Dim's Write Stuff

Pie in the Sky is the deliciously addictive debut novel by Brisbane author, Remy Lai. It's a story of fraternal love, grief, loss, realising your dreams, cultural adjustment, and more happily, cake! I absolutely adored sinking into this absorbing middle grade tale which is told in heart-tugging prose and entertaining line illustrations (also by Remy). It's an immensely satisfying read sure to spark laughs (and the odd tear or two) in readers aged 8 - 12 although I'm betting adults will get as much out of it. Judge for yourself from my review . Thanks to the sweet people of Walker Books Australia and to celebrate it's imminent Australian release this month, Dim's Write Stuff has not one but two copies of Pie in the Sky to giveaway! To enter, simply tell me in 25 words or less what your favourite food is to cook with your family? Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity . The two responses we like best will each win a copy...

Remy Lai’s debut middle grade novel, Pie In the Sky is one hefty hunk of a book (all 384 pages of it) yet it reads as effortlessly as a cloud-light Angel Cake. This hybrid graphic novel is an appetizing combination of so many elements attributed to crossing cultures and fitting in, you’d be forgiven for feeling as though you’ve bitten off too much to swallow however, Lai’s wit and sincere prose resonates warmly from start to finish producing one of the most satisfying reads I’ve ever consumed.   It’s hard to refrain from baking puns when reflecting on Jingwen’s story. I blame Lai . She has given the new-kid-in-a-new-country-in-a-new-school-finding-it-impossible-to-fit-in storyline a deliciously original twist by blending winsome characters into emotionally and physically charged situations involving frequent cake making. Honestly, there is more elaborate baking in this book than an entire season of Master Chef. Almost twelve Jingwen and his younger brother, Jangh...

What defines success for you? Have you succeeded when you get five sets of green traffic lights in a row? Is success not burning the evening meal or even managing to dish up an evening meal? Have you personally won, when you've gained second place in a writing competition? Have you reached your pinnacle after landing the world's most awesome publishing contract, with promises of untold riches and glory? Does the glow of success spread across your dial when a six year old student cries out, "I remember you. You're that author who spoke to us."?   Sadly, at times, I feel it's become an over exploited ideal, often inflated beyond the notion of simply achieving something you set out to attain. Fame, fortune and notoriety are often the measure of success these days in lieu of personal best, self satisfaction and humble adoration from you immediate peers. But it's a label we still all wish that, at some stage in our lives, we can apply to ourselves. So...