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Melinda J. Irvine

Australian content writer and SEO. When she’s not pouring over SmallBIZ analytics, keyword data or blogging — she’s watching Disney movies and building lego spacecows with her adopted son.

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Home » Book Reviews

Tag: Book Reviews

book reviews by Melinda J. Irvine

Book reviews by Melinda J. Irvine.

Not only does reading expand your mind and open you up to new possibilities, daily reading is essential to writing well.

When I was a little kid I was always reading — anywhere really — under the covers, on the school bus, or half-way up the mulberry tree. Sometimes I’d climb that old mulberry tree and jump from the branches onto the roof of the chook house — hiding under the overhanging leaves I’d read where my sisters could not find me.

Then in my late teens (working my first office job) I’d read from the car during the backseat commute, or in the tea break (and the lunch) my head would be buried in a book while everyone was talking about the boss.

I never went anywhere without a well-worn novel, and I dreamed of a career where I could read endlessly. So it seems quite natural now, to be writing reviews for the books I’m reading.

Lucky for you, my taste in books have expanded exponentially since my teenage addition to Jean M. Auel, Sidney Sheldon, Desmond Bagley, and (dare I say it) Jackie Collins.

These days I’m happy to say you’ll find reviews about art books, contemporary literature, creativity, spirituality, success, and how to become a better writer — as well as cracking thrillers, crime fiction, fantasy, and storybook classics.

My reviews are best suited to someone who is considering buying the book as I focus more on the quality of the writing, rather than just a blow-by-blow recount of the plot. I don’t usually include spoilers (but it if I do), I’ll let you know by the end of the first paragraph.

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your interest in my blog.

Melxx

PS: if you read one of my reviews and violently disagree, please leave a comment or send a message — it’s great to discuss opposing views and stretch our understanding of things.

book review -- this is marketing by seth godin

BOOK REVIEW: This is Marketing by Seth Godin

by Melinda J. Irvine3 January 20203 January 20205 Comments

This is Marketing by Seth Godin is not a down-to-earth practical guide to marketing. It's big-picture stuff and tends to chop and change ideas rather quickly. That said, I gave it 4 stars (the ideas in the book that is).

Reading Book Reviews, Marketing
BOOK REVIEW - Gaceful by Seth Godin

BOOK REVIEW: Graceful by Seth Godin

by Melinda J. Irvine14 December 201918 December 2019Leave a comment

This is a little book of 30 ideas which push us, prompt us, and dare us to move beyond our training to conform and comply -- and reach for something Seth Godin calls 'graceful'.

Reading Book Reviews
screen shot from The Dead Girl by Melanie Thernstrom2

BOOK REVIEW — The Dead Girl: A True Story

by Melinda J. Irvine9 November 20199 November 2019Leave a comment

The Dead Girl by Melanie Thernstrom is one of those books that has been popping up on my 'must read' lists for years (it was first published in 1990). It's a memoir written by a young college student who's best friend was brutally murdered.

Reading Book Reviews, Memoir

Book Review: Poetry in the Making by Ted Hughes

by Melinda J. Irvine12 June 20198 November 2019Leave a comment

This excellent book by Ted Hughes is a collection of the programmes he wrote for the BBC Schools Department ‘Listening and Writing’ series.

Reading Book Reviews, Ted Hughes
faith by tim costello

Book Review: Faith by Tim Costello

by Melinda J. Irvine4 May 2019Leave a comment

Faith by Tim Costello My rating: 5 of 5 stars It is easy to speak highly of book where you agree with nearly everything the author has to say, and in some ways acts as an endorsement for some of…

Read More Book Review: Faith by Tim Costello

Reading Book Reviews, Christianity, Faith
just finished reading the everyday work of art by eric booth

Book Review: The Everyday Work of Art by Eric Booth

by Melinda J. Irvine5 February 201925 February 2019Leave a comment

Imagine finding an award winning book (signed by the author) -- that teaches you how to awaken the extraordinary in your life -- in a second hand book bin for less than $3. ‘The Everyday Work of Art’ by Eric Booth is…

Read More Book Review: The Everyday Work of Art by Eric Booth

Art, Reading Art, Book Reviews, Creativity
Mao's Last Dancer - book reviewv2

Book Review: ‘Mao’s Last Dancer’ by Li Cunxin

by Melinda J. Irvine6 January 201925 February 2019Leave a comment

Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin My rating: 5 of 5 stars 'Mao's Last Dancer' has become a favourite of mine and I read it again between Christmas and New Year -- well listened to the audiobook compliments of the…

Read More Book Review: ‘Mao’s Last Dancer’ by Li Cunxin

Reading Ballet, Book Reviews, Success
Faunaverse Tasmania in print

Book Review: Faunaverse Tasmania

by Melinda J. Irvine30 December 201830 December 2018Leave a comment

'Faunaverse Tasmania' is a book of 26 fun and funky poems about the unique wildlife and flora of Australia's island state (Tasmania). It doesn't matter whether you are a kid or all grown up, you'll delight in Alex and Jane…

