A dreamy teenage girl’s world is turned upside down …
by the arrival of substitute teacher Solomon Andrews. But when a harmless crush becomes something more, it reveals a dangerous yearning that should never be fulfilled.
The Yearning, written by Kate Belle, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.
Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $17.99. Also available as an ebook for $10.99.
The letters written throughout "The Yearning" by Kate Belle are intimate, drawing the reader in. The language used is very mature and the content has depth. The female main character is very sure of herself on paper and so her love notes are written fearlessly; although she appears much less sure of herself in real life.
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn't until the end that she really "finds herself" and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
I've been reading other reviews for this book and am surprised at the number of comments indicating that this book is something for teenagers to read.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I'd keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
The use of bible verses throughout from "The Song of Solomon" is quite interesting. On the first reading I didn't really understand its relation to the story but I think that they relate in the way of the depth of the female lead characters feelings for her teacher.
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall "outside the norm" and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to "feel with the characters and empathize with them". The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you'll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find "The Yearning" to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in "The Yearning" is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question... It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
"The Yearning" is a book that will stay with you long after you've read it.
I was drawn in and engaged from the first page. When I first read about the sexual encounter between the 16 year old and her teacher I initially felt uncomfortable and a little sickened at the thought. But I liked that the author; Kate chose a taboo subject as things like this do happen. I myself found myself relating to the subject content- not in the same way as a teenager/teacher romance but yes as a young woman/ older male romance I was able to relate.
The way in which language is used is achingly beautiful and the story unfolds in an interesting way. I particularly love the setting of the story- as I myself live in a quiet country town. Kates' use of the english language does transport me back to the old Australian outback with all its rugged charm.
Even the cover of the book is poignantly beautiful and the title is simple, gives the potential reader some indication of what the novel will be about but still retains an elusive sense of mystery.
I have in fact read the whole story already as I simply could not put the book down for long but I intend to read the book through again to give a more substantial review.
At first when i just started reading it, i thought it was gonna be another book that id never finish. But after a few pages i could not even put it down.
It is a very captivating amazing story and i have passed ,y book on to my neighbor who is now also loving it
Whilst I wasn't lucky t be a reviewer I purchased it for a plane trip i went on & didn't put it down. I enjoyed the twists & turns, it was very easy to,read although I'm thinking a teenager may be a bit young. Plus I always like to read anything by an Australian, I'd give it 8/10.
I fully support Australian based stories and Australian authors. This book was a believable story that took me on their journey. Well written and well received. I have passed it onto my teenagers who read it and thought it was great read. They loved her letters.
An intriguing tale of youth, forbidden love and loss.
I must say that I thouroughly enjoyed this book. After posting my initial impressions of the novel yesterday, I have not been able to put it down and finished reading it this afternoon. Kate Belle is a very unique writer having woven such an evocative and intimate tale in The Yearning. Both characters are really well written and heartfelt, with Solomon being very much at the fore in the beginning and the young girl (who's name is later revealed) at the second half of the book.
I loved how Kate gave both characters a voice, the young girl with her notes to Solomon and his thoughts in turn. The ripple effect of their relationship reverberates even after a quarter of a century leaving them both wanting and lacking something in their lives; the young girl never finds a man who measures up to how Solomon made her feel intimately and Solomon can never find someone who adores him as the young girl did during their brief affair.
The Yearning is a beautifully written story about love,infatuation,obsession,discovery,loss of love and life. It may not be everyone's cup of tea( the controversial relationship may make some people uncomfortable) but I think it is so touching and evocative a story.It is really worth the read!
This is the sort of book , that holds you from the first page until the last. I loved reading it and have shared it with my neighbour who also cant wait to turn the page. It is a book I will recommend to family and friends as a must read
In the beginning I found this book quite disturbing because of the obvious age gap between the teacher and student. However, as I delved further in, I realised the intense feelings of love that this girl feels for her teacher. And we do go through life learning that age doesn't matter right? Anyway, I guess it is for the individual reader to decide for themselves.
Putting the age and other factors aside, the writing does arouse certain senses, if you know what I mean, and this can never be a bad thing!
I enjoyed the book so much, that there were times I didn't want to put it down. My husband also enjoyed some paragraphs that I would read to him, when he wanted to know what I was reading about. He described it as mummy porn! Ha ha
I am a huge fan of reading different and new books on many topics and I enjoyed reading ‘The Yearning’ by Kate Belle. It is an interesting and good read and it is rather mature in its content; so I would suggest it as a read for someone with maturity.
