I would just like to say, you've got one thing wrong, the fourth book in the Tommorow When The War Began series is not called 'The Killing Frost' it is in actual fact called, 'The Third Day, The Frost'. Why have has it been changed in the US? I think the original title is much better and it is how John Marsden would like it to be called. John Marsden is the most brilliant author to come out of Australia in years. His books, especially this series, are amazing. The characters become part of you, and they make you laugh and cry. It is must for every teenager around the world to read these books, it's a necessity. The only down side is that you never want them to finish, and when they do, you just want more and more. So a big thank you to John Marsden, of whom i have been lucky enough to meet on several occasions, and keep up the brilliant writing.

"A Killing Frost" is easily the strongest literary piece of Marsden's Tomorrow series. This third piece of the puzzle is emotional and extravagant and the resolution readers seek in literature is finally found.

The series builds up to the content of this book. The story climaxes on different levels several times. The complex plot is easy to grasp and carries the reader along. One can be caught in Ellie's emotional struggles and relationships one moment and find himself fighting along physically the next. Marsden continues to use his words to describe fear and courage in a realistic and amazing manner.

The thing that makes "The Killing Frost" stand above the other books in the series is that it can easily be viewed as a part of the series, but also manages to stand as a whole by itself. There is a complete story told in one book. It benefits readers who are unfamiliar with the series by concentrating on details of the present as well as informing the reader of the charachters' past experiences. For those who are familiar with the series, such attention to past events will bring back the memories and emotions of the previous two books.

This book is absolutely unputdownable! It has a huge amount of adrenalin and you really ought to check your heart rate as you read! I've read all of John Marsden's books except the new one which is coming out soon. They have got to be in the top five list of my favourite books. Why is this book called "A Killing Frost" in the U.S? We know it as "The Third Day, The Frost" in New Zealand and Australia. Thanks John Marsden for writing this brilliant series of books.

no matter how many times you have read the book. This is one of the most brilliant pieces of young adult literature ever published. The story is captivating, set in the current time in a small country town in rural Australia. The story of eight teenagers grips your heart and won't let go until the last page, and then you are hanging out for the sequel.

The lives of these young adults forced to adapt to a different way of life, is written so fluently that it feels almost as if you were one of them.

A timeless story which will never lose it's touch on the people who have read it and those who are reading it.

John Marsden is my favourite author, and the 'Tomorrow' series are my favouriet books. I even have two of them autographed!! His use of language to make a character 'speak' is amazing, more so is his ability to write from the point of view of a teenage girl fighting to survive each day of a war over Australia.

I started to read this book when a friend told me how good BURNING FOR REVENGE was. I new nothing about it, only that it was good. When I read Tomorrow... I was instantly hooked. The series is vey well written and packed full of action. There is a mixture of Action, Love, friendship and a strong will the group of teens to survive the downs of War, help free there families and return life to the way it was. It is the perfect book for young adults. If you like lots of Explosions and heart pumping, page turning, edge-of-your-seat excitement, John Marsden's Tomorrow series is the path to go down. From the first page to the last it catches you in it's grasp and won't let go until you die of starvation or are wrestled to the ground by family members. It really will take you to hell and back.

This Rare book hits the fan!

Every year for Christmas, my parents like to buy me several books that I would probably never hear of and never try...they call it broadening my horizons, and a couple of years ago this book was among the pile. I started reading it Christmas day and I refused to leave my room until I finished it. It is one of the most gripping, suspenseful, poignant, intelligent books written for teens that I have ever read. Marsden appears to be one of the few adults who actually understands teenagers, and gives us the credit we deserve. In this book, he tells a tale of 8 typical Australian teens, on a camping trip in the bush, only to come home and find their country has been invaded. Bonding together, they form an accidental guerilla group, who make a life for themselves in the Bush, while risking their lives to take back their country. Though the book is incredibly suspenseful, edge-of-your seat thriller, what Marsden does best is character development. He makes his book at one realistic with incredibly detail, and allows the characters to spend plenty of time ruminating on their actions, morality, their own fear of mortality, and their ability to cope with the death and capture of their friends and loved ones. Finally, here is a book, told through the eyes of Ellie, and thoughtful, down-to-earth protagonist, who allows us to see that teens are much more adult then many give them credit for. A must read.

Wow! These books make you feel like you're in there with them. The imagery is overwhelming! John Marsden creates the characters so vividly, you feel like you know them. When something happens to the characters, you are in shock. I feel like I'm in the story! The plot is amazing!It's so full of action! You're never bored. I couldn't put the book down! It leaves you in such suspense, you can't wait for the next book to come out!

