#readaustralian

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

in the lead-up to Booklr Reads Australian, I'm going to share some Goodreads lists that have good selections of Australian novels for people to investigate and choose from 😊

#booklr #bookblr #booklr reads australian #readaustralian #read australian #authors of colour #indigenous authors

[theomnilegent]

This month, I'm participating in Booklr Reads Australian, hosted by the lovely @thereadingchallengechallenge!

I have some pretty high goals for this month but my hope is to read my way through this stack. I've already started with Ellie Marney's The Killing Code and I'm loving it so far!

The books pictured here are also all sapphic in one way or another, to stick with my own goal of reading primarily sapphic stories this year.

Happy reading everyone!

#booklr reads australian #sapphic books #loveozya #readaustralian #theomnilegent speaks

[booksandwords]

The Curse of the Vampire Robot by Graeme Base

Read time: <1 Day Rating: 5/5 Stars

The quote: The night that Voltoid rose again the moon was waxing red. The software-wolves were howling, loud enough to wake the dead.

If I see a new Graeme Base book I will nearly always read it. But The Curse of the Vampire Robot exceeded my expectations. There are some perfect jokes in this. Jokes that I just didn't see coming. Jokes based on typefaces, coding and programs. Everything is computers, old computers, new tech and expressive creatures. Graeme Base has a charming style used so well here, particularly if you want to read it out loud. His illustrations for this book are so different from so many others I have seen. More reminiscent of gothic plates than his regular style. While still suiting the story to a T, much like the illustrations for Moonfish. The little character to find on every page is just cute, I will admit my adult eyes didn't find him easily on every page. Gertie and the ware-wolf pup are adorable, MacSpam is perfectly chaotic (I'm not sure I've ever laughed as much at a single illustration). The story is one of adventure, friendship and perhaps unlikely ways to end a villain. Honestly, it may be one of my favourite Base works for its sheer creativity.

As a picture storybook by Base this inevitably gets shelved in the children's section of libraries and bookshops. I question that choice. While it is a cute story that sends a child-friendly message the characters and background almost are definitely for adults. Much of the tech directly referenced, alluded to and illustrated are generation old, tech-wise and beyond even some twentysomethings. I feel it would be better filled with graphic novels or comics. While that does have its own issues and potential stigmas I think it would be a better fit for the potential audience. As beloved as Graeme Base is people who may get a decent laugh out of this are likely to never find it, they will be unaccustomed to and societally biased against browsing that section. Not to mention browsing the children's section of the library as an adult, particularly an adult male can be uncomfortable. This book is too good and potentially too widely enjoyable to hide in the children's section. This is also why I used my adult rather than children's style for this review.

#the curse of the vampire robot #graeme base #picture story #ktreviews #read 2022 #readaustralian #younglings #book review #technology

[tinkershar]

Being the book before movie nerd that I am I think it's time I read these. #thedry #forceofnature #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #janeharper #readaustralian https://www.instagram.com/p/CJDA6Isl4Vy/?igshid=wiier6s3ldgk

#thedry #forceofnature #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #janeharper #readaustralian

[therefugeofbooks]

Hello, bookworms!

I'm participating in the Booklr reads Australian challenge and I need some recommendation! Do you guys know any mlm or wlw book by an Australian writer? Or a book that includes queer characters?

Thank you 🖤

#Booklr reads Australian #Reading challenge #readaustralian #book blog #bookish #booklr #bookworm #2019 #book world #Looking for recommendation

[the-bibliophiles-bookshelf]

Read Australian: Authors

I’m so happy there is a push for booklr to be reading Australian this month! I’m Australian so I have some recs. Some things to know about me: I’m very very picky with my #loveozya because I hate reading misrepresentations of Australia, and, over done slang absolutely shits me to tears (our accents are shit but we do not speak entirely in rhyming slang!!). 

Markus Zusak of course is the best. The Messenger is such a perfect portrayal of Australia and it’s a brilliant, funny, provocative book. 

