Friday on my Mind

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Books

I am often struck by people’s relationships to certain books. It points to moments in our lives, ones we want to relive, some we’d rather forget. We become attached to a book or a movie when it ‘speaks’ to a part of ourselves.

I believe that a memorable book and indeed movie, is like spending time with a good friend; give more than they ask and often provide exactly the boost you need. Here are some of my sentimental favourites and why:

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – The book of course, but equally the BBC miniseries is my number 1 choice of reuniting with old friends.
2. Only You – Ok it is a pretty corny movie, but Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. make it fun. It is required viewing when I am pining for Italy and the Amalfi Coast.
3. Sara Dane by Catherine Gaskin – This is a rich and interesting story of a young woman sentenced to transportation as a convict to Australia. An Australian classic. I haven’t seen the wonderful TV Mini series in many years. My copy was my grandmother’s book and it brings many happy memories of her when I walk past it on the bookshelf.
4. Harry Potter 1-7  by J K Rowling – What can I say about the wonderful world that Ms Rowling created? I was captivated by her weaving of so many tales, creatures and myths into this series. I always enjoy re-reading the books before I watch the movies, because the books are so much better.
5. The Magus by John Fowles – this is my seminal book. I adore John Fowles, consumed everything I could find in my late teens and early twenties. His writing spoke to me then. It has been many years since I have read one of his books and I am almost too scared to tackle The Magus again in case I don’t love it as much as I did. The French Lieutenant’s Woman will the first on my re-read list.
6. Percheron Trilogy by Fiona McIntosh – These three books were in some way my first introduction to popular fantasy. With locations loosely based on Constantinople it is rich with lush scenery and fantastical creatures and magic. I also love reading Fiona McIntosh and particularly enthusiastic as she is a South Australian author.
7. The Diary of Anne Frank – compelling and eye opening read as a 13 year old. I have read several holocaust novels from the perspective of the child since. Whilst many of these have been excellent this book has really shaped my thoughts on this topic. I was fortunate to visit the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam many years ago and to see the house in reality is quite humbling and sobering. If only humanity could learn from history ….

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

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Book Reviews, Books, character, David Wenham, Graeme Simsion, The Book Club, The Rosie Project

Watching the ABC Book Club, previously known as The First Tuesday Book Club, I saw the review of this book. I loved the energy that everyone had when they discussed the book and on impulse I went and bought it the very next day. Incredibly even Marieke appeared to have genuinely enjoyed it.

What can I say, the plot is cute, there is a giggle a minute and the characters are just wonderful. It is a cast of very normal folks within all the lovely array of personality quirks and flaws that we find in every day life.

The main character is Professor Don Tillman who is an interesting fellow, at an age where he has his routine pretty well set in stone and does not like to see it interrupted. I think we all have friends who fit into this category – especially if you are over 40 years of age. Reading his character I found myself wondering if it will be revealed that he has a ‘syndrome’ – but fortunately the book just celebrated his particular quirks as a variation of the norm. Refreshing really that the book didn’t feel the need to ‘syndromise’ an interesting character. I certainly live in a house of unique personalities and brilliant minds who are definitely not conventional.

The book begins from Don’s decision that he needs a life partner and his proceeding down a very academic path of finding the perfect mate. Hilarious, wonderful and creative! I loved this plot, simple, visible and no twists or turns, but it was so full of charm and humour. This book provided me with much joy and I just could not put it down. I seriously laughed out loud many times and did the one thing my husband hates most of all … yes, I read passages of the book to him – because they were so good I just had to share.

Don and Rosie ‘s evolving friendship is so very endearing; misunderstandings are equally interspersed with tolerance. The peripheral characters are beautifully formed, even those who make fleeting appearances and surprisingly well developed. I would wholeheartedly recommend you read this book, yes it is a romance novel, but it is something much more at the same time. I look forward to the movie or mini-series with a David Wenham as the main character; if I had any casting control.

Friday on my Android Mind

Today I bring this blog post to you from my new …. drum roll … Nexus 7 (32GB WiFi). Yippee! Now my tech savvy husband has fixed the WiFi issue I can write this post.
As you may recall from a previous post, I will be travelling overseas on holiday with my family. In order to avoid carrying books, I’m going to use this little device for those rare moments I am likely to have time to read.
It will serve a dual purpose, my children will be writing a blog each about their experiences, partly as a keepsake and partly to form part of  their schooling whilst away for 5 weeks; and I will be doing likewise.
I now have a few months to practice, as it is quite a different platform to Apple products. I still love my iPad and iPhone, but after a couple of hours on the nexus I’m sure it will also be fabulous. Fortunately, I have a resident 13 year old android expert, who is showing me tips and tricks.
I shall let you know when I review a book read off the Nexus. Browsing the online book store, I won’t have trouble finding something I will enjoy.
Currently I am reading a sweet little novella by Alan Bennett called The Uncommon Reader, about the Queen. Several reviews are lying in wait, still to be completed and I have just finished the final novel in The Hunger Games trilogy, Mockingjay, which didn’t disappoint although I understand why many were.
Enjoy your weekend, à bientôt.