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The Simple Act of Reading
For it is in the simple act of reading where the living and the dead, the real and the imagined, meet. It is in the simple act of reading where we exercise those two most sacred of human compassion and creativity. For as we know, without either of these primes there is no possibility for a humanity present or past worth talking about. Junot DiazA collection of essays and memoir pieces on the topic of reading, in particular what it means for writers to be readers and how that has shaped their life. The Simple Act of Reading will support Sydney Story Factory by emphasising the importance of reading in shaping an individual’s future. Contributors include; Debra Adelaide, Joan London, Delia Falconer, Sunil Badami, Gabrielle Carey, Luke Davies, Tegan Bennett Daylight, Kate Forsyth, Giulia Giuffre, Andy Griffiths, Anita Heiss, Gail Jones, Jill Jones, Catherine Keenan, Malcolm Knox, Wayne Macauley, Fiona McFarlane, David Malouf, Rosie Scott, Carrie Tiffany and Geordie Williamson.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Debra Adelaide
29 books41 followersDebra Adelaide has worked as a researcher, editor, and book reviewer, and has a PhD from the University of Sydney. She is presently a senior lecturer in creative writing at the University of Technology, Sydney, where she lives with her husband and three children.
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debra_Ad...
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debra_Ad...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 24, 2024
If you've ever looked at your bookshelf and hardly recognized the old, battered novels that just a few years back had you completely engrossed, then you know that disquieting feeling of hardly remembering books that you may still regard as memorable. Or maybe you remember the oddest, irrelevant fragments without understanding why they stuck in your memory.
Earlier this year I got through half of Jane Austen's Emma before I reached a passage that made me pause: Emma looks out of a shop window and surveys the quiet street as the narrator notes that, "A mind lively and at ease, can do with seeing nothing, and can see nothing that does not answer." Meaning that a lively intellect hardly needs the stimuli of London to make its reflections. Then it hit me that I'd read this book before, and that I long remembered that passage without knowing where exactly I'd read it. I vaguely remembered some greenery: I must have read Emma for the first time at a park.
When I was younger, I'd devour books in my budding teenage angst in hopes of finding answers, and solutions, in a crazy, unjust and hypocritical world. It upset me then how I'd often forget major episodes or characters in my thick Russian novels or philosophy books. Now that I'm older, I know it's still a crazy, unjust and hypocritical world, but I also know it's enough to read books for their own sake; for the experience and the other worlds they offer. I still forget most of what I read, but I keep reading. More often I remember fragments, moments and images from all those pages I flip through for hours on end.
Australian author Sunil Badami describes perfectly why we keep reading when we ultimately remember so little of what we've read:
"You might as well ask why we dream, or live at all, given how much we forget of our dreams and lives. Yet just as I cannot imagine being alive without dreams, I couldn't dream of living without reading. One reason we forget books is because, unlike other forms of art, they're so difficult to return to. We can listen to an album over and over until the melody is a part of us, or watch and re-watch a film until we can quote it at will. But all they take is an hour or two each time we watch or listen to them again. A book demands a deeper investment of concentration and time - at the very least a night of sustained attention. Dreams, too, I suppose, and we all know what happens to them in the morning."
Badami says reading is a sort of meditation, part escapism and part self-discovery that isn't any less profound when we forget the books themselves. The experience remains.
"In losing ourselves in the lives of others, we can find ourselves, enabling us to see the world and those around us refracted in a new light - in our own reflection. Where else in the world can e do that? Not even in our dreams."
Badami's is my favourite essay in this collection of Australian writers reflecting on the power of reading. Several other essays left me smiling. Interest in Australian literature or the country, which I know mostly through watching episodes of MasterChef Australia, is not mandatory. These essays are relatable and poignant to any book lover, anywhere.
There's Luke Davies talking about his childhood reading Tintin comics in Herge and Me, in which he writes to the legendary French author who created the daredevil, red-haired reporter who scoured the world on his adventures. Davies recalls how Herge - or his secretary - replied to his fan mail, and how he later stumbled upon the correspondence during a much darker period of his life when remembering his childhood hero brought him comfort.