Whilst I wasn't lucky t be a reviewer I purchased it for a plane trip i went on & didn't put it down. I enjoyed the twists & turns, it was very easy to,read although I'm thinking a teenager may be a bit young. Plus I always like to read anything by an Australian, I'd give it 8/10.
This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,
very good story , would be happy to read it again!
I fully support Australian based stories and Australian authors. This book was a believable story that took me on their journey. Well written and well received. I have passed it onto my teenagers who read it and thought it was great read. They loved her letters.
I've finished the book and my opinion is that it was a good read. Interesting and thought provoking but not something I would read too often. Better for a women read but I didn't mind it. Its a real life type scenario and I liked how the story ended. I wasn't too into the whole underage thing though.
The letters written throughout "The Yearning" by Kate Belle are intimate, drawing the reader in. The language used is very mature and the content has depth. The female main character is very sure of herself on paper and so her love notes are written fearlessly; although she appears much less sure of herself in real life.
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn't until the end that she really "finds herself" and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
I've been reading other reviews for this book and am surprised at the number of comments indicating that this book is something for teenagers to read.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I'd keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
I'm not sure why I chose this book, I feel like I may have been too old for it. I found it hard to keep interested in the storyline and not sure what age group it should be for. I think it's too old for teenagers although teenage sex is so prevalent in society/social media, that this wouldn't raise an eyebrow.
Only a little way through, but already intrigued ...
I'm only a few chapters into this, but thoroughly intrigued already! From the synopsis and first few chapters you can tell that this story will not be without twists, turns and heartbreak. It's great to be reading an Australian based story by an Australian author.
I enjoyed reading The Yearning, it was really nice to read something from an Aussie author. I was a bit surprised at the ending but thoroughly enjoyed the story, glad we found out the name of the girl/woman telling the story eventually at the end as I wondered what her name was the whole way through!! Kate Belle has done a great job with the story, I felt compassion for the girl at the start as someone that young writing such passionate words.
This was a book I couldn't put down.It was a very well written and had me from the very first chapter. The characters were well portrayed and I found myself wanting to know more. The age of the girl made me a little uneasy but not enough to make me not want to continue reading. Worth a read on a rainy day ;-)
I love books that catch you on a line and reel you in. This was one of them and I couldn't put it down- I think I read it till just after 2am trying to finish it. My first thoughts on the book was a little confused about it going between the two characters but I soon followed and it was enjoyable hearing both characters points of view. I didn't really enjoy the age gap thing- it's just a book but its still inappropriate. I would have two thoughts about giving it to a teenager to read, you wouldn't know how they would take it. Anyway I would recommend that it's worth a read.
If you want a few hours to just lose yourself in someone else's drama then this is a pretty good option. The story is a bit jumpy but easy enough to follow and the characters really draw you in, making you want to just keep reading.
When I first started reading I got the impression that it was a "romance" novel, but there weren't many sex scenes and turned into quite an interesting tale about love, loss and self discovery.
The ending left a lot of questions for me that even a week later I am still pondering. ..
The use of bible verses throughout from "The Song of Solomon" is quite interesting. On the first reading I didn't really understand its relation to the story but I think that they relate in the way of the depth of the female lead characters feelings for her teacher.
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall "outside the norm" and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to "feel with the characters and empathize with them". The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you'll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find "The Yearning" to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in "The Yearning" is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question... It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
"The Yearning" is a book that will stay with you long after you've read it.
a follow up on my first review of The Yearning, it was a good book to read but it still read like one of those teenage love stories, the characters were great and you could follow the plot, it was like living a whole life in the one book i think the letter at the end was great it gave you a quick refresh of the book it was a nice touch
I chose this book to review due to the description, and although I am only a little way into it, I am enjoying reading it. I am finding that the letters she are writing are rather passionate for such a young girl...but that might be just me. I grew up in the 70's and am looking forward to reading more..
Kate Belle is a good Author. I enjoyed reading this book and it made my think of my younger years and the attractions that me and alot of friends had with other people in our teenage yrs. We all have had a yearning in our lives and this portrayed it very well
It was a very well written novel and had me hooked and I couldn't put it down, it's a read to the end novel. However, I am undecided as to whether it is a book I would reread.
The characters were portrayed and written really well and they clicked but the age gap in the beginning was abit unsettling for me.
This is the sort of book , that holds you from the first page until the last. I loved reading it and have shared it with my neighbour who also cant wait to turn the page. It is a book I will recommend to family and friends as a must read
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Article
12 Best Kids’ Lunch Boxes For School In Australia
The right lunch box helps keep little humans nourished while making life a lot easier for mums and dads! So to help you find the perfect one faster, we’ve put the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia in one handy spot.
