Tag Archives: Australian Authors

The Ruins of Gorlan ReRead by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Ruins of Gorlan ReRead
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

I absolutely adored The Ranger’s Apprentice series as a young adult, and I seem to be on a bit of a revisit with well-loved series lately. So I was interested to see how this would hit now that I’m that bit older. Luckily (because it’s always dangerous revisiting well-loved things from your adolescence), I loved The Ruins of Gorlan every bit as much on this reread. It was just as fantastic, fun and hard to put down as I remembered, but with a whole lot more nuances that I thoroughly enjoyed picking up on as an adult.

Will, for me, is still that quintessential misfit / coming of age type story. He just doesn’t quite fit the mold with anyone else, and is always on the outskirts. Even amongst his year-mates who are in a very similar boat, Willl still just doesn’t quite fit. Honestly, it’s probably why I related to him so damn strongly as a preteen – I’ve never quite fit in either. And then, he finds his home amongst all of the others who don’t quite fit either – a fantastic way to remind everyone that we all have our tribe, it can just take us a whole lot longer to find them sometimes.

Alongside all of Will’s training and the absolutely brilliant description of archery (I’m an archer, most books get it wrong), I love that this is a story about finding your place in the world. Although, as much as, as an adult, I focus a lot on characterisation and character development, this is also entirely about the battle and the weaponry. I mean, knife throwing and archery were already going to pull me in. But conspiracies and that last, final, epic battle? These are all moments that I loved as an adolescent, and just adore as an adult.

As much as I loved Will finding his place and beginning to grow into himself as a man, I also adored Horace’s redemption arc. Horace starts out as a kind of horrible bully. He was completely set up to be the typical antagonist in the story, and he did work as that for a fair portion of it. But, as in real life, he realised that a lot of his actions weren’t okay. I loved his redemption arc, and that he ultimately ends up being a true friend to Will. It just melts my heart every time, and is so wonderfully heart melting.

<- More John FlanaganThe Burning Bridge ReRead ->

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This Is Me by Ian Thorpe

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: This Is Me
Author: Ian Thorpe
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Biographies, Sport
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Ian Thorpe was a massive figure of my early years and I remember all of the media attention that surrounded him. However, I was quite young, and although I remember that he retired because of the media. And that Thorpe was a phenomenal swimmer, I didn’t really know much more about his journey to being an elite athlete. As someone who is obsessed with her own sport, not only did I love the recognisable moments of his journey, but I also seriously enjoyed how his dedication showed in the pool. It was intriguing to read about an athlete at the top of his game, and the fine line between health and sickness that he walks whilst doing it.

As much as I loved this biography, one thing that really stuck out to me was how frequently Thorpe denied his sexuality. This book was published a few years before he officially came out. And of all the things he discussed, he denied his sexuality at least three times. Having been pressured and discussed from such a young age in the media, you can see how this had such a big impact on him and his understanding of himself. I can completely understand just why he would have this approach, and it made me all that much frustrated with the pressures that media can put on people just for a “good story”.

Even though I remember a lot of Thorpe’s accomplishments, I didn’t really register that he tried to go to the London Olympics. It was great that he wrote this in a diary format, focusing on the lead up to these Olympics, and the gruelling training regime he followed. It made for an interesting format – each chapter was a dated diary entry in the lead up to, and then the aftermath of his trials for the London Olympics. But then, the second half was a flashback to another moment within his life. Although not in chronological order, I loved going on these side journeys, to moments that I recognised. Plus, he effortlessly puts forth his charity and the many different ways that he is constantly improving the lives of others.

Everything about this biography was fascinating. I loved the insight into a really prominent figure in my childhood. But, it was also incredibly fun to get some realistic insights into how an elite athlete trains. The dedication and passion that is going to drive that kind of commitment is something I can never truly understand. But it made for a great insight into someone else’s life and a completely different way of living.

<- WillThe Mapmaker’s Wife ->

Image source: Booktopia

Able by Dylan Alcott

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Able: Gold Medals, Grand Slams & Smashing Glass Ceilings
Author: Dylan Alcott
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Biographies, Disability, Sport
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I added this to my shelves on a bit of a whim and because it was an Australian author on Kobo Plus. But man, did I not want to put this down! The first chapter was admittedly really difficult to read and had me in tears a few times. I’m a mother and I can’t imagine watching my newborn go through the medical difficulties that Alcott faced from the very beginning of life. But, once I overcame that emotionally fraught hurdle, I did not want to put this down. Alcott’s passion and drive made me feel a little like a lump to be honest, but I loved the way they leapt of the page and made me feel inspired.

