Book: Sadie

I came across this author because she is similar to Martina Cole - and she didn't disappoint (though not quite at the same standard). A nice easy read.

In the chill of a winter's morning, a sweet and likeable 13-year-old girl unexpectedly gives birth in the bathroom of her council flat. The baby, the product of a brutal rape by her stepfather, is whisked away to hospital and is eventually adopted by a rich suburban couple. As far as everyone is concerned, Sadie will never see the baby again. The girl, Sadie Burrows, survives her ordeal and goes on to become a successful businesswoman, famous in the media, even courted by politicians as an example of young enterprise. Then, out of the blue, there is a knock at the door. And Sadie's shameful secret comes back to haunt her...

Book: Hidden

Summary: Tayo arrives at Cathy's with only the clothes he stands up in. He has been brought to her by the police, but he is calm, polite, and very well spoken, and not at all like the children she normally fosters. The social worker gives Cathy the forms which should contain Tayo's history, but apart from his name and age, it is blank. Tayo has no past. Tayo is an 'invisible' child, kidnapped from his loving father in Nigeria and brought illegally to the UK by his drink and drugs dependent prostitute mother, where he is put to work in a sweat shop in Central London.
Through Cathy he develops into a wonderful young man and we have a fairy tale ending. Brilliant book, easy read - loved it!

Book: Damaged

This book is not for the feint hearted; it broke my heart, poor poor Jodie. This child has suffered at the hands of monsters. Cathy is a saint, she went above and beyond the realms of a foster carer. She is truly an angel sent to care for "damaged" children. This book is addictive for all the wrong reasons; the things this child has suffered is beyond comprehension. This is an incredibly good book but only read it if you feel strong enough too; It makes me appreciate me and I am grateful that I was brought up in a kind loving family. A very very good read but shocking and heart breaking and doesn't necessarily end with a wonderful outcome.

Book: Red Dust

Summary: After the death of her husband Adam, Gemma Sinclair defies community expectations - and Adam’s dying words - by deciding to hang on to Billbinya, the 10,000-hectare station he bequeathed to her. As if Gemma’s grief and the job of looking after Billbinya aren’t enough, a wave of innuendo soon sweeps the community that Adam’s plane crash was no accident. Police officers confirm the rumour when they visit Gemma and tell her Adam’s death was almost certainly related to his involvement in a cattle and sheep duffing ring. And not only that, Gemma is indirectly implicated because Billbinya was used as the holding station for the stolen stock. Intent on clearing her name, Gemma sets out to get to the bottom of what Adam was doing. In the process, she’s stunned at the depths of her husband’s wrongdoing and shocked at the identities of his criminal associates. Struggling to put the past behind her, Gemma wonders if she’ll ever be able to love again.

A wonderful easy read (only a day or so). Very similar to Rachael Treasure (though hers are a bit more depth). Just love the strong independent country lass! Can't wait for the next book!

Book & Bookgroup: Dirt Music

Someone else's view who is the same as mine:

Dirt Music is a wild ride - a story of love, death, the mess people make of their lives, and their redemption through love. It is essentially the love story of Georgie Jutland and Luther Fox: Georgie, on the verge of alcoholism and finding herself in an unsure relationship with a widower named Jim and his two boys; Lu, the survivor of a world of death (everyone he loved has died in ghastly, gory ways) terrified of the thought that he is cursed, that anyone he loves will meet a horrible fate. The other characters are just as dodgy but only Jim (who, in his desire for his own redemption, seeks to help Georgie discover herself, even at the cost of their relationship) is drawn with any of the detail with which Georgie and Lu are delineated. These rough characters exist in a rough landscape: Western Australia, somewhere north of Perth, in a fishing town where most of the locals (who are literally White Pointers) have become rich from harvesting lobster but still maintain their frontier ways, often solving disputes with shotguns. Georgie is a blow-in, unsure of how she ended up living in this wild west town; Lu is a local but he's an outcast in a town of outcasts. He plays the dobro but, after the grim fate of his music-playing family, he is afraid of the psychic pain returning to music might give him so he makes a living poaching fish and crustaceans from his fellow townsfolk - a dangerous game in this unforgiving place. Through this landscape, and the even harsher landscape of the Kimberley, the love story (it would be too banal to call it a romance) of these two is played out. The novel is a genuine page-turner and a quick read, partly because of the effortless prose and partly because we can't wait to see what happens next - in that sense it's full of suspense as well, almost like a thriller/mystery. The dialogue is both sharp and blunt at the same time and only occasionally strays into unbelievability. The novel's climax is in the extreme northern country, where Lu escapes after he is nearly killed by redneck White Pointers. Georgie and Jim follow and try to find this lone, dazed, half-mad figure hiding in the wilderness.