Kids’ lunch boxes have come a very long way. No longer just plastic boxes for toting treats, they’re now durable, washable, droppable and best of all, easy for kids to use. There are heaps of different styles to choose from, and if you head to the bottom of this article, you’ll find more information on what to look for, how to choose the right one for your child, and even what to put in it!
Whether you’re after a colourful lunch box to match that new drink bottle, or a machine-washable option that saves you time, there’s something in our shortlist for every type of foodie.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to lunch box shopping, check out our comparison table below as a handy guide. (Use the bottom slider to see all brands)
The table below is a guide only. Products are subject to changes by brands.
MontiiCo
B.Box
Frank Green Lunch Container
Yumbox
Sky Gazer
Bentgo Modern
The Somewhere Co. Mini
EcoCocoon
Bright Star Kids
Stuck On You
Country Road Elysia
OmieBox
Style
Bag
Bento
Box
Bento
Bag
Bento
Bag
Bento
Bag
Bento
Bag
Bento
Colour variations
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Material
Fabric & aluminium lining
PP & silicone
Stainless steel & silicone
ABS, tritan & silicone
Fabric & PEVA lining
BPA-free plastic
RPET & aluminium foil lining
Stainless steel & silicone
Fabric & insulation lining
BPA-free plastic
100% cotton canvas & insulation lining
Stainless steel, plastic & silicone
Start price
$42.95
$27.95
$79.95
$49.95
$34.99
$39.95
$38
$84.95
$39.95
$54.95
$59.95
$89.95
Loved forits
Roomy size & machine washable design
Custom divider
3-in-1 design
Portion-controlled sections
Unique designs
Removable sandwich divider
Shoulder strap
Dishwasher-safe parts
Personalisation
Leak-proof silicone seal
Internal name label
Storage for hot and cold food
Mouths Of Mums Kids’ Lunch Boxes Comparison Table. (The products above are featured in our shortlist below.)
How to choose the best lunch box for school
When you’re searching for a kids’ lunch box, take the time to work out what will best suit their needs. If you make the right choice and invest in a quality one, it will last many years.
Box, bento or bag? If your child doesn’t like different foods touching, a bento lunch box is a great choice. Also, think about whether they prefer cut-up or whole fruit; a bento is better suited to cut food, while bags and boxes suit whole fruit. Bags are fantastic if you like to pack separate containers, like smaller bento or snack containers.
Freshness is a must – An insulated bag or box will keep everything cool and fresh until snack and lunchtime. But you can also get boxes that come with cold and ice packs. Remember, kids’ lunches often sit at room temperature for up to 5 or 6 hours before they’re eaten, so insulation and coolness are important. Check out how to keep school lunches safe in the heat.
Easy-to-clean design – Check if the box is dishwasher-safe, or for lunch bags, if they’re machine-washable.
Leak-proof – The last thing you want is a soggy mess at lunchtime, so if buying a hard lunch box, look for designs that are leak-proof with proper seals.
Child-friendly – Depending on your child’s motor skills and independence, you may need to start with a product that’s simple to open and close.
The right size – We tend to pack way too much in our kids’ lunches, so think about how much realistically you’ll need to pack for your child when choosing the size of their lunch box. You may also need to consider the size of their school bags.
12 Best Lunch Boxes For School Kids In Australia
Ready to get back-to-school sorted? From stainless steel gems to beautiful bentos, we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. So sit back and enjoy our curated Mom Guide of the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia.
These award-winning lunch bags have sold over 200,000 units – and it’s clear to see why. The interior of each large bag measures 29cm x 23.5cm x 7.5cm, making them big enough to fit multiple containers and even many popular bento boxes. Each bag comes with an ice pack for up to eight hours of cooling – and you have a massive range of designs to choose from.
Pros:
Interior name label
Fabulous large size fits everything!
Comes with an ice pack for day-long cooling
“A vote for montii co lunch boxes, lunch bags and freezer bricks (they really do stay frozen all day!!” (Megan)
“Montii lunch bags are the best and the freezer brick can stay frozen for ages I forgot one day and it was still cold after 24hrs”(Sarah)
Tired of apples not fitting in hard lunch boxes? b.box has solved this with its flexible ‘whole fruit holder’ that bends around the fruit rather than squashing it – genius! If you’re not keen on cutting up a fruit salad every day, this multi-compartment two-litre lunch box has handy homes for everything. It also comes with a gel cooler pack (a must for Aussie summer!), and it’s freezer-safe. Choose from a range of colours.