In another essay, author Carrie Tiffany describes binge reading Thomas Hardy novels to escape the heat while working as a park ranger in central Australia, and how her environment would sometimes strangely echo the rural English landscapes of Hardy's melancholy worlds. Years later while visiting England, she learned that Hardy's Wessex existed only in his imagination and wasn't a real place on any map.
For anybody that measures and remembers periods of their lives in the books they read, this collection is a charming, at times nostalgic and at other times bittersweet, look at the simple but magical act of reading.
Earlier this year I got through half of Jane Austen's Emma before I reached a passage that made me pause: Emma looks out of a shop window and surveys the quiet street as the narrator notes that, "A mind lively and at ease, can do with seeing nothing, and can see nothing that does not answer." Meaning that a lively intellect hardly needs the stimuli of London to make its reflections. Then it hit me that I'd read this book before, and that I long remembered that passage without knowing where exactly I'd read it. I vaguely remembered some greenery: I must have read Emma for the first time at a park.
When I was younger, I'd devour books in my budding teenage angst in hopes of finding answers, and solutions, in a crazy, unjust and hypocritical world. It upset me then how I'd often forget major episodes or characters in my thick Russian novels or philosophy books. Now that I'm older, I know it's still a crazy, unjust and hypocritical world, but I also know it's enough to read books for their own sake; for the experience and the other worlds they offer. I still forget most of what I read, but I keep reading. More often I remember fragments, moments and images from all those pages I flip through for hours on end.
Australian author Sunil Badami describes perfectly why we keep reading when we ultimately remember so little of what we've read:
"You might as well ask why we dream, or live at all, given how much we forget of our dreams and lives. Yet just as I cannot imagine being alive without dreams, I couldn't dream of living without reading. One reason we forget books is because, unlike other forms of art, they're so difficult to return to. We can listen to an album over and over until the melody is a part of us, or watch and re-watch a film until we can quote it at will. But all they take is an hour or two each time we watch or listen to them again. A book demands a deeper investment of concentration and time - at the very least a night of sustained attention. Dreams, too, I suppose, and we all know what happens to them in the morning."
Badami says reading is a sort of meditation, part escapism and part self-discovery that isn't any less profound when we forget the books themselves. The experience remains.
"In losing ourselves in the lives of others, we can find ourselves, enabling us to see the world and those around us refracted in a new light - in our own reflection. Where else in the world can e do that? Not even in our dreams."
Badami's is my favourite essay in this collection of Australian writers reflecting on the power of reading. Several other essays left me smiling. Interest in Australian literature or the country, which I know mostly through watching episodes of MasterChef Australia, is not mandatory. These essays are relatable and poignant to any book lover, anywhere.
There's Luke Davies talking about his childhood reading Tintin comics in Herge and Me, in which he writes to the legendary French author who created the daredevil, red-haired reporter who scoured the world on his adventures. Davies recalls how Herge - or his secretary - replied to his fan mail, and how he later stumbled upon the correspondence during a much darker period of his life when remembering his childhood hero brought him comfort.
In another essay, author Carrie Tiffany describes binge reading Thomas Hardy novels to escape the heat while working as a park ranger in central Australia, and how her environment would sometimes strangely echo the rural English landscapes of Hardy's melancholy worlds. Years later while visiting England, she learned that Hardy's Wessex existed only in his imagination and wasn't a real place on any map.
For anybody that measures and remembers periods of their lives in the books they read, this collection is a charming, at times nostalgic and at other times bittersweet, look at the simple but magical act of reading.
August 31, 2015
"The idea for this book was simple, as simple as the act of reading itself: how compelling it is when authors write about books, other authors or just moments in their reading lives that have been significant for them."
Edited by Debra Adelaide, The Simple Act of Reading is a collection of short personal essays from twenty one of Australia's celebrated writers.
