Madame Brussels: The Life and Times of Melbourne's Most Notorious Woman

Minchinton, Barbara. Madame Brussels: The Life and Times of Melbourne's Most Notorious Woman. 336p. 2024. ISBN 9781760644932.

Born into a working-class Prussian family, Caroline ended up in Brussels as a teen and quickly married a British upper-class man. The couple left Europe and arrived in Melbourne in 1871, partly to gain a fresh start, and partly to avoid the opprobrium of his family. Left to her own devices when her police officer husband was stationed in remote Victoria, she ingeniously turned to operating brothels to support herself, likely drawing on her own experience in Brussels.

 

Her primary establishment, strategically located near Parliament House, quickly became a lavishly furnished haven catering to Melbourne's elite, showcasing her remarkable business acumen. She adeptly navigated Melbourne's economic landscape, flourishing during the boom of the 1880s, enduring the depression of the 1890s, and facing the moral panic of the 1900s. Her death in 1908 marked the end of an era for Melbourne, particularly regarding its stance on prostitution, which transitioned from tolerance to complete prohibition within her lifetime. 

Madame Brussels offers a compelling biography, reconstructing Madame Brussels' story, guiding readers through a fascinating and vibrant period of Melbourne's history in this significant biography of an Australian icon.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23. 2019. 210p. ISBN 9781974711727. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Following revelations about Rin and Yukio's mother in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 22, the tragic past of Yuri Egin, is gradually brought to light as Rin observes with Mephisto Pheles, revealing her prior involvement with Father Fujimoto as a promising young Exorcist. Both were key players in Section 13's ambitious research, which focused on creating immortality elixirs and developing clone bodies to serve as vessels for demonic spirits. This highly experimental project, aimed at harnessing demonic power, initially showed signs of progress.

However, the research took a catastrophic turn with the unforeseen manifestation of a demonic spirit within one of the clone bodies. This wasn't just any demon; it was Satan himself, the most powerful demon of all. This catastrophic event marked a pivotal moment in Yuri and Fujimoto's lives, setting in motion the tragic circumstances that would ultimately define Rin and Yukio's origins.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 24.

Say a Little Prayer

Voris, Jenna. Say a Little Prayer. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9780593692745.

Riley distanced herself from her church after realizing her homosexual identity wasn't accepted within the congregation. However, it was the shunning of her sister for having an abortion that ignited a fierce desire for rebellion. Ironically, a slap administered in defense of her sister lands Riley in the principal's office, leading to a spring break sentence at church camp to avoid a suspension that would prevent her from participating in the school play, something she's been looking for all year. The only silver lining is the presence of her best friend and neighbor, Julia, despite the complication of Julia's father being the pastor and in charge of the camp, and the further complication of Riley being attracted to Julia.

Determined to challenge the church's exclusionary doctrines, Riley abandons any pretense of repentance and instead sets out to commit all seven deadly sins during her time at camp. Her audacious plan is to demonstrate to the other campers that sometimes acting "badly" can serve a greater good, hoping to spark a righteous revolution against the church's judgmental stance. Can Riley manage to convince the church congregation that Julia's father is wrong?

Ariise: Manifest the life you deserve

Marshall, Zoe. Ariise: Manifest the life you deserve. 2025. 239p. ISBN 9781761631344.

Ariise presents itself as a comprehensive guide to unlocking personal potential and manifesting abundance, going beyond typical self-help advice. Drawing on principles from psychology and neuroscience, the book offers actionable strategies for identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs. It aims to empower readers to take purposeful steps that align with their deepest desires, ultimately leading to personal growth, career advancement, and stronger relationships through what the author terms "co-creation."

The book's foundation is built upon the author's own journey of resilience and transformation. Having navigated significant adversity, including the loss of her mother and surviving an abusive relationship, she utilized the very techniques outlined in "Ariise" to build a meaningful and successful life as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur. Her personal story serves as a testament to the efficacy of harnessing the power of the mind for healing, self-empowerment, and the deliberate creation of a fulfilling existence.