Melina Marchetta is wonderful, I love her portrayal of high school and her descriptions of everyday things like the bus rides to school which are so vivid. She also speaks about so many important topics well.

Sophie Hardcastle I adored her book Breathing Under Water so incredible with so many important issues discussed delicately. Also very atmospheric with big time Byron vibes (minus the anti-vaxers). Here is my full review. 

Jackie French I grew up on Jackie French and while she writes more to middle-grade / primary school aged kiddos her books are super fun and a great introduction into historical fiction. Highly recommend the Waltzing Matilda saga (the first ones at least).

Sarah Ayoub I loved her book The Yearbook Committee it dealt with so many important issues and it was so well written. Its everything I imagine the inner city rich kids at private schools experienced in high school some dark vibes which were done really well. 

Please add some books / authors you love that are Australian I want to hear what you love and why!! Or add me on goodreads and chat with me over there!

#thereadingchallengechallenge #booklr #bookish #reading #reader #bookblr #books #book rec #book recs #bookstagram #booklr reads australian #loveozya #readaustralian #book photo #book photography #book challenge #readathon #reads #tbr #books and libraries #book #currently reading #read

[aliteraryprincess]

#ReadAustralian Update 1

I finished Burial Rites on Thursday night, and it’s so amazing!  If you’re a fan of historical fiction, I definitely recommend checking it out.  It has a lot of similarities to Alias Grace (I think I actually found it on a read-alike recommendation list).  The writing is lovely and Kent does a great job building her characters.  5 stars from me!  Next up is The Witches of Eileanan, which I’m very excited for since I loved Kate Forsyth’s Bitter Greens. 

Burial Rites - finished (314 pages)

The Witches of Eileanan - not started

Sabriel - not started

#booklr reads australian #readaustralian #booklr #burial rites #hannah kent #book photography #books

[bibliophilecats]

August 25: Coming of age

Having to deal with the death of sibling or leaving the home you grew up in will give you quite a push in growing up.

#words in deep blue #cath crowley #readaustralian #book photo challenge #shelfconfidencebpc

[mermaid-reyes]

i like my morning coffee with french pastries and French Resistance fighters

Nancy Wake’s autobiography is in turns thrilling, horrifying, inspiring, hilarious, and completely nuts. i’m not usually one for historical, non-fiction, or biographies, but somehow this book that is all three has completely entranced me. Nancy Wake is the most famous australian wartime hero you’ve probably never heard of, and her life story is absolutely bonkers and entirely worth the read!

#ReadAustralian #booklr reads australian #food cw #i said i was going to try to participate in this event and then just...didn’t #whoops! #but it’s never too late to start right?

[storytime-reviews]

#ReadAustralian Autobiographies/Memoirs

The other day I reblogged a post about Aussie authors and added a few of my own suggestions for @thereadingchallengechallenge‘s #booklr reads australian challenge. But I realised that I only included authors that write fiction and some of my favourite autobiographical reads have been by Aussies! 

Yassmin’s Story by Yassmin Abdel-Magied – Perhaps most well known for the way in which she was harassed out of Australia, Yassmin is an author, mechanical engineer and activist; she started a non-profit and has worked for numerous community groups. She is 2007 Young Australian Muslim of the Year, 2010 Young Queenslander of the Year and 2015 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland. This memoir focuses on her lived experiences as a Sudanese-Australian Muslim woman, including how life changed after 9/11. My review. 

The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do – Anh is a Vietnamese-Australian comedian, artist and author. This memoir traces his family’s escape from war-torn Vietnam and arrival in Australia by boat, the hardships they faced in Australia, and how Anh became one of Australia’s favourite comedians. 