Luke Davies writes of childhood correspondence with Herge, the author of TinTin. Joan London praises The Watch Tower by Elizabeth Harrower, while David Malouf recalls the first time he read Jane Eyre. Catherine Keenan shares the joy of her young daughter cracking the code of the written word, and Anita Heiss writes of discovering her love for reading when studying for her doctorate in her late twenties.
I recognised myself in several of the essays, I was just like Kate Forsyth describes herself, in 'Books are Dangerous';
"When I was a child, I was such a bookworm that I troubled and bewildered even my very bookish parents. I would borrow six books at a time from the local library, and have read them all by the following day. I used to walk home from school reading. I would become so absorbed in the book that I would walk past my turn-off, and some considerable time later look up, finding myself blocks away from home. I’d miss my stop on train journeys. I would not hear my name being called in class. I would read so late at night that I could hear the kookaburras’ weird cackle as I reluctantly turned the last pages."
In fact little has changed :)
The Simple Act of Reading is an engaging collection that will appeal to book lovers everywhere.
And this, from Sunni Budami in 'In Your Deams' is the perfect retort for the question oft asked of bookworms;
" So, if you can recall the question: if we forget most of what we read, then why do we read? You might as well ask why we dream, or live at all, given how much we forget of our dreams and lives. Yet just as I cannot imagine being alive without dreams, I couldn’t dream of living without reading."
September 18, 2021
This book of essays is a joy to read and reread. I loved seeing common threads (Arthur Ransome & Jeffery Archer), joyous revolutions (imagine comparing The Tower Building to The Tower i. The Lady of Shallot!), and historical parallels.
These essays are worth reading and rereading. And, sharing and gifting.
Thank you
These essays are worth reading and rereading. And, sharing and gifting.
Thank you
May 6, 2016
Review of The Simple Act of Reading Edited by Debra Adelaide
What’s not to love? It’s a book about books. And about reading and the impact of books on us. It is a gem and the proceeds go to charity – The Sydney Story Factory. Don’t worry if you aren’t Australian and think you won’t have heard of all the contributors. To be honest, the recognition of the writers definitely adds to the recognition of the books themselves but isn’t necessary. I had forgotten all about the Cherry Ames books I read as a child – a window into a whole other world indeed. I loved the confidence of a child writing to his hero fully expecting a response and the joy of getting one and then entering an on-going dialogue with him.
Ms Adelaide’s introduction draws our attention to how reading forges mysterious and vital pathways through our brains, how it fires up our imagination… how it dispels ignorance… fosters sympathy.
This book opens a voyeuristic world into how other people relate to the written word and I found it fascinating. A favourite was the article by Malcolm Knox about ereaders versus the printed book. He isn’t against the former and loves the ability to carry a library so you won’t get bored with any particular book but he raises an interesting point, which I previously hadn’t considered. He regrets the fact that someone with a kindle opens no possibility of speculating about the sort of person they are and stops the possibility of shared bonding over a loved book. Mr Knox talks about carrying his copy of The Godfather under his arm at age 11 to show off his maturity. A great read and made me smile several times – and search out some of the books he mentions. Remember Harold Robbins?
A great aspect of the book is that the editor has collected all the named books in a list at the back for convenience.
This is an excellent buy for anyone interested in books and reading and would make an ideal gift for the person you know who loves reading but you don’t know their tastes that well – maybe because they have an ereader and you can’t go check out their bookshelves on your next visit.
I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
What’s not to love? It’s a book about books. And about reading and the impact of books on us. It is a gem and the proceeds go to charity – The Sydney Story Factory. Don’t worry if you aren’t Australian and think you won’t have heard of all the contributors. To be honest, the recognition of the writers definitely adds to the recognition of the books themselves but isn’t necessary. I had forgotten all about the Cherry Ames books I read as a child – a window into a whole other world indeed. I loved the confidence of a child writing to his hero fully expecting a response and the joy of getting one and then entering an on-going dialogue with him.