Lost Legends of Nothing

Green, Alejandra and Fanny Rodriguez. Lost Legends of Nothing. Book 2 of the Nothing series. 2023. 320p. ISBN 9780062839510. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following their confrontation with Stryx in the Fantastic Tales of Nothing, Nathan finds himself once again isolated, but this time with the crucial motivation of reuniting with his friends and pressing forward on their vital quest of protecting Haven from Stryx. However, their journey is far from unburdened, as Stryx relentlessly pursues them, threatening the very existence of their world, Nothing. To further complicate matters, a war has erupted between the humans and the Volken, adding another layer of peril to their already challenging circumstances.

Once Nathan is reunited with Haven, Sina, and Bardou, their journey to the city called the Edge continues, fueled by Nathan's intensifying visions of Lerina, the only one who knew how to stop Stryx. The group uncovers clues suggesting that the key to saving Nothing lies within forgotten legends of the past. While unexpected allies emerge to aid their cause, new and dangerous enemies lie in wait, and a particularly potent adversary targets Haven's inner spirit. Amidst the escalating pressure, Nathan and his companions must strive to prevent two realms from tearing Nothing apart, defeat Stryx, and ultimately survive their perilous mission to safeguard all magic and its inhabitants from vanishing forever.

The Trouble with Heroes

Messner, Kate. The Trouble with Heroes. 2025. 368p. ISBN 9781547616398.

Finn Connelly, a struggling seventh-grader, feels overshadowed by the heroic legacy of his late father, a star athlete and firefighter who died two years prior. Finn's life takes an unexpected turn when he's caught on camera vandalizing a cemetery, specifically kicking down the headstone of a legendary local mountain climber. Instead of punishment, the climber's daughter offers Finn an unusual proposition: if he climbs all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks with her deceased mother's dog, his debt will be considered paid.

Over the course of three months, Finn embarks on a journey filled with misadventures, muddy trails, and surprising mentors. As he conquers each peak, the expansive views offer him clarity, slowly helping him understand himself and his father better. However, the mountains hold their own challenges, and with September approaching, Finn faces a final summit that proves to be a formidable test, potentially exceeding even a hero's capabilities.

In the Trouble with Heroes, Finn comes to terms with his father's death, and learns forgiveness and letting go. Fans of redemption stories will love to read about Finn growing up and gaining valuable insights about his own life.

Noise

Raymundo, Kathleen. Noise. 2019. 28p. ISBN 9781793189530. Available at GFX RAY on the library shelves. 

Cathryn is entering 7th grade. She cherishes her solitude and manages to secure an empty seat on the school bus on the first day of school. Unfortunately, a talkative little 4th-grade boy named Tyler is in the seat right before hers, and, after introducing himself, keeps interrupting her for tools like paper, pencil, and scissors. When he asks her for a balloon, Cathryn's temper flares, and she tells him to stop interrupting her.

Based on a true story, Noise explores the unexpected joy found in unlikely connections. Their contrasting personalities set the stage for a unique relationship that unfolds against the backdrop of their daily lives. Short and beautifully illustrated, this story demonstrates how these two characters, despite their initial differences, come to find happiness and fulfillment in each other's company. It's a tale that celebrates the beauty of human connection and the surprising ways in which people can bring light and meaning into each other's lives, even when they least expect it.

Candle Island

Wolk, Lauren. Candle Island. 2025. 352p. ISBN 9780593698549.

Lucretia and her mother seek refuge on the secluded Candle Island, Maine, hoping to find solace from the lingering trauma of her father's death and the relentless attention of the media surrounding her renowned artist mother. The island's rugged beauty and the calming rhythm of the ocean provide a welcome change for Lucretia, who spends her summer immersed in painting, exploring the unfamiliar landscape, and nurturing an orphaned osprey chick. This quiet existence offers a temporary reprieve from their grief and the pressures of their former life.

However, Candle Island holds its own mysteries that soon begin to entangle Lucretia. A concealed room within their new home and an angry girl named Murdoch are the first strange things Lucretia discovers. She then becomes mesmerized by the enigmatic presence of a boy with a captivating voice, which pique sher curiosity and draws her into the island's hidden depths. Much like the powerful tides that shape the coastline, these secrets and new connections inevitably pull Lucretia into their current, challenging her to confront her own emotions and discover the strength of her own voice amidst loss, art, and the complexities of human relationships.