Even though I found reading about the start of Dylan’s life to be really difficult. I found it difficult as a mother of two and wondering how I would’ve handled this situation. Even though Dylan is disabled, there was no point in this entire biography that I felt pity for him. He writes with such love and a sparkling joy of life that pity or any kind of negative feeling is the furthest thing from my mind. That’s not to say that he doesn’t highlight the different restrictions and difficulties he’s had to face due to society, a lack of access and just all round ignorance, but there was no negative emotions leaping off the page at me, so how could I feel them whilst reading about his journey?

Admittedly, I know pretty much nothing about basketball or tennis. I have a rough idea of how they are each played, but honestly, no idea whatsoever of how tennis is even scored. It did make parts of this a little more difficult to read, because I wasn’t really sure the importance of some of Alcott’s tennis scores. But I did understand that it was impressive. I also very quickly understood the depth of dedication and joy that Dylan is able to feel from playing these sports. The fact that he is one of the few dedicated and skilled enough to be a multi-sport Paraolympic gold medalist. That is an accomplishment that I both admire and can’t even fathom.

Through all of Dylan’s accomplishments and adventures (like wheelchair crowd surfing), Dylan is constantly and actively promoting the normalisation of disabilities and celebrating our differences. Rather than always highlighting the limitations that being Differently Abled can place upon a person, he promotes the ways in which people can live their best lives. Even though Alcott is constantly highlighting his love for his life and his self, he also constantly talks about the journey that he had to go on to love himself. Everybody has a hard road at times in loving and accepting themselves, and it was nice to read about how someone else negotiated this in their own lives.

<- I Am MalalaMao’s Last Dancer ->

Image source: Booktopia

Outback Spirit by Nicole R. Taylor

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Outback Spirit
Author: Nicole R. Taylor
Series: Australian Supernatural: Origins
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I loved this book ridiculously. I downloaded it because I loved the idea of an Australian author writing Australian paranormal fantasy stories set in the Australian outback. I mean, it was a little slow to get going in the first chapter, and then I was swept away. I loved the combination of different mythos in this world. Then, there’s the setting – Outback Spirit is literally set in the outback. And for anyone who has actually travelled through the tiny towns in the middle of nowhere, this was very much the vibe. While I was reading this, every time I closed my eyes, I’d imagine the red dust and breathing in the warm, fresh air.

I absolutely adore the fact that Outback Spirit is a paranormal romance set in the Australian outback – opals, weirdos, red dust and all. There is a really particular taste and vibe to outback Australia. Plus, the idea of being in the middle of nowhere and finding your community is kind of sweet. I read a lot of small town romances, but this is the first that is actually about small town Australia. Plus, I actually love the red dust opal country. It’s something that needs to be experienced to be believed, but Taylor does a fantastic job of brining it to life on the pages.

From the very beginning of this story, it’s obvious that Eloise’s background is kind of tragic. The more you get to know about it, the more it kind of breaks your heart. And yet, she is still incredibly hopeful. I love that even with literally everyone in her life turning on her and feeling completely alone, Eloise still tries to trust and fine her own place in the world. That strength of character and gumption is probably the other thing (other than the awesome Australian-ness of this) that drew me into this story so thoroughly.

Outback Spirit introduces a fantastic paranormal world that I seriously loved diving into, and I can’t wait to find out what happens to the Exiles of Solace next. Particularly how they’re all going to continue protecting their secrets and developing their powers. It means that not only do I have a wonderful new series to dive into, but also a great new Australian author! Lucky for me there are a number of different paranormal series by Taylor set in the Australian outback…

<- More Nicole R. TaylorSunburnt Country ->

Image source: Amazon

In at the Deep End by Penelope Janu

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: In at the Deep End
Author: Penelope Janu
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was one of those novels I bought because it was on sale, and it was suggested in one of the many author emails that I receive. Other than the fact that I liked the blurb and the cover, I really didn’t know what to expect from this. Which, of course mean that I was pleasantly surprised and happy to find out that I really enjoyed this.

