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The Innocent Reader: Reflections on Reading and Writing
Books are impractical companions and housemates: they are heavy when you are travelling, and in the home take up a lot of space, are hard to keep clean, and harbour insects. It is not a matter of the physical book, it is the deep emotional connection that stretches back to my early years. Living without them is unimaginable.
These collected essays share a joyous and plaintive glimpse into the reading and writing life of novelist, editor and teacher of creative writing Debra Adelaide.
Every book I have read becomes part of me, and discarding any is like tearing out a page from my own life.
With immediate wit and intimacy, Adelaide explores what shapes us as readers, how books inform, console and broaden our senses of self, and the constant conversation of authors and readers with the rest of their libraries. Drawing from her experiences in the publishing industry, the academic world, her own life and the literary and critical communities, she paints a vibrant portrait of a life lived in and by books, perfect for any student, bibliophile, editor, or simply: reader.
PRAISE FOR THE INNOCENT READER
'In an act of generosity, Adelaide offers readers a deeper understanding of how the unconscious shapes, filters and connects ideas through a lifelong love affair with books. She has given me sharper lenses through which to focus more closely on what is on the page and how it got there.' CAROLINE BAUM
'The complex transaction between writer and reader unfolds, in these vivid and generous personal essays, to produce a hymn to the uncanny power of fiction.' CARMEL BIRD
'A passion for books is threaded through every part of Debra Adelaide's life, as writer, teacher and mother. She's an unpretentious but discerning reader, a rigorous and amusing guide, a generous and confiding friend, a 'literary autodidact' who demonstrates that reading is both an appetite and a muscle. I devoured these essays, spiced with the detail of Debra's personal experience, and felt again the pure hunger for books I had as a child. The Innocent Reader has the power to ignite a love of stories and sentences, and is a trove of wisdom for readers, writers and students who want to sharpen their skills.' SUSAN WYNDHAM
'An indispensable guide for every student of creative writing, an ideal companion for the avid reader. A book full of insights as helpful to the seasoned professional writer as to the novice starting out. The Innocent Reader is also a sort of companion to the body of work of one of our most treasured writers, wherein the author gives away more of herself than ever before, through books both read and written, with friends in the business of reading and writing. Debra Adelaide's reflections are at once warm-hearted and steely, and throw light not just on her own work, but also our literary culture as a whole.' FIONA McGREGOR
'A bounty of beautiful, profound (and useful) statements on reading and writing . . . This book is a standing ovation to the glory and wonder of books.' WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
102 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 20, 2021
“The Innocent Reader” is a series of delicious memoir short pieces. I particularly enjoyed the last one “In Bed with Flaubert”; they were all good. She has a lovely sense of humour and sees the ridiculous in the world around her. I think I’ll be re-reading this book soon. I’m looking forward to reading her book “Zebra” which will be part of my Reading-52 Books in 52 Weeks 2021. I love her turn of phrase, her style.
December 3, 2019
I could really relate to some of these essays. Thoughts of being told off for reading too much as a child (like it was bad for your health and showed bad manners), or the idea that books are like lovers to a reader (or an insomniac in the authors case), or reading as a type of sport (I like that one), similar early reading experiences (Tolkien and C.S. Lewis). “Best Quacks” meant a great deal to me, as well, it really resonated. The essays on writing, teaching creative writing and editing were the least interesting for me ... teaching creative writing just sounds like dealing a lot of tedious wannabes. The first part of “In bed with Flaubert” was just so true. This was (mostly) a page-turner for anyone who cannot live without books and reading!
October 24, 2019
I felt as if I had come home as I read this book. I was sure at one stage Debra was channelling my life. How delightful to have a love of books so beautifully represented and to normalise that passion which is reading, especially reading in bed nightly. Debra also made my lifelong love affair with the library appear normal, thank you very much. I'm still amazed every time I walk out with books tucked under my arm that I'm allowed to take them home. The adventures, the escapism, the life lessons... where would we be without the joy of reading and Debra Adelaide has captured it beautifully.