One day I walked into the library, and one of the librarians handed me a book, "Here, you'll like this one." Well, I read it, 'Tomorrow, When the War Began.' I absolutly loved it! I didn't find out that it was a series until later, but I was absolutly enthraled when I read the others. I didn't talk to anybody for weeks; there was no ungluing myself from the books. I can't wait to read this next one. Please hurry up, Mr. Marsden! There is a wide range of fans waiting to nab your book off the shelf as soon as it gets there.

I absolutely love John Marsden. I've read nearly all his books:so much to tell you, letters from the inside, Nortons hut-they were all great, but this book was the best of the best. This book seems a bit shorter than the others, but it's probably because I read it so fast! Even though this was the best book out of the Tommorow series, I suggest that you read the books in order, otherwise it will ruin some of the endings. Here's the order: Tommorow when the war began, the dead of night, the killing frost(US)/The third day the Frost(UK), Darkness be my friend, Burning for revenge, the night is for hunting, the otherside of dawn. The last 2 books can be special ordered from the UK.

As a young Australian, reading this book reinforced the hardships the early Australians had to put up with. This is an amazing and inspirational story about a young mans life that had to put up with the hardest upbringing and the Gallipoli campaign. Even at the end of his life he was still able to call it fortunate. Its a great read for anybody.

Just over a year ago my girlfriend Catherine, and I were in Australia. Luckily a few friends gave us a present of this book. We were heading off on our tour of the country and thought it would be a pleasant time filler. It was so much more. Mr Facey's description of his childhood was a vivid portrayal of humanity and cruelty. The love his grandmother showed him was balanced by the physical abuse of the farmer to whom he was hired. His mother's abandonment of him and his siblings deeply affected him, and his search for her was a theme throughout his life. The country we were reading about in the book was just outside our bus window which made it seem all the more real. We were in awe of how he survived after getting separated from his co-workers on the cattle run. As we alked around Uluru we wondered how a young boy could manage. I felt I was a spectator in Man's most hideous hour as Mr Facey took us into the trenches of WW1. It was not hard to realise how the whole event had scarred his soul. Even when we learned of the deaths of his close friends and family his humility and optimism lifted the gloom. Back to the reality then of life after the war and how his fight continued for better rights for workers on the Sydney transport system. He rose to emminent heights in the bus company but just when things would threaten to go well some tragedy would knock him and his family. Again and again throughout his life he faced adversity with honour and courage and to share in this remarkable life through these pages was a privilege neither of us will ever forget.

This is one of the best autobiographies written by a non-writer that I have ever read. Despite its simplicity and straightforward style (or perhaps because of it), this book held me spellbound every moment that I was reading it. I recommend this book highly to anyone who has an interest in the human condition, the pioneer spirit, Australiana, politics, or just life in general! A B Facey is an Australian treasure, and his book should be required reading for all Australian schoolchildren

If there was a competition for the greatest Australian novel of the Twentieth Century, Cloudstreet would be in the running for the top prize. It is an indictment of the American publishing industry that it appears to be out of print. Although Winton was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for his later book, The Riders, Cloudstreet is the one that should have won it. Happily, the dramatization of Cloudstreet has endeared it to a new audience, but it it still worth saying: Wake up world, this is a classic novel.

This novel is a family epic, depicting working-class, ordinary, Australian life in an extraordinary and spiritual way. It follows the lives of two families, the 'Pickleses' and the Lambs, as we join them on their journey from isolation to unity. The entire novel, spanning twenty years, takes place in one moment, as Fish Lamb's life flashes before his eyes as he approaches death. Sometimes confusing, this funny, beautiful book is better appreciated with close study, although it can be enjoyed on any level.

Tim Winton's work was recommended to me by an Australian friend who is an avid reader and it did not disappoint. I was captivated by his freeflowing style and by his excellent character studies. The way he brought to life the characters of Sam and Dolly, Lester and Oriel, Rose and Quick, and Fish was a wonder to behold. I felt I knew exactly how they would react in any of the situations they found themselves. Although being a "Yank" I had to check in everyday with my "Aussie" mate to translate some of the slang words used by Mr. Winton in his marvelous story, I thoroughly enjoyed his tale of two families and the obstacles they had to overcome. The final paragraph of this book was well worth the effort it took to read it. Cloudstreet is a wonderful read and I am so grateful to my Australian friend for sending me this book. I highly recommed this Australian gem to all my fellow Americans!

