Aussie Author Challenge 2016

I participated in the Aussie Author Challenge 2015; I reached "kangaroo" status, and I loved discovering Aussie authors new to me or reading authors that I didn't even realize were Australian.  (My final post about it is here.)  A couple of the books that I read for the challenge will even make it to my Best Books I Read 2015 post coming up soon!

I'm a self-professed book challenge junkie, right?  Needless to say, I've be organizing my Aussie Author Challenge 2016 list before the challenge was even announced.  Well, it's HERE! 

 

I'm pretty sure I've got Kristen roped in for it this year.  Any other book lovers want to join us?  You only have to commit to reading and reviewing 3 books (for the minimum level).  That's not asking too much, is it?

 

Here's the info (or click on the picture/link to take you directly to the site): 

Read on to decide which challenge level suits you and how you can get involved.

WALLABY
Read and review 3 titles written by Australian authors, of which at least 1 of those authors are female, at least 1 of those authors are male, and at least 1 of those authors are new to you; Fiction or non-fiction, any genre.
WALLAROO Read and review 6 titles written by Australian authors, of which at least 2 of those authors are female, at least 2 of those authors are male, and at least 2 of those authors are new to you; Fiction or non-fiction, at least 2 genre.
KANGAROO
Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you; Fiction or non-fiction, at least 3 genre.

How to Join:

1. Tell the world you are committing to this challenge and at what level – you can do that either on your own website, facebook or google+, or any other form of social media that will allow you to convey your feelings about each book after reading them. In that commitment provide a link to this page and display the Aussie Author Challenge 2016 badge to show your support for the initiative. Then register for the challenge by adding a link to your challenge commitment using the Registration Linky below.

2. Each time you read and review a book please provide a link back to this challenge page. Then add a link to that review to the Aussie Book Reviews Linky below.

3. When you have completed this challenge tell the world about the acheivement, and submit a link to that completion announcement via the Challenge Completion Linky below.

When sharing your reviews via twitter, or more generally discussing this challenge, use the hashtag #aussieauthor. If you ever have any difficulties using the form below don’t hesitate to email me at bookwordlover@gmail.com.

Resources you may find useful:

• Links to around 1000 reviews of titles by Aussie Authors written by participants of the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and Aussie Author Challenge 2015
• Australian literary award winners: Miles Franklin Award, The Age Book of the Year, Prime Minister’s Literary Award, Patrick White Award, Ned Kelly Awards, The Stella Prize, Aurealis Awards

I'm going for KANGAROO status again, and here's my initial book choices:

Female Authors:

• People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
• What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty 
• The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
• Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington (non-fiction)

Male Authors:

• Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
• Life or Death by Michael Robotham
• Praise by Andrew McGahan
• Guilt by Matthew Nable

Authors New to Me:

•  Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett
• This House of Grief by Helen Garner (non-fiction)
• Thornwood House by Anna Romer
• The Street Sweeper by Elliot Perlman

 

Have you read any of these?  What did you think?  Did you know the author is Australian?

10 Books I Recommend

Y'all know Kristen, right?  I'm pretty sure most of you do.  And, I'm pretty sure most of you know that Kristen and I like books...a lot...and we talk about books...a lot...  So, when I saw this post of hers (10 books I can't stop recommending), she and I talked about (what else?) books, and she encouraged me to write my own.  Since most of you probably read her post already, I tried to pick different recommendations than Kristen did.  But, there were two that I can't leave off my list, so let's start with them.  Oh, and I can not be held responsible if you cry in any (or all) of these books.  Apparently, I like to read books that make me cry. 

Two books with central characters that are book lovers that Kristen also selected:

1.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - I'm going to steal the words of a friend of mine who read this after I recommended it to her. Paraphrasing:  "My heart is so full and empty at the same time. Death is a fresh perspective.  This book...touches your heart and kicks you in the gut; beautifully illustrates with words the powerful images of a significant time."

2.  The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (also released as The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry) - A book about a bookstore and book lovers...it is a book that is endearing, a little quirky, and truly a gem.  My heart was full of emotions reading this one.

Another book about book lovers....

3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - Yes, the title of this book is silly. Don't let that stop you from reading it. This book is downright delightful.

4.  Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell - If you are at all interested in YA or Contemporary Fiction, you've probably heard of (and read) this book already. It deserves its accolades. On the surface, it's sweet and charming, look a little closer, and it's much deeper and darker.