June 17, 2020
Debra Adelaide is an Australian author and editor of more than 16 books and an Associate Professor in Creative Writing. It's fair to say she knows a lot when it comes to the art of writing - and reading for that matter. In this collection of essays, Debra reflects on her love of reading and her long and successful writing and teaching career in Australia.
Debra's enthusiasm for books and learning is infectious and I could relate to much of the content. Her passion for literature shines through as she looks back at her discovery of reading, formative reading years and later teaching years. She also includes a handy reference section at the end of each essay, listing all of the works mentioned.
Part memoir and part love letter to literature, Debra freely offers priceless advice for students, writers, reviewers and readers. I particularly enjoyed her essay about the ethics of reviewing entitled The Front Line and this quote:
"Besides, the job of the reviewer is to review the book, not to worry about how what they might say will either further or impede its author's career." Page 182
The Innocent Reader - Reflections on Reading and Writing by Debra Adelaide is a great resource for emerging writers; seasoned writers; wannabe editors; expert editors; teachers and of course every kind of reader there is. As Debra says:
"There can never be too many books, or too many writers. Or too many readers, or too. much reading." Page 166
And of course I wholeheartedly agree.
* Copy courtesy of Pan Macmillan Australia *
Debra's enthusiasm for books and learning is infectious and I could relate to much of the content. Her passion for literature shines through as she looks back at her discovery of reading, formative reading years and later teaching years. She also includes a handy reference section at the end of each essay, listing all of the works mentioned.
Part memoir and part love letter to literature, Debra freely offers priceless advice for students, writers, reviewers and readers. I particularly enjoyed her essay about the ethics of reviewing entitled The Front Line and this quote:
"Besides, the job of the reviewer is to review the book, not to worry about how what they might say will either further or impede its author's career." Page 182
The Innocent Reader - Reflections on Reading and Writing by Debra Adelaide is a great resource for emerging writers; seasoned writers; wannabe editors; expert editors; teachers and of course every kind of reader there is. As Debra says:
"There can never be too many books, or too many writers. Or too many readers, or too. much reading." Page 166
And of course I wholeheartedly agree.
* Copy courtesy of Pan Macmillan Australia *
September 25, 2019
The Innocent Reader was certainly an interesting read. In some of the essays, Adelaide's thoughts resonated closely to my own. There were things I found amusing and others with which I sympathised. The essays focusing on Adelaide's own writing fell a bit flat for me, but that may simply be because I have not read any of her work and thus had no point of reference for the discussion. However, I am sure many, if not all, readers, writers, and editors will find something to interest them in this volume. This is not a work I would return to again and again, but I did enjoy perusing it and getting a glimpse into the mind of a fellow reader and writer. 3.5 stars.
I received this book as a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2019
‘Every book I have read becomes part of me, and discarding any is like tearing out a page from my own life.’
Debra Adelaide’s book, ‘The Innocent Reader’ is a collection of essays about reading rather than a straight out story of a literary life. The range of essays are divided into three sections - reading, writing and then the two combined - in which she describes the importance of books in shaping her (and inadvertently, other avid readers) life.
‘Only in recent years have I come to understand that reading fiction is not a matter of escaping from the so-called real world: fiction for me is the real world, and when I read, what I feel, think and experience is as real as anything else in my life.’
Overall, these essays share the joy of reading and writing and from the perspective of all Debra has achieved as a reader, writer, editor and teacher of creative writing. There is much to both relate to and appreciate in her reflections and musings as Debra explores what shapes us as readers; how books achieve so much through informing, entertaining and ultimately broadening our sense of self. With essays drawn from her own life experiences and the broader literary community, Debra paints a picture for all bibliophiles to appreciate.
‘During this time, reading made sense, not because any of the books explained anything or revealed information or elucidated mysteries, but in and of itself. The process was all. I became the words, I became the book, and so escaped myself.’
Not being a writer, I found the first and third sections more enjoyable as Debra clearly portrays the life of an avid bookworm and our obsession with the fictional world and how it allows both escapism and immersion into alternate realities. If you are a writer, or desire to write, I am sure the second section will provide interesting thoughts on the writing process.
