The Shiny Guys

by Doug MacLeod

'Wouldn't it be funny if they were real?'

'Shiny red men?'

'What if I were the sane one and everyone else was mad?'

Where does reality end and fantasy begin? This question is explored in Doug MacLeod’s The Shiny Guys. Fifteen year old Colin sees giant cockroaches that stalk him and eventually compel him into their world. Colin has a dark secret past that haunts him and his family. Will the shiny guys help him or drag him further into a refuge of fantasy? His ‘friends’ in ward 44 are carried along into the drama, but they have their own issues to deal with.


The Shiny Guys is shortlisted for Book of the Year and I hope it wins! This was a fascinating read and I would recommend it, especially for the study of Appearance vs Reality.

reviewed by Mrs Sue D.

Everything you need to know about SHARKS and other creatures of the deep

"Everything you need to know about SHARKS and other creatures of the deep" certainly lives up to its title. Living at 591.77 EVE this new book is fascinating. Our daughter, who has dived extensively around the world, found it engrossing – facts, amazing photos, trivia diagrams and catchy headings make this an excellent browse. The fourteeen "Who am I? " photos were particularly engaging. If you are into the ocean, fish, photography or adaptations you will find this book hard to put down.

Mr Kim C.

Issues in Society series

Our library subscribes to a series called "Issues in Society" and I draw your attention to some recent editions.The "Asylum seekers and immigration debate" is centre stage on our national agenda and this book is an excellent resource (published 2013) to inform and clarify one's perspective on this issue – political briefing papers, fact sheets from Government Departments, Amnesty International, the Human Rights Commission, Churches……Worksheets at the end would assist individuals or classes to synthesise the information.

Among the other topics that have recently arrived in our library are Same-sex marriage, Media Ethics and Homeless People.

Highly recommended for personal reflection, senior classroom use or debaters/public speakers.

Mr Kim C.