Aussie Readers discussion

Unknown to me this morning I picked up two more Aussie childrens books :)
Peeking Duck and Dragon Mode

Both fun and cute for different reasons :)

That is now 5 books read and all by 5 different writers.

Laura wrote: "Unknown to me this morning I picked up two more Aussie childrens books :)
Peeking Duck and Dragon Mode

Both fun and cute for different reasons :)

That is now 5 book..."

Well done!! They do sound very cute..lol

Dragon is by a Tassie :D!!

The Peeking Duck was gifted to Shanghai Library by Krista in May 2010- http://www.kristabell.com/docs/peekin...

Laura wrote: "Dragon is by a Tassie :D!!

The Peeking Duck was gifted to Shanghai Library by Krista in May 2010- http://www.kristabell.com/docs/peekin..."

Awesome!! :)

This challenge is going well so far.

1.Markus Zusak - The Book Thief ★★★★★ Beautiful - my review

2.Kim Scott - That Deadman Dance - ★★★★ endearing - my review

3..Gerry Huntman-Guardian of the Sky Realms - ★★★. An Aussie Readers Author my review

4.Dale Renton-Half Moon - ★★★★. An Aussie Readers Author my review If you enjoy fantasy you will enjoy this.

Gail «Cyborg» wrote: "This challenge is going well so far.

1.Markus Zusak - The Book Thief ★★★★★ Beautiful - my review

2.Kim Scott - That Deadman Dance ..."

Doing well Gail..:)

I have read 5 in this challenge so far.

1. 52 Waratah Avenue by Lynn Wilding
2. Dancing with the Devil by Keri Arthur
3. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
4. Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman
5. Dreamland by Tom Gilling

Bronwyn wrote: "I have read 5 in this challenge so far.

1. 52 Waratah Avenue by Lynn Wilding
2. Dancing with the Devil by Keri Arthur
3. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto ..."

Well done Bronwyn!!! And we've still got lots more time for this one :)

Read by Loraine Harrison. It's really great to see an Aussie spin on an old classic rhyme :)

6 books read and by 6 different authors..weeeheee.

Laura wrote: "Read by Loraine Harrison. It's really great to see an Aussie spin on an old classic rhyme :)

6 books read and by 6 different authors....."

Well done Laura!!!! :)

So, I read My Brilliant Career . Have any of you? I don't understand this cover.

I've read it, Cheryl. I'm Aussie and I'm supposed to love it, but it just wasn't much to my taste. It was filmed with Judy Davis and Sam Neill some years ago, but I haven't seen the movie either! So I'm no help.

I'm sure the cover would refer to something in the novel/time frame, but I don't remember any specific incident! Even less help...

I have noticed it's a fairly recent reprint, and reprint covers these days of well-known books seem not to be completely faithful to the content. Notable example: the new Georgette Heyer covers as seen on Amazon etc. None seem to be related to the story, just a general Regency illustration.

I hope someone else can help Cheryl more than I have!

Monya (aka Mary)

Thanks Monya. The thing is, the costumes in that cover indicate a time well before 1896 (when the novel was supposed to have taken place, and when the author wrote it) or so, don't they?

Oh, I have to agree. That cover simply doesn't evoke the story at all.

I've finished my 6th of the challenge It Is No Secret: The Story Of A Stolen Child, and started my 7th Beyond Fear, which is amazing so far!!! :)

I have just finished Beyond Fear by Jaye Ford....
Oh WOW!!!!! What an amazing book! Debut novel from Jaye Ford, a former journalist who lives in Lake Macquarie, NSW. The story of 4 women who have a girly weekend once a year, filled with laughter, fun, champagne, food and much more. But this year, things don't quite work out the way they planned!!! Jodie, who has a tragedy almost 20 years in her past, of which she has told no-one, Corrine, Hannah and Louise find their weekend starting badly with a car accident on a country road heading for the B&B at Bald Hill. Eventually settled and relaxing, the isolation begins to cause Jodie to have 'flashbacks' to her past. She senses trouble, but no-one will believe her, until two men come knocking.......

If you love thrillers, you will LOVE this one!!!

I am cheating here in that I changed one of the Aussie titles (ie. removed the Ranger Series ... I have read many of these anyhow, I just wanted to cathc up with my son) to When Horse Became Saw: A Family's Journey Through Autism. Ireally enjoyed this and started a thread on it, mainly for anyone who is out there like when I was in the early stages of an autism diagnosis, and they are looking for anything they can get there hands on which makes sense of what is happening to their child and their family.

So 5 books read, 7 to go!