‘I invariably open a new book with no other expectation than that I will be transported to a wonderful new world. I often feel that a book I particularly admire or love is written for me alone, that the author has somehow peered straight into my heart and articulated my deepest thoughts, given voice to my most private desires, and that I am as dear to the author as she or he is to me.’
All up I found this book to be a soothing balm to a readers soul, indeed a vindication for all the many hours we have lost ourselves to the art of reading. Throughout many parts of the readings, Debra valiantly captures what it is to be in love with books and reading.
‘Retiring at night with a favourite book is the most romantic and thrilling date. Throughout the day, while in a meeting, or when waiting at the bus stop, or queuing for coffee at lunchtime, you remember that at the end of the day, when all is done that has to be done, there awaiting is your bed and your book.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Debra Adelaide’s book, ‘The Innocent Reader’ is a collection of essays about reading rather than a straight out story of a literary life. The range of essays are divided into three sections - reading, writing and then the two combined - in which she describes the importance of books in shaping her (and inadvertently, other avid readers) life.
‘Only in recent years have I come to understand that reading fiction is not a matter of escaping from the so-called real world: fiction for me is the real world, and when I read, what I feel, think and experience is as real as anything else in my life.’
Overall, these essays share the joy of reading and writing and from the perspective of all Debra has achieved as a reader, writer, editor and teacher of creative writing. There is much to both relate to and appreciate in her reflections and musings as Debra explores what shapes us as readers; how books achieve so much through informing, entertaining and ultimately broadening our sense of self. With essays drawn from her own life experiences and the broader literary community, Debra paints a picture for all bibliophiles to appreciate.
‘During this time, reading made sense, not because any of the books explained anything or revealed information or elucidated mysteries, but in and of itself. The process was all. I became the words, I became the book, and so escaped myself.’
Not being a writer, I found the first and third sections more enjoyable as Debra clearly portrays the life of an avid bookworm and our obsession with the fictional world and how it allows both escapism and immersion into alternate realities. If you are a writer, or desire to write, I am sure the second section will provide interesting thoughts on the writing process.
‘I invariably open a new book with no other expectation than that I will be transported to a wonderful new world. I often feel that a book I particularly admire or love is written for me alone, that the author has somehow peered straight into my heart and articulated my deepest thoughts, given voice to my most private desires, and that I am as dear to the author as she or he is to me.’
All up I found this book to be a soothing balm to a readers soul, indeed a vindication for all the many hours we have lost ourselves to the art of reading. Throughout many parts of the readings, Debra valiantly captures what it is to be in love with books and reading.
‘Retiring at night with a favourite book is the most romantic and thrilling date. Throughout the day, while in a meeting, or when waiting at the bus stop, or queuing for coffee at lunchtime, you remember that at the end of the day, when all is done that has to be done, there awaiting is your bed and your book.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
February 12, 2020
I wish, I really wish, I'd found time to read this book before last Christmas—because if I had, by now, you would all have your own copy and so would your friends because you would have given them all a copy as a present. I am not really a fan of books about reading, but The Innocent Reader has brought me so much pleasure, I hardly know how to begin.
Perhaps at the end? In the last chapter titled 'In Bed with Flaubert', Adelaide writes an uncannily accurate description of what it's like to be what she calls an incompetent sleeper. Somehow, she manages to describe the torture of insomnia with humour and grace, listing every trick, remedy, therapy, from folklore tale to contemporary medical advice, and every suggestion from people who claim to suffer from insomnia themselves, and have cured it by one simple method or another:
As she says, your body is unbelievably wily. It is fooled by nothing. And so, just like me, she reads.
Yes. Reliable, patient, responsive to our desire yet always like new. Beautiful books, written just for us, as this book has been written just for me by Debra Adelaide.