5.  Saving Francesca and The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta - Yep. Two books. My list, my rules. These books go hand in hand.  Contemporary fiction based in Sydney that weaves stories of a group of young friends.  I gobbled these up and recommend others to do so as well.

6.  Stolen by Lucy Christopher - A fictional teenaged kidnap victim writes a letter to her captor.  When I closed this book, I exhaled and exclaimed "fuck". It's a mindfuck, but it's a good one.

7.  The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey - In a book challenge, I was asked to pick a book outside of my usual genres of choice. This book was listed in the "horror" category, it's sorta apocalyptic, and there's people that are kinda zombie-like. Nope. This is not my typical choice of book. I was gob smacked how much I enjoyed it, how quick & easy it was for me to read, and I much I thought the lead character, Melanie, was such a badass little girl. Sometimes, it is awesome to step outside the comfort zone and be pleasantly surprised.

8.  The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx (non-fiction) - I've never been a drug addict...but I find some addiction stories to be fascinating because even though I've never personally done hardcore drugs, I have battled my own demons, acted out-of-character, done things that I'm ashamed of or never imagined doing, felt like I was in a really dark place...so I can still relate to addiction stories.  This one is haunting, plus there's the whole Mötley Crüe/rock 'n' roll element. 

9.  102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn (non-fiction) - I went through a period of reading books and memoirs from those personally connected to the September 11th attacks. Stories of this book have stuck with me, and I imagine always will (as they should). Triumph and heartbreak, joy and hurt, and so many emotions in between. 

10.  Thrillers. I read a lot of them. I have particular books and/or authors I recommend when I know what topics of mystery/thrillers interest the party that I'm giving the suggestion.  Particular authors in this category: Karin Slaughter, John Sandord, James Patterson, Jonathon Kellerman, Jo Nesbo, and a few others. 


Honourable mentions (because I just can't stop myself): Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, Under a Dark Summer Sky by Vanessa Lafaye, Jonathan Tropper books, It's So Easy by Duff McKagan, Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield, The Messenger by Markus Zusak...... You know this list could continue, right?

Stealing from Kristen again: "I recommend that you read a book, any book. Just read. Because reading is amazing. It's a whole new world and a whole new life, and that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your world and your life, but to have the chance to experience that and not do it? That's crazy talk."

What are some books that you just can't stop recommending?

Markus Zusak - author of The Book Thief - entertains a Sydney booklover crowd

No. This isn't a "Friday Favorites", "Blogger Love", or "Ten Things That Made Me Happy" post. Although, it is about a favorite author, books I love, and an event that made me happy. 

Is this the longest post I've ever written?  Maybe.  But, if you're a booklover/bookworm/booknerd then this post may (should) interest you.

Thursday, the 22nd of October, this is what I had to say on facebook:

I rarely have anything planned during the week anymore (I guess I've gotten old); the one night I have something planned, it's raining buckets.
I used to go to bars, clubs, and live music gigs. Now, I'm going to an author's Q&A and book signing. Another sign that I've gotten old? Possibly. I'm comfortable with who I am.

Who was I going to see?  Author Markus Zusak was speaking at the Sydney Jewish Museum.  Not a whole lot of information was given...just that he was speaking, doing a Q&A, and signing books.  Over 1500 people joined the event page on facebook.  The website for the Sydney Jewish Museum listed the event as SOLD OUT.  I had no idea what to expect.  My heart swelled over the story of The Book Thief, and I recently read (and loved) The Messenger as well.  So, I was excited to attend this event.

The event started at 6:30pm, and it was raining pouring in Sydney.  With my feet soaked and feeling like a humid, sweaty mess, I sat in my second row, center seat at 5:55pm.  I looked around and realized I was the 15th person there.  Where were all these people attending the event? 

Oh, they arrived, and the auditorium was packed with ... hmmmm ... I'd guess 700ish people (mostly women) by the time Markus took the podium at 6:49pm.

Markus spoke for about half an hour, took some questions for about 20 minutes or so, then ... for the first time to a public audience,  he read from the new book he is working on for another 10 minutes.

Markus is down-to-earth, charismatic, genuine, funny, humble, truly lovely, and downright adorable.  He is someone you want to be your friend or marry your sister.

