A funny, poignant, realistic story of Tiffany's first love and first job, and the inevitability of change in the first summer out...
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reviews
Oct 11, 2011
Lisa O.
rated it: 
A Straight Line To My Heart is a cute, little book.
It's a snapshot of a week of Tiff's life, right after she graduates. She lives in Gungee Creek - a place where nothing ever happens - together with her foster father, Reggie, and her foster brother, Bull. For the foreseeable future, Tiff is going to start a sort of internship at a local newspaper, hoping it will lead to a cadetship and then to a proper job.
But it's not so much what happens in this book that really matters beca More...
It's a snapshot of a week of Tiff's life, right after she graduates. She lives in Gungee Creek - a place where nothing ever happens - together with her foster father, Reggie, and her foster brother, Bull. For the foreseeable future, Tiff is going to start a sort of internship at a local newspaper, hoping it will lead to a cadetship and then to a proper job.
But it's not so much what happens in this book that really matters beca More...
9 comments
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(19 people liked it)
Aug 01, 2011
Reynje
rated it: 
4.5 stars
“If you can’t get a boy, get a book, that’s my motto.”
(Believe me, the ‘meta’-ness of me using this quote is definitely not lost on me!)
From the very opening lines, Tiff’s voice is clear and distinct, flowing beautifully on the pages as she relates the events of Bill Condon’s heart-warming novel. I loved her as a narrator: she’s astute, self-deprecating, funny. With simple, succinct turns of phrase, her story is poignant, full of heart and humour. Ti More...
“If you can’t get a boy, get a book, that’s my motto.”
(Believe me, the ‘meta’-ness of me using this quote is definitely not lost on me!)
From the very opening lines, Tiff’s voice is clear and distinct, flowing beautifully on the pages as she relates the events of Bill Condon’s heart-warming novel. I loved her as a narrator: she’s astute, self-deprecating, funny. With simple, succinct turns of phrase, her story is poignant, full of heart and humour. Ti More...
15 comments
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(12 people liked it)
Sep 21, 2011
Brooke
rated it:
“There's nothing quite as good as folding up into a book and shutting the world outside. If I pick the right one I can be beautiful, or fall in love, or live happily ever after. Maybe even all three.”
4.5 stars.
What an opening line! I knew this book was going to be a good one.
Let me just say, first up - I love the cover of this one! It's simple and pretty and indented. When you hold the cover, the writing feels as if it's been punched with a Typewriter. Just More...
4.5 stars.
What an opening line! I knew this book was going to be a good one.
Let me just say, first up - I love the cover of this one! It's simple and pretty and indented. When you hold the cover, the writing feels as if it's been punched with a Typewriter. Just More...
7 comments
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(16 people liked it)
Aug 09, 2011
Readingjay
rated it:
There are a few films that you know, the minute the first frames have appeared on the screen, that you are going to love. There are some books, a few, that the first few sentences ... well, you know what I am going to say, and Bill Condon's latest is one of them. I was wearing a smile almost all the time I was reading, except when I was stifling a sob.
What a beautifully observed novel. It is told through the voice of Tiff(any) who has been swept up in the unconditional love of Bull More...
What a beautifully observed novel. It is told through the voice of Tiff(any) who has been swept up in the unconditional love of Bull More...
2 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Aug 08, 2011
ALPHAreader
rated it:
Nothing ever happens in Gungee Creek. Take it from someone who knows; Tiff has lived here almost her whole life, ever since her mum died and her aunt sent her to live with family friends, Reggie and Nell and Nell’s son, Bull. And Tiff can confirm that nothing ever happens in Gungee. Not since Nell died and Tiff was left to be raised by the boof-heads, Bull and Reggie. And not since Tiff befriended the pretty new girl in school, Kayla.
Since then it’s been a whole lot of local rugby ga More...
Since then it’s been a whole lot of local rugby ga More...
Aug 03, 2011
Miffy
rated it:
Bill Condon writes wryly moving novels that speak to the heart of family and the teenage experience. His previous novels have dealt with dysfunctional families, naive Catholic adolescents in the 50s, unusual blended families, and hard things to talk about like family violence and grief.
In A Straight Line to my Heart, Tiff lives with Reggie and Bull. The kindness of strangers has saved the younger Tiff from an orphanage. Reggie’s family are friends of Tiff’s aunt, who is unable to care for More...
In A Straight Line to my Heart, Tiff lives with Reggie and Bull. The kindness of strangers has saved the younger Tiff from an orphanage. Reggie’s family are friends of Tiff’s aunt, who is unable to care for More...
Jan 27, 2012
Joy (joyous reads)
rated it:
So check it. This is how it is in Australia, apparently. There is ONE school where all the writers go and learn how to write the most heartfelt, realistic stories of the human element. Seriously, authors like, Melina Marchetta, Fiona Wood, Leanne Hall, Cath Crowley, Hannah Harrington...etcetera...etcetera...Well, I just found out that Bill Condon also went to the same school! Imagine that. And you know what? I soooo could tell he went to the same school. His story telling style kind of follows t
More...
