All posts by Karen Seligman

About Karen Seligman

Karen Seligman is a librarian working in public libraries. As a lifelong booklover, she loves having access to a library’s worth of books! As a librarian, an important (and fun) part of her work is about connecting people to new ideas and new books. Karen is a literary magpie who can't settle on a single favourite genre – she loves narrative nonfiction, historical fantasies and food writing.

Famous authors who don’t reveal their true names

Blog, Fiction, Writing, ,

The use of pen names or pseudonyms is a time-honoured tradition in writing; many famous authors, including J.K. Rowling, Dr Seuss and Stephen King from last week’s blog post, have used one. Sometimes pseudonyms are used to obscure gender (such as for J.K. Rowling); sometimes it allows established writers to experiment with different genres; sometimes they are used simply to maintain privacy.  Here are some celebrated literary pseudonyms, past and present:

The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante
Book one: My Brilliant Friend

The true identity of Elena Ferrante, author of the Neapolitan Novels (My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and The Story of the Lost Child), is the biggest literary mystery around. We know that she really is female and Italian, but Elena Ferrante is a pseudonym and she has never made a public appearance. The mystery adds enigmatic glamour to this saga about the intense friendship and rivalry between Elena and Lila, which spans 60 years through much personal and social turmoil.  The Neapolitan Novels have been widely praised for their complex and visceral depiction of female friendship and experiences.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler)
Book 1: The Bad Beginning

Lemony Snicket is not just a pseudonym, but a character in the darkly funny A Series of Unfortunate Events.  Author Daniel Handler writes as Lemony Snicket, a hapless writer who documents the misfortunes of the Baudelaire orphans – Violet, Klaus and Sunny – after their parents die in a house fire.  Throughout the 13-part series, the children try to foil their evil guardian Count Olaf – who wants to steal their inheritance – while unravelling the mystery surrounding their parents’ death.  The absurdist gothic grimness of these stories makes them popular with kids and adults alike, and reflect Daniel Handler’s love of Roald Dahl and Edward Gorey.

The Bride Stripped Bare by Anonymous (aka Nikki Gemmell)

Years before 50 Shades of Grey, there was The Bride Stripped Bare.  The Bride Stripped Bare was published anonymously, and purported to be a diary documenting the secret sex-life of a seemingly-contented young wife.   Praised for its subversive role-reversals and uncompromising portrayal of female sexuality, it became a publishing sensation, bringing respectability and literary kudos to erotic fiction.  The anonymous author was quickly outed as established-author Nikki Gemmell, who said anonymity during the writing process was liberating, enabling her to tell a much franker, more honest story.

Unfinished Portrait by Mary Westmacott (aka Agatha Christie)

Agatha Christie, Queen of Crime, also used a pseudonym to escape her established reputation.  Over a period of 30 years, she wrote six “psychological romances” under the name of Mary Westmacott.  These bitter-sweet stories explored love and relationships in all of their destructive, obsessive glory.  Unfinished Portrait is the story of Celia, a young writer in the midst of divorce and contemplating suicide.  She meets Larraby, a successful painter, who manages to dissuade her, and discovers her life story in the process.  Unfinished Portrait is semi-autobiographical and offers fascinating glimpses into the otherwise very private life of Agatha Christie.

They’re a Weird Mob by Nino Culotta (aka John O’Grady)

A somewhat-forgotten classic now reissued with a great cover.  Written and set in the ‘50s, They’re a Weird Mob documents the (mis)adventures of Nino Culotta, an Italian journalist recently arrived in Australia.  Nino is on assignment, to learn and describe the Australian lifestyle to readers back home.  Knowing only proper English (from textbooks), Nino is bewildered by Aussie slang and customs, resulting in many hilarious encounters.  They’re a Weird Mob has been hugely successful, with readers loving the way it pokes affectionate fun at Australian society.  It may not be politically correct by modern standards (Nino Culotta is really John O’Grady, who is Irish) but it perfectly captures the beginnings of multicultural Australia.