The following are some highlights from the stories he told and answers he gave:

• Born in Sydney, Markus is the youngest of four siblings with two older sisters and an older brother.
• His mother is from a small town outside of Munich, Germany, and his father is from a town near Vienna, Austria.  They both migrated to Australia in the 1950s.
• Markus shared family stories including tearing up his mother's gardens, playing sports with his brother, "The Zusak Alarm Clock Incident" of Christmas 1984, discipline via wooden spoons, and more.
• Through his parents' ability as "great storytellers", he learned some of their experiences before, during, and after WWII; some of those stories become part of The Book Thief.
• His paternal grandfather was a painter who painted homes and businesses of Jews and was ostracised for having Jewish clients, as well as refusing to join the Nazi party.  **an inspiration for a character in The Book Thief 
• As a child, his mother witnessed people being herded to Dachau (a concentration camp near Munich and his mother's home).  A neighbor boy rushed to an emaciated man with a piece of bread.  The prisoner was crying tears of thanks.  A German soldier whipped the man for accepting the bread, chased the boy, and whipped him for giving the bread.  **another story that found its way in The Book Thief
• He acknowledges why he thinks The Book Thief is special: the combination of "the beauty of humans" and "the great terror of humans".
• Markus considers his family fortunate for there were other German nationals during the war or Austrians under Russian occupation after the war that suffered much harsher fates. 
• When The Book Thief was gaining attention and success, his father asked how his sales were going in Germany.  Markus answered thinking his sales were "pretty good".  His dad nodded but replied "Ya, good, but it's no J.K. Rowling, is it?"  His dad also told him the book was "so much better in German".  Markus was like "Thanks, Dad.  Good to know the German translators are better storytellers." 
• The character of Max was inspired during a visit to The Sydney Jewish Museum, in a book he found there about Jews that lived hidden in German citizens' homes.
• After being asked his favorite character he's written, he replied that there are two:  "The Doorman" (the dog) from The Messenger and Rudy from The Book Thief.
• I really should have asked him "what's up with The Messenger also being published as I Am the Messenger?" So confusing. 
• He said that the idea of using "Death" as the narrator for The Book Thief came from a writing exercise he conducted with school children.
• The idea of a girl stealing books was originally set in modern day Sydney ... he changed the setting and time, and the story just really worked.
• The last line of The Book Thief "pays homage to" the last line of A River Runs through It.
• When asked about the film adaptation of The Book Thief, this generated a lot of discussion.  He is grateful, but he admits a whole lot more money is involved in movie-making than book-writing.  He stressed that he thought the five lead characters gave fantastic performances.  He felt the film had a lot of "great intentions" but overall wasn't a "great film".  He advised to work a few scenes differently (as he did not write the screenplay) but his suggestions were knocked down.  One scene in particular, he was very passionate about (and disappointed) how it played out on screen vs. in the book.  (I won't give any spoilers - if you want to know more, we can talk via email.)  When he talked about this, I got goosebumps. 
• Regarding his new book, he feels like he's almost over-worked it and "killed it", so he is "bringing it back alive". 
• He admits that he second guesses himself and ignores some of his own good ideas or inspirations...that he battles his own fears and self-doubts.
• Nothing makes him happier than writing.
• He loved reading as a child, and as a parent, he can see in his own children that one is innately a reader and the other isn't.
• His new book is called The Bridge of Clay and is about four brothers.

Here is my one (and only) complaint.  The book signing portion.  I arrived early and got a super duper seat.  But.  The way the room was set up, that meant that I was one of the last to leave the room, therefore...one of the last in line to get my book signed.  So, I waited for 30 minutes and didn't move a step forward (because those of us at the end of the queue were all kind of crowded in a back hallway).  So, I left.  I decided his words in his books were more important to me than his signature.  And, I'm okay with that.

I don't know if I can ever go to another author's speaking engagement because this one was that good.  I can't imagine any author being more enjoyable of a person to hear personal stories and accounts of growing up and working through the writing process.  

Have you ever attended an author's event like this?  Was it just as wonderful of an experience as mine?

Big Little Lies - Aussie Author Challenge

What?  Another book post by me?  You betcha. 

I'm a book challenge junkie.  Yea, yea, yea.  I've said it before.

I just posted a rundown of what I read for the Show Us Your Books link-up.  Sure did.

But, I finished this last night, and as a part of the Aussie Authour Challenge, I'm going to tell you what I thought.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - This book (and author) has received a lot of hype in the book-reading blogger world.  Deservedly so.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in the fictional coastal suburb of Pirriwee, and I can see why there's talk of a movie in the making (except I'm not too sure about the casting rumors). This book is full of fabulous characters and dirty secrets. There are families and friendships; plot twists and a murder investigation; domestic abuse and kindergarten bullies; ex-spouses and single parents.  This will not be the last Liane Moriarty book that I read. 4/5

 

I aimed to reach "Kangaroo" status with this challenge, and I'm fairly confident I'll do it! 

