Aussie Readers discussion

I've never been a crime fiction fan and really only tried reading them when I started writing one (long story). My first thought was GACK. Corris gave me hope. Now I'll have to hunt up some Temple as well.

David wrote: "Hi Cathy. Good luck with the challenge. Bereft looks like an interesting book (it's on my 'to read' list). It is shortlisted for the Ned Kelly 2011 Best Fiction award. I'll look forward to hearing ..."

Hi David,

Have now read Bereft and really enjoyed it. Gripping story with beautiful writing and an 'other wordly' quality about it.

Cathy wrote: "David wrote: "Hi Cathy. Good luck with the challenge. Bereft looks like an interesting book (it's on my 'to read' list). It is shortlisted for the Ned Kelly 2011 Best Fiction award. I'll look forwa..."

Hi Cathy and thankyou for the message. I am currently waiting on a copy of Bereft from he local library. Sounds like an enjoyable book. I'll read it as soon as I get my hands on it and let you know what I thought :)

David wrote: "Cathy wrote: "David wrote: "Hi Cathy. Good luck with the challenge. Bereft looks like an interesting book (it's on my 'to read' list). It is shortlisted for the Ned Kelly 2011 Best Fiction award. I..."

I've got the Peter Corris Torn Apart for my challenge too - don't think i've read one before.

Cathy wrote: "David wrote: "Cathy wrote: "David wrote: "Hi Cathy. Good luck with the challenge. Bereft looks like an interesting book (it's on my 'to read' list). It is shortlisted for the Ned Kelly 2011 Best Fi..."

I hope you enjoy it Cathy. The Corris books are not too complicated - a fairly straightforward read. My review is here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I'll look forward to reading your review when you finish.

Just realized I can add Sarah's Last Wish into this challenge:) Finished a couple of days ago:)

Right, because Zusak bailed and wont be releasing The Bridge of Clay anytime soon, I need to find another book.

1) Liar by Justine Larbalestier

2)Mice by Gordon Reece ★★★.5

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 ★★★

Yeah, such a shame Jess...must be why I could never find a cover when I searched:( I'm sure there are plenty for you to find though:) You can read the second John Marsden one as well as the first, that would count:)

Indeed. We'll see...

Completed the challenge to True Blue level on 4th September, 2011: Thanks for organising the challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

1. Torn Apart (Peter Corris) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
2. The Fallout (Garry Disher) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
3. Chain of Evidence (Garry Disher) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
4. Death Mask (Kathryn Fox) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
5. Diamond Dove (Adrian Hyland) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
6. No Weather for a Burial (David Owen) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
7. The Diggers Rest Hotel (Geoffrey McGeachin) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
8. Shatter (Michael Robotham) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
9. Gunshot Road (Adrian Hyland) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
10. The Tesla Legacy (Robert G. Barrett) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
11. Frantic (Katherine Howell) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...
12. D.E.D Dead (Geoffrey McGeachin) http://tasbooklover.blogspot.com/2011...

Well done David! Congrats!! Still time to read lots more;D

I'm going to add my book I finished a couple of days ago to here, as the author is an Aussie, and it's his debut novel. The Interrogator by J.J. Cooper..review to follow:)

Thanks Brenda - I agree, plenty more to add. My bookshelves are sagging with aussie crime fiction!

David wrote: "Thanks Brenda - I agree, plenty more to add. My bookshelves are sagging with aussie crime fiction!"

There you go...by the end of the year, see how many Aussie authors you have read (my personal challenge to you...lol)

Thanks Brenda :) One can never have too many reading challenges LOL. I suspect the majority of my 2011 reads will be aussie crime fiction. I'll keep you posted.

Hahaha!! Good on you David:)

I am still going with my challenge. So far I've read:
Snake
Bereft
Indelible Ink
Torn Apart
Darkwater

and working on:Watercoloursand Secrets of the Red Lantern: Stories and Recipes from the Heart.

Thanks Carmel :) I had fun with this one. Right up my alley! I am trying to work my way through all the Ned Kelly Awards nominated books (might be a lifelong project LOL). Are you doing the challenge as well? If so, how are you going with it?

Well done Cathy. Good to see a Peter Corris in there :)

I enjoyed it - but it was just over a bit too quickly for me - prefer a bit of a 'meatier' read.

Yup - they are fairly stripped down books. Perfect for a one or two night read. I think I actually enjoy them for that reason. Must be getting simpler as I get older (my kids seem to think so!)

