Aussie Readers discussion

Hi and thanks for the invite Mandy,

I live in Perth. Unfortunately I only have a 7 minute train ride to work and am also in the last semesterof my Masters in environmental sustainability, which have both seriously limited my reading time. However, I am moving to Spain at the end of the year to work in a dive resort, so hope to get a lot of lazing on the beach reading then.

In the meantime, my friend and I have created our own book review website (www.ourbookclub.net.au) as we love reading and have totally different opinions and wanted to collate all the information we have about books. We are always on the lookout for something different to read so this should be a great place of ideas.

Tracy wrote: "... In the meantime, my friend and I have created our own book review website (www.ourbookclub.net.au) as we love reading and have totally different opinions and wanted to collate all the information we have about books. We are always on the lookout for something different to read so this should be a great place of ideas...."


I like your website. How do you ever get time to put together a site like that and studying too.

Welcome to the Group Tracy.

Glad you like it. I work full-time as well :-) I suppose we started talking about all the books we were reading etc and we also go to a bookclub, so thought we would just put everything in one place. We both travel a bit, so it is easy to see what we are reading etc. It is a great outlet from the study/work scenario.

Thank you Carmel, I'm glad you like them, I have written Haiku, Sonnets, free verse, traditional rhyme & my love Aussie bush poetry.

I love those poems, David.

Welcome to all the newcomers, epecially, Tracy, another Perthite! There are not very many of us but we're amongst mates here, all very friendly.

Hi All
My name is Janelle and I live in Ellenbrook, Western Australia. I rediscovered my love of reading 6 years ago when I started reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon - and have been reading like a fiend ever since.
My favourite genres are Historical Fiction (Diana Gabaldon, Sara Donati, Paullina Simons), Paranormal (J R Ward) and Young Adult Fiction (Suzanne Collins, Cassandra Clare, Maggie Stiefvater).
I look forward to chatting and getting some great book recommendations.

David wrote: "Jan & Gail, most Japanese poetry is based on Haiku & it is one of the oldest forms of poetry in the world.
Unfortunately (& this is only my opinion & what I have researched) some early American ac..."

Hi David, I'm not a poetry person, but loved those two. Heartfelt with the ability to make me smile..:)

Thank you Jan & Brenda, Brenda I have some other samples in the 'Aussie author spotlight' page.(-:

Dear Tracy,

If you are looking for something different I'm thinking you might be interested in my book Crossing Paths. It has an international setting,is inspired by a real online book club and features journal entries for 52 books, book excerpts and poems as well as three sets of lovers!

Debbie Robson

My name is Ashleigh and I just joined GR.
I live in Perth and am studying Forensic Investigation at ECU. Ever since I remember I've been reading books. I do have a wide range of tastes in books, but I am currently going through a "female protagonist, set within 13th century and 18th century, historical fiction". But right now I want to read books about fairies if anyone knows of good ones for adults.

Apart from Uni and Reading, I enjoy writing poetry and my DeviantArt page can be accessed so take a look! Apart from that, I like watching movies and spending time with nature.

anyway, thanks for reading (if u did).

xo Ash

Welcome to the group Ashleigh. Hmmmmmm Fairies in an adult book? That is an interesting challenge to set for us. The last fairy book I read was Artemis Fowl, not strictly speaking an adults book though I know a lot of adults that have read and enjoyed them. (Me included). I'll keep thinking about it.

Ashleigh wrote: " But right now I want to read books about fairies if anyone knows of good ones for adults..."

Ashleigh have you tried the book 'communities' at Amazon? Here are a couple to do with all things Fae!

http://www.amazon.com/tag/fairies/ref...

http://www.amazon.com/tag/faerie/ref=...

And here is a discussion "i really need help finding good fae or fairy books. please help!"

http://www.amazon.com/tag/fairies/for...

Plus if you go to the top of this screen and click on groups, then do a search for 'faeries' or 'fairies' etc. you'll find plenty of Goodreads groups that you might be interested in.

All these links have plenty of recommendations for books.:)

And of course don't forget our own folder "if you like... you'll like..." - get us started with suggestions of ones you've already enjoyed over there, please, as I'm a bit interested also. :)

thanks!! I'll begin the research! :)

thanks!! I'll begin the research! :)

I lived in Darwin 11/93 to 1/95. We were living right next to the Leanyer shopping centre. Has the Wet started yet? Probably a bit early. I much preferred it to the Dry. I loved the storms in the Wet -- thunderbolt and lightning for me every time, and that smell of sulphur in the air.
I too liked the Diana Gabaldon books, but got bored with the last two. These days I mosty read crime and biography. I write historicals, and have got a new one, "Shakespeare's Will" out in a month.

Hi everyone, my name is Emma and I live in Melbourne.

I like reading a little bit of everything except for crime, thrillers and really serious sci-fi/fantasy that turns into a massive series! I like to change genres all the time and don't like reading books that are similar in anyway back-to-back.

I have some silly reading rules like I always finish a book once I start it and only read one book at a time even though there are always too many books I want to read.