7 comments
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(6 people liked it)
Aug 21, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
Awesomely Aussie is how I would describe it. It’s heartfelt, completely down-to earth and a great coming of age story.
I had heard about A Straight Line to my Heart, and read good reviews about it. It was on my to-read list, but I wasn’t urgent to read it, but when I came across it in a bookstore, I picked it up and decided to buy it. And I am so very glad I did.
Top notch Characters. I loved them all. Real and enjoyable to read about. I also liked that the author introduced t More...
I had heard about A Straight Line to my Heart, and read good reviews about it. It was on my to-read list, but I wasn’t urgent to read it, but when I came across it in a bookstore, I picked it up and decided to buy it. And I am so very glad I did.
Top notch Characters. I loved them all. Real and enjoyable to read about. I also liked that the author introduced t More...
0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Aug 07, 2011
Lenni
rated it:
A Straight Line To My Heart was a quirky, fun and an all round charming read. This book was so tremendously Aussie that I simply could not wipe the grin off my face the entire time I was reading it.
I loved every single character Condon presented me with. Tiff was wonderful; she was an absolutely fantastic main character who provided me with endlessly hilarious commentary. As well as loving Tiff I also adored the entire cast of friends and family who accompany Tiff in this eccentric More...
I loved every single character Condon presented me with. Tiff was wonderful; she was an absolutely fantastic main character who provided me with endlessly hilarious commentary. As well as loving Tiff I also adored the entire cast of friends and family who accompany Tiff in this eccentric More...
Jul 24, 2011
Bec
rated it:
I had just finished Bill Condon’s upcoming book “A Straight Line to My Heart”, the story of Tiff, and Davey, Reggy, Bull and Kayla. Bill Condon has a way of writing about character that couldn’t be further from my experience or areas of interest. Yet somehow he writes in a way that so eloquently captures the essence of growing up, that I found myself nearly moved to tears on a tram full of strangers. The words in this book are sparing, but every one has an honesty behind it that makes the story
More...
0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 24, 2011
A Thousand Words
rated it:
I had just finished Bill Condon’s upcoming book “A Straight Line to My Heart”, the story of Tiff, and Davey, Reggy, Bull and Kayla. Bill Condon has a way of writing about character that couldn’t be further from my experience or areas of interest. Yet somehow he writes in a way that so eloquently captures the essence of growing up, that I found myself nearly moved to tears on a tram full of strangers. The words in this book are sparing, but every one has an honesty behind it that makes the story
More...
0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 31, 2011
Skye
rated it:
This review is also posted on my blog, In The Good Books.
A Straight Line To My Heart is a distinctly Australian coming-of-age story.
Tiff describes herself best as plain. She lives with elderly and tough Reggie and Bull, his son; neither are related to her. Apart from her odd living situation, she leads a fairly unremarkable life. That, however, changes dramatically over the summer after high school finishes forever for her.
Tiff will deal with the loss of loved More...
A Straight Line To My Heart is a distinctly Australian coming-of-age story.
Tiff describes herself best as plain. She lives with elderly and tough Reggie and Bull, his son; neither are related to her. Apart from her odd living situation, she leads a fairly unremarkable life. That, however, changes dramatically over the summer after high school finishes forever for her.
Tiff will deal with the loss of loved More...
Sep 23, 2011
Marj
rated it:
Tiff has had a hard start in life, but along the line she got lucky. Taken in by Reggie, a family friend, she joins the household, which is completed by Bull (Reggie's stepson) and their gorgeous dog Wolfie.
Theirs is a family of choice, their love displayed by comfortable silence, affectionate hugs and teasing banter. At its heart there's something very special - an ever present compassion and the firm understanding that imperfect people can love perfectly.
Tiff's coming o More...
Theirs is a family of choice, their love displayed by comfortable silence, affectionate hugs and teasing banter. At its heart there's something very special - an ever present compassion and the firm understanding that imperfect people can love perfectly.
Tiff's coming o More...
Nov 13, 2011
Clare
rated it:
This book reminded me a little of Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl - it's not quite as refined but seems to be built upon a similar kind of optimistic good will. Tiffany is an independent, kind-hearted girl who has just finished her final year of school. Her character has a beautiful simplicity that makes her seem younger, not quite naive but endearingly uncomplicated as though she hasn't been tarnished by life.
She has an unusual family setting: when her mother passed away her aunt couldn't l More...
She has an unusual family setting: when her mother passed away her aunt couldn't l More...
0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Nov 05, 2011
Carla
rated it:
I am so in love with this book it's unreal.
So, Tiff and her BFF Kayla are free! FOREVER! Schools out and summer is almost over, which means they need to go do grown up things. For Tiff this means working for a local newspaper and dealing with "the shark" who is a tough guy reporter, on the front lines every day to bring the all important news to the town of Gungee. The Shark totally shoots her down. Because he is a cold hearted journalist! Or is he??