Read More Book Review: Faunaverse Tasmania

Environment, Reading Book Reviews, Conservation, faunaverse, The Wild

Book Review: ‘Cold As Ice’ by Lee Weeks

by Melinda J. Irvine28 December 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

Cold as Ice by Lee Weeks My rating: 3 of 5 stars A few weeks ago Simon and Schuster featured Lee Week’s British ‘DC Ebony Willis’ crime series in one of their newsletters. The first book was free, and books…

Read More Book Review: ‘Cold As Ice’ by Lee Weeks

Reading amreading, Book Reviews
amazing peace by Maya Angelou

Book Review: Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou

by Melinda J. Irvine20 December 201825 February 20192 Comments

This wonderful book was found in a shelf of ripped and jaded books in a little department store in the rural Philippines. I've been waiting until Christmas to post my review, and what a wonderful time to read it again.…

Read More Book Review: Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou

Art, Reading Book Reviews, Christmas, Peace
dead of winter -- lee weeks

Book Review: Dead of Winter by Lee Weeks

by Melinda J. Irvine2 December 201825 February 20191 Comment

Dead of Winter by Lee Weeks My rating: 3 of 5 stars This book was promoted for free on Kindle and Apple Books in this week's eNewsletter by Simon & Schuster (26.NOV.2018). It's the first in a crime thriller series…

Read More Book Review: Dead of Winter by Lee Weeks

Reading amreading, Book Reviews
a separation by Katie Kitamura

Book Review: A Separation by Katie Kitamura

by Melinda J. Irvine15 November 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

A Separation by Katie Kitamura My rating: 4 of 5 stars First, if you are expecting a page-turning psychological thriller (as I was) don't buy this book. 'A Separation' is certainly unsettling and makes you feel awkward (and at times…

Read More Book Review: A Separation by Katie Kitamura

Reading amreading, Book Reviews, Books
Book Review- the nine lives of Dudley Dog

Book Review: The Nine Lives of Dudley Dog

by Melinda J. Irvine25 July 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

The Nine Lives of Dudley Dog by Ann Hassett My rating: 5 of 5 stars My ESL (english second language) adopted son and I both loved this fun and curious tale about a naughty dog, birthday wishes and a mix-up…

Read More Book Review: The Nine Lives of Dudley Dog

Reading Book Reviews, Children's Books
boy reading The Moon Dragon

Book Review: The Moon Dragon by Moira Miller

by Melinda J. Irvine25 June 201825 February 20192 Comments

Finding 'The Moon Dragon' in a little department store in a rural province of the Philippines 2 years ago, began my real commitment to introducing Jerry to cultural stories and folk tales from all over the World. We just read it again.

Reading Book Reviews, Children's Books, Folk Tales
Diana and Her Rhinoceros by Edward Ardizzone

Book Review: Diana and Her Rhinoceros by Edward Ardizzone

by Melinda J. Irvine20 June 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

Diana and Her Rhinoceros by Edward Ardizzone My rating: 5 of 5 stars I'm not sure how long this old book has been in the family, or how many times I've read it. But reading it again was a delight.…

Read More Book Review: Diana and Her Rhinoceros by Edward Ardizzone

Children, Reading Book Reviews
book review- the sun and her flowers

Book Review: The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

by Melinda J. Irvine23 May 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur My rating: 3 of 5 stars As a writer and poet I felt compelled to read a recent New York Times Bestseller poetry collection. Especially when 'The Sun and Her Flowers' was…

Read More Book Review: The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

Reading Book Reviews
Me, the Tree by Ann Louise Ramsey

Book Review: Me, the Tree by Ann Louise Ramsey

by Melinda J. Irvine27 April 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

The earth has worked her magic on me, in return for my love of being a tree. Anne Louise Ramsey.

Children, Environment, Reading Book Reviews, Environment, Trees
book review - i've been there and back by joy mckean

Book Review: I’ve Been There and Back Again by Joy McKean

by Melinda J. Irvine13 March 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

Slim Dusty and Joy McKean's lifetime of travel, stories and songs I've Been There (And Back Again): Slim Dusty and Joy McKean's lifetime of travel, stories and songs by Joy McKean My rating: 4 of 5 stars You don't have…

Read More Book Review: I’ve Been There and Back Again by Joy McKean

Music, Reading, Women Book Reviews, Songwriting
habit stacking by S. J. Scott

Book Review: Habit Stacking by S.J. Scott

by Melinda J. Irvine2 March 201821 December 2019Leave a comment

Habit Stacking: 127 Small Actions That Take Five Minutes or Less by S.J. Scott (2017 edition). My rating: 5 of 5 stars Habit Stacking is a handy little book to help you make some simple changes in your day that lead…