My favourite Aussie authors are Sonya Hartnett and Richard Flanagan.

Although I fear joining this group will only add to my to-read list I have joined anyway!

Hi to all the new people!
Emma,we have a 'How do you control your TBR list' discussion topic here, which has a few suggestions and many confessions!

Hi, everyone. I am Regan and I live just outside the ACT border. I am 17-years-old and I enjoy reading, watching movies, playing video-games, drawing/sculpting, and writing when inspired.

Much of my to-read list is filled with old classics and that is mainly what I enjoy reading. I do not have a favourite genre, but my favourite novel is In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. Mainly because I love the writing style of journalists turned authors, but I also love Capote's amazing talent for detail. He describes scenery beautifully and intricately, without it feeling like a long ramble.

Anywho, that's me. I guess I will see you guys around. :D

Welcome to the group Regan.

Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Welcome to the group Regan."

Thank you very much. I'm glad to be here. :)

Meredith wrote: "I lived in Darwin 11/93 to 1/95. We were living right next to the Leanyer shopping centre. Has the Wet started yet? Probably a bit early. I much preferred it to the Dry. I loved the storms in the W..."


Meredith, the wet has definitely started. We have had strange weather this year, the dry lasting barely a cople of months,if that. I like the wet too, but it has been so hot lately, that it jas been trying. I think if you came back to visit, you would be surprised at how much development has taken place, especially in the city and new suburbs, especially in Palmerston.

Meredith wrote: "I lived in Darwin 11/93 to 1/95. ..."

Meredith, forgot to say please feel free to join us in the NT thread below, it is a bit quiet down there.

Carmel wrote: "Janelle wrote: "Hi All
My name is Janelle and I live in Ellenbrook, Western Australia. My favourite genres are Historical Fiction (Diana Gabaldon, Sara Donati, Paullina Simons), Paranormal (J R Wa..."

Hi Janelle,
My brother lives in Ellenbrook it is a nice place. I also like Diana Gabaldon and Sarah Donati. Good choice

Ah good. Another Perthian! Welcome!!!

Thanks for the lovely welcome everyone :)

Welcome Janelle I see that Carmel has been here to welocme you. You made me panic for a moment, I thought you might have been missed. It's hard to keep an eye on everyone who comes in, as the group is growing so rapidly. :D

My name is Julianne and I live in Port Stephens NSW. My favourite books are mystery, crime, paranormal, action or any book with a really great twist with a twist. I love to read books much to the annoyance of my husband and kids.

Welcome to the group Julianne. We promise not to be annoyed by your reading habits. You can come in here and tell us all about it. :D

Hello, I'm Debbie and I hail from Mackay, Queensland. I've been in my own business in Mackay for 20 years and have little time for my passion of reading, however I have closed that commitment, and intend now to extend my love of books and reading. My favourite authors are Robin Hobb of the Fantasy genre, and Steig Larsson. I am presently reading Peter Carey and Alex Miller.

Hi Mandy,
Thank you for your invite.
To introduce myself -
I was born in the UK, across the River Mersey from Liverpool, in a town called Birkenhead, which used to be in Cheshire, but is now in the 'new' area called Merseyside.
Having been brought up with the smell of the sea, the moans of ships' sirens on dark nights, and the sight of ocean going ships at the end of my street I of course went to sea, via 'HMS Conway' nautical training college.
Spent many a happy year in the British merchant navy as a cadet and third mate, wandering around Asia, the Oz & NZ coasts, before sailing back to Japan & China.
China was an unusual place in the mid 60's, . . . he said tongue in cheek . . . it was not a holiday spot.

During one leave in Liverpool, I met my future wife, and eventually gave the sea away. Each voyage was up to two and a half years, which didn't make sense to get married and then disappear for so long.
After leaving the sea and marrying the girl who waited, I joined BOAC. If you can remember what BOAC stands for you are much older than I thought :-o)

When BOAC merged with BEA to become British Airways, I resigned and emigrated to the land of Oz. The best decision I ever made on behalf of the family.

In Melbourne I became involved in the international courier industry. Some may remember SKYPAK, which was bought by IPEC and then IPEC was bought by TNT, which was eventually bought by the Dutch Post Office. This ended of the game of monopoly. The Dutch didn't think I fitted their idea of a future employee, so they made me redundant.

At that time I was too young to retire, plus I didn't have enough money, so I started my own company with teams of 'walkers' in Sydney CBD delivering small packages and business mail from overseas.
After seven years I sold the company, as I could see that the growth of the internet would kill a lot of business mail.
Now was the time to retire and WRITE!
I had attempted some writing while at sea and again when working for the airline & courier industry; but 'life' kept getting in the way.

My historical novel Ice King was published in July of this year, and the first chapter can be read on my web site at www.Geoffwoodland.com

I am currently working on the sequel, which is set in the Far East.
Still happily married to the lady who waited for me 41 years ago. We now live in the southern part of Sydney - in the SHIRE!