I love what she writes about how other people seem to get by with reading the paper and watching the news, but reading—which is supposed to fill up the gloomy void of ignorance—instead expands it. Because we readers are never satisfied:
Arrive at adulthood as I did having read Austen and Dickens, and lo! there are the other classics... and then there are the French and German ones you didn't discover until middle age. And then, what about the wealth of contemporary writing, and translated fiction, and all the underrated women authors that you haven't read? I was reminded of this just yesterday when I was chatting with Joe at Rough Ghosts—he had just written a superb review of Saudade, a book from Angola which had broadened my horizons because I knew nothing at all about Angola until I read it. I could wallpaper my library if I printed out the number of times I've introduced a review with the words 'I knew nothing about this #InsertSubject/Country/History until I read #InsertNameOfBook'.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2020/02/12/t...
Perhaps at the end? In the last chapter titled 'In Bed with Flaubert', Adelaide writes an uncannily accurate description of what it's like to be what she calls an incompetent sleeper. Somehow, she manages to describe the torture of insomnia with humour and grace, listing every trick, remedy, therapy, from folklore tale to contemporary medical advice, and every suggestion from people who claim to suffer from insomnia themselves, and have cured it by one simple method or another:
Nothing works. You count sheep. You count goats. You count animals in masses: fleas on dogs, schools of sardines, a hive of bees. Locusts, budgerigars and ants—anything that lives in large groups—you count them all and still, and after the nine hundred and ninety-ninth termite, the one thousandth fruit bat, sleep remains elusive. You memorise then recite the Periodic Table of Elements and still remain awake by the time you arrive at 118, oganesson. (p.250)
As she says, your body is unbelievably wily. It is fooled by nothing. And so, just like me, she reads.
If you can't sleep but your brain isn't alert enough to be useful and learn introductory Spanish or memorise the Crimes Act (1900) then you can at least comfort and indulge yourself with reading novels, and long romantic poems. Medications wear off, warm drinks go cold, therapeutic pillows and blankets become stiff and lumpy, but the books remains the same. (p.252)
Yes. Reliable, patient, responsive to our desire yet always like new. Beautiful books, written just for us, as this book has been written just for me by Debra Adelaide.
I love what she writes about how other people seem to get by with reading the paper and watching the news, but reading—which is supposed to fill up the gloomy void of ignorance—instead expands it. Because we readers are never satisfied:
The more you read the more you become aware of the enormous holes in your reading, and the more authors there are to read unfold before you.
Arrive at adulthood as I did having read Austen and Dickens, and lo! there are the other classics... and then there are the French and German ones you didn't discover until middle age. And then, what about the wealth of contemporary writing, and translated fiction, and all the underrated women authors that you haven't read? I was reminded of this just yesterday when I was chatting with Joe at Rough Ghosts—he had just written a superb review of Saudade, a book from Angola which had broadened my horizons because I knew nothing at all about Angola until I read it. I could wallpaper my library if I printed out the number of times I've introduced a review with the words 'I knew nothing about this #InsertSubject/Country/History until I read #InsertNameOfBook'.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2020/02/12/t...
November 6, 2019
I liked this book even though I haven't actually read any books by Debra Adelaide. But I do like books about books and reading! I really liked 'Writing' and 'Reader + Writer' I think because I've always been a reader (who knows I don't have a novel in me!) and I enjoyed the insights into writing, editing and the Australian publishing industry.
April 6, 2020
My mum got me a copy of this book from the local book store and gifted it to me on December 25th last year. I read one to two essays from this book every day for two weeks, though those weren’t successive days, the two weeks being spread out over four months. I guess it’s a collection of essays, so you can’t help but read it in a stop-start fashion because you are constantly delving into new tales and new topics. I find it takes me about this long to read short fiction anthologies as well because sometimes it’s hard to let go immediately of the tale that came before.
Most of the topics contained are related to the author’s life, or the topic of writing, or the topic of editing, or the topic of reading. A great book for people interested in these things.
Out of all of them I enjoyed the final essay the most - it wrapped up the book so nicely, and was written using a more fictional device by placing the reader in the writer’s shoes through second-person perspective. It really brought me into the author’s world and tied together my understanding of this person by making me be this person. It felt like I was getting a taste of the author’s world as well as their fictional writing style and poetic prose. I have not read any of the author’s other works, but if it is written like this essay then I will gladly pick them up.