Read More Book Review: Habit Stacking by S.J. Scott

Reading, WritingBiz Book Reviews, Habits
Book review- anatomy of a scandal by sarah vaughan

Book Review: Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan

by Melinda J. Irvine27 February 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is definitely a woman's book though I think all men should read it. I'm not sure how many will, If could insist upon it I would.…

Read More Book Review: Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan

Reading, Women Book Reviews, Women
jerry reads the magic pudding

Reading Jerry ‘The Magic Pudding’

by Melinda J. Irvine20 February 201825 February 20194 Comments

When I was home in Australia last October mum produced a box filled with the books I read and loved as a little kid. They all fit in my luggage too (returning to the Philippines) and Jerry loves most especially The…

Read More Reading Jerry ‘The Magic Pudding’

Finding Jerry, Reading Book Reviews, Children's Books, The Magic Pudding
Book review: Force of Nature by Jane Harper

Book Review: Force of Nature by Jane Harper

by Melinda J. Irvine19 February 201825 February 20192 Comments

Force of Nature by Jane Harper My rating: 5 of 5 stars 'Force of Nature' is one of the best new fiction books I've read in ages. I'm definitely a fan of Jane Harper now! Force of Nature is Jane…

Read More Book Review: Force of Nature by Jane Harper

Reading Book Reviews
Book Review the woman in the window - book review

Book Review: The Woman in the Window

by Melinda J. Irvine12 February 201825 February 2019Leave a comment

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn My rating: 3 of 5 stars When I saw all the rave reviews and Stephen King giving this book the thumbs up I bought it right away. But I confess I'm a…

Read More Book Review: The Woman in the Window

Reading Book Reviews
book review Back To Reality

Book Review: Back to Reality

by Melinda J. Irvine18 December 201725 February 2019Leave a comment

I think we've all had times in our lives when we'd love to reach out to our younger self and say "don't ... or ... keep going" and this book brings that concept to life in a way that's silly and crazy and just a little bit believable.

Reading Back to Reality, Book Reviews
BOOK REVIEW THE MAPS THAT CONTAIN US

Book Review: The Maps That Contain Us

by Melinda J. Irvine5 November 201725 February 2019Leave a comment

"On the clean wall of your bedroom, or on the space above your desk, imagine: a map of all the places you've ever been to. Run your hands through the islands, the bumps and the crevices. Imagine a line tracing…

Read More Book Review: The Maps That Contain Us

Reading Book Reviews, Reading
the way to write poetry | michael baldwin

Grandma’s Last Gift

by Melinda J. Irvine10 September 201725 February 20191 Comment

Finishing a book that's been on your reading list for six years always feels like an accomplishment. Especially when it's something my grandmother had specifically requested. Here is my Goodreads review of Michael Baldwin's "The Way to Write Poetry". You…

Read More Grandma’s Last Gift

Reading, The Writing Life book, Book Reviews, Family, Writing
the name of god is mercy

You Can Only Give What You Have

by Melinda J. Irvine14 August 20172 Comments

Ethical studies around charity and compassion are what interest me most at this time. I hope to do a lot of reading and research on this topic in the coming months and share what I learn here on the blog.…

Read More You Can Only Give What You Have

Reading Book Reviews, Compassion, Pope Francis

Reading Plato

by Melinda J. Irvine10 August 201725 February 20192 Comments

Since recommencing my freelance copywriting business back in January I've had writing assignments on a wide range of topics, but last week I had to write a short piece about the reading habits of extraordinarily successful people. It was a…

Read More Reading Plato

Reading Book Reviews, Books, Plato, Reading

Book Review: Demons at Dusk

by Melinda J. Irvine27 September 201418 September 2018Leave a comment

After a visiting the Myall Creek Memorial on the road to Bingara, NSW and subsequent trips to the Inverell library, I stumbled across this book by Peter Stewart. I managed to buy it from an awesome second-hand book shop in Armidale…

Read More Book Review: Demons at Dusk

Reading Book Reviews, Myall Creek Massacre

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About Mel.

Melinda J. Irvine is an Australian writer, poet, and blogger living between the Philippines and Australia. Mel is adopted mum to Jerry, a Filipino boy she met while volunteering after Typhoon Yolanda. All the money she earns as a professional writer is used to support Jerry’s recovery — plus help the other kids from his village go to school.

neXtDRAFT zine # 68.

neXtDRAFT 68. February 2020

Giving Back.

When I'm not writing or helping clients grow their business, I'm actively building an online learning centre for the kids of Botongon (Philippines). If you'd like to help out, please make a donation via PAYPAL. You'll get a proper tax receipt and regular project updates. More info.
2021 Melinda J. Irvine
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