Equal Justice: My Journey as a Woman, a Soldier and a Muslim by Rabia Siddique – The daughter of an Indian Muslim father and a white Australian mother, Rabia joined the British Army as a military lawyer and was stationed in Iraq. This memoir explores her sex and race discrimination case against the British Army after she was taken hostage to negotiate the release of SAS soldiers, whereafter her colleague was awarded the Military Cross for the work and she was not. 

Autobiographies/Memories that are on my TBR:

Good Muslim Boy by Osamah Sami – Osamah is an Iraqi-Australian actor, comedian and writer. In 2016, he won the NSW Premier's Literary Prize Award for Good Muslim Boy, about his life as the son of a Muslim cleric in Australia after his family emigrated. His romantic comedy, Ali’s Wedding, was based on aspects of this memoir. 

The Family Law by Benjamin Law – Ben is a Chinese-Australian author and journalist; The Family Law is essentially a portrait of his family and growing up in Australia in a Chinese family. This memoir was adapted into a three season TV show, focusing on Ben in highschool. 

#readaustralian #booklr reads australian #auslit #booklr #non fiction #reading #books #book recs

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

in the lead-up to Booklr Reads Australian, I'm going to share some Goodreads lists that have good selections of Australian novels for people to investigate and choose from 😊

#loveozya #readaustralian #read australian #booklr #bookblr #booklr reads australian

[thelivebookproject]

Booklr Reads Australian Challenge: Discussion

Why do you think Australian fiction is not as widely known as American or British fiction?

When Em first proposed the challenge, my brain immediately blacked out. Did I even know Australian authors? Surely I had read some, right? Then why couldn't I remember more than two?

If the challenge had been about American or British authors, I would have had no problem: I literally can name author after author, even within different genres, with no problem. But Aussie authors? Phew, that's way harder.

And that got me thinking as to why Australian fiction is not exactly famous across the world. It surely can't be the language and/or the need for translation, because it's plain, old English! Then why? Is it because of geographical location? But why should it matter in our globalized world? Spain is not exactly next to the USA and still I read a lot of American authors.

What do you think?

#thelivebookproject #booklr reads australian #readaustralian #bookish discussion #bookblr #august 2019

[booksandwords]

Upside Down by N.R. Walker

Read time: 3 Days Rating: 5/5

The quote: "All I want really big and rock-hard on a guy is his IQ, and what I consider to be hardcore porn is a picture of a guy reading a book with a hard cover. Soft-core porn is a paperback, and browsing Amazon is my version of PornHub, okay?" — Jordan O’Neill

Warnings: homophobia, acephobia, debatably sexual assault (main character, past relationship)

Most of this review is just my fave quotes from the book. 🥰 It is a joy when one of your favourite writers writes about your people, and these really are my people. Importantly for that, I guess, this is set in Australia, using our language though not to the extent that it would be illegible to others. It is worth noting that Hennessey and Jordan both have darkness in their pasts pertaining to previous romantic relationships, family and their dual asexual and gay identities. So warnings for homophobia, acephobia, debatably sexual assault. Look he claims it was consensual, but it was far from enthusiastic consent and it upset me, as was the point.

One of the two protagonists, Jordan, feels like me or eerily similar to me in training. Jordan O'Neill is a librarian who works in the stunning Surry Hills Library in Sydney's inner suburbs, he comes across as slightly clumsy, swears A LOT and most importantly he's a baby ace. He's at first trying to figure out if he is asexual and if he can be comfortable wearing that label along with his others (including gay) then he starts trying to reconcile his attraction to Hennessy with his ace-ness. You cannot read this if you cannot take harsh language. Jordan loves to swear. His favourite word is motherfucker. There is the rather memorable passage "Motherfucker, motherfucker, mother-fucking-fucker. I’m so stupid. I felt awful. My stomach was in knots, my heart was aching, my mind was a motherfucking mess." (Jordan). He swears when he's excited, swears when he's stressed, swears when he's sad. I like it, it suits him, it suits a young Australian. I mean he even swears at work, much to the chagrin of his manager. Jordan is gorgeous, he makes me smile. I love his constant swearing and anxiety. Hennessy is just sweet and knows how to handle Jordan and his anxiety well. Their relationship is just sweet, that soft flirting on a bus and their funny audience. Hennessy Lang is just sweet, known at first as Headphones Guy, then Hennessy the Headphone Guy. Hennessey runs an aspec support group and catches the same bus as Jordan every day. He works as a network security expert, honestly, it sounds kinda fascinating. Hennessey is so self-assured and feels not worldly per se but confident in guiding and helping others on their aspec journey. He's a comfortable character, he feels so different to Jordan while definitely on the same wavelength. But Hennessey doesn't feel as I don't know unique maybe as Jordan, I certainly don't relate to him on the same level. Overall Theirs is a sweet story of coming to terms with yourself, your identity, your limitations and how to be yourself with someone else.

