Books: High Jinx, Animal Records and The Man with Dancing Eyes

High Jinx
By Sarah Lawrence
Allen & Unwin

This is no Nancy Drew or tame teen tale. This book tells teen life as it is and as would probably shock most 'rents!

It's a story about a posh all girl's boarding school and its boarders. It's teen life as it is - heaps of experimentation, defying authority, trying to figure themselves out.

Jinx Slater is the main adorable character who you just love after about page 3. She's cool, sassy, fair, loving, loyal and a little deviant who likes to play up but also has her boundaries. Her and her crew get up to the usual mischief - sneaking out for nights on the town, the occasional recreational drugs and plenty of high jinx that gets them into constant trouble. A new girl at school creates all kind of tensions and upset but our heroine saves the day!

The point is they are teens and they are discovering themselves and, yes, that means some experimentation and trying new experiences. But, all in all, they are smart girls who are establishing their own boundaries and having fun along the way.

This is a really cool and entertaining read. It really does tell teen life as it is - it's about teens learning who they are and there's nothing sinister or scary about that!

BB rating: 5/5

Animal Records: Amazing Feats and Fascinating Facts
By Mark Carwardine
Allen & Unwin

Calling all animal lovers! You will love this book. Written by zoologist and self-professed animal lover, Mark Carwardine, this is full of quirky, interesting and fascinating facts about all number of animal species.

Ever wanted to know the animal with the largest appetite, or the longest living, or sleepiest - then all your questions are answered in this impressive tomb. Makes for a great pick up and read whenever, or to have some fun with friends quizzing them about some of the animal facts!

BB rating: 5/5

The Man with Dancing Eyes
By Sophie Dahl
Allen & Unwin

This is a great book, full of adventures and childhood memories. It's extremely easy to relate to and even more so to get lost amongst the characters and events.

Written by the granddaughter of author Rahl Dahl, you can tell by the moment you pick it up (not only by the name and great reputation of the author) but by reading the first chapter that you are in for a great story. The main character, Kitty, is unlike any girl. She has a life full of crazy events involving an extremely dysfunctional family (in her case, also a mother with nomadic qualities). You won't want to put the book down until you have reached the end!