Most of the topics contained are related to the author’s life, or the topic of writing, or the topic of editing, or the topic of reading. A great book for people interested in these things.
Out of all of them I enjoyed the final essay the most - it wrapped up the book so nicely, and was written using a more fictional device by placing the reader in the writer’s shoes through second-person perspective. It really brought me into the author’s world and tied together my understanding of this person by making me be this person. It felt like I was getting a taste of the author’s world as well as their fictional writing style and poetic prose. I have not read any of the author’s other works, but if it is written like this essay then I will gladly pick them up.
February 15, 2021
Reflections on reading and writing. "This collection of essays is not about books, it is about what they represent, for the book itself is worth nothing. Books are impractical companions and housemates: they are heavy when you are travelling, and in the home take up a lot of space, are hard to keep clean, and harbour insects...it is not a matter of the physical book, it is the deep emotional collection that stretches back to my early years. Living without them is unimaginable." p.5
This study is divided between what it means to be a reader and what it means to be a writer, and a writer can't be a good writer without being a reader. There are no ways to teach someone to write. Adelaide discusses the importance of reading and how it makes you a more perceptive writer. Although she 'teaches' writing explaining that it is almost impossible but uses valuable chapters to explain sentences and that nouns aren't 'wusses' that need tonnes of adjectives. That stories have a life of their own and that characters often take over a novel and write their own stories. Inspiring.
This study is divided between what it means to be a reader and what it means to be a writer, and a writer can't be a good writer without being a reader. There are no ways to teach someone to write. Adelaide discusses the importance of reading and how it makes you a more perceptive writer. Although she 'teaches' writing explaining that it is almost impossible but uses valuable chapters to explain sentences and that nouns aren't 'wusses' that need tonnes of adjectives. That stories have a life of their own and that characters often take over a novel and write their own stories. Inspiring.
March 11, 2025
Apart from finding Debra's very annoying tone, (I couldn't quite put my finger on it but a kind of smugness), this book had some wisdom, but most often quoted from other writers including US author Barry Lopez's advice on the three things you need to do to become a writer (p156):
1. Read (whatever you want)
2. Travel
3. Find out who you are and what you believe
and Shane Maloney's requoted (p156) advice on how to become a good writer:
" Buy a large pot of bum glue."
A good find from the street library. Read it in a day.
1. Read (whatever you want)
2. Travel
3. Find out who you are and what you believe
and Shane Maloney's requoted (p156) advice on how to become a good writer:
" Buy a large pot of bum glue."
A good find from the street library. Read it in a day.
September 12, 2020
At times, it is like Adelaide is speaking of me, at me, of herself and yet of myself too. I lay in bed, finishing the last few pages, art imitating life - your spine aligned with its spine, face to face, in bed.
I really enjoyed this read, to see myself, to hear things that feel like something deep inside and also new, and the memoir-like aspect, of Adelaide’s own stories. Reading her turns of phrases and carefully planned sentences is delightful.
I really enjoyed this read, to see myself, to hear things that feel like something deep inside and also new, and the memoir-like aspect, of Adelaide’s own stories. Reading her turns of phrases and carefully planned sentences is delightful.
June 12, 2023
The author makes some nice points about reading - the points are anecdotal so the book is mostly personal memoir which wasn’t my first preference. There are some encouraging notes about writing and some humorous moments.
February 20, 2020
A selection of personal essays which explore the love of books. Reading these essays gave sparkle to my personal reading and reminded me of the joy that books can bring at any time.
November 3, 2019
An enjoyable collection of essays that look at the joys of reading, the struggles of writing and finally the combining of the two. The first two sections 'Reading' and 'Writing' are the strongest, with the third section 'Reader + Writer' containing a couple of interesting chapters but one (Reading to the Dog) that doesn't quite seem to work, for me at least.
There are some interesting points to take from this collection that I will dip back into during my reading and writing life.
There are some interesting points to take from this collection that I will dip back into during my reading and writing life.
October 3, 2019
Reviewed for Books and Publishing
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews