Who are the people behind The Reading Stack?

Chief Editor Barbara Brown has a background in software training, technical writing (IT) and desktop publishing. She is the mum of children ranging from teenager to pre-schooler and an avid reader of books for adults and children. When she was in Year 2 she won a merit award for “Most books read from the library”. And not much has changed since then!

Editor Sandy Fussell has a background in computer programming and systems analysis, and is a children’s author. She has primary and high school aged children. She loves all books except really scary ones.

With the support of friends, mostly IT professionals, we produce a monthly e-zine of book reviews.

How can I get a copy?

Enter your email address into the box on The Reading Stack home page and press Subscribe. Every month (around the 15 th) you will receive an email advising the latest issue is available for you to download at your convenience. You can download back issues from our Back Issues page.

Why do you do bother producing a free e-zine where no-one gets paid?

Good question. We love books. We love reading. And we found there were very few free online sites online where you could find out more about recently published books across all age groups and genres. We also try to support Australian authors and illustrators.

We were already telling friends and family about books we had read and thought we would go one step further. Plus we like to write reviews. It’s fun. But if anyone wants to pay us to write reviews – that would be fun too!!!

Why are there no names on the reviews?

Our small group of regular reviewers has no experience to speak of, with the exception that we love books. And in our eyes, that’s the most important thing. We know what we like and what our co-readers and the children around us like. So we don’t put names on ‘staff reviews’ because it wouldn’t mean anything. But we do of course, put names to guest reviews.

Why are there no bad reviews? How can it be that every reviewer loves the book they read?

It’s all about space. It’s true we don’t love every book we read. But we only have space to print about 34 reviews, so we choose the ones about the books we liked. That’s why we say The Reading Stack provides ‘recommended readings’, not critical reviews.

Can I review a book for The Reading Stack?

Anyone can review a book provided they follow the Reviewer Guidelines. Reviews by children are welcome (they know best what kids like to read!!)

There is no payment associated with a review other than the by-line acknowledgement. The Reading Stack is free so there is no budget to pay reviewers or post out books.

Where do the books reviewed come from?

The books we review are provided as review copies by publishers, borrowed from the library or taken from our own bookshelves.

What happens to the review books?

Sometimes a reviewer will keep a book they particularly loved and can’t let go J but most review copies are donated to preschools, primary and high school libraries. They are always pleased to receive a donation package, the publishers support this approach and it makes us feel good!

Can I reprint a Reading Stack review?

While all reviews printed are © The Reading Stack, we are happy to provide any support we can to Australian authors and the book industry. Please contact thereadingstack~at~people.net.au to arrange permission to reprint a review.

Copyright © 2007 The Reading Stack *** Information on this page may be accessed and read for personal use only. It may not be copied or communicated to other parties without permission.