The support cast. The Soup Crew are quite possibly the funniest wider supporting cast I've read in a long time. If they don't make you laugh I'm not sure anything will. Honestly, I think I've almost been those people. Jordan summed them up in one line "So God help me. The Soup Crew really were a bunch of weird and wonderful motherfuckers.". The idea of Hennessy and Jordan's relationship creating friendships among their supporters is a good one. Anyone who catches the same public transport at the same time on a regular basis knows the sensation of hey it's you. And has possibly seen people change over time. I know people watched me grow up when I was catching the bus daily for school. I know this because people commented on it when I was in my final days of year 12 and later 'haven't seen you in a while, how is life post high school', also regular horn honks from bus drivers while I'm walking. Other than them and more important than them in many ways are Merry Jordan's best friend and work colleague, Angus his housemate and Michael Hennessey's friend and colleague. These three all want what is best for their respective person. Even if they have doubts about the other party there is both trust and a want to defend their soft souls. Merry in particular threatens Hennessey with violence more than once if he dares hurt Jordan. Micheal is the poly rep with his wife whom we do meet albeit a little briefly. Angus, Angus is something like a brother to Jordan. But he is very, very odd. He needs to be read to be experienced.

Some of my fave quotes and comments on them

“We see repeatedly, we’re told repeatedly, it’s shown, it’s implied, it’s blatant that sex equals love. That we’re not complete without it. That sexual intimacy is the pinnacle of all relationship goals.” — (Hennessey) This with a tone of slight disappointment, and frustration. But an absolute mood for my aspec sibs. We've all had a moment of exasperation while trying to explain that this whole thing is bullsh*t.

“There’s a difference between normal behaviour and normalised behaviour,” Nataya said. “Normal is subjective. And by whose definition should we fit anyway? Do we take normality from people like my grandma who is horrified by just about everything we see on the internet, or do we take normality from guys who think it’s normal and completely okay to send dick pics to people they’ve never met?” — (Nataya) It is that first line that is critical to real-life and aces know that better than most. But while the first line has the most highlights in the book, I wanted to include the whole thing. The full quote explains the first line.

"I didn’t want to admit the asexual thing to myself for a long time, and I’m thinking it will take some getting used to. Like breaking in a pair of Doc Martens, ya know? Like they’re uncomfortable and tight and basically kill your feet until they’re the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear. They become like a second skin, and I’m pretty sure this whole asexual thing will be like that.” He made a thoughtful face. “I like that analogy.” — (Jordan and Hennessey) I too really like this analogy. I've had to come to terms with my aspec identity and all the things it means, more the cultural milestones losses, the broader implications and I have broken in Doc Martens too. Yeah, they kinda feel like the same thing.

And his eyes when I admitted it wasn’t music I was listening to… well, his grey-coloured eyes melted like silver, warm amber with hints of blue and green. And he smelt really good, and his nervous rambling was kinda cute. — (Hennessey) This about Jordan, I mean obvs. It's the description of his eyes they are gorgeous and this is a helluva way to describe them. And Hennessey is the analytical of the two, not the more creative one. Though there is creativity in what looks a lot like white hat hacking when he talks about it.