Pros:
Leak-proof silicone seal
Comes with a gel cooler pack
The square section is big enough for a regular sandwich
“B-box lunch boxes are the best…all parts come out so you can wash them super easy! So many awesome accessories available for them too!”(Kerrie)
“BBox lunch boxes are great and they fit in the large Montiico lunch bags. As someone has said, the ice brick that comes with it is amazing too”(Tash)
“I really like the B.Box lunch boxes.”(Kendal)
“Bbox is the winner in our community on repeat.”(Mums On A Budget)
Got a Frank Green fan on your hands? This is the lunch box to match their drink bottle. It comes in a gorgeous range of colours suited to all ages and uses 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel and quality silicone lids. Monograms, bumper guards and ice bricks are all available separately.
Pros:
Leak-resistant design for mess-free travel
Comes with two microwave-safe removable containers
Customisable with your choice of bumper, ice brick and monogramming (at an additional cost)
With the option of four, five or six compartments, it’s easy to see why Yumbox Bento Lunch Boxes are such a hit with Australian kids. They feature handy, pre-measured half-cup serving compartments to help pack a healthy lunch and contain absolutely no BPA or phthalates. Pop it straight into the dishwasher on the top rack for easy cleaning.
Pros:
Top rack dishwasher-safe
Includes five half-cup sections for portion control
Sections are labelled to help parents with a balanced lunch
If your little (or not-so-little) one wants a lunch bag everyone will comment on, this is it. Available in a range of stunning designs, they come with a long and strong handle and easy-use zippers. But good looks aside, what’s winning heart about these is their capacity – they hold up to seven litres of food!
After something a bit more mature? Bentgo’s Modern lunch boxes are a great option. They have a sleek matte finish in a choice of four stylish shades, including Mint Green, Orchid, Dark Grey and Navy. Each is cleverly designed with a removable divider that allows you to choose between using three or four compartments. Even better, they are leak-proof, microwave-safe and fine to pop in the dishwasher.
Colourful and easy to carry, these bags are insulated, eco-friendly and secure. It features aluminium foil lining that keeps food fresh all day long, and it comes with top-level carry handles and a shoulder strap, which is brilliant for those days when kids have a lot to tote. Choose from a range of styles.
Pros:
Roomy and stylish
Shoulder strap makes carrying easy (and great if schoolbags are too full!)
Zip-front pocket handy for cold packs or notes from mum
Large enough for the hungriest of school kids, this stainless steel wonder has a removable silicone seal in the lid to stop thick liquids from leaking. No more soggy anything! There are five handy compartments to make sure all of the food groups are ticked off, with a large compartment perfect for sandwiches, and smaller ones for snacks.
Pros:
Dishwasher-safe
Every compartment is leak-proof
Easy to open and close (suitable for younger kids)
Practical and customisable with your child’s name, these insulated bags tick all the boxes. You have a choice of five bag colours, and from there you get to choose from a huge range of designs and fonts to personalise it! Each comes with a mesh pocket for ice bricks, a top carry handle, a secure zip closure and enough internal space to fit a medium bento box.
Pros:
Machine-washable
Internal mesh pocket for an ice brick
With their name on it, you won’t need to visit lost property!
With a leak-proof silicone seal, these colourful lunch companions keep sauces and dips right where they belong. They come with six compartments, which convert to three for easy washing on the top shelf of the dishwasher. They’re free from any nasties and customisation with your child’s name – no more lost property, yay! Choose from box colours of Matte Navy, Pink Lemonade, Dusky Blue or Seafoam Green- if you can!
Uber stylish and as roomy as can be, these contemporary bags are perfect for kids of all ages who prefer to pack several separate containers. It has a 100% cotton canvas outer, an insulated lining and comes with a super handy internal name label. Just as great for preschool as they are for high school.
Pros:
Easy-carry handle
Internal name label
Stylish design, great for kids who prefer muted shades
Finally, a kids’ lunch box that stores hot AND cold food in one place! Designed out of necessity by a problem-solving mum, the OmieBox encourages low-waste lunches and ends the need to use multiple clunky containers (which always get lost!). The spill-proof individual compartments mean no mixing of savoury and sweet, and the 280ml double-wall thermos keeps soups and pasta hot for up to six hours!
