2009-05-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Wish us luck!

Dymocks Wynyard, Professional and Technical Bookstore

We LOVE Nicole Richie's "Priceless" ♥

Dymocks September Young Adults Book of the Month is Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Book 3: Mockingjay.

Dymocks' September Book of the Month is Philippa Gregory's The Red Queen

Redesign the Cover of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Competition

This August we're offering 2 for $40 on a huge range of Biographies. Come in and check them out!

Win your Book Club a Special Preview Screening of Stieg Larsson's 'The Girl Who Played with Fire'!

World Booklovers Day is Monday 9th August

Man Booker Longlist Announced

Now in Stock: 4 Ingredients, Fast Fresh & Healthy

2010 Miles Franklin Literary Award

STACKS OF HOT OFFERS!

We LOVE "What Next? Your Career-change Companion"

LOVE THE SALE ♥

We LOVE The Very Best of the Eurovision Song Contest: Over 50 years of hits on 3 CDs ♥

LOVE THE SALE ♥

iPad Portable Genius

Spirit Bound, the new book in the international bestselling series Vampire Academy has arrived!

2010 Dymocks Guide to Children's Reading

We LOVE the new Pocket History Collection ♥ !

Grab a great, environmentally friendly book bag for just $2.00

We LOVE SJ Bolton's Blood Harvest ♥

FANTASY BOOK OF THE MONTH: Changes by Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files, Book 12)

We LOVE ♥

New Release of the week

Official Stockist of Hema Navigator GPS

This year's Miles Franklin Award shortlist was announced last week

From Heels to Heights: Make your Mum’s Day with fabulous prizes to be won at Dymocks

We LOVE Sydney Free & Dirt Cheap from Frommer's

We LOVE Hugh Ambrose's The Pacific

Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year 2010

Announcing the new 2010 Booklovers' Best Top 101 List!

New Stephenie Meyer novella released JUNE 5 "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner"

Building Code of Australia 2010 and Building Books

Can a guilty face betray an innocent heart?

#1 on our Dymocks top 10 Fiction Titles

Building Code of Australia BCA 2010 now in stock

The titles longlisted for this year's Miles Franklin Literary Award have been announced

Construction Costs & Standards Guides now in Stock

Highly Recommended

We have been selling lots of copies of EM Hanley's "No Problem! 4 simple steps to solve any problem".Elizabeth is running FREE monthly seminars to accompany the book. If you're interested in booking a place, let us know.

We LOVE Horns by son of Stephen King, Joe Hill ♥

The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens - Reviewed by Angie Wilson

We LOVE Alexander McCall Smith's The Double Comfort Safari Club - latest from The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency ♥

#1 on our Dymocks top 10 Non-Fiction titles - Elizabeth Gilbert's Committed. From the Bestselling Author of Eat, Pray, Love.

Fall in ♥ with a Fictional Character!

Biggest Loser BIGGEST Aerobics Class!

We will be selling copies of Michelle Bridges' brand new Crunch TimeCookbook this Sunday at the Biggest Loser BIGGEST Aerobics Class!Michelle will be signing books at lunchtime.Help us to break a World Record!

#1 on our Dymocks top 10 House & Garden list - Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion

We LOVE Book of the Month The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova ♥

James A. Levine's The Blue Notebook - reviewed by Shandos Cleaver

Angels are the new Vampires! We LOVE Lauren Kate's "Fallen" ♥

Chandler Burr's You Or Someone Like You - Reviewed by Elena Gomez

We LOVE The Dragon Book ♥

We LOVE Diana Souhami's Gertrude & Alice ♥

We LOVE Dita Stripteese: Enter the World of Burlesque Superstar Dita Von Teese. See her Splash, Sparkle & Seduce in three exquisite flip books ♥

New British TV Serial Wuthering Heights

Non-book Gift Ideas for Christmas - or any other Occasion!

We now have Gorgeous Popular Penguin Mugs and Notebooks. Perfect Christmas Gifts for Booklovers. Come and have a look!

Non-book Gift Ideas for Christmas - or any other Occasion!

Top Gear Fans! Great Adventures Limited Edition Stig Helmet DVD Collection in stock! It has to be seen to be believed!

We LOVE Cautionary Tales for Boys & Girls by John Hay-Mackenzie. -Quirky kids' picture book perfect for Christmas ♥

We LOVE Andre's Australian Adventure: The incredible story of Andre Rieu's Australian Success ♥

Amanda Cole In-Store Book Signing at Dymocks Wynyard

The Five Greatest Warriors by Matthew Reilly

Christmas Shopping Event at Dymocks Wynyard

Critic's Choice

It’s time to order Euromarket Day Finder® 2010

We LOVE "Good to a Fault" by Marina Endicott

Spencer Ratcliff's Wonder, Thunder and Blunder Down Under - reviewed by Shandos Cleaver

Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith - Reviewed by Ron Reynolds

Tara Moss' The Siren - Reviewed by Ron Reynolds

Ian Rankin's The Complaints - Review by Ron Reynolds

Erick Satiawan's Of Bees and Mist - Reviewed by Tara Poole

Happy Birthday Dymocks

Dan Brown's THE LOST SYMBOL reviewed by Ron Reynolds

We LOVE Sense and Sensibility with Sea Monsters, by Jane Austen & Ben H. Winters <3

Possums! We LOVE "Handling Edna: The Unauthorised Biography of Dame Edna" by Barry Humphries

Booker Prize 2009 Shortlist: The Little Stranger - Sarah Waters

Author Biography

We have been selling lots of copies of EM Hanley's "No Problem! 4 simple steps to solve any problem".

Elizabeth is running FREE monthly seminars to accompany the book. If you're interested in booking a place, let us know.

We will be selling copies of Michelle Bridges' brand new Crunch Time
Cookbook this Sunday at the Biggest Loser BIGGEST Aerobics Class!
Michelle will be signing books at lunchtime.
Help us to break a World Record!