Ms Adelaide’s introduction draws our attention to how reading forges mysterious and vital pathways through our brains, how it fires up our imagination… how it dispels ignorance… fosters sympathy.
This book opens a voyeuristic world into how other people relate to the written word and I found it fascinating. A favourite was the article by Malcolm Knox about ereaders versus the printed book. He isn’t against the former and loves the ability to carry a library so you won’t get bored with any particular book but he raises an interesting point, which I previously hadn’t considered. He regrets the fact that someone with a kindle opens no possibility of speculating about the sort of person they are and stops the possibility of shared bonding over a loved book. Mr Knox talks about carrying his copy of The Godfather under his arm at age 11 to show off his maturity. A great read and made me smile several times – and search out some of the books he mentions. Remember Harold Robbins?
A great aspect of the book is that the editor has collected all the named books in a list at the back for convenience.
This is an excellent buy for anyone interested in books and reading and would make an ideal gift for the person you know who loves reading but you don’t know their tastes that well – maybe because they have an ereader and you can’t go check out their bookshelves on your next visit.
I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
June 25, 2015
“Books are a true kid of magic, and that is why they are so dangerous, and so essential.” – Kate Forsyth
This book was created with the admirable intention of “supporting young readers and writers via the work of the Sydney Story Factory.” It does so by demonstrating, with a collection of nostalgic, inspiring and beautiful essays, how fundamentally important reading is to us, our childhoods and our futures. All proceeds from this book are donated to the Sydney Story Factory.
All writers were readers first and, in the words of Wallace Stegner, “If you aren’t a reader, you might as well forget trying to be a writer.” It makes no sense to dedicate your life to books unless they are your passion, and hold a very special place in your heart. All the writers that contributed to this book focus on the role that reading and books have played in their lives. Some of the authors discovered reading very early in their childhoods, whilst for others this fascination developed later. Regardless of age, the one clear message that shines through from this compilation is that reading has the profound ability to mold you, change you and make you grow.
Personally, the accounts I found particularly fascinating were the ones that described that remarkable transition in life when, almost all of sudden, you are able to read. Miraculously, random characters on a page have meaning, and allow entry into a new world that we are free to explore and enjoy without parental involvement or any kind of outside interference. Kate Forsyth’s description in Books are Dangerous is especially touching, where she recounts her experience of reading the Narnia books:
“I picked it up and began to puzzle my way through. Slowly the black hedge of thorns on the page parted, revealing a snowy landscape of dark trees through which the light of a lamp-post glowed…”
The compilation is replete with sentiments that any bibliophile would understand, including the concept that “reading connects us with our younger selves”, and that certain books that we read in our early days act almost as a comfort blanket. Regardless of whether the book is The Hobbit, Harry Potter or Pride and Prejudice, you never feel too far from home if you are reading a copy. In his essay Hergé and Me, Luke Davies puts it perfectly:
“I remember so vividly the unassailable cosiness, the sense of protectedness, being in such an utterly foreign room and yet being, with that book in my hands, fundamentally safe.”
It was a pleasure to read a collection of words from people so passionate about the world of books, and it left me even more eager to read than I was before. I thoroughly recommend this book to those of you who have been profoundly affected by the written word, and take delight in knowing that the money you spend will be going toward supporting young readers and emerging writers.
This book was created with the admirable intention of “supporting young readers and writers via the work of the Sydney Story Factory.” It does so by demonstrating, with a collection of nostalgic, inspiring and beautiful essays, how fundamentally important reading is to us, our childhoods and our futures. All proceeds from this book are donated to the Sydney Story Factory.
All writers were readers first and, in the words of Wallace Stegner, “If you aren’t a reader, you might as well forget trying to be a writer.” It makes no sense to dedicate your life to books unless they are your passion, and hold a very special place in your heart. All the writers that contributed to this book focus on the role that reading and books have played in their lives. Some of the authors discovered reading very early in their childhoods, whilst for others this fascination developed later. Regardless of age, the one clear message that shines through from this compilation is that reading has the profound ability to mold you, change you and make you grow.