The idea that this is a romance centred on an adventurer who goes out on boats, but can’t swim is kind of interesting. At first, I kind of questioned that whole creation of a character’s flaws and wondered at it. And then I started to find out more about the backstory. Suddenly, the whole afraid of the water, but on a ship thing made sense. And it kind of broke my heart – also just made me freak out because the way that Harry’s mum died is pretty much one of my worst nightmares…

Although Harry’s backstory is really sad, one of the things that really got my goat in this story was how she is constantly overlooked by others. Not just by Per, but people who actually work with her and know her family. I mean, the sad backstory part was a great aspect of this story. But, the part that I found really hard to deal with (because from experience, it is reality), when Harry is constantly ignored and overlooked because of her gender and lack of degree. Yet, she’s this amazing woman who has some serious strength to overcome her challenges.

I did want there to be a moment of realisation at the end of this for those who have completely overlooked Harry and taken the word of Per (a man with a degree) over her, even with years of experience. Alas, that doesn’t happen. Even slightly. At first, I was frustrated that there was no moment of understanding, but then I recognised that this, again, is more like reality. I mean, people don’t recognise their own biases generally – it takes something pretty drastic. And although it annoyed me (and eventually Per in this book), I loved that it was actually kind of more realistic. Again, it also showed Harry’s strength in that she recognises all of this nonsense, but just decides to do what is best, even with challenges.

Per is kind of a knob to begin with. I mean, he literally decides he can dictate the life of a woman he has just met. And, he doesn’t really change his heavy handed ways throughout this story. Again, there is no moment of understanding and changing of ways. Although, as he gets to know Harry, he does obviously start to respect her. And there is a little bit of improvement in his mannerisms, but just to our heroine, because, again, people don’t actually change. Yet, for all of his knobbishness, I actually really liked Per. Even from the beginning when he was behaving pretty crappily. Definitely a book that I look forward to reading again. And now I get to find more about Janu’s writing!

<- Clouds on the HorizonOn the Right Track ->

Image source: Goodreads

Going Under by Sonia Henry

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Going Under
Author: Sonia Henry
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, Medical, Mental health
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I bought this thinking that it was a memoir about a woman who worked as a doctor in Australia. Turns out it’s actually a fictional work. But it still had the tone that j was looking for. After all, it is incredibly obvious that Henry is a doctor and that the story line pulls from her own experiences. I should also mention that although I seriously enjoyed this book, it is NOT a happy story. You finish it feeling kind of content, but it’s not a roses and rainbows kind of finish…

I remember considering medicine when I finished up with high school, but ultimately decided that I didn’t have the patience with people required to do so. Reading this just made me all that much more certain that I made the right call there. Kitty (the lead character of this) sounds the entire story burnt out, exhausted and overwhelmed. She definitely enjoys her career to a degree, but that level of exhaustion and stress? Definitely not a career path I would ever be happy in.

The aspect of this story that strikes me the most is dealing with sex, and assault. There are some pretty hefty trigger warnings in this. And Henry quite bluntly talks about a broken system in which junior staff are constantly abused in a number of fashions. And the incredibly serious consequences that can be felt because of such abuse. It will break your heart, but it’s also worth really thinking about the price that some people pay for their profession. And why this should never be the case.

Although there is a lot of very serious messages in this novel, there is also a lot of humour. The day-to-day existence of these junior doctors may be difficult, but they manage to temper that with some kind of bizarre shenanigans. Plus, the tightness and love found in their relationships reminds you that even in the most adverse situations, things can turn out for the best. And sometimes all you need to stop from going under is a good friend by your side.

<- More Australian authorsMore medical ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Up All Day by Rebecca Weller

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Up All Day
Author: Rebecca Weller
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Alcohol, Australian authors, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I realised about three chapters into this that I probably should have read A Happier Hour before Up All Day. Since I was missing a pretty big chunk of Weller’s life experiences. In fact, I was completely missing the entire context of what her first book was like and about. But, even with that I still found this to be a brilliant novel and memoir. In fact, it makes me feel even more driven to read A Happier Hour and find out about Weller’s journey to sobriety.