“Thanks. I like to add a little colour to an otherwise drab uniform.” “It matches, every day,” I said. “Of course it does.” He leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “I’m gay. Of course it fucking matches.” — (Jordan and Hennessey) I unashamedly love Jordan. It's Jordan that adds colour to his uniform every day, brightly coloured scarf and shoes, coordinated perfectly with his jacket. They always match and some of the colours are outrageous. But it was the last line that made me laugh... out loud... on the train.

“Sarcasm is in the self-help section, by the way.” “Self-help?” "Yes, so you can pull your head out of your own arse.” I barked out a laugh. “Are you always so funny?” He shrugged. “I don’t know. There’s a fine line between comedy and horror. It could go either way.” — (Jordan and Hennessey) We do a love library/ Dewey Decimal joke. This is basically

“She’s the best. She knows how to deal with me.” “Which is…?” “Well, that depends. She either tells me to pull my head out of my arse and stop being such a dick, or she talks me back from the ledge. It totally depends on what I need more, which she seems to know better than me. And I work at the library.” — (Jordan and Hennessey) This about Merry. Merry is the best friend Jordan could ask for. We see her build him up, we see her talk him off the ledge and it's her that encourages him to push his limits, push through his discomfort for his betterment.

“Was that during one of my nervous ramblings, because you can probably disregard anything and all I ever say when I’m like that.” I chuckled. “I think it might be the opposite. I think the filter comes off and you say what’s really on your mind.”

I chuckled. “I think it might be the opposite. I think the filter comes off and you say what’s really on your mind.” — (Jordan and Hennessey) To this point I hadn't picked up on this point of Jordan's ramblings. Hennessey is transparent with Jordan and intuitive. Hennessey shares his insights with the audience

“It’s like a treehouse,” I whispered. Jordan grinned. “Isn’t it awesome?” “Pretty sure whoever designed this was a reader or someone who really loved books.” — (Hennessy and Jordan) Surry Hills Library is library p*rn, it's fu**ing stunning. Thank God it's not "architecturally designed" as is the joke made in my library technician TAFE course (Fiona if you do ever read this Laura and I have never forgotten those moments). Or designed by committee which is even worse. Basically, the libraries and spaces designed by architects (without consultation with library staff) are horrendous and usually borderline impractical. I'm wondering if this might be where NR Walker does her writing and research. I really want to go there now. I guess I'll add it to my library tour bucket list. I've got half a chance I only live 12hrs away, I go back to Sydney one day.

"And about the breed of bird you made up, do they look like puffins? Because they’re the cutest bird I’ve ever seen. You know, if one was curious.” “If one was curious, they’d be pleased to know the Australian Pygmy Puffin is far cuter than the Atlantic Puffin. Like all Australian animals, they look adorable but are either venomous, poisonous, or just total jerks.” “The Pygmy Puffin?” I asked, smiling. “Yes. Small fluff balls, incredibly rare. There are three rules when handling them: One, no bright light. Two, don’t get them wet. And three, never feed them after midnight, no matter how much they beg.” — (Hennessey and Jordan) Okay I lost it at this exchange. There is context but do you really need it? This is kinda where their conversations go off into wonderland.

“He quoted Lewis Carroll,” I tried to say, but it was barely a squeaky breath. “Oh, Jesus,” she whispered. Her eyes went from my phone to me, then back again. “So that’s it then. I’ll start planning the wedding.” — (Jordan and Merry) Merry is bestie goals. This kind of dry deadpan humour is key to her.

“Ask him why we send something by car and call it shipment but send stuff by ship and call it cargo? Or why do our feet smell and our noses run? Or why the number eleven isn’t pronounced onety-one? Is Disneyland a people trap operated by a mouse?” — (Rachel) Another quote where there is context to do with philosophical questions prompted by "Why isn’t cereal considered to be or called a soup?" and “Do you think maths is something we invented or something we discovered?” from Jordan. This is Rachel's sense of humour. Also, all three questions just made me think. I couldn't help it.