Welcome Geoff and congratulations on making some very wise decisions in your life. (Including the one to join us in Aussie Readers.) :)

Geoff wrote: "Hi Mandy,
Thank you for your invite.
To introduce myself -
I was born in the UK, across the River Mersey from Liverpool, in a town called Birkenhead, which used to be in Cheshire, but is now in the..."

Great intro Geoff! I've added your book to our group bookshelf too. It looks like a wonderful tale! I really like the cover too.:)

Welcome to all the new members!

G'day all and thanks to Mandy for the invite. I hail from the Southside of Brisbane and am 24 years old.

I love to read fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, general fiction and even though most romances leave me quietly gagging in the corner after the first page, Sara Bennett's Rules of Passion and Katie MacAlister's Ain't Mythbehaving has had me in stitches laughing more than the usual cringing, so I have to say that NOT ALL romances are that bad... just most, lol!!

I also enjoy stories regarding the paranormal, unexplained mysteries and have a keen interest in Roman, Greek, Celtic & Egyptian mythology, not to mention video games curtsy of my gamer fiance.

I'm currently planning a wedding to a lovable goofball, have set the date for December 2011 and would like to inform everyone that trying on wedding dresses is NOT the best bit about organizing a wedding... cake tasting is the BEST bit!!!

Anywho, have a good night & chat to ya laterz!!!

Heidy wrote: "I love to read fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, general fiction and even though most romances leave me quietly gagging in the corner after the first page, Sara Bennett's Rules of Passion and Katie MacAlister's Ain't Mythbehaving has had me in stitches laughing more than the usual cringing, so I have to say that NOT ALL romances are that bad... just most, lol!!..."

Hands off the romance Heidy!! Anyone who loves Scifi (e.g. loves stories about robots fighting off giant insects) is skating on thin ice dissing other genres! LOL.

P.S. I like Scifi/fantasy too.:)

Completing a book, let alone having it published is a huge achievement, Geoff. Congratulations! Hope it does well.

Mandy wrote: "Hands off the romance Heidy!! Anyone who loves Scifi (e.g. loves stories about robots fighting off giant insects) is skating on thin ice dissing other genres! LOL."

Have you read Sci-Fi by Anne McCaffrey or Traci Harding? Awesome Sci-Fi with Romance, mostly without insects or robots ;-)

Carmel wrote: "I'm actually reading The lost books of the Odyssey: A novel by Zachary Mason The Lost Books of The Odyssey A Novel which has been a interesting and funny read at times, most reviews hasve been excellent to."

Thanks for the heads up on The Lost Books of The Odyssey, I've added it to my To Read List :-)

What are Susan Wiggs books like?

Heidy click on the Susan Wiggs picture Carmel posted it will take you to the Authors page.

Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Heidy click on the Susan Wiggs picture Carmel posted it will take you to the Authors page."

Sorry, my fault, I meant "what are Susan Wiggs book like?" as in can she suggest any particular book to start off with? As I am not familiar with the author and her site takes a lot of clicking.

Carmel wrote: "Heidi, I've read quite a number of her books and find they're about family, love, life journeys,tragedy, etc & her men are the type you'd love to clone and keep to yourself, lol! She has a couple of series running - I've only read The Lakeshore Chronicles and a number of standalone books which I have a few favourites. Anyway, I enjoy her stories and I love her approach & interaction with her fans through various media and events. She's also very passionate about libraries and they're importance in the community. I believe she's going to be in Aust next year for business so hopefully she'll head down to Melb"

Wow, Susan sounds awesome and her books sounds great. Will definitely give her books ago.

Thanks Carmel :-)

Heidy wrote: "Sorry, my fault, I meant "what are Susan Wiggs book like?" as in can she suggest a..."

:D No worries. I hadn't heard of her and didn't have anything else to offer. I should have left it to Carmel since it was her baby.

Heidy wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Hands off the romance Heidy!! Anyone who loves Scifi (e.g. loves stories about robots fighting off giant insects) is skating on thin ice dissing other genres! LOL."

Have you read Sci..."

I read lots of Anne McCaffrey a few years back and loved it. But no Tracey Harding yet. I'll add her to my TBR.:)

Mandy wrote: "I read lots of Anne McCaffrey a few years back and loved it. But no Traci Harding yet. I'll add her to my TBR.:)"

Try The Ancient Future Trilogy:

1) The Ancient Future (The Dark Age).
2) An Echo in Time (Atlantis).
3) Masters of Reality (The Gathering).

The main character is called Tory Alexander and she's Aussie =-p

Hi all!
I'm Krisz from Melbourne. Obviously I love reading! I also love theatre and the arts. I work full time but am also back at uni to do Bachelor of Communications.
I'm up to the last book in the 'Tomorrow' & Ellie series and love it.
I have heaps of favourite books but I'll elaborate later.
Nice to meet you all!

Hi, I'm Sandy. I'm English, but my daughter now permanently resides in sydney. I love the Aussies!

A Big welcome to Krisz and Sandy, great to see you both here.

Sandy wrote: "Hi, I'm Sandy. I'm English, but my daughter now permanently resides in sydney. I love the Aussies!"

You're going to be very popular here with that great attitude Sandy! LOL