I just loved it. Winton's language is sublime, no wonder it won the Miles Franklin.

Book: Christmas Island, Indian Ocean

Summary: Back in 2001, Australian journalist Julietta Jameson, like many of us, watched the Tampa crisis with a mixture of confusion and compassion. Unlike us, upon hearing of the Christmas Islanders' fireworks send-off for Captain Rinnan, she decided to visit this Australian outpost to see firsthand the place - previously famous only for its red crabs - that now found itself in the world's spotlight. As well as natural tropical beauty, she found a multicultural community conscious of its diverse roots and history, replete with characters and local traditions. In a conversational style, she conveys her encounters with the locals from musicians to storekeepers to uncomfortable navy personnel. She examines the part each plays in her journey of discovery as she tries to reconcile the beauty of a night sky flashing with falling stars over the heads of detention centre inmates whose wishes may never be granted.

It was ok. I read it when the asylum seeker issue flared here again a few weeks ago so that was good as CI was always on the news! It was however more about her finding herself whilst I was more interested in the asylum seekers. Sounds like an amazing place to visit though!

Book: Ex Libris - Confessions of a Common Reader

Ex Libris is an outstanding book for those who enjoy reading and the pleasures that a library offers the reader. The authors love of books and reading comes alive in every page as only a reader will appreciate. I enjoyed sharing her insightful look at books and their impact on an individual. Easy to read, honest and delightful in that it shares her personal enjoyment with the reader. The book consists of a series of short essays on book and reading-related topics: happy arguments between new spouses about how to merge their collections; the peculiarities of how each of us treats books (to bend down a corner or not to bend), the joys of spelunking in used bookstores; and the like. Lovely!

Book: Plain Truth

After reading My Sister's Keeper I had to go back for more of Jodi Picoult. Plain Truth tells the story of an 18-year-old Amish girl, Katie Fisher, who secretly gives birth to a child out of wedlock. Mysteriously the baby disappears and a few hours later is found dead in the barn located on the Fisher farm. After an initial investigation, Katie is charged with murder and a Philadelphia attorney, Ellie Hathaway - who also is loosely related, is set to defend her case. Adding to the fascination of this particular murder trial is the fact that Katie Fisher is Amish, and the Amish convictions are very different from others in the English world. The fact that an Amishman, who by nature does not believe in confrontation and violence, would kill another is entirely unheard of. A great story, easy read but I think the ending was rather obvious. Picoult has sucked me in though - which one to read next?

Book: I, Safiya

Summary: This is the true, first-hand account of one woman's courageous struggle for justice, and the story that in 2001 made the eyes of the world turn to the small Nigerian village of Tungar Tudu. Safiya Hussaini was accused of adultery, arrested and taken from her farming village in northern Nigeria. Brought before a Sharia court, she was sentenced to death by stoning. Her crime was to become pregnant outside of marriage and to give birth to her little girl, Adama. The child's father at first accepted responsibility, but then changed his story, denied everything and was released without penalty. Betrayed, terrified and outcast, Safiya summoned the strength to fight for her life. Supported by her family, her lawyer and her faith in Allah, she was determined to stay alive to care for her little girl.

What an inspiring woman, but what a different world. How lucky I am to live the life I do. Great easy read.

Book: Taken in Contempt

What a sad book that looks at parents who have abducted their own children. Left-behind parents, abducting parents and some of the children themselves have contributed to the book; so have the bureaucrats who have to implement the tough decisions, and the retrievers - men who risk all for someone else’s children. It is just sad that relationships can fall apart that this has to happen in the first place. It was a really interesting book to see the different perspectives but it is wise to remember that we are only seeing one side of the story. Fascinating to hear the retrievers different stories, almost like big adventures but then reality hits that this is real - scary stuff!

