It is the first Saturday of the month again, which means it's time to do the Six Degrees of Separation meme. If you are new to blogging and don't know what that is, please check our host Kate's blog - booksaremyfavouriteandbest. The main point is, though, that Kate sets our starting book, and this month's is - hallelujah, … Continue reading Six degrees of separation, FROM A gentleman in Moscow TO …
Indigenous Literacy Day 2019
Today, Wednesday 4 September, is Indigenous Literacy Day, which the Indigenous Literary Foundation (ILF) describes as "a national celebration of Indigenous culture, stories, language and literacy". The day is intended to both promote awareness of disadvantage in indigenous communities, and to "encourage the rest of Australia to raise funds and advocate for more equal access to … Continue reading Indigenous Literacy Day 2019
Monday Musings on Australian Literature: Canberra Writers Festival 2019 Recap
Just when you thought it was safe to return to my blog, I'm at it again, talking about this year's Canberra Writers Festival. However, if you are like me you are intrigued about what other readers and festival goers like, so I thought I'd share what the Canberra Writers Festival sent us subscribers. But, I'll … Continue reading Monday Musings on Australian Literature: Canberra Writers Festival 2019 Recap
Jocelyn Moorhouse, Unconditional love: A memoir of filmmaking and motherhood (#BookReview)
Although it is quite a traditional memoir, style-wise, Jocelyn Moorhouse's Unconditional love: A memoir of filmmaking and motherhood is particularly interesting for a couple of reasons. Firstly, she's an artist who had a happy childhood. Who knew that could happen? Secondly, while most memoirs focus on one aspect of the writer's life - such as … Continue reading Jocelyn Moorhouse, Unconditional love: A memoir of filmmaking and motherhood (#BookReview)
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 3: In our backyard
Suddenly it was my last session! How quickly the two days went. The reason I chose In Our Backyard is obvious. It was described as "Get up close and personal with four of Canberra’s literary gems", and was moderated by ABC journalist, Emma Alberici. It was a warm-hearted session, characterised by a sense of respect … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 3: In our backyard
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 2: PM’s Pick (Brian Castro with Genevieve Jacobs)
PM's Pick, featuring the multi-award-winning Brian Castro, was another must-attend session. The night before, while dining at Muse, I checked to see whether they had any Castro in their classy little bookshop. They did, including a second-hand copy of his fourth novel, After China. I snapped it up, and as I did, bookseller Dan reminded … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 2: PM’s Pick (Brian Castro with Genevieve Jacobs)
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 1: Identity (Tara June Winch with Yvette Henry Holt)
Today was the day I was able to devote to fiction writers. There were still clashes, but there was never any doubt that I would attend this Tara June Winch session, even though it meant missing a panel featuring Charlotte Wood, Brian Castro, and Simon Winchester. Why were these scheduled opposite each other?! The Festival-goers … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 1: Identity (Tara June Winch with Yvette Henry Holt)
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 4: Bruce Beresford and Ladies in black
It's a curious thing, isn't it? When I write my book reviews, I spend very little time on the content, focusing mostly on themes, style and context, but when I write up festivals and other literary events I find it hard to be succinct about the content. Perhaps this is because I can always go … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 4: Bruce Beresford and Ladies in black
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 3: Simon Winchester in conversation with Richard Fidler
And then it was time to hop into the car, and drive over the lake for the sold-out session (as indeed was my first session of the day), Simon Winchester in conversation with Richard Fidler. There was no time for lunch! Why did I choose this session? Why not? It's Simon Winchester! This session was … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 3: Simon Winchester in conversation with Richard Fidler
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 2: Defining moments – True Crime Panel
The reason for my second choice for the day - a panel discussion on true crime - may not seem quite so obvious as my first, so I'll explain. I don't read a lot of crime, but I do watch it, and I have a slightly more than passing interest in true crime. I loved … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 2: Defining moments – True Crime Panel
Whispering Gums 