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.
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Sunday, 5 February 2012
The changing face of books
I've managed to "read" a few books over the Christmas break. Well, I'm not sure if it the right way to say it. Do you read a CD or is it listen to a book?. Perhaps it depends on the book.
The Kite Runner on CD was actually read by the author. That had some advantages, such as some accurate pronounciation of names and places in Afghanistan. But he had a deadpan voice. Whether describing the joy of flying a kite, or the cruelty of some of the events, his tone did not change. Maybe that was so he did not put his interpretation on the events, leaving it to me. I found this very similar to A Thousand Splendid Suns - an interesting story, and obviously dealing with issues which are quite confronting. But his writing does not get me involved.
March, by Geraldine Brooks on the other hand was read by a man who used quite a lot more expression, and changed his voice for various characters. I have read all of Geraldine's books (at least the ones I know of), and this is my least favourite. Think I just couldn't grasp the invention of a fictional character based on a fictional book. It reminded me a little of the True Story of the Three Little Pigs in that regard. Having said that, I still liked it. Her way with words is just fabulous. Most movies deal with the issue from the slaves point of view (very well too), but those who risked much to help the slaves, and the running of the underground are probably unsung heroes. Mind you, he was a bit of a dill.
The Kite Runner on CD was actually read by the author. That had some advantages, such as some accurate pronounciation of names and places in Afghanistan. But he had a deadpan voice. Whether describing the joy of flying a kite, or the cruelty of some of the events, his tone did not change. Maybe that was so he did not put his interpretation on the events, leaving it to me. I found this very similar to A Thousand Splendid Suns - an interesting story, and obviously dealing with issues which are quite confronting. But his writing does not get me involved.
March, by Geraldine Brooks on the other hand was read by a man who used quite a lot more expression, and changed his voice for various characters. I have read all of Geraldine's books (at least the ones I know of), and this is my least favourite. Think I just couldn't grasp the invention of a fictional character based on a fictional book. It reminded me a little of the True Story of the Three Little Pigs in that regard. Having said that, I still liked it. Her way with words is just fabulous. Most movies deal with the issue from the slaves point of view (very well too), but those who risked much to help the slaves, and the running of the underground are probably unsung heroes. Mind you, he was a bit of a dill.Interestingly, I am also "reading" Calebs Crossing" at the moment, on my brand new Kindle (thanks Rosie & Matt). No photo, they all look the same! I know Geraldine does huge amounts of research to ensure accuracy of the events. The only thing that is bugging me about this one is the "olde American" words. If I had a 200 year old Websters, it might help, but the Kindle dictionary is not useful with this one.
The Kindle will be well used and loved, alongside those gorgeous paper books which can be read, held, contemplated and above all, shared. Talking of which - Rosie - any ideas where my copy of Nine Parts of Desire is??
Maz
Note to Geraldine - I know there was a tiny bit of Australia in People of the Book, but since you are an Aussie, it would be great if you could write one set here...
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