Book: Antarctica on a plate

Summary: Imagine you are a young woman with a stellar career but an increasing dissatisfaction with life. Imagine that your idea of a "remote location" is the distance between a taxi rank and a shoe shop. How do you shrug off your growing ennui? Simple. You apply for the position of cook in the coldest place on earth: Antarctica. Antarctica lends itself to tales of adventure and heartbreak. The landscape is polarized, beautiful and deadly in equal measure. But Alexa doesn't scale mountains or trek to the Pole. Instead, armed with an old cookbook, she attempts to create three-course meals with no electricity or running water and struggles to defrost meat in sub-zero temperatures. Life in a thin nylon tent in the company of scientists, explorers, and eccentrics soon begins to take on extraordinary dimensions. As 120-kilometre-an-hour winds blow and tensions rise, friendships, and love, are forged in this frozen neighborhood.

Not bad, have read better but it did want me to pack up my life and go on an adventure. Just not too sure about the morals of the romance though...

Bookgroup & Book: My Sister's Keeper

I chose this book because Jodi Picoult is so popular and I hadn't got around to reading her yet. Bookgroup forces me to. I loved this book (though maybe not the ending, which came as a huge surprise). My Sister's Keeper centers on Anna, who, at the age of thirteen, decides to sue her parents for medical emancipation. Anna has not only served as a donor for her leukemia-stricken sister Kate, she was, in fact, the product of genetic engineering that guaranteed she would be a perfect match for Kate. This premise touches on many of the issues that affect modern day science, from designer babies to the ethics involved in cloning. The thing I enjoyed most was that it looks at the story from all viewpoints: the mum, dad, brother, lawyer, guardian etc. All that is except Kate whom we only hear from in the end. A nice easy read - can see why Picoult is so popular.

Verdict: Everybody loved it and agreed that it was a nice easy read, great topic and awesome for bookgroups to discuss as many issues arouse.

Book & Bookgroup: The Time Traveler's Wife

I picked this book for one reason - one of the main characters, Henry is a librarian! It is a love story centering on a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to unpredictably time travel, and his wife Clare, an artist who has to cope with his frequent absences and dangerous experiences. This book is thick, with a very complicated story. You will find yourself slightly confused at times, wondering where in life Henry's disorder has placed him. Keep reading. Although it may feel as if you are trying to fit together some strange puzzle of time and places, they do connect, creating a beautiful and absolutely exceptional novel. The prevailing concept that I took with me from reading this book is that love can stand the test of time. In fact, in the case of Henry and Clare, love is absolutely timeless.

Verdict: Everyone from bookgroup loved it! Sometimes it is easier when people don't as it can spark more conversation!

Clunes Booktown 2009

The first weekend in May each year sees Clunes come to life with Booktown. Clunes is only 15 minutes from my house so I just love it. Dan was in charge of Adam for the day so I headed over for lots of book bargains. You see Booktown is a weekend where more than 60 book traders come together to sell their wares. The majority are second hand, but there was also a remainder seller this year who had some great books. There was also the good old “Nothing over $5” stand. I only came home with about 35 books this year which is at least half of what I bought last year! Clunes is by far my favourite weekend of he year! They also have author talks which I went to. Here are my notes:

Frank Moorhouse

Country boy.
Began as a short story specialist.
HATES books/storied that begin with a description of the weather.
Funny Publisher’s lunch stories (like ordering steak tartare – raw steak – and having to eat it!)
Began as a cadet journalist – great introduction to his life of writing. As he was young when he started he had to have guts, ie. ringing magistrates, senior officials etc.
As a youngster he PHYSICALLY checked the pier stumps (didn’t think to ring the council engineer) and he stated that “You can’t write about what you didn’t see!!)
Drinks trolley at museum. Curator wouldn’t come down (had to make an application) so he jumped the rope, wheeled it, took pictures, researched it etc.

Matthew Condon

Freelance journalist, likes “work” as such for the people contact compared to solitary novel writing.
When his first child was born he realised that there is more to life. He stepped out of his selfish bubble. Not as self obsessed anymore about getting his name “out there” etc.
Harder now as a writer with expectations, whereas when first starting, it was more passion. Then he “pumped” books out quickly and has now reverted back to that initial passion.

Both

Frank and Matthew are good friends. They met at the launch of Matthew’s first book as Frank like to attend/support young writers. Frank was Matthew’s literary hero. Friendship blossomed.

