While I was travelling in the USA last month, I wanted to read at least one book relating to the regions we were visiting. I started by looking for a novel set in/about the northwest, but then Yuri Herrera's Signs preceding the end of the world, set in the southwest, popped out at me, and … Continue reading Yuri Herrera, Signs preceding the end of the world (#BookReview)
Author: Whispering Gums
Monday musings on Australian literature: Road novels
Having just returned from the madness of LA's freeways to the calm of Canberra's roads, I found myself thinking about road novels! Road movies are often talked about, but not so much road fiction, particularly in Australia - so today I'm going to have a go. Defining the term I've labelled this post "road novels" … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Road novels
Hartmann Wallis, Who said what, exactly (#BookReview)
Never mind Hartmann Wallis' question Who said what, exactly, I want to know who Hartmann Wallis is, exactly! You would think the author bio at the front of the book might tell you, now wouldn't you? But, no. Well, not exactly. There is an author bio, and it does tell you stuff - truthful stuff … Continue reading Hartmann Wallis, Who said what, exactly (#BookReview)
Six degrees of separation, FROM Pride and prejudice TO Northanger Abbey
I'm only one day back from California and it's Six Degrees of Separation time again, but I absolutely couldn't miss this one as our host Kate (booksaremyfavouriteandbest) nominated Jane Austen's Pride and prejudice as the starting book. It's a particularly special choice because last month we commemorated the 200th anniversary of Austen's death. This meme, as you know, … Continue reading Six degrees of separation, FROM Pride and prejudice TO Northanger Abbey
Monday musings on Australian literature: Australian writers and Hollywood
This will be my last Monday Musings posted from the USA, so I figure I should do at least one post inspired by where we've been. I've put it together pretty quickly though, as time for blogging is pretty limited, so please forgive all the gaps! Since this is a litblog, my focus here is … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Australian writers and Hollywood
Ali Cobby Eckermann, Too afraid to cry (#BookReview)
Having reviewed Yankunytjatjara/Kokatha woman Ali Cobby Eckermann's poetry collection, Inside my mother (my review) for Lisa's ANZlitLovers Indigenous Literature Week, 2017, I decided to also read her 2012 memoir, Too afraid to cry. It filled in a lot of gaps, which is not necessary to appreciate or comprehend the poetry but which does deepen the understanding. The memoir's dedication … Continue reading Ali Cobby Eckermann, Too afraid to cry (#BookReview)
Monday musings on Australian literature: ACT Litbloggers under way
A few weeks ago I posted on the ACT Litblogging program for which I am a mentor. But, I'll just recap in case you missed that post. Titled ACT Lit-bloggers of the Future, this is a collaborative program between the ACT Writers Centre and the National Library of Australia (NLA). It provides for two emerging ACT-region … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: ACT Litbloggers under way
Australian Women Writers 2017 Challenge completed
I usually write my completion post for the Australian Women Writer's Challenge, around the middle of the year, even though I plan to take part until the year's end. As in previous years, I signed up for the top-level, Franklin, which involves reading 10 books and reviewing at least 6, and as in previous years I've exceeded this. However, it's … Continue reading Australian Women Writers 2017 Challenge completed
Vale Jane Austen: on the 200th anniversary of her death
Today, July 18, marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's death. Unfortunately, because I am travelling I am unable to join my local Jane Austen group's wake to commemorate her, but I had to do something of course, so I've decided to write a post on Austen biographies. I'm partly drawing from my group's recent … Continue reading Vale Jane Austen: on the 200th anniversary of her death
Monday musings on Australian literature: Mid-year awards round-up
As is my wont, I have not been posting this year on all the awards that have been announced - on their longlists, shortlists or even their winners - though I have done some. It can become a bit overwhelming. Instead, I've decided that a mid-year recap might be a useful way to go - … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Mid-year awards round-up
Whispering Gums 