This is a book is a book I will never forget. In fact, it is still something I think about everynight. How Marsden puts this young girls feelings and thoughts and all that good stuff into a book I would never be able to do. I have read it at least 3 times and I still can't put it down, even though I know every little thing that happens. The haunting ending to the story broke my heart. So anyone interested in this book, get it. I highly suggest it.

Told in first-person flashbacks and set in the mental hospital where the nameless protagonist recovers from a nervous breakdown, this story's message is: "The higher you climb, the harder you fall." Wealth and privilege cannot save your family from scandal, our protagonist learns, especially when your father is involved in dishonest business practices a la Enron.

The only honest relationship the girl has is with her mongrel dog, Checkers. She seeks comfort in his company as the media circles like vultures around her house, looking for a way to connect the girl's father to the stock market scandal that's brewing. She would never have thought that the connection they were looking for was sleeping on the rug in front of her fire.

I really liked this novel, and would have loved it if it wasn't about the fortieth book I've read that's set in a mental hospital. Mental hospitals have become way too clichéd in young adult literature. Other than that, though, it was a terrific story.

A Review by Robin

An Australian teenage girl lived with her mom, dad and brother in a beautiful home in the suburbs; and she had a dog named Checkers. She suffers from depression and she now lives in a mental hospital. She never had many friends, at school or at the hospital. She and several other teenagers attend a daily meeting called group. She has never said anything in group because she is afraid of what people will think of her. One day, she just couldn't handle it anymore. She had to tell somebody. This is her story of how she got there.

I like how this book tells a story about a teenager's life experiences. I can relate to them, such as depression and social issues. This story is suspenseful. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger. You just want to keep reading. The author doesn't give away the story of how she got in the hospital until the very end. You can easily follow the book with big font and easy to read words. And if you have any troubles with some "aussie" words, there's a glossary in the front of the book to tell you what they are and what they mean. But the characters were realistic, and seemed alive. They're just like people you would meet in an everyday encounter acquaintance. They were believable.

I would recommend this book to people who like stories about real life conflicts and experiences. It would satisfy your needs if you are the type of person who likes to read other people's diaries or journals. I would especially recommend it to any teenagers who think they have it rough or bad. You think you know, but you have no idea.

This book gives a anthropological/ecological/archeological/historical interpretation of human habitation of what the author calls calls Meganesia. (He compares and contrasts human occupation of the 'Meganesian' areas of Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia.) Most of the book is an interpretation of the fossil record on the impact humans have had on the environments of these places and how humans in turn were shaped by the land. The thesis states that humans decimated virtually all animal life within a certain size range (roughly 1 to 100 kg) leaving only those animals who were successfully evasive. The author also provides background on why the Austalian fauna is like what it is - lacking in placental mammals and diversified in marsupials. And how this ties into the ancientness of the Australian land, the limited fertility of the land and the vagraties of its seasons.

The extrapolation to modern humans is truly sobering. If we, as a species, do not change our course of impact on the environment, our future has already been written and it is that of Maori and the Easter Islanders as first seen by Europeans. The pain and trauma of this social evolution are clearly documented in their history. For Australia and PNG, the original peoples made it through this stage to reach a state of coexistance with the environment but the Maori did not. The Maori had only been in New Zealand for about 800 years before European contact and colonization. And at the time the Maori were going through a period of cannibalsim resulting from decimation of the rich fauna which had been in New Zealand originally - in other words over-population and over-exploitation led to fighting with neighbors over resources which in turn had the side benefit of supplying 'protein' to the winning side.

Grusome and sobering, this books illustrates history repeating itself and shows us our future.

Tim Flannery has written what can only be described as a the most comprehensive history imaginable of the lands making up present-day Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and New Caledonia. His fascinating account starts with the earliest breakaway of those lands from the super continent Gondwana, more than forty million years ago, and goes right up to the present-day, ending with Flannery's recommendations for preserving Australia's unique ecology.

Despite this mind-blowing multimillion-year scope of a territory covering an enormous area, the book never falters in its readability or interest. Much of it is highly speculative (as even the author occasionally admits), but Flannery presents enough evidence to make his hypotheses almost always seem plausible. I most enjoyed the comparison of the ecologies of New Caledonia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Australia -- despite their proximity, they are entirely different places, and those differences are reflected in their histories. Flannery's account of the destruction of megafauna in Australia and New Zealand is also well-told.