Personally, the accounts I found particularly fascinating were the ones that described that remarkable transition in life when, almost all of sudden, you are able to read. Miraculously, random characters on a page have meaning, and allow entry into a new world that we are free to explore and enjoy without parental involvement or any kind of outside interference. Kate Forsyth’s description in Books are Dangerous is especially touching, where she recounts her experience of reading the Narnia books:
“I picked it up and began to puzzle my way through. Slowly the black hedge of thorns on the page parted, revealing a snowy landscape of dark trees through which the light of a lamp-post glowed…”
The compilation is replete with sentiments that any bibliophile would understand, including the concept that “reading connects us with our younger selves”, and that certain books that we read in our early days act almost as a comfort blanket. Regardless of whether the book is The Hobbit, Harry Potter or Pride and Prejudice, you never feel too far from home if you are reading a copy. In his essay Hergé and Me, Luke Davies puts it perfectly:
“I remember so vividly the unassailable cosiness, the sense of protectedness, being in such an utterly foreign room and yet being, with that book in my hands, fundamentally safe.”
It was a pleasure to read a collection of words from people so passionate about the world of books, and it left me even more eager to read than I was before. I thoroughly recommend this book to those of you who have been profoundly affected by the written word, and take delight in knowing that the money you spend will be going toward supporting young readers and emerging writers.
May 29, 2015
This is not a book, this is a sonnet to celebrate people's love for the books they read or are going to, all along their life. A pity that all of this people talking about books are Australian authors whom I still haven't read. Anyway this book was really good because I can empathize with almost everything that was written and I think every book lover would appreciate it.
Questo é qualcosa di piú di un libro, è piuttosto una celebrazione dell'amore delle persone per i libri che hanno letto o che leggeranno nella loro vita. Un peccato che tutti gli autori che hanno scritto un contributo per questo libro sono Australiani e non li ho mai letti, ancora. Comunque veramente un bel libro, perché era facile per me immedesimarmi in ciascuno di loro ed empatizzare con quello che avevano scritto, e come me qualunque amante dei libri.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE AUSTRALIA Pty LTD FOR THE PREVIEW!
Questo é qualcosa di piú di un libro, è piuttosto una celebrazione dell'amore delle persone per i libri che hanno letto o che leggeranno nella loro vita. Un peccato che tutti gli autori che hanno scritto un contributo per questo libro sono Australiani e non li ho mai letti, ancora. Comunque veramente un bel libro, perché era facile per me immedesimarmi in ciascuno di loro ed empatizzare con quello che avevano scritto, e come me qualunque amante dei libri.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE AUSTRALIA Pty LTD FOR THE PREVIEW!
July 3, 2015
Wonderful collection of essays from a variety of authors. Notable essays for me included Anita Heiss's discussion of Indigenous Australian narrative and her work with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation; Sunil Badami's essay on reading as an act of remembering; Malcolm Knox's insights into his reading practices and incredible library collection; and, of course, the always-eloquent David Malouf's charming tale of being transported into the world of Jane Eyre.
As with most anthologies, not all of them spoke to me, but I found a lot of valuable insights in the collection. Would recommend to book lovers and anyone whose "dream dinner party" list includes creative writer folk.
As with most anthologies, not all of them spoke to me, but I found a lot of valuable insights in the collection. Would recommend to book lovers and anyone whose "dream dinner party" list includes creative writer folk.
May 30, 2017
This collection of stories about people’s experiences reading (and the books that shaped them) sounded good in theory, but in practice it was a little repetitive. I also realised that the stories were only really appealing if you had read the books they were writing about… and I hadn’t read over half of those discussed. Maybe this would have worked better if I had read it slowly, with breaks in between each story (like as a series, or a column in a newspaper) but all bunched together it just felt a bit samey.