Carmel,
It's very inconsiderate (and unfair) that life should get in the way of reading. You need to organise a weekend reading retreat - a no interruption bookish sojourn! I know - not likely LOL. Good luck finding some time anyway :)

It has taken me longer to complete Matilda Level than I had expected but taking part in so many Challenges has kept me motivated and encourages me to pick up books I might have missed otherwise :)

I've now read two books by Di Morrisey - The Last Rose Of Summer(3 stars) and The Reef (3 and a half stars). I particularly liked reading about the ecology of The Reef but have to say that for contemporary fiction/romance I would prefer the writing style of Monica McInerney and found At Home With the Templetons (4 stars) more of a page turner.

Geraldine Brooks gives a generally even handed view of Muslim women living in the Middle East in Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women (4 stars) as she saw it in 1994.

I found The Secret River (4 stars) a disturbing book to read but appreciated that Kate Grenville doesn't gloss over the more brutal aspects of our past history.

Tomorrow, When the War Began (4 stars) is a great read for anyone and John Marsden deserves full credit for writing such an original storyline about interesting and resourceful young people. Looking forward to seeing the movie now and reading the next book in the series.


Looks as if I can still attempt True Blue level!

Doing well Kim:)

This is my really late start on this challenge but so far I have read:

My Brilliant CareerMiles Franklin with 4 stars

As the Earth Turns SilverAlison Wong with 3 stars - even though I would call her a kiwi she lives and writes from Geelong so that counts right...

The Rose GrowerMichelle de Kretser with 4 stars

I am currently reading The Book Thief and The Songlines is almost completed.

The spring challenge I have to come:

Eucalyptus: A Novel

Cloudstreet

The Riders

On the Jellicoe Road

Pastures of the Blue Crane

Monkey Grip

which just leaves me with my 12th book to pick and read in December. I'm enjoying this foray into Aussie literature :D

Well done Megan, looking good:)

I've now crossed off another book on my way to True Blue level....The Dead Of Night (4 stars) by John Marsden which I enjoyed very much, as it dealt with the moral issues the young characters faced in opposing Australia's invaders.

This is the rest of my list:

Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman (combining with the Spring Challenge)....Finished
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey ....Finished
Sarah Thornhill by Kate Grenville....Finished
Blood Ties by Pamela Freeman
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (also combining with the Spring Challenge)....Finished

Doing well Kim:)

Thanks Brenda!

Whoo Hoo - Have made MATILDA Level - Read and review 6 books by at least 4 different Australian authors:

1. A Canterbury Crime by Brian Kavanagh
2. 10 Short Stories You Must Read This Year - 2010 by assorted Aussie authors
3. The Secret of the Lonely Isles by Joanne van Os
4. Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell
5. Brumby Plains by Joanne van Os
6. The Land of Bad Fantasy by K.J. Taylor

Have three more Aussie novels - one by a different author - but not sure if i will make 12 - still never say never there is still 3 more months after this :)

Congrats Sally:) Have you done reviews for any of those? Yes, you have heaps of time left!! ;D

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
6. The Genesis Flaw - L.A. Larkin
7. The Unknown Terrorist - Richard Flanagan
8. Jasper Jones - Craig Silvey
Another great Aussie read, taking me one step closer to True Blue! I've started Jellicoe Road and Kinglake 350, so the finishing line is in sight.

Deb wrote: "I've started Jellicoe Road and Kinglake 350, so the finishing line is in sight."

I'm about to start On the Jellicoe Road too. I'm looking forward to it - hope you enjoy it :D

Two more down

My Brilliant CareerMiles Franklin with 4 stars

As the Earth Turns SilverAlison Wong with 3 stars - even though I would call her a kiwi she lives and writes from Geelong so that counts right...

The Rose GrowerMichelle de Kretser with 4 stars

The Book Thief Loved it 5/5

The Songlines 4/5

Still to come:

Eucalyptus: A Novel
Cloudstreet
The Riders
On the Jellicoe Road
Pastures of the Blue Crane
Monkey Grip
Disgrace

Nice work Megan. I am hoping to read The Book Thief in the next week or so. It seems to be a polarising book. People either love it or hate it.

David wrote: "Nice work Megan. I am hoping to read The Book Thief in the next week or so. It seems to be a polarising book. People either love it or hate it."

I just wrote you a reply about the Book Thief but in the end lifted it out and turned it into my review. I would have put the link here but wasn't sure how - might have to figure that out another time.