I’m no expert in art, but I know books, and there is such a misconception about what genre people prefer. I don’t give a fuck what people read, as long as they read. From manga to gardening books, it doesn’t matter, and why people scoff at romance, I’ll never know. Because isn’t it a beautiful thing? Romance, that is. People wanting a happy ending. How is that ever wrong? — (Jordan) I have no words for this other than it speaks to my librarian soul.

“Celebrity you’d love to meet?” “Percy Shelley but I’ll need a priest, a Ouija board, and the blood of a chicken.” — (Hennessey and Jordan) Just what??

Oh, and your questions earlier. My tattoo is the Marvel Avengers’ A, you know, but in black, grey, white, and purple, like the ace flag. Kind of like my superhero shield. — (Hennessey) I love this tattoo so much. And I like the idea of mixing our flag colouring and a beloved fandom iconography. I would so do this with the dagger I've wanted for years.

“Like I said before, desire and attraction are not the same thing. To experience sexual desire does not make someone less asexual than someone else. Asexual people can engage in sexual pleasure. It doesn’t make them any less asexual. Sometimes our bodies betray our minds, and it’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with you. Your asexuality is still valid.” — (Hennessey) This is from an extensive passage or series of passages from Hennessey about desire vs pleasure. In some ways because Jordan is such a baby-ace and Hennessey is his first real contact with the aspec community and a guide somewhat to him this makes sense. But what he really becomes is something of an educator to the reader, particularly readers who don't know much about what asexuality really is.

“Really? Dick jokes?” “Yes. Dick jokes. I’m asexual, not dead." — (Jordan and Hennessey) No comment. Just 🍆😆

In the interest of full disclosure any book that uses aspecs well, that explores asexuality gets an automatic five stars from me. We just need more representation. And Upside Down does explore asexuality well. That idea of coming to terms and adjusting to your new self and learning how to be that person with someone else. This has so much joy, power and representation. This is an Australian author going where so few dare to tread, with two ace protagonists and a setting in their own backyard. Better yet Hennessy and Jordan are fun, funny and written in a way that makes you just want them to be happy. Hopefully together but if with other people so be it. With an uber supportive and highly amusing support cast to boot. I really recommend this as a way to see a different world.

#upside down #n.r. walker #readaustralian #queer #dymocksreadingchallenge #asexuality #spoilers on goodreads #read 2022 #ktreviews #book review #booklr

[arisanareads]

For anyone that wants to tackle the #YearLongReadingChallenge @dymocksbooks have put on this challenge and some of the items in the list are uniquely #Australian Feel free to give it a go. You have 12 months to complete it! #DymocksReadingChallenge #2020ReadingChallenge #ReadAustralian #booklover #booksaddict #booklife #books #readingaddict https://www.instagram.com/p/B7DZT2MB6k0/?igshid=felesc3nrgkr

#yearlongreadingchallenge #australian #dymocksreadingchallenge #2020readingchallenge #readaustralian #booklover #booksaddict #booklife #books #readingaddict

[therefugeofbooks]

Still in the Booklr reads Australian challenge, I've finished reading On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. She's in many lists about Australian writers so I decided to give it a try! It's not exactly my cup of tea but it's a light book to read.

#Booklr reads Australian #Reading challenge #Readaustralian #loveozya #Melina Marchetta #On the jellicoe road #Na estrada jellicoe #Ebook #Kindle #booklr #2019 #*mine #Book photography

[auntadadoom]

Just finished this for #ausreadingmonth , very interesting collection of essays from the 1980s #readaustralian #artcritic (at Vermont South, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5RHEhIB9vv/?igshid=1gjsj7e5avgq1

#ausreadingmonth #readaustralian #artcritic