Read more on my blog: Middle Chapter
Read more on my blog: Middle Chapter
May 30, 2015
A book about reading by writers - What a wonderful combination! The Simple Act of Reading is a collection of essays and memoir pieces by Australian authors on their love of reading. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Sydney Story Factory. A wonderful compilation that has left my “to read” even longer than it was before.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015...
Reviewed based on a publisher’s galley received through NetGalley
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015...
Reviewed based on a publisher’s galley received through NetGalley
June 18, 2018
Finding others that feel the same way about books as yourself is exhilarating. It takes one back to the early years of reading. It is a voyeuristic read as the writers map their journey to becoming writers via books. Every writer should know their own story, and many of these writers tell it beautifully. There were a few essays where I felt the writers had missed the mark, talking about specific books but not really putting themselves into the equation, in those instances I wanted to ask; "Why this book? What did it mean to you?"
Those cases were rare. Many writers put into words things that I had felt but not articulated, which is always one of the things I look for when I read. Others gave great book suggestions that are now waiting for me at the library. At times I was transported to other places and times just with the mere mention of a book and that was lovely, but most importantly it has made me revisit my relationship with books, and in some ways strengthened it by giving it a voice or a medium.
Those cases were rare. Many writers put into words things that I had felt but not articulated, which is always one of the things I look for when I read. Others gave great book suggestions that are now waiting for me at the library. At times I was transported to other places and times just with the mere mention of a book and that was lovely, but most importantly it has made me revisit my relationship with books, and in some ways strengthened it by giving it a voice or a medium.
October 28, 2022
4.5 stars
I love reading about other people's reading, their book lists and why they read what they read.
This is a book of essays by Australian authors, book critics, journalists and creative writing teachers.
It is probably a fairly common collection of essays to most readers, but I rated it so highly as it is Australian and thus spoke strongly to my own reading experience. Especially as lots of the writers were around my age so grew up with the same books. A few of the essays talk about the incongruous feeling of reading all these books about the lovely green English countryside during baking hot, dry and often drought-ridden Australian summer holidays.
A great collection whether you are Australian or not but I was really pleased to find a book about books specifically about the Australian experience.
I love reading about other people's reading, their book lists and why they read what they read.
This is a book of essays by Australian authors, book critics, journalists and creative writing teachers.
It is probably a fairly common collection of essays to most readers, but I rated it so highly as it is Australian and thus spoke strongly to my own reading experience. Especially as lots of the writers were around my age so grew up with the same books. A few of the essays talk about the incongruous feeling of reading all these books about the lovely green English countryside during baking hot, dry and often drought-ridden Australian summer holidays.
A great collection whether you are Australian or not but I was really pleased to find a book about books specifically about the Australian experience.
June 17, 2017
Interesting collection of short reminiscences by some talented authors. Collected a few new reading thoughts and off to the Library again.
August 18, 2018
I loved reading the passion writers have for reading, why they read and what effects that has on their lives. It resonates with me and I enjoyed them putting to words how I feel.
May 1, 2016
'I fitted awkwardly into my own life, but I was a native in the land of reading' - Catherine Keenan.
There are many similarly poetic and profound statements on the power of reading in this enjoyable and readable collection of essays, but this one seemed to distil all of them into one. It highlights the seeming incongruity of the passive reader in a hyperactive world and their subsequent self-isolation through books. More importantly, it captures the pure magic of reading: that we can exist in two places at once, in the physical location of where we read, but better, the mental location we create from what we read. This duality of self - that we can be simultaneously reclining in a comfy armchair while also fighting fantasy creatures in snow-capped mountains - is what makes reading so captivating, compelling and addictive. Far from being a simple act, reading is a physically and mentally strenuous activity, the apparent passivity of which belies its core truth: that it is a journey through worlds, undertaken simultaneously alone and in the company of fantastical others. Those who don't read live half lives; those who do live multiple lives.
