Category Archives: Books

Wellington’s Finest

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Topher

TL;DR My top four poems are: Mi Primer Adios (My First Farewell). 70 lines. My Flick. A parody of a movie theme song. 68 lines. The Green Hills of North Ryde. A tribute to uni life. 76 lines Musings (2025 … Continue reading →

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1Q84 (2009) Reviewed

Posted on June 15, 2025 by Topher

After many weekends, I finally finished Haruki Murakami’s piece de resistance. 1Q84 was published in three volumes between late 2009/early 2010. Don’t believe the reviews. Yes, the book is quite detailed but it’s not a slog. The pacing is chippy … Continue reading →

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My kind of audience

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Topher

Every writer dreams of trending on the Times Best Sellers. It is, after all, the pinnacle of author success. Like the NBA, millions are after it but only 0.01 percent make it. For the rest, suiting up or charting remains … Continue reading →

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Dream (2024) reviewed

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Topher

Last weekend, my friend asked me what I had in store. Probably reading, I retorted. I’m fighting with this 2,000 page ebook by Murakami. He’s Japanese. I like the plan, he said. It’s cold and very rainy. Perfect for staying … Continue reading →

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The Alchemist (1988) reviewed

Posted on May 17, 2025 by Topher

‘And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.’ Some might be familiar with the phrase, taken from The Alchemist. I should’ve read this book twenty years ago but kept procrastinating. As they say, … Continue reading →

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‘Careless People’ (2025) reviewed

Posted on May 3, 2025 by Topher

A few nights ago, I crested this nonfiction title. Careless People chronicles Kiwi, Sarah Wynn-William’s, journey as a Facebook executive. Careless trended on best sellers lists. FB tried to ban it. This piqued my sis’s interest and I borrowed the … Continue reading →

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Easter Special: Ranking the Best Reading Apps

Posted on April 19, 2025 by Topher

Happening now: the Easter long weekend. Here in Sydney, the options are endless. The Easter Show. The rugby action. Blockbuster movies. The Sydney fish market…and a partridge in a pear tree. Upon closer inspection, these events are not for everyone. … Continue reading →

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Latest reads

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Topher

This will be the year’s first reading list. Finishing books is like placing an order online. Turning the final page carries a feeling of finality. Months ago, I started off the season with another hoops eBook. DeMar Derozan is one … Continue reading →

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George Orwell Quote

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Topher

‘Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past’. You might have encountered this reflection in the past. It’s from the novel 1984, which has been adapted into film. I’ve reviewed the 1983 version on … Continue reading →

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Five strengths

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Topher

Share five things you’re good at. In terms of fiction, I’ve released a story collection. Nonfiction? One memoir. Poetry…is on the cards. Authors can’t be one trick ponies. We must adapt and grow. Kurt Vonnegut and Albert Camus were versatile. … Continue reading →

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