It's one of those books that you can read over and over again and still experience the same stong feelings of excitement and sorrow, and can still be amazed at the vivid and often moving description of Alex's struggles and triumphs. Every time I flip through the pages, I am once again transported back in time and back to New Zealand, now miles away from where I read. You can't miss this one! Once you read it, you'll be reading it forever.

"Alex" is a brilliant piece of writing. It is thought-provoking and is just one of those books that you can't stop reading. Alex is someone who gives us all hope and ambition...she is a champion and a survivor. The book is well worth the read

I love Alex. She's an over achiever and though most of us aren't up there with her, we all feel overwhelmed and confused at times. I read Alex when I get to the same stage as she does in this book - nervous breakdown. Alex is inspiring to read, and helps me get back on my feet. She triumphs, and we both make it through. I really identify with her, the character and story is exceptionally well drawn - Tessa Duder is an excellent author. A must read, and re-read, and re-read...

This was one of my favorite books. I think though to enjoy it you kinda have to like the sport of swimming. If not the you may not enjoy it as much but it is still great!

`Alex in Winter' carries on from where `Alex' left off. Alex Archer has her place in the swimming team, aling with Maggie, but events still conspire (in the shape of Mr Upjohn and Maggie's mother) to stop her from swimming at the Olympics. She is also still struggling to come to terms with Andy's death, and maintain her family relationships. This is an excellent book, and like the rest of the series, is so realistic that it makes you want to cry in parts.

This is a marvelous story about a girl who dreams of being a conductor. Her single mother is a cellist in an orchestra, and Jellybean spends her days being quiet and ignored at rehearsals, and watching the conductor. Other complications involve finding out about her real father, and how others find out about her secret dreams. This book also shows what a New Zealand childhood is like, and is just overall a good read.

This is a great book for any young, female swimmer, or any one who knows the sport. It not only dealt with the issues of working hard for what you want, but also the good and bad times of growing up and finding out who you are. This book really motivated me to try my best in anything I try. I dont think I will ever get sick of this book( I've read it three times already).I also wish there were more books that dealt with young love the way Tessa Duder did. It was not distastefull in any way,it was very innocent and moving. So my congratulations out to Tessa Duder on a wonderful, inspiring book.**********10 star

I loved this book! It is an excellent read and is well written. The story is beautiful and the characters are believable. It's a story an girl can relate to, no matter their age. The emotions and trials of Alex are very real; it's hard to put it down until you're done! I recomend this book to anyone. Not only does it talk about growing up a teenage girl, but it describes things such as the personal struggles of competiting in a way that is different and refreshingly honest. Buy this book today!

i loved the alex books so much i've read the whole series 4 times . tessa duder wrote the books so well and i recommend it to anyone who likes a book that gets you totally absorbed . the characters are so real , you'd never know they were fictional it's the same with the whole overal stroy .It really is one of the best series i will ever read." nil bastardio carborundum" quote Alex .hahaha.Alex is such a strong character so full of emotion, so inspiring .I wish she was real so i could meet her . Tom and all are the same . the book has a sort of moral and gives you the view from all sides [as in characters]. truly the best.***********yet it's sad how so many people look up to her and can't see she needs company or some sort of friendship . in the book when she describes Tom as being larger then life , i guess it describes her to and thats why they suit so much .i love it

The book is very good, but doesn't have the emotional trauma of the first. not as intense.

Bingo Best is the daughter of a well-known television actress. When they move to Mercury Beach, a small holiday community, Bingo finds everyone as pegged her as a rich snob, even before they meet her. How does she cope with her unjust fame ? She gets stuck into the local fundraising and really re-organises the town - her way !