Health professionals agree that kids need a good balance of lean protein, grains, fruit and vegetables throughout the school day. Skip the processed food and try to reach for whole foods that pack a punch in the nutrient department. Here are some great ideas:
Grilled chicken or turkey wraps with fresh salad
Crackers and vegetable sticks with healthy dips like hummus
Whole-grain pasta with cherry tomatoes and your choice of cheese
Zucchini slice cut into rectangles for easy stacking in an insulated box
That lunchbox comparison table is handy to have. It helped me make a decision on which lunchbox to buy next for my daughter who is starting kindergarten. I needed to upgrade her lunchbox but wasn’t sure which way to go. The table helped me with my decision. I ended up going with the BBOX and have found a cheaper lunch bag from a department store that it fits in.
I do not know if anyone else has picked up on this or not, but every bag mentioned in the table above is a ‘designer’ brand. There are plenty of more affordable options that aren’t over $40. I have never spent that much on a lunchbox – even from Smiggle. The cheaper brands last just as well too.
Getting ready for the return to school has started to kick in so this was a timely read. We have the yum box and i love it, it is so easy for my daughter to open and close on her own. I find the lunch cooler bags also a great idea however some days depending on what else needs to go to school, they can be quite bulky to include in the school bag. I need to do some more research this year as i like the idea of being able to watch it in the washing machine, that is a clever idea.
Along with all of the other back to school products; there is also a good range of lunch boxes available for people to buy. It has been fun to see the wide range of bottles and lunch boxes that are available for the new year for school and for work.
Lunch boxes have come such a long way since my eldest was a kid, he’s now 26! There’s really a solution to everything from food heating, cooling, dividers, pockets etc etc. Lunch boxes are a real fashion accessory and so on-trend these days. I personally love the Bento lunch boxes. They save on plastic and separate different foods.
I am such a huge fan of Bento lunch boxes and Bento. Food should be so many wonderful things; including delicious, fun, colourful and nutritious too. Lunch is a favourite meal because the body is ready for some more calories and a boost of energy. Food looks so good in Bento lunch boxes.
So so many fantastic options! We use the montii co ones for our kdis and swear by it. Its lasted 3 years so far and still standing strong, like new since the first day using it. They are so durable and i find cleaning them to be the easiest for us.
There are so many great lunch box option out there indeed ! I’ve always liked the Bento style lunch boxes for my kids. It reduces the use of plastic lunch bags and packaged food which aren’t very good for the environment and it encourages to present a good variety of foods (which is not only better nutrition wise but lao to prevent our kids from getting bored with same foods all the time.
There are some really fabulous options here. So many variations of colour, shape and size. I love the bento style lunch boxes, so handy to keep food separate and eliminate the use of plastic packaging. The machine washable bags are a great idea too. They can get grubby so fast, this would be so much easier to maintain
This has gotten much easier since my kids hit high school – they have strong opinions about their lunch boxes, so I don’t have to think about it so much anymore! However, I am strongly in favor of bento style boxes regardless of their age. They’re easy to clean, easy to pack, and invite appropriate sized portions.
Great article! Our kids are so lucky, when it comes to lunchboxes, they really are spoilt for choice. There are so many to pick from. Regarding sandwiches, my eldest son, used to hate sandwiches for school lunches. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered that he’d throw out his sandwiches in the playground bins. My son’s an adult now and he still hates sandwiches. He only likes “hot” lunches. So glad he lives on his own now and can make his own “hot” lunches just the way he likes them.
This is an extremely useful article!! 2 schppl going kids and third starting kinder soon means we are always on the lookout for lunch ideas and lunch boxes. This is a great list with features and prices listed to make the search easier and help with decision making for purchasing of the lunch boxes
This is super useful article and thank you. I can see so variety of lunch boxes from every store. Always wonder which one would be more convenient to use by little hands. I love some of these lunchboxes to give it a try for this year. And then decide to go with suitable ones
Wow, lunch boxes have really come such a long way from when I was taking a lunch box to school. Feel old, like “back in my day”, but we were lucky to have options like are available now. While I like some of these designs, I feel like they aren’t super practical.
These lunchboxes are beautiful but are they really worth the expensive price tag? I have been through so many lunch boxes and bags over the years and found the best it to use an insulated lunchbox bag with ice brick and use small containers to keep individual items fresh and assessable.
I love the bbox lunch boxes. They are so reliable and tough when kids throw their bags around. Easy to wash and store. I have used the we can be tiny snackies at home too. The boys love choosing a certain animal shape. They wash well, are durable and great quality.