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - COMPLETED 11 April 2015 - 5/5
Frantic by Katherine Howell- COMPLETED 6 April 2015 - 3.5/5
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014) - COMPLETED 11 August 2015 - 4/5
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014) - COMPLETED 26 June 2015 - 1/5
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan - CUT
The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McGinty
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 10 February 2015 - 4/5

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - COMPLETED 3 April 2015 - 3.5/5
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 2 April 2015 - 2/5
All That I Am by Anna Funder - COMPLETED 28 March 2015 - 4/5
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher - COMPLETED 11 March 2015 - 5/5

Aussie Author Challenge - The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

It's been awhile since I gave an update to the Aussie Author Challenge...and that's because it's been awhile since I read a book from that challenge list.  I've got four books left to read and six months to do it, so I'm on track for my Kangaroo status ~ Woo hoo!

A few days ago, I finished The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion.  Like many others in bloggerland, I adored The Rosie Project (this book's predecessor).  I looked forward to reading the follow-up.  I put my name on the reserve list for the public library and patiently waited my turn.  I almost feel like I should have skipped the sequel.  I loved the first book so much, and I was so underwhelmed by this one, it almost knocked off a little bit of the shine to the first book.  Don's voice is the predominant voice, as it was in the first book, and he is still irritatingly lovable.  But, Rosie's voice is almost non-existent and flat in this one.  I missed the presence of spirited Rosie.  There are still moments that made me smile, other moments I was entertained, yet I regularly found myself slightly bored with it.  I didn't fill full of emotion the way I did with The Rosie Project.  1.5/5

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - Completed 11 April 2015
Frantic by Katherine Howell - Completed 06 April 2015
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014)
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014) - Completed 26 June 2015
The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McGinty
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - Completed 10 Feb 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - Completed 3 April 2015
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction) - Completed 2 April 2015
All That I Am by Anna Funder  - Completed 29 March 2015
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher - Completed 11 March 2015

Book Review - Saving Francesca - Melina Marchetta

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - Francesca has entered a supposedly co-ed high school in Sydney that hasn't quite learned how to offer a fair play to its female students. She experiences the awkwardness of a new social group and learns what real friendship means. All the while, her strong-willed, opinionated mother is battling acute depression, and all of Francesca's family suffers. This is a fantastic book about transformation, growth, family, friends, mental illness, and finding your own voice. I found myself caring about the characters...all of them...and interested in their lives and wanting the best for them.

This was written in 2003, so keeping that in mind, it was fun to see that the kids didn't seem to all have mobile phones yet, and one of the characters is always listening to his "discman".  

Highly recommend it...I'd give it an A-

I enjoyed it so much, I immediately followed up by reading The Piper's Son, where the author takes a look at the same social group five years later through another's eyes.  I'm enjoying that one even more.  I haven't finished it yet, but I'd guess I'd give it an A+.  

I read this book for two different challenges:

Check it out!

 

 

1. Not Without My Sister by Kristina Jones, Celeste Jones, and Juliana Buhring
2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
3. The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi
4. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom - READ 18 March 2015
5. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
7. Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
8. Veronika Decides to Die by Paolo Coehlo - READ 5 February 2015
9. Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - READ 11 April 2015
10. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
11.  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
12.  I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Alternates:

1. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
2. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

I'm diving in to this challenge with the hopes of reaching "Kangaroo" status.  I'm really liking my list, so I'm happy to find yet another the challenge.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - Completed 11 April 2015
Frantic by Katherine Howell - Completed 06 April 2015
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014)
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014)
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - Completed 10 Feb 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - Completed 3 April 2015
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction) - Completed 2 April 2015
All That I Am by Anna Funder  - Completed 29 March 2015
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher - Completed 11 March 2015
 

Aussie Author Challenge 4.5.6

We had a four day weekend throughout the Easter holidays.  I kinda read a lot.  So, the next two posts of mine are going to be all about books!  If you're not a bookworm like me, you may want to ignore me for a couple of days.

Strange Places by Will Elliott - Written by a young author who is a diagnosed schizophrenic and has been hospitalized several times after psychotic episodes. Part memoir, part diary, Elliott does his best to tell what he remembers of his reality including paranoia, delusions, visions, hallucinations, and suicidal tendencies. The peak inside this madness was raw and fascinating, and there is some interesting insight about treatment and the effects of pharmaceuticals. Thankfully, Elliott received treatment (and continues to).  Although, Elliott never physically harms anyone else, this book shows the very real possibility for a delusional schizophrenic to become violent.  Even though the subject matter was interesting, the book was just alright to me.