1 Something Fishy; READ
2. Odd One Out; READ
3 The Book Thief; READ
4. Neap Tide; READ
5. When Horse Became Saw; READ

6. The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi; currently reading

7 Cocaine Blues;
8 The Seventh Tower;
9 Foundling;
10 The Unknown Terrorist: A Novel ;
11 Indelible Ink;
12. The Dressmaker

Great work Dee-Ann! :)

1. Our Father Who Art in a Tree: A Novel by Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh by Joan London]
3. Eucalyptus: A Novel - Murray Bail

Deb wrote: "1. Our Father Who Art in a Tree: A Novel by Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh by Joan London]
3. Eucalyptus: A Novel - Murray Bail"

Deb, have your read Our Father Who Art in a Tree: A Novel yet? I have been looking at it with interest, but haven't done anymore than that yet. Can you let us know what you think, when you do read it? Thanks..:)

I have finished 2 books so far ... I'm sure I'll get there eventually.

1. Ransom - David Malouf
It was ... fine. Not as great as I expected (due to my wierd obsession with the Trojan war, or it may be just with the movie Troy). It was well written but I don't think the deep physiological thinking works with me. I'm a simple reader who likes the points to be obvious and not have to think too much.

2. Hovercar Racer - Matthew Reilly
Ever time I read this I feel like its not aimed at me at all. But who cares because its a nice, easy book to read that I almost know by heart (sadly). It's predictable but still fun.

Haha. I had to clean out my bookshelf today because I had so many sitting in piles.
I picked a few to give away and now my bookcase looks empty. I suppose I will have to buy a few more...

As I look over everyone's comments, I keep adding more and more books to my Aussie "to read" list!

I still have Cloudstreet, Shantaram, Schindler's List and Oscar and Lucinda on my shelf ready to read. I'm looking forward to all of them! Here are my reviews for the challenge so far.

People of the Book
The Book Thief
True History of the Kelly Gang
Tomorrow, When the War Began
I Am the Messenger
The Thorn Birds
Breath
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Jellicoe Road
Mary Poppins
Eucalyptus
The Magic Pudding
A Town Like Alice

Brenda wrote: "Deb wrote: "1. Our Father Who Art in a Tree: A Novel by Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh by Joan London]
3. Eucalyptus: A Novel - Murray Bail"

..."
Brenda, I really enjoyed this book, it's about grief and how people handle bereavement, but told from the point of view of a child. Think To Kill a Mockingbird - I'm not saying this book is up there as one of the greats, but the there's a power in using a child's innocence to tell a story. Give it a go, I certainly enjoyed it, there is a film of it, but I haven't seen it yet.

1. The Tree - Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh - Joan London
3. Eucalyptus - Murray Bail
4. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute

I assume Nevil Shute counts as an Aussie author? Great to read town like alice after all this time.

Carmel wrote: "Liked your review Deb of The Tree, it says on the book cover it's a movie now, you haven't seen it yet?

According to Shute's GRs page he's a Pom but we won't hold that against him or you Deb!!"

I haven't seen the movie of the tree yet Carmel, but I'll be looking out for it. Great story and I can see it working well on the big screen.

Thanks for letting me slip Town Like Alice in. I'm sure by the end of his life Nevil Shute felt like a true blue Aussie! "Oh my word, he's a bonza author!"

1. The Tree - Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh - Joan London
3. Eucalyptus - Murray Bail
4. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
5. Smart Permaculture Design - Jenny Allen

I'm adding these as I read them. Just finished Jenny Allen's book, which really is beautiful, great photos. Out to the garden now to create a food forest..

"Just started All That Happened At Number 26. Not on my original list of Aussie author books but have found quite a few more Aussie aut..."

Finished this one. OK, quick read. Would probably be better as a live presentation rather than to read. No laugh out loud moments reading it but would probably laughed if it was presented as stand up.

I know this is pretty late in the game, but decided to enter this challenge, too, and try for Matilda level. Reason is because I started Kate Grenville's The Secret River then decided to move to her next one The Lieutenant then got intrigued into reading more Aussie authors particularly with a historical backdrop, so might as well enter this challenge! So far my list looks as follows:

1. The Secret River by Kate Grenville
2. The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville
3. Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
4. Dirt Music by Tim Winton
5. True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey
6. A Commonwealth of Thieves: The Improbable Birth of Australia by Thomas Keneally

So far I've only finished the first book and am halfway through the second one.

9 read, 3 to go. But I have so many Aussie authors to read that I'll probably read more than the 12 just to help clear my TBR pile.

I've just started book 3 on my list by Nicola E. Sheridan a light paranormal romance by a fellow WA writer.