My kids are old enough now to pack their own lunches and I am so happy to see the great choices they are making. They take left over meals, cook food in the morning to take and now I am confident they aren’t throwing away sandwiches! I do have the chilly bags for them, I find they fit better into bags
My daughter uses a bento box now for work and sometimes an insulated bag in summer, but when she was at school it was a rectangular lunch box with no compartments. It was very easy to wash each day, just the box and lid, and it could still be filled with rolls/sandwiches and snacks.
Lunchboxes are so important these days. Back in my day it was a brown paper bag or the exact same lunch box that everyone else had and there were three compartments. Today its such a fashion statement and as much as the lunchbox itself is judged so are the contents.
5:45 pm
Letters of Yearning
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn't until the end that she really "finds herself" and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
4:07 pm
Not designed for teenagers.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I'd keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
3:35 pm
An artistic Impression on the mind...
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall "outside the norm" and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to "feel with the characters and empathize with them". The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you'll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find "The Yearning" to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in "The Yearning" is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question... It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
"The Yearning" is a book that will stay with you long after you've read it.
4:00 pm
Heartacheingly Beautiful...
The way in which language is used is achingly beautiful and the story unfolds in an interesting way. I particularly love the setting of the story- as I myself live in a quiet country town. Kates' use of the english language does transport me back to the old Australian outback with all its rugged charm.
Even the cover of the book is poignantly beautiful and the title is simple, gives the potential reader some indication of what the novel will be about but still retains an elusive sense of mystery.
I have in fact read the whole story already as I simply could not put the book down for long but I intend to read the book through again to give a more substantial review.
9:41 am
Loved it
At first when i just started reading it, i thought it was gonna be another book that id never finish. But after a few pages i could not even put it down.
It is a very captivating amazing story and i have passed ,y book on to my neighbor who is now also loving it
10:03 pm
I was yearning to read this
8:04 am
Nice rainy day book to read.
8:48 pm
An intriguing tale of youth, forbidden love and loss.
I loved how Kate gave both characters a voice, the young girl with her notes to Solomon and his thoughts in turn. The ripple effect of their relationship reverberates even after a quarter of a century leaving them both wanting and lacking something in their lives; the young girl never finds a man who measures up to how Solomon made her feel intimately and Solomon can never find someone who adores him as the young girl did during their brief affair.
The Yearning is a beautifully written story about love,infatuation,obsession,discovery,loss of love and life. It may not be everyone's cup of tea( the controversial relationship may make some people uncomfortable) but I think it is so touching and evocative a story.It is really worth the read!
10:11 am
Captivating read
1:00 pm
An intimate story of love lost
Putting the age and other factors aside, the writing does arouse certain senses, if you know what I mean, and this can never be a bad thing!
I enjoyed the book so much, that there were times I didn't want to put it down. My husband also enjoyed some paragraphs that I would read to him, when he wanted to know what I was reading about. He described it as mummy porn! Ha ha
Would recommend this book.
3:19 pm
The Yearning
10:03 pm
I was yearning to read this
5:21 pm
SO GOOD
very good story , would be happy to read it again!
8:04 am
Nice rainy day book to read.
3:27 pm
Good read.
5:45 pm
Letters of Yearning
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn't until the end that she really "finds herself" and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
9:16 pm
The Yearning - A good read
It read fluently both in plot and the continuity of the characters, however I am not sure it is a book I would add to my book case to reread.
It bought back memories of the crushes and the volatility of the teen years.
Good read if you want something not to heavy
4:07 pm
Not designed for teenagers.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I'd keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
1:25 pm
Not for me at all.
12:51 pm
Only a little way through, but already intrigued ...
7:38 pm
A great read
3:53 pm
Final verdict
8:48 pm
Hooks you in.
3:37 pm
Nice easy ready over a hot coffee...
When I first started reading I got the impression that it was a "romance" novel, but there weren't many sex scenes and turned into quite an interesting tale about love, loss and self discovery.
The ending left a lot of questions for me that even a week later I am still pondering. ..
3:35 pm
An artistic Impression on the mind...
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall "outside the norm" and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to "feel with the characters and empathize with them". The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you'll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find "The Yearning" to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in "The Yearning" is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question... It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
"The Yearning" is a book that will stay with you long after you've read it.
9:41 pm
for a teenager its a great book
12:53 pm
Good read so far
11:47 am
Interesting
12:27 pm
'The Yearning' Undecided
The characters were portrayed and written really well and they clicked but the age gap in the beginning was abit unsettling for me.
10:11 am
Captivating read
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