On a side note: He has a work of fiction that has won several literary awards; I think I'll avoid it (demonic killer clowns), but if that's your thing, take a look. - The Pilo Family Circus.

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - a YA book about a dreamy teenage artist chasing a mysterious graffiti artist.  She envisions him to be everything she wants in a boy - one who is imaginative, creative, loves art - and is convinced if she can uncover his identity and find him, they will be perfect together.  It sounds a little far-fetched, and it is...but, it's a cute book.  Quick and easy; I read this in a day.  I enjoyed the themes of self-acceptance, chasing dreams, young love, positive relationships with mentors, and weird/different is good.

Frantic by Katherine Howell -  I was roaming around a secondhand bookstore that I frequent, and the owner recommended Katherine Howell to me after she saw that I like crime/mystery/thriller books.  I read the book she recommended and enjoyed it, only to discover that there are eight books so far in a series that features Detective Ella Marconi.  I thought I'd go back to the first to see where it all began.

The author, Howell, is a former ambulance officer, and she threads together crimes and mysteries that follow the lives of the investigators, victims, and paramedics.  Plus, they are based in Sydney or Sydney suburbs, which is an interesting twist to recognize places and locations througout the story.  In this particular book, a paramedic's life spins into panic and desperation after her police officer husband is shot at their home, and their infant baby is kidnapped. 

If there is a lesson to learn from this book, it is spouses should talk and communicate or bad things that are happening could turn into much worse things. 


I read these books as part of the Aussie Author Challenge 2015:

Since moving to Australia, I've discovered bands and music that I love as well as books and authors that I knew nothing about before moving here.  Why not join a challenge that promotes those discoveries?  (Because I'm already in three other challenges, and I host one of them)  I can do it!

I'm diving in to this challenge with the hopes of reaching "Kangaroo" status.  I'm really liking my list, so I'm happy to find yet another the challenge.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Frantic by Katherine Howell - Completed 06 April 2015
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014)
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014)
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - Completed 10 Feb 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - Completed 3 April 2015
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction) - Completed 2 April 2015
All That I Am by Anna Funder  - Completed 29 March 2015
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher - Completed 11 March 2015
 

Aussie Author Challenge - Book 3

Another participant of a book challenge I'm tackling described a different book saying: "...everything I look for in historical fiction: characters I like and admire, a storyline that holds my attention, and new details and facts about a time period I enjoying studying."

I stole that description because it worked so well for this book, All That I Am by Anna Funder.  Winner of the 2012 Miles Franklin Award (an annual literary prize awarded to "a novel which is of the highest literary merit and presents Australian life in any of its phases".), I had high expectations.

Primarily set in pre-WWII, this is a fictional account based on a lot of factual people and events centered around the lives of politically active refugees that are anti-Nazi.  Don't google while you read. There are that many real people and actual events involved (I learned the outcome of a main character; didn't google anymore until I was finished!). This book includes: Strong women, political activists, plots, murders, intimidation, conviction, betrayal, lovers, family, friends, colleagues, mental illness, personal sacrifice, and more. 

It is written from two different narrators' points of view, and the time frames bounce around quite a bit. It was confusing for a while ... I was starting to get really frustrated.  Somewhere the light turned on, and I just fell knee deep in the story. If you like historical fiction, I recommend.


I read this book as part of the Aussie Author Challenge 2015:

Since moving to Australia, I've discovered bands and music that I love as well as books and authors that I knew nothing about before moving here.  Why not join a challenge that promotes those discoveries?  (Because I'm already in three other challenges, and I host one of them)  I can do it!

I'm diving in to this challenge with the hopes of reaching "Kangaroo" status.  I'm really liking my list, so I'm happy to find yet another the challenge.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Frantic by Katherine Howell
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014)
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014)
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - Completed 10 Feb 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction)
All That I Am by Anna Funder  - Completed 29 March 2015
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher - Completed 11 March 2015
 

Do you like reading historical fiction??

Aussie Author Challenge - Book 2

Stolen - by Lucy Christopher
I finished this book on a commuter train, closed it, and thought to myself "f*ck". 