There should be more of these kinds of books: "biographies" of not just a land, but an entire continent (and its neighbors). Flannery has also written a similar book on North America, called "The Eternal Frontier", that rivals this book in its scope and excellence, but with that single exception, I can't think of any other ecological history that does such a fine job over so wide a range.

Tim Flannery's book on the ecological history of the 'Australasian lands' (Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, New Caledonia, with bits and pieces on islands such as Christmas Island, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, etc), is both timely and refreshing. It is a good and current overview of argument and debate concerning the complex interplay of ecological and cultural forces shaping these parts of the world, from before human influence, to the times these lands were invaded at various times by homo sapien from at least 40,000-60,000 years ago (New Guinea earlier), to the present. It is very frank about the current state of these lands, in terms of environmental degradation, and what things could be done about it. It is quite controversial, and as someone who works in issues concerning biodiversity, ecology and resource sustainability, I can tell you much of the material is cutting-edge, complex, and controversial at times. In many instances Flannery is speculative and original, but often entertaining. He does back his theories and views up with substantial argument and evidence, and it is this which makes the book a cut above the ordinary.

One particular feature of the book worth emphasising is just how different these lands really are in terms of ecology, compared to most of the rest of the world. Not only is the flora and fauna, both extinct and living, somewhat unusual, but in, for example Australia, the climate, the influence of fire, the poor fertility or soils, and the part these factors have played in shaping the ecological past is rather surprising at times. Maladaptation of modern culture to these sorts of things is also particularly striking (for example seasonal agriculture in non-seasonal climate-early Australian colonisers, tropical agriculture in cold temperate climate-early polynesians in New Zealand). Of course early colonisers wanted, in the case of Australia, to create a 'little Britain', so to speak, except that it is obvious after 200-odd years of settlement (and some of this has been rather odd), it isn't western Europe. Later idealists wanted another North America-Australia is similar in size to the USA, but it isn't in natural ecology.

The book is very detailed and quite complex to describe in short review. It includes chapters on early megafaunal and other extinctions from the arrival of early man in all locales, through to the present. It speculates about early human migrations to Australia, backed up for example by sediment cores from three interesting locales in Australia (Lake George particularly interesting). Discussions of diprotodon, megalania (an extinct 7m long lizard), giant moa, an extinct New Caledonian land crocodile, and 3m high kangaroos are some highlights. It is a complex story, but readers will be delighted in the unusual flora and fauna, the misguided 'invasions', the arrogance, the trials, the failures and the astounding successes alike. Some particularly interesting parts for me was the demise of the New Zealand Moa-the worlds largest extinct bird, the story of virgin Lord How Island- first seen by humans of any kind in 1788, the discovery that many of Australia's marsupials descended from South America (ancient Gondwana in origin), the extraordinary array of New Zealands birds in the absence of evolving mammals, the degree of evolved co-operation amongst Australia's biota (for example self-sacrifice, and strange examples of symbiosis), and the story of Easter Island and its human contact.

There is a lot of controversial and complex stuff here, but it is well argued. Flannery speculates for example that Wallace's line played an important part in the 'great leap forward', which I admit I didn't quite follow, with early agriculture in the New Guinea area, which spread outwards. I didn't agree with his assessment of firestick farming and agriculture in prehistoric Australia, and in this he differs from Diamond (The Third Chimpanzee/Guns Germs and Steel) in the reasons agriculture never developed in prehistoric Australia. He asserts that the reason agriculture didn't kick start in early Australia is due to poor soils, unpredictable climate (ENSO), and the prevalence of natural fire, not the lack of available biota. I don't think he is quite correct here, it is more likely competitive selection pressures, both *cultural* and ecological, in addition to isolation, did not facilitate development of the varities found in Australia, as compared to Eurasia. I also don't think his description of Australia's mineral wealth as a 'one-off', is quite correct. 'Mineral wealth' changes with technology, market and cultural factors. He also seems to miss evidence of some megafauna existing well after the arrival of aborigines in Australia, (it is a large and scattered ecological landmass) which I have come across elsewhere (eg Coonabarabran). I am also not sure of his view that high urbanisation in Australia is a modern maladaptation to the ENSO climate. He emphasises the influence of fire in Australian ecology, but perhaps over-emphasises in parts (his house was burnt down in a bushfire whilst writing the book, which may explain this!)