There are many similarly poetic and profound statements on the power of reading in this enjoyable and readable collection of essays, but this one seemed to distil all of them into one. It highlights the seeming incongruity of the passive reader in a hyperactive world and their subsequent self-isolation through books. More importantly, it captures the pure magic of reading: that we can exist in two places at once, in the physical location of where we read, but better, the mental location we create from what we read. This duality of self - that we can be simultaneously reclining in a comfy armchair while also fighting fantasy creatures in snow-capped mountains - is what makes reading so captivating, compelling and addictive. Far from being a simple act, reading is a physically and mentally strenuous activity, the apparent passivity of which belies its core truth: that it is a journey through worlds, undertaken simultaneously alone and in the company of fantastical others. Those who don't read live half lives; those who do live multiple lives.
August 8, 2015
Generally a good read. Particular favourites were: Kate Forsyth, Sunil Badami, Andy Griffiths, Anita Heiss and Geordie Williamson. Some I found a little pretentious and skimmed over those but overall it was an interesting read.
June 3, 2021
Contains all the reasons I read and more. Essays from famous Australian writers on the topic of reading. Perfect for readers and writers alike. Learn how to read like a writer and be inspired by your reading.
July 11, 2015
Like books about books? This is an interesting collection of essays written by authors about (for the most part) their love of books and reading.
September 29, 2015
Nice range of different authors who tell stories about writers and books that influenced their reading lives.
Want to read
October 8, 2015Birthday present! Looking forward to reading it!
December 19, 2015
This collection was really diverse and I really enjoyed the memoir aspects of many of the pieces. More books to be added to my reading list.
February 10, 2016
Australian authors share their fondest memories of reading: the pleasures and the power of it. Great stuff for a fellow book lover.
March 6, 2016
Insightful and in many cases, relatable for all bookworms. Review to come!
January 11, 2017
Rather same same and no difference.
June 10, 2017
I read this book in a few days as it had me engrossed. I am loathe to return it to my library as it gave me a wealth of knowledge so sorry to the person who is waiting to read it! I remembered so many of the books mentioned but to date had forgotten them. Lots from English classes at Airdrie Academy with Miss Walker, a tyrant in my school of the 'old school' teaching in English literature but now on looking back gave me a wonderful insight and encouraged my love of books and hunger to read more. I've always loved books. I never saw my mother read herself but she always read to me every night until I could do so myself. Then I read to her. All the classics I borrowed from school and Airdrie Public Library, sadly now gone and replaced by one of those ugly modern ones. I loved that library, the smell the atmosphere and the stuffy librarian who watched your every move. I'd hide in the classics section to read Shakespeare and Dickens as some you were not allowed to borrow due to being fragile and old. We had a sticker on the back of each one you could borrow stating if there was a book you borrowed and there was a contagious disease at home it had to be noted and they would fumigate it before gong back on the shelf!
Back to this book I enjoyed every section apart from Andy Griffiths ..sorry young guns but I've never to date saw the enjoyment or obsession with Dr Seuss, Roald Dhal, or any of Griffiths books as entertaining. Yet I loved Grimms fairy tales and Hans Christian Anderson which scared me at night! To me these were stories and I also loved Enid Blyton and the true stories before they butchered them. We never had racism at our school yet we had all nationalities. No one called anyone a golliwog !?! I will never understand why these are a problem but now it is, and Big Ears was just a character in a book. I may even buy this book or re-read it again but for now I will copy the extensive reading list at the back and work my way through new and old favourites again.
Back to this book I enjoyed every section apart from Andy Griffiths ..sorry young guns but I've never to date saw the enjoyment or obsession with Dr Seuss, Roald Dhal, or any of Griffiths books as entertaining. Yet I loved Grimms fairy tales and Hans Christian Anderson which scared me at night! To me these were stories and I also loved Enid Blyton and the true stories before they butchered them. We never had racism at our school yet we had all nationalities. No one called anyone a golliwog !?! I will never understand why these are a problem but now it is, and Big Ears was just a character in a book. I may even buy this book or re-read it again but for now I will copy the extensive reading list at the back and work my way through new and old favourites again.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews