Emily Cat 176

Today l am talking about 2 true crime books that happened in my state, Victoria.  

Public libraries are such a gift to local communities.  Here in Australia all public libraries are run by state governments.  When l am talking about borrow box that is a features of public libraries.  As l have said before l can dip in and out of audiobooks because they are free if l borrow them from the library. The only requirement is that l am a member of that library. Another feature of public libraries here is that they host author talks and I'm going to be talking about one l attended recently.   Jane Caro is an Australian author. Lyrebird is her 2nd novel. She is also a social commentator, having been on television and writes for newspapers too. I can also add that she is a good public speaker and her talk was very good. Every seat was taken and there a good queue lining up to buy her book. I bought the book a few days later. I like listening to authors talk about their writing processes and have been to several talks at different libraries.  These ...

 Sometimes all l want from a book is a good read. I found these books on borrow box and hadn't heard of the author.  I've listened to 3 audiobooks so far and they are entertaining books. Who doesn't want to find the x on a treasure map?

I had decided not to read anymore J.D Robb books, but, at a loose end one day l entered a book shop saw the latest and bought it.  I'm glad l did as it one of the best for a while. What about you. Do you love J.D Robb books  

  I have been doing a lot of travelling this week and, as l don't drive,  that means taking buses and trains.  I love books but don't have much time to sit and read, so l listen to audiobooks. I have bad hearing and have hearing aides which are connected to my phone.  The book was borrowed from Borrow Box. That's an app on my phone so l happily listen as I'm travelling.  When l looked last week most books were on loan so l saw this book and, though l didn't know the author, decided to borrow it. Have any of you read this book? The author is Dervla McTiernan. It has had interesting reviews and l think it reminds me of the true life crime of Gabby Petito.  Let me know what you think. 

William Blake was an English poet and engraver. Born 1757-1827. Blake was largely unknown during his lifetime, but, has become a major literary figure since his death. He worked to bring about change. In the June 1780 riots Blake found himself at the front of a mob that burned Newgate Prison. This had a huge effect on him and gave him powerful material for Europe(1794) and America(1793). This poem is from Songs of Innocence. The first poem l recited was from Songs of Experience. William Blake is now considered a great of English poetry. His work is still popular and studied in schools and universities. I hope you enjoy.

Talking books on a Wednesday. Treasure and Dirt and more, and l can't add up.

Will l keep reading J. D Robb??

  I recently went to hear Chris Hammer in conversation at a library. Yet another reason l love libraries. For those of you who don't know Chris Hammer is an Australian crime writer: a very good Australian crime writer. As you can see from the banner on the left Robinsons Bookshop hosted the event. Robinsons Bookshop is an Australian book shop chain. Chris Hammer is a former journalist and that is where he learnt his writing craft. He also worked as foreign correspondent. His books are all set in N.S.W which is a state in Australia. (For reference l live in Melbourne which is in Victoria). I love how Australian authors are writing our stories. They know the land and the language which l like.  It was a very engaging talk. Chris went through his writing process, where he gets his ideas and spoke on publishing in Australia. He then took questions from the audience before signing books. I have mentioned before how interesting l find these talks and l'm thankful that the authors co...

  It started with a happy bus driver singing along to the radio. Then followed a fruitless search to find a theatre. Just between you and me l am useless at reading maps and have a lousy sense of direction. So then l gave up and walked towards the library to see the 2 authors in conversation. Phillipa Kaye and Jodi Gibson are in the photo below.  What an interesting talk. Both authors have books out currently. Phillipa Kaye's book is Girl Detectives Just Wanna Have Fun: A Birdie Mealing Mystery. Phillipa is standing on the left. Jodi Gibson's book is called Reinventing Emily Brown. Jodi is standing on the right. They asked each other questions about their books and took questions from the audience. They went through the process of writing, editing and publishing. I think it's always interesting to hear the creative process that goes into writing a book. I haven't read either book but l am tempted by the mystery book. Jodi Gibson, in her own words, writes female feel goo...

  To think, only a few weeks ago l had never heard of this book. It's not a large book, only 128 pages long and published in 2006. In this re-imaged history Napoleon escapes from St Helena and returns to Paris.It is such a clever tale and Leys uses wonderful descriptive writing to tell it.  Sardonic is a word often used in reviews of this book and l would agree with that. I would also add that the journey back, and death, of Napoleon is so apt for a man considered so great. It is a parody and reflects so well on the grandiose people can give themselves. The ending, in particular, shows in such clarity the hubris of a man who was once crowned himself Emperor. Well worth a read.

  This morning l went to a talk by the author Rachael Johns.  It was an interesting talk and l always like listening to authors talk about their books and their writing processes.  This was a free talk put on by Frankston Library.  Wherever you live check out your local libraries; they have all sorts of great things to do. www.racheljohns.com