Comments on: 10 Aussie Books To Read Before You Die.

By: Graham Clements

Graham Clements — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 04:49:08 +0000

Helen,

I often mention George Turner on his blog. If you can get a copy of his A Pursuit of Miracles that will give you a very good idea of what his writing is like. It is a collection of eight short stories – three of which he later extended into novels. One became The Sea and Summer and another became Genetic Soldiers.

By: Helen V.

Helen V. — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 03:24:32 +0000

I was pretty disappointed too. I didn't enjoy "The Book Thief" (though having Death as the narrator was clever). I didn't like Jasper Jones much either. I haven't read The Slap but if the television series was anything to go on I don't consider that a loss (and I do realise that makes me out of step with most people). I'm not a fan of Bryce Courtney (with the exception of April Fools Day) so The Power of One wouldn't have got my vote. I've never read The Magic Pudding or The Secret River so I can't comment on them. Cloudstreet is a period piece and I enjoyed it when I read it some years ago.The remaining three -A Fortunate Life, The Harp in the South and Picnic at Hanging Rock I like very much.
I like a lot of the books on your list, Graham, and that makes me want to read those I haven't so far like those by George Turner.

By: Graham Clements

Graham Clements — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:41:32 +0000

Hi Anthony,

I don't mind Marieke Hardy, she has strong opinions which often differ with mine. I think Jason Steger is too worried he will offend authors much of the time.

When I am on my next Ned Kelly binge I will have a look at A Short Life.

Agree about The Fatal Shore, it should be read by all Australians so they get an idea of our convict past.

By: Anthony J. Langford

Anthony J. Langford — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:28:43 +0000

I was pretty disappointed by their list.
I read the Book Thief and began Jasper Jones, and I thought they were average. Polls like this are often affected by recent books, which those two are.
I hadnt read Cloudstreet either. I tried too a year ago. It felt too old school, or old fashioned or something. Perhaps that style was fresh 25yrs ago but its not now. (Its set in the late 50;s i think, prob when Winton grew up). Yeah, good on ya cobber! That sort of thing.

Personally I dont see how they could pass The Fatal Shore, one of the best books ever written, though it isn't a novel and also A Short Life by Ian Jones, a brilliant insight into Ned Kelly.

I recently read a Light between Oceans which is doing really well overseas – definitly a chicks book – lol. It was okay, but not really my thing.
I havent read alot of yr list.

Personally Im over TNBC. Can't stand Marieke Hardy. She makes me gag. A pity as I like the others.