The Thrashers

Soto, Julie. The Thrashers. 2025. 352p. ISBN 9781250377173

The Thrashers are the seemingly perfect and envied elite clique at New Helvetia High, comprising the wealthy and attention-loving Julian, Lucy, Paige, and the notorious Zack Thrasher. Jodi Dillon, Zack's childhood friend, was unexpectedly pulled into their exclusive circle as Zack's popularity increased,.Ten years after being best friends, Jodi is feeling like an outsider amidst their sophistication. However, the group's seemingly untouchable status begins to unravel with the sudden suicide on their Junior prom night of Emily Mills, a girl who desperately desired to be a Thrasher, igniting rumors and suspicion.

As Emily's journal surfaces and detectives begin to investigate, Jodi is torn between her loyalty to her newfound friends and the need to protect herself. The situation takes a sinister turn with the emergence of eerie messages and unsettling events, suggesting that Emily's presence lingers beyond the grave. Jodi and the Thrashers must confront the secrets surrounding Emily's death and the possibility of a supernatural force at play, threatening to expose their carefully constructed world and the darkness beneath.

At the same time, Jodi must rediscover herself and learn the circumstances of her own mother's death when she was two. Meanwhile, her entire world is unravelling fast. A psychological thriller with the possibility of supernatural involvement, The Thrashers will keep the reader on the edge of their seat!

Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves

Twilley, Nicola. Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves. 2024. 400p. ISBN 9780735223288.

Refrigeration is considered by many to be one of the most important modern inventions. Refrigeration allowed us to slow down the decay of food, and greatly reduced food-borne illnesses. However, refrigeration also standardized the foods we eat, reduced biodiversity, and transformed our concept of fresh food. Frosbite explores the profound and often overlooked impact of artificial refrigeration on our food systems, tracing its evolution from a source of novelty and fear to an indispensable element of modern life. 

Just a century ago, refrigerated food was a luxury, but today, it underpins the vast majority of what we eat, enabling the global availability of previously seasonal and geographically limited foods. The book highlights how this technology has fundamentally reshaped human nutrition, overcoming spoilage and revolutionizing our diets.

However, Frostbite also delves into the hidden costs of our reliance on refrigeration, revealing its significant contribution to climate change and its role in distancing consumers from the origins of their food. Through a journey across various sites within the cold chain, the reader examines the environmental and economic implications of this pervasive technology. Ultimately, it poses critical questions about our dependence on refrigeration and suggests a need to re-evaluate our relationship with the fridge for a more sustainable future.

Stargazing

Wang, Jen. Stargazing. 2019. 213p. ISBN 9781250183880. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

When Moon moves in her family's accessory dwelling, Christine meets a girl that is her polar opposite. Moon is bold, spontaneous and artistic, which is a stark contrast to Christine's own personality, despite their shared Chinese-American upbringing in the same suburb. An unexpected friendship blossoms between the two, which quickly evolves into a deep bond where they share intimate moments and dreams, including plans for the school talent show. Moon even confides in Christine about her visions of celestial beings who suggest her true home lies beyond Earth.

However, their seemingly idyllic friendship faces a sudden and unforeseen crisis. Christine, who has grown reliant on Moon's vibrant and supportive presence, is suddenly faced with the challenge of being the steadfast friend Moon now desperately needs when she is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Will Christine step up and provide the necessary support and strength for Moon during this difficult time?

Beautifully illustrated, Stargazing explores the true depth and resilience of a connection between friends. Both Christine and Moon are realistic characters who face growing pains and whose friendship evolves. 

Throwback

Goo, Maurene. Throwback. 2023. 368p. ISBN 9781638930204. Available as an ebook from Overdrive. 

Samantha Kang, a first-generation Korean American, has always struggled to connect with her mother, Priscilla, particularly over Priscilla's nightmare high school expectations. Following a significant argument, Sam is unexpectedly sent back in time, landing squarely in her mother's 1990s high school experience, with the reluctant mission of helping her teenage mom win Homecoming Queen.

For this Gen Z girl, adapting to an analog world proves baffling, despite her mastery of fashion. She grapples with unfamiliar concepts like microfiche and the prevalent casual racism and misogyny of the era. Surprisingly, Sam begins to see a different side of her young mother, even considering her a potential friend. This unexpected journey into the past forces Sam to re-evaluate her perceptions of her mom and herself, navigate a budding romance in the wrong time, and confront profound questions about the inheritances and losses within the immigrant experience, all while trying to figure out how to return to her own time. Sam discovers why her mother has such expectations for her.