Although some of this was about Weller’s experience dealing with her new sober life, some of the other aspects of this story were a little bit too familiar. Particularly those procrastination moments that she kept on practicing. All of the planning, but none of the doing. Coming up with exciting things to add to the finished project when it’s not even been started… all things that I have a really bad tendency to do myself. It kind of felt a little bit like a slap up the head to stop pulling some of that nonsense when I really want to get something done…

Weller is wonderfully sassy and fun in her writing. I loved the tone of this whole memoir and the self-deprecating sense of humour. She is able to laugh at all of her less than stellar moments, and talk of pride with all of her accomplishments. I really enjoyed this style of writing. The fact that she’s an Aussie made it all that much better – a lot of the social, cultural and physical things which she talks about are incredibly familiar and felt a little like a taste of home. Something I love when I’m reading a good book.

This story is an amazing journey and filled with brutal honesty. It’s wonderful how Weller is able to tell her tale and not flinch away from some of the moments in her life that she’s not exactly proud of. I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more about Weller’s journey.

<- The Southern Education of a Jersey GirlThe Salt Path ->

Image source: Booktopia

Survival by Stuart Diver

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Survival: The Inspirational Story of the Thredbo Disaster’s Sole Survivor
Author: Stuart Diver
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Australian history, Memoirs, Natural disaster
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1999

Thoughts

I’d never actually heard about Thredbo until recently. When I read Bad Ground. It might be a big moment of Australian history, but it’s not one that’s memorable from my recollection of local history. So when I did a little research, I was completely intrigued. And boy am I glad that I actually decided to buy this book.

The start of this book very much reads like a love letter to Sally. It wasn’t until around the 8th chapter when Stuart starts actually talking about the landside that I was able to concentrate and read this in a big hit. Before that, my heart just kept breaking and I had to keep putting this down to wipe away a tear.

I love how this book talks about Stuart’s point of view and experiences. But balanced with this is the factual account of what Australia and the rest of the rescuers were also witnessing and experiencing. It was a pretty stark and brutal reality. One that I’m honestly surprised didn’t give me nightmares. I don’t like small spaces, reading a memoir about being trapped underground for 65 hours… literally one of my worst nightmare. All I’d need is snakes to make it the worst thing ever…

Although my edition of this was on my kobo, it’s one that I want to add to my physical library. I love reading about Australian history and I think its important to keep adding to my knowledge and collection.

<- Gender GamesVanilla Beans & Brodo ->

Image source: Pan Macmillan Australia

Six Legs Walking by Elizabeth Bernays

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Six Legs Walking: Notes from an Entomological Life
Author: Elizabeth Bernays
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Essays, Insects, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I loved the balance of science and personal throughout this collection. The old me who aspired to be an entomologist was completely enthralled by the science. But the me in my new life loved that balance of the relationships one makes in academia. And just life in general. It was the perfect balance.

I read this book while I was seriously distracted. A newborn will do that to you. Which means I can safely recommend this to people who have zero science background. If I can grasp what’s going on when I have a screaming baby throat into my arms, then the language used is very happily accessible. There’s nothing worse than wanting to read about something different to your own life just to find the language totally overwhelming and bizarre.

Not going to lie. While I was reading this, I dreamt of grasshoppers. Frequently. And bugs. And running through fields trying to catch said bugs. Ah, the memories. Bernays is able to bring to life the realities of working in the field. In all of its confusing and bizarre glory. Hot days under the sun and slight madness brought on by long hours… Bernays was able to take me back to my best Uni days.

I like that this collection isn’t in any kind of order. Rather there is a bit of a sensible rambling through the years of work. Everything is clumped into experiences and locales, not in any order. It makes you feel like you’re sitting down with a cup of tea reminiscing on days gone by…

<- Lone RiderCork Dork ->

Image source: Booktopia

The Swan Book by Alexis Wright

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Swan Book
Author: Alexis Wright
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Dystopia
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This is one of those books that I’m going to have to reread in the future. It was filled with intensity and symbolism. And set in a world that felt weirdly familiar. But, being 8 months pregnant I’m not entirely convinced that my brain absorbed all of the amazingness that is this story.

So maybe I’ll wait to reread this to write a far better review in the future…

<- More Australian authorsMore dystopia ->

Image source: Hachette UK