The premise of the book: Gemma is a sixteen year old girl from London who is kidnapped from the Bangkok airport while she is on holiday with her parents.  She is taken to one of the remotest places on Earth - the Australian Outback - the part where no one lives, no one goes to, barely anyone even knows about the expansiveness of some regions of Australia.  Ty, the kidnapper, is young, fit, good-looking, and resourceful...and he's a kidnapper, so he's also disturbed and delusional.  The characters are very well-written...so well-written that at times I felt like I was reading a work of non-fiction. 

Gemma is sixteen, and like any sixteen year old, her emotions run wild.  Plus, she's a sixteen year old in a frightening situation, so her emotions are even more unbalanced.  She ranges from terrified to courageous, conflicted to determined, confused to idiotic, gullible to irrational, simplistic to complex, numb to over-emotional.

Ty is a little more unrealistic...but again, he's a kidnapper so he's not exactly "normal".  He is convinced that if he takes care of Gemma, she will fall in love with him and want to stay with him.  So, the book deals with the Stockholm Syndrome, where a victim begins to warm to their perpetrator.

I don't want to say anymore because I don't want to give away any spoilers, and I think it's a book best read in a way where a reader is allowed to draw their own conclusions and opinions.  It's a thought-provoking book, a quick read (I read it in 2 or 3 days), and I highly recommend it. 

I read this book as part of the Aussie Author Challenge 2015:

Since moving to Australia, I've discovered bands and music that I love as well as books and authors that I knew nothing about before moving here.  Why not join a challenge that promotes those discoveries?  (Because I'm already in three other challenges, and I host one of them)  I can do it!

I'm diving in to this challenge with the hopes of reaching "Kangaroo" status.  I'm really liking my list, so I'm happy to find yet another the challenge.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Frantic by Katherine Howell
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014)
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014)
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - Completed 10 Feb 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction)
All That I Am by Anna Funder
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher - Completed 11 March 2015

Have you read any of these?  What did you think??

Aussie Author Challenge - Book 1

A Long Way Home is the true story of Saroo Brierley. After being separated from his older brother and getting lost far from home in one of India's largest cities as a five year old, Saroo lived on the streets for a short, dangerous time.  When authorities intervened to help, at such a young age, he had difficulty remembering where he came from, the name of his hometown, or his last name.  He was labeled "lost" and ultimately adopted and raised in Australia. After being loved, nutured, and provided for by his family in Tasmania, Saroo still felt the pull to search for his long lost family.  Twenty plus years later, through the wonderful, wacky world of the world wide web, he found his home based on his personal memories as a five year old.  He embarked on a personal journey and was reunited with his Indian family.  He describes himself having two families but only one identity.  His story is nothing short of a miracle.

L to R - Saroo with his family - the Brierleys and his adopted brother, Mantosh

Saroo with his mother in India

I read this book as part of the Aussie Author Challenge 2015:

Since moving to Australia, I've discovered bands and music that I love as well as books and authors that I knew nothing about before moving here.  Why not join a challenge that promotes those discoveries?  (Because I'm already in three other challenges, and I host one of them)  I can do it!

I'm diving in to this challenge with the hopes of reaching "Kangaroo" status.  I'm really liking my list, so I'm happy to find yet another the challenge.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Frantic by Katherine Howell
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014)
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014)
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - Completed 10 Feb 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction)
All That I Am by Anna Funder
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher

Have you read any of these?  What did you think??

List #16 - Aussie Author Challenge 2015

Hi, my name as Erin, and I *may* be addicted to book challenges.  Currently, I'm participating in 3 others: Semi-Charmed Winter 2014 Book Challenge, the challenge I host, Book Challenge by Erin, and The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.  Why not add one more?  I didn't want to or plan to add one more, but I found one that I couldn't pass up!  Since moving to Australia, I've discovered bands and music that I love as well as books and authors that I knew nothing about before moving here.  Why not join a challenge that promotes those discoveries?  (Because I'm already in three other challenges, and I host one of them)  I can do it!

I'm diving in to this challenge with the hopes of reaching "Kangaroo" status.  I'm really liking my list, so I'm happy to find yet another the challenge.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

Female authors:
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - COMPLETED 11 April 2015
Frantic by Katherine Howell- COMPLETED 6 April 2015
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (published 2014) - COMPLETED 11 August 2015
Girl, Defective by Simonne Howell - COMPLETED 7 September 2015

Male authors:
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (published 2014) - COMPLETED 26 June 2015
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan - CUT
The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McGinty
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 10 February 2015

Authors new to me:
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - COMPLETED 3 April 2015
Strange Places by Will Elliott (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 2 April 2015
All That I Am by Anna Funder - COMPLETED 28 March 2015
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher - COMPLETED 11 March 2015