Fans of the movie Freay Friday or of time travel will appreciate this light read about growning up and having the opportunity to better understand one's parents.

Naruto, Vol. 30: Puppet Masters

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 30: Puppet Masters. 2011. 190. ISBN 9781421519425. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Naruto and his friends have to split up again following their discovery of a hidden cave where Gaara was taken in Naruto, Vol. 29. Naruto tempestuously rushes in battle but soon finds himself imperiled. Sakura steps forward to take on the formidable Sasori, a master puppeteer from the Akatsuki. Accompanied by the experienced Granny Chiyo, Sakura faces the challenge of battling Sasori's undead golems, which he manipulates with deadly precision. The fight becomes a tense display of puppet mastery, as both Sasori and Granny Chiyo utilize their skills to control their respective creations.

However, the battle takes on an added layer of complexity as Granny Chiyo, despite being Sakura's ally, also possesses the ability to control puppets, raising the possibility that she might use Sakura as her own puppet. This creates a precarious situation where Sakura must not only fight against Sasori's relentless attacks but also remain wary of her supposed ally, adding a layer of suspense and uncertainty to the already intense confrontation as both Naruto and Gaara lay injured in the room ...

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 31.

The Song of Orphan's Garden

Hewitt, Nicole. The Song of Orphan's Garden. 2025. 352p. ISBN 9781250906045.

In a perpetually freezing arctic world, Lyriana desperately seeks the mythical Orphan's Garden, a sanctuary rumored to be free from the oppressive Winter Spirits and the tyrannical Giant king. This garden, with its healing trees and promise of warmth, represents her only chance to save herself and her younger brother, Zave, from the harsh, unforgiving climate. Their survival hinges on finding this elusive haven before the relentless cold claims them.

Meanwhile, Brob, a Giant boy, also seeks refuge in the Orphan's Garden after his family is banished to the deadly Winter Blight. Believing the garden to be his, as he accidentally created it with ancient magic, Brob is determined to keep it from humans, whom he sees as a threat to its delicate balance. However, when the garden faces imminent destruction, Lyriana and Brob are forced to confront their long-standing animosity. They must overcome the deep-seated conflict between their races and forge an unlikely alliance to save the only place that offers them hope for survival.

Wasteland: The Dirty Truth About What We Throw Away, Where It Goes, and Why It Matters

Franklin-Wallis, Oliver. Wasteland: The Dirty Truth About What We Throw Away, Where It Goes, and Why It Matters. 2023. 392p. ISBN 9781398505452.

What happens when we discard our belongings? Where does all of the waste go? Wasteland delves into the often-unseen reality of our disposal of all of the waste we produce. The reader is taken to the frontlines of the waste industry, from overflowing landfills in New Delhi and sewers in Britain to the environmental devastation of mining towns in the USA and the chaotic second-hand markets of Ghana. Through these vivid locales and encounter the individuals most affected by our consumption habits, the reader encounters both those exploited by the waste system and those striving for change.

Wasteland uncovers the surprising origins of the recycling movement, revealing instances of corporate greenwashing, and exposes the darker side of our charitable donations of used goods. It also confronts the long-term implications of our waste, including the staggering 100,000-year legacy of nuclear byproducts. Ultimately,, this book serves as an eye-opening exploration of the environmental and human costs associated with our throwaway culture, urging readers to reconsider the true meaning of "away."

In Limbo

Lee, Deb JJ. In Limbo. 2023. 348p. ISBN 9781250252654. Available as a graphic novel on the library shelves.

Deborah, or Jung-Jin as she was originally named, has always felt like an outsider since her family's move from South Korea to the United States when she was a toddler. From struggling with English and having her name mispronounced to feeling different because of her appearance, Deb experiences a constant sense of Otherness and micro-aggressions from her peers and strangers. As the challenges of high school intensify, her friendships shift and dissolve, and even her home becomes a source of conflict due to escalating arguments with her mother. Caught in a difficult in-between space, Deb's mental well-being declines.

Despite these hardships, Deb demonstrates resilience by finding solace and a path to recovery through art and self-care practices. Returning to visit family in South Korea, Deborah gains a new understanding of her family, her cultural heritage, and ultimately, herself. This journey of self-discovery allows her to reframe her experiences and begin to reconcile her dual identity, finding a stronger sense of self and belonging.