Here's my update for this challenge. I chose True Blue which is 9 books and so far I have read 8/9. If you want to see any of my reviews they are on my goodreads list.

1. 52 Waratah Avenue by Lynn Wilding - audio 5*
2. Dancing with the Devil by Keri Arthur 4*
3. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto - audio 4*
4. Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman - audio 5*
5. Dreamland by Tom Gilling – audio 4*
6. Tuscan Rose by Belinda Alexander - audio 4*
7. The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Losing Weight and Getting Fit by AJ Rochester - audio 4*
8. Idiot Pride by Matt Zurbo - audio 4*

I’ve reached TOURIST level. Magical Gains was a fun read with plenty of magical and mythical creatures, and it was partially set in WA.
Now I need to select some more books and go for the next level.

Bronwyn and Shona..Congrats on reaching those levels :D!!!

Deb wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Deb wrote: "1. Our Father Who Art in a Tree: A Novel by Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh by Joan London]
3. Eucalyptus: A Novel - [author:Murray ..."

Thanks for that Deb (sorry for the late reply, I've been on holidays :)), I'll reserve it at my library, and check it out. It's always good to get a positive recommendation to spur you on to read more :)

I read Shattered Sky by Helene Young while on holidays. Absolutely loved it. It's my 8th for the challenge. :)

I've only recently read this challenge discussion so have decided to join in. Here's my list to date:
The Secret River loved it, 5 stars
Breath 4 stars
Roundabout at Bangalow: An Intimate Chronicle 4 stars
The Children 4 stars
The Submerged Cathedral 3 stars
The Slap 3 stars
Year of Wonders 4 stars
Truth 2 stars
A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco 3 stars
Burke's Soldier 4 stars

I have some more Australian authors on my TBR; Peter Carey, Tim Winton, Geraldine Brooks, Bryce Courtenay etc.

Well done Lesley!! :)

I have just started Beneath the Shadows, my 9th in this challenge...this is Sara Foster's debut novel...'she is a wonderful new author in Australian writing' it says about her first book!

I just finished Beneath the Shadows, and it was fabulous! My 9th finished..

Cliff wrote: "I had forgotten I signed up to this challenge but since I have just read 'My Life as a Fake' by Peter Carey I'm still on track to participate at the tourist level and read two more by the end of th..."

Well done Cliff...great you're on track..:)

Goin' well Brenda!!

Hello all

I didn't set any targets at the beginning of this challenge but now I am reading a bit beyond my normal genre and am paying more attention to the authors I have picked up I have got a nice list of Aussie authors under my belt for 2011. These include

A.B. Facey who wrote A Fortunate Life*****
Kate Mortonwho wrote The Forgotten Garden****
Peter Watt who wrote To Ride The Wind**
Peter Careywho wrote Parrot and Olivier in America**
Geraldine Brooksand I read Year of Wonders****
M.K. Humeand I read Prophecy: Clash of Kings***
and my current read is by The Magicians' Guildby
Trudi Canavan(looking at maybe ***)

All of these authors are new to me so this is a well worth while exercise.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

That's great Jacinta, that you are venturing to new authors...that's what we hope we can do for everyone, to enjoy new authors...:)

Just closed the cover of my 10th book, I'm afraid I didn't finish it...tried hard, got about half way through, but just not my sort of book... He Died with a Felafel in His Hand. I know others have rated it 5 stars.....

:O Was the felafel poisoned? Now i never want to eat one of those again..lol

1) The Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak (release in September)

2) The Story of Danny Dunn by Bryce Courtenay

3) Breath by Tim Winton ★★★★

4) Peeps by Scott Westerfeld ★★★★

5) Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

6) So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld ★★★

Laura wrote: ":O Was the felafel poisoned? Now i never want to eat one of those again..lol"

No, he overdosed on drugs...just happened to have it in his hand when he died O_o !!

★ Jessica ★ wrote: "1) The Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak (release in September)

2) The Story of Danny Dunn by Bryce Courtenay

3) Breath by [..."

Doing well Jessica!! Wonder what Markus' new book will be like?

I am aiming for True Blue and these are the books I have read so far for this challenge. I am surprised when I read a book sometimes that it is written by an Australian.

1. 52 Waratah Avenue by Lynn Wilding –
2. Dancing with the Devil by Keri Arthur –
3. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto –
4. Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman –
5. Dreamland by Tom Gilling –
6. Tuscan Rose by Belinda Alexander –
7. The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Losing Weight and Getting Fit by AJ Rochester
8. Idiot Pride by Matt Zurbo -
9. The Murrumbidgee Kid by Peter Yeldham