Meanwhile, ba More...
So, Tiff and her BFF Kayla are free! FOREVER! Schools out and summer is almost over, which means they need to go do grown up things. For Tiff this means working for a local newspaper and dealing with "the shark" who is a tough guy reporter, on the front lines every day to bring the all important news to the town of Gungee. The Shark totally shoots her down. Because he is a cold hearted journalist! Or is he??
Meanwhile, ba More...
0 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Sep 02, 2011
Tammy
rated it:
A Straight Line to My Heart is a sweet and sad story of family, friends and love. Tiff wishes she knew her future was going to be secure and predictable, but it’s a little tricky when her Grandfather has predicted his own death and her job at the local paper is more like a slave job than a paper writing one. But as the week progresses, Tiff learns that things don’t always have to be done perfectly to have fun, and maybe, just maybe, she can just let her future come as it works out for her.
More...
More...
Dec 09, 2011
Cleo
rated it:
A Straight Line to my heart drew me in instantly. It starts off with a girl (Tiffany) reading in a library, as
you may or may not know i love a girl who loves to read.
I instantly started to like Tiffany and i felt like i could really relate to her as with the other characters.
Bull, Kayla, Reggie, The Shark and Davey really made the book for me, they were just so relateble and funny
and... real.
Thre is alot of aussie slang in here so if you don't kno More...
Sep 05, 2011
Holly
rated it:
If you're looking for a short and sweet novel that is completely down-to-earth than you've hit the nail on the head with A Straight Line To My Heart.
While the title may be a little cringe-worthy, it's worth pushing past if you're in the need for a refreshing read that steers clear of many of the cliche topics often seen in American YA such as cheerleading and high school cliques.
Tiffany hasn't had the easiest life but she's making the best of it with her beloved grandfather f More...
While the title may be a little cringe-worthy, it's worth pushing past if you're in the need for a refreshing read that steers clear of many of the cliche topics often seen in American YA such as cheerleading and high school cliques.
Tiffany hasn't had the easiest life but she's making the best of it with her beloved grandfather f More...
0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Oct 16, 2011
Jenny
rated it:
Gungee Creek and its cast of larger than life characters is a joy to visit. I haven't laughed so much while reading a book in ages. If I had only one word to describe this story, it would have to be, genuine - everything about this story and these wonderfully detailed characters is genuine. A pleasure to read no matter what your age.
Feb 04, 2012
BooksCelineReadIn2012
rated it: 
2.5 stars
The problem for me with this book is that is was too BORING. I couldn't sit down and finish it in one go. It was more like:
read one chapter,
ohhh let's play some piano,
read two chapters,
let's go on the computer,
you get the point.
So, as u can imagine this book took time to read.
The problem for me with this book is that is was too BORING. I couldn't sit down and finish it in one go. It was more like:
read one chapter,
ohhh let's play some piano,
read two chapters,
let's go on the computer,
you get the point.
So, as u can imagine this book took time to read.
Jan 02, 2012
Mandee
rated it:
This is the first book I've read by Bill and I'll be looking for more of his books now.
This was a really sweet story about a girl, her family & her friends and I absolutely love the cover
This was a really sweet story about a girl, her family & her friends and I absolutely love the cover
Aug 05, 2011
Erin
rated it:
A STRAIGHT LINE TO MY HEART was a completely down-to-earth read and I loved the rawness of that.
Full review: http://talesoftheinnerbookfanatic.blogsp...
Full review: http://talesoftheinnerbookfanatic.blogsp...
Aug 13, 2011
Jess - The Tales Compendium
rated it:
In A Nutshell:
A great new Aussie contemporary read that looks at what happens when you are faced with the fact that everything in your life might change and how you cope when there is nothing you can do to stop it. A fabulous story of growing up and going with the flow.
For my full review, please visit my blog:
http://www.thetalescompendium.com/2011/0...
A great new Aussie contemporary read that looks at what happens when you are faced with the fact that everything in your life might change and how you cope when there is nothing you can do to stop it. A fabulous story of growing up and going with the flow.
For my full review, please visit my blog:
http://www.thetalescompendium.com/2011/0...
4 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Dec 21, 2011
Jemima Puddle Duck
rated it:
What can I possibly say about this book to do it justice?? It was beautifully written, I really liked the characters, it was funny in places, and it warmed my heart as I was reading. The ending of the book was simply stunning, which is something I can't say about the majority of the books I read. Is there anything else that a fantastic book actually needs??
Oct 05, 2011
Christine
rated it:
Funny, poignant and heartfelt. Everything from the deceptively simple cover to the finely drawn characters and their irresistible banter is designed to steal your heart. From one of Australia's finest and most understated writers for young people. Just gorgeous.
Jan 15, 2012
Amy
rated it:
Really good. Could've been more descriptive but it was amazing nonetheless.