I hope you enjoy the book, approach it with an open mind and enjoy its quirks. It's fun and sad all at once :)

I finished The Dressmaker on the weekend which I enjoyed. Gave it 4 stars, but if had a choice would have only been about 3.5 stars. It was a little bit predictable and sweet, but it was an easy read and there were moments when I wanted to read more, and I liked the description of the clothes.

Thus, I am over half way there (had better get a move on).

1 Something Fishy; READ
2. Odd One Out; READ
3 The Book Thief; READ
4. Neap Tide; READ
5. When Horse Became Saw; READ
5 and 1/4. Rascal Bumps His Head; READ
5 and 1/2. The Arrival; READ
6 and 1/2. The Dressmaker; READ


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

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

You're doing well Dee-Ann!

Just an update on my challenge - I had to read 8-10 Australian books for a reading group at work, so I think i'll press on to True Blue level. So far I have read and now reviewed:
I am still going with my challenge. So far I've read:

Snake
Bereft
Indelible Ink
Torn Apart
Darkwater
Five Bells
Watercolours
The Exotic Rissole: A Memoir
The Harp in the South

I'm now reading Sydney and the nice thing is the points of connection that it makes with the Ruth Park and the Gail Jones novels.

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
6. The Genesis Flaw - L.A. Larkin
7. The Unknown Terrorist - Richard Flanagan
8. Jasper Jones - Craig Silvey
9. Kinglake-350 - Adrian Hyland

Number 9 in the Aussie list is this essential book for all Australians - especially if you live in a fire prone area. If you live in Victoria you'll remember that frightening weekend in Feb 09 and the weird other worldly weather. Hyland brings the human stories to life, but also reflects on our need to wake up to the reality of the land in which we live. This book will make you cry, not only for those who died, but for ordinary people in the CFA who fought to save others while their own homes and families were in danger. Amazing, we should all read this one - and reflect.

I'm getting closer to the end. Went to get Jellicoe Road from the library the other day but someone has got it out for most of October, hopefully I'll get it after then... I've started Eucalyptus instead.

My Brilliant CareerMiles Franklin with 4 stars

As the Earth Turns SilverAlison Wong with 3 stars - even though I would call her a kiwi she lives and writes from Geelong so that counts right...

The Rose GrowerMichelle de Kretser with 4 stars

The Book Thief Loved it 5/5

The Songlines 4/5

Pastures of the Blue Crane 3/5

The Riders 2/5

Eucalyptus: A Novel currently reading, though a grand total of about 12 pages through.

Still to come:

Cloudstreet
On the Jellicoe Road
Monkey Grip
Disgrace

Deb wrote: "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
6. The Genesis Flaw - L.A. Larkin
7. T..."

Great work Deb! I have Kinglake on my TBR list, but I read
Without Warning by Jane O'Connor and it was amazing! I totally recommend that one to everyone as well.

Megan wrote: "I'm getting closer to the end. Went to get Jellicoe Road from the library the other day but someone has got it out for most of October, hopefully I'll get it after then... I've started Eucalyptus i..."

Doing very well Megan:)

Well I have finished two more Ghost Watch and Impractical Jokes and both were something I probably wouldn't normally read but enjoyed. 8 down 4 to go for True Blue.

Wow Davina! Good work!

No I haven't. I will check it out thanks Carmel. Could very much need that as we have been stick at home all holidays die to illness.

Brenda wrote: "Deb wrote: "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
6. The Genesis Flaw - L.A...."

Hey Brenda, thanks I'll add Without Warning to my TBR, but will leave it a while before I read it, I'm still reeling from Kinglake-350.

Deb wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Deb wrote: "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
6. The Gene..."

Yes, they are very confronting, aren't they! Absolutely amazing though, the resiliance of these people!

I have to change one of my books, because I just finished reading When My Husband Does the Dishes which is so funny and so true. I gave it 5 stars. I wonder how her hubby responded to this book, as well as her kids, parents, friends, kid's friend's parents etc ... they all got a serve!

So 7.5 down, a few more left 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
5 and 1/4. Rascal Bumps His Head; READ
5 and 1/2. The Arrival; READ
6 and 1/2. The Dressmaker; READ
7 and 1/2. When my husband does the dishes ...; READ

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

9 Cocaine Blues;
10 Foundling;
11 The Unknown Terrorist: A Novel ;
12 Indelible Ink;

Looking good Dee-ann!