Yep, it has been ages, but I'm ready to get back into the blog world. Plenty of excuses with real life getting in the way, but it is nice to think I can return to what is really a web diary. No pictures with this one, as it is all literary. Tonight, the ABC had their final book club, revealing the votes of the all time favourite Aussie books. Top 10 made it to the show. I was hoping to find some wonderful titles I could read, but I've already done 9 out of the 10.
So from 10 down, they were:
Picnic at Hanging Rock. Well, I probably read it many years ago, and the movie had many girls from my school in it. Great unresolved mystery. I saw the rock a couple of years ago, and understand its mysterious aura.
The Secret River by Kate Grenville. I have read all or most of hers, but this was terrific, and being on a houseboat on the Hawkesbury really put you in the picture.
The Slap - didn't read it but saw the TV series. I thought the concentration of a charachter per episode/chapter was a good way of presenting the story from different points of view. I think not everyone would like it, but that is because some of the personalities were not likeable! I really enjoyed the show.
Magic Pudding - wow - I have always loved it. The concept of "cut and come again" to me is the epitomy of hospitality offered by those of limited means. In earlier times, people would always be welcomed in for a cup of tea and a slice, even when there was precious little to share.
Jasper Jones - the only one I have not read, but it has been recommended to me. On my list now!
The Power of One - by the very recently departed Bryce Courtenay. Didn't like it. Or anyting by him.
Harp in the South - read it a long time ago, and enjoyed it, but surprised to see it at number 4. What about books by Peter Carey or Geraldine Brooks??? Ex-pats to be sure but Aussies too.
A Fortnate Life - A B Facey - great book, and time to re-read.
The Book Thief - YES YES YES
And, number 1 - Cloudstreet - Tim Winton. I have the pleasure of "reading" this at the moment on book tape, and I am loving it.
So I am across the top 10, will have to look at the top 50 to see what I have missed.