Eva Sallis

Very funny!
Vogel (Young writer) and Steel Rudd (Short story) Award Winner.
When she was told she won the Vogel she told everyone, even though there was an embargo!
Also judges awards. Stories he likes (that the other judges don’t), she keeps their names and looks for them to appear in the future.
Literary friends essential. Trusts them to read manuscripts and that they are skilled to understand and sophisticated enough to help.
Has her brag shelf. All her novels, different editions/covers etc. but never looks at it – just adds to it.
Novel has to start with a BIG IDEA or she can’t write. Must be a burning issue in her mind.

Julienne van Loon

Winning the Vogel Award opened the Publisher’s doors.
Advocate of the Vogel as it opens the door for young (less than 35) writers and represents them.
Judges awards. Interesting to see what she thinks is a work of genius compared to what other judges think.
Not a planned writer – it just has to flow – to explore.
Her novels grow out of place, not necessarily a big idea. Look for background stories and things that just niggles in the background/mind.

Both

Both were academics doing PHD’s while writing that first novel. Won the Vogel then second novel hard to follow up on. (Interesting as Nigel Krauth, the MC also won the Vogel).Both feel that reviews in newspapers generally don’t get the point of novels. Also that there are so few books reviewed in papers, and those that are get limited to so few words. To get noticed now you need an interview or something bigger to get your name out there.

NLS4

I keep thinking that I need to write about NLS4. It was such a big part of my life for 3 years then, bam its over. I think it was fantastic and so did most people I spoke to. From a personal viewpoint I learnt so much. I got to work with such a fantastic team and hoped that they learnt as much off me as I did from them. I can’t wait for our big catch up as I miss them all so much! The following are blogs that others have written from their experiences at NLS4:

http://virtuallyalibrarian.com/2008/12/07/nls4-conference-wrap-up/

http://quilterjo.blogspot.com/2008/12/tasty-morsel.html

http://roxannemissingham.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-librarians-they-are-out-there-are.html

http://librariesinteract.info/2008/12/16/new-librarians-symposium-nls4-review/

http://librarianidol.blogspot.com/2008/12/yes-moments-of-last-week.html

http://www.alia.org.au/blog/?p=94

It's a boy!

At 4:42pm on Sunday March 15th, Daniel and I welcomed Adam William Siemensma into the world. A healthy baby boy weighing in at 7 pounds 2. He is now approaching two months old and we are loving every minute of it.

Book & Bookgroup: The Eyre Affair

The book follows literary detective Thursday Next, who is trailing the dangerous Acheron Hades. When Hades begins stealing characters out of books, it's up to Thursday to stop him. The 1985 alternate universe is entirely believable and intriguing - filled with dodos, bookworms, and other inventions. Thursday is a wonderful heroine - strong, yet vulnerable in her own ways. This book brings up many thought-provoking ideas, and keeps you reading till the very end. It's a terrific science-fiction-esque novel without being too 'far out'. Bookgroup doesn't meet for another few weeks so I am not sure what others thought but I loved it (it did help that I recently read Jane Eyre though so remembered many of the details)!

Vedict: 50/50, half of bookgroup loved it, the other half couldn't finish it!

Book: Mozart Maulers

The Mozart Maulers is a comic memoir based on Dorian's experiences as a student at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney. At the time he was seeing a psychiatrist who encouraged him to externalize his anger and use an alternative to drug therapy: Rugby League. Unable to convince any team to take him on, he formed his own team with other music students at the Con called The Mozart Maulers. They took on Sydney Uni and surprised everyone - by winning! It was a nice little read, not too heavy and with a good outcome. Lots of chuckles and a good look into both the Arts and Sports.

Book: The Game

I kept going with the crime feel and read another Mandasue Heller. This was a good book about Mary who got kicked out of home as a teenager, became a drug addict, prostitute etc. and ended up in the dodgy Manchester underworld, abused by her husband, lying to Police etc. Just a nice easy read!

Book & Bookgroup: Eucalyptus

What can I say except interesting book. Only half of the people in bookgroup managed to get through it. I didn't mind it. What wrecked it for me was that I read it over about 6 weeks in between other books and only in chuncks. Once I got into it it was good but otherwise it definitely wasn't something you could dip in and out of. However, now I can say that I have read a Miles Franklin winner!

Summary: On a property in western New South Wales a man named Holland lives with his daughter Ellen. Over the years, as she grows into a beautiful young woman, he plants hundreds of different gum trees on his land. When Ellen is nineteen her father announces his decision: she will marry the man who can name all his species of eucalypt, down to the last tree.