Nevertheless it is well argued and quite astutely written. The 'Future Eaters' refers to homo sapien tending to eat his future resources and overpopulating-as occurred in New Zealand, Easter Island, and parts of colonial Australia-for example-and the human disasters which resulted form this tendency. He has a wide knowledge of the material, and certainly there are many original ideas worth thinking about. Some of the arguments will surprise readers, particularly from northern hemisphere countries, primarily because southern land masses have been, and also will be, rather different ecologically from their northern counterparts.

I really loved this book. I wish I could read the rest of the series, but all I can find is the first 2! The characters are so real. My favorite character is Lee. The characters have matured a great deal since the first book, yet are just as likeable. I liked how they put in some of Chris's poems, like ELlie I couldn't make much sense of it, but they were beeautiful sounding. It's interesting how the author works in drunk driving in a survival book. I also thought the book had a good romance. I'm glad Ellie's with Lee and not with her original crush, Homer. I like the character FIona, she's great. One good part of the book was Harvey's Heroes! It made laugh until I read the twist at the end! (If you read it, you know what I Mean.) I urge you to read it1 I'm not into action stories, but Marsden's characters won a place in my heart.

I've read 2 of these books and disappointed that I can't get more of them..however this weekend I am picking up one I managed to order. The Dead of Night was just as good as Tomorrow, When the War Began; actually I preferred it although they were both awesome. It's not "medicore" in the slightest, it was beautifully done, and really makes you care about the characters. It's really refreshing just to sit down and read a truly good book instead of sitting in front of the TV and being sickened by commercials. I loved how in the Dead of Night they have Chris's poems in it. I couldn't make sense of them, neither could Ellie, but like her I thought the poems were beautiful and had a wonderful sound. The romance with Lee was good. I like Lee's character. The series has inspired me in my own writing. I love how they mix deep, serious thinking and analyzation of death, hot and cold blood, with action packed scenes, as well as romance. I definitely recommend you read this, if you don't read this, you're missing out on a treat from Marsden. Great job!

I was first introduced to this serioes at school, we were assigned to read it for English, before this book all books assigned to us in school were all garbage and I expected the same, as did most the other students in my class, most wouldnt bother to read it, so the teacher read it aloud in class, for most of it upuntil the half way mark I ignored most of it, until it dawned on me that this book was actualy sounding o.k. When I got home i got my copy from the bookshelf and actualy started to read it, and I read at any chance I had, and when I finished I read the second and third and then had to wait while the rest were written and released
The amazing story starts off with a group of teenagers going camping, and when they return the find the Australia has been taken over by another country, they go to the bush again to hide, but can't just sit back and do nothing and decide to fight back in what ever way they can, although unconventional, when all is said and done and the series is over they made a huge impact on the war, sometimes planned, sometimes fluked, of coarse not all survive and with every loss you can not help but feel the emotional pain of the others, it is the best comming of age story I have read, and although it is listed as a young adult series, it will be unforgetable to all ages and you will develop a bond with Ellie, Homer, Kevin and the rest of the gang, I have never fell in love with any fictional charactors the way I did with these guys, not even in T.V series
A story like this comes along once in a life time, do not, and I mean do not missss this book

I just finished Candy last night and I loved it! It is one of the few books that I would read again and again. From the second I picked it up, I could not put it down. Davies does a wonderful job of intermingling a beautiful love story and a horrifying heroin addiction. This book truly gave me insight into an addict's world. I still get teary-eyed thinking about some parts! Definitely read this one!

After reading Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, a hard, relentless novel with no space for tenderness, Candy came as both a shock and a surprise. I had not heard of Luke Davies before I read this novel but would reccomend this book to ANYONE. At the core it is a love story filled with hope, tenderness and that clinging desperation that only lovers can feel and that is what makes the book so challanging and moving. It isn't just about another junkie it's about two almost anonymous people, anyone really. I could not put this book down and it is the only book I have read twice with as much lustre the second time round as the first. The unnamed narrator and his wild girlfriend are strangely endearing and I couldn't help but sympathise with the downward spiral of thier lives. As a British person I could identify with the style of this book a lot better than any novel from America, apart from the setting the book could be about British people and I liked the ambiguity of that.

If you liked Trainspotting then you'll love this.

I read Candy when I was living in Australia (I am an Australian citizen), and was shocked by the fact no one I knew in the States had read it. Then I tried to find it here, and understood why none of my friends have read it. Being a first novel, being written by an Australian, and being set in Australia, I guess I may have been asking too much to expect to see it in US book stores.

This is however, an exceptional novel. I have never seen the heroin and drug scene portraid so honestly. The reader feels the addiction and pain of experiencing a life that is one moment pure agony, and the next excruciating joy. This novel provides a particularly important depiction of the drug culture, because it is neither condemnatory nor glorifying. It reminds us (well it did me at least) that we all have addiction in our life (if not pharmecuetical then an addiction to love, friendhsip or recognition). This is not an inherently evil thing, it merely makes a happy or stable life difficult.

I was most impressed by Davies' ability to portray male identity and sexuality in such an honest light. I remember hearing an interview on Radio National in Australia, where a critic stated that it was the most honest attempt to show how males really approach life and relationships. That may sound kind of depressing (the protagonist being a junky and all), but the reference is to the protagonist's attempt to find love and happiness, and his failures and successes in realising this.

I hope that this foreshadows a new move for new literature. I sure have had enough of the grunge/Gen X/hopelessness garbage that has been attempting to ape Easton-Ellis style realism. Books of that ilk litter the bookshelves of both Australia and America. Bring on Davies and his attempt to actually offer some catharsis and hope.

"The Thorn Birds" by Colleen McCullough is my favorite novel. It is in a category by itself and deserves more than five stars. I saw ten minutes of the miniseries on television and knew I had to read the book. I was twelve, and the story of Meggie and Ralph moved me to hysterical tears. I am now 18, and I have read the book so many times I have lost count. Set in the Australian Outback in the years surrounding WWII, it is the story of a girl growing up, learning that "The best is only bought at the cost of great pain...Or so says the legend." The courage and strength of Meggie despite the tremendous hardships of her life inspires me. I must admit I fell in love with Ralph de Bricassart; first with his name, then with the man. (I can only hope to find such a person!) All of the other characters--Fee, Paddy, Frank, Dane, Justine, Rain--are developed clearly throughout the story. McCullough is a genius for combining three generations of the Cleary family into one novel! I still cry when I read the story, for the love, and for the pain. The introductory story of the thornbird is a lesson for life: all sadness will pass, and one day something beautiful will come from that pain. A highly emotional book, "The Thorn Birds" is the best work of this century. It is worth reading to anyone who enjoys drama and romance, as well as suspense, action, and sadness! The movie based on the novel starring Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward is an excellent interpretation.

The Thorn Birds, by Colleen McCullough, begins in 1915 and spans three generations long. It is a complex story about the Cleary family that leave their home in New Zealand to live and work on a relative's extensive, Australian sheep ranch. At the ranch, the family experiences many tragedies and hardships including fires, floods, droughts, and devastating deaths of loved ones. The main character, Meggie, falls madly in love with a handsome man named Ralph. Unfortunately, Meggie is not able to marry Ralph because he is a priest. Ralph loves Meggie dearly, but has devoted his entire life to God. Throughout the novel, they experience great love and sorrow together. Meggie has children who become the third generation of the novel. The children bring her much happiness, but she still has a deep passion for Ralph in her heart. This forbidden love for Ralph will stay burning inside her soul throughout her entire life.

I truly enjoyed how the author used a lot of description and detail in the novel. This description enabled me to paint vivid pictures of the beautiful, Australian land in my mind, as well as clear pictures of the many different characters' inner and outer appearances.

This extraordinary love story was like an emotional rollercoaster. It twisted and turned leaving me feeling many different emotions including love, humor, sadness, anger, hate, and malice. I often found myself crying as well as laughing while I eagerly devoured every word on the page. It kept me reading and reading until the very interesting ending. I would recommend this captivating novel to anyone who is looking for a great story about life and love! I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as I did!

The Thorn Birds, written by Colleen McCullough, in my opinion is the greatest romance novel of all time. The character of Meggie Cleary is my favorite character in all of literature. Her strength, beauty, passion and love makes her a timeless heroine. Meggie and Father Ralph share a love story that spans many years and many heartbreaks. Even though they are not together, the book always has a undercurrent where you can feel their longing and endless love for each other, even though they are not together. In their hearts, they will be together forever.Meggie and Ralph are the Romeo and Juliet of the Australian outback- just as tortured and tragic. The miniseries was also fabulous--Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward make me speechless every time I see it. It is spectacular. Read The Thorn Birds and watch the series, if you are lucky enough to have the chance. You will never be the same--it's not just a book or a movie, it's an experience. Thank you Colleen McCullough, for such a wonderful story.