Author spotlight: the modern masters – Stephen King, J. K. Rowling, Dr Seuss, Hunter S. Thompson

Blog, Fiction,

Each generation has its own crop of captivating storytellers.  Here are some contemporary authors whose works, we believe, will still be enjoyed for generations to come:

Carrie by Stephen King

It’s hard to believe that Carrie, Stephen King’s first published novel, is over 40 years old.  Carrie is a bullied teenager, wanting to fit in, and ultimately using her telekinetic powers to take revenge on her tormentors.  Her ordeal has continued to resonate with readers, including some who have gone onto become horror writers themselves.  Carrie also broke literary new ground, both with its inventive structure – with the story told from multiple first- and third-person viewpoints – and its contemporary, naturalistic setting, unusual for the horror genre at the time.

 

American Vampire by Stephen King and Scott Snyder

Stephen King may be best-known for horror novels, but he has excelled across a range of genres and storytelling formats.  American Vampire is Stephen King’s first foray into comics; it contains two interconnected stories introducing Skinner Sweet, a violent outlaw turned into the first American Vampire – a new breed immune to sunlight and with unusual strengths and weaknesses.  The first story, set in the 1920s, concerns aspiring actress Pearl, who was (uncharacteristically) saved by Skinner from death when he turned her into a vampire.  The second story, set in the Wild West in the 1880s, traces Skinner’s history.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling

Excitement is already building about the big-screen adaptation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which will be released later this year.  With J.K. Rowling writing the screenplay herself, and the casting of Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne in the lead role, Potterheads should be in for a treat.  Fantastic Beasts is first mentioned in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as a textbook that Harry and his friends use at Hogwarts. It is supposedly written by Newt Scamander, a famous Magizoologist, and is a guide to the magical creatures found in the Harry Potter universe.  Sales of this book has raised millions for the charity Comic Relief.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by J.K. Rowling (as Robert Galbraith)

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a classic detective story featuring Cormoran Strike, a one-legged former military police turned private eye.  It is tautly-written, with deft social comedy and complex characterisation.  With glowing reviews from both professional reviewers and the reading public, it was described as a “stellar debut” by Robert Galbraith… but the biggest twist in this story is that the ’nobody’ Robert Galbraith is the pseudonym of a very famous ‘somebody’ – J.K. Rowling.  The Cuckoo’s Calling is the novel that dispels any remaining doubt about J.K. Rowling’s abilities as a masterful storyteller.

What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss

A new Dr Seuss book – rediscovered after his death – sounds almost too good to be true.    What’s more, it’s a classic Dr Seuss story starring the siblings from One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish!  What Pet Should I Get? follows brother-and-sister Jay and Kay as they go to a pet store to choose a pet.  A noon deadline makes their decision very difficult!  Why this almost completed manuscript was never submitted will remain a mystery; but careful detective work by the publishers suggests that this story may be the precursor to One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.

Come Over to My House by Dr Seuss (as Theo LeSieg), illustrated by Richard Erdoes

This is a lesser-known Dr Seuss book but my personal favourite.  Theo LeSieg is the name used by Dr Seuss for stories he wrote that were illustrated by others. (LeSieg spelt backwards is Geisel, Dr Seuss’ real name).  Come Over to My House  shows its readers children from different countries around the world, in their national costumes and diverse traditional houses.  The colourful pictures and rhyming text make it a fun as well as educational story.  With cheerful and charming vintage illustrations, Come Over to My House is reminiscent of Miroslav Sasek’s wonderful This is… series (such as This is Paris).

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter S. Thompson is the father of gonzo journalism – a subjective, personal style of reporting which engages readers through the author’s first-person commentaries as much as through the subject matter; and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
is his masterpiece.  This novel, based on actual roadtrips undertaken with his activist-attorney friend, is
notable for its extensive references to illicit drug use, and its critique of the counterculture movement.  Angry, intoxicated, politicised, anti-authoritarian, Hunter S. Thompson’s distinctive writing makes him a pop-cultural as well as literary sensation.

Kingdom of Fear by Hunter S. Thompson

The second-last book published in his lifetime, Kingdom of Fear is subtitled “Loathsome Secrets of a Star-crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century”.  Part-memoir, part-satire and part-polemic, Kingdom of Fear shows that age has not diminished his anger nor wit.  In section after section, he argues for a need to distrust authority, especially in these Post-9/11 times, with governments granting ever more power to the police and military.  Still angry and radical, this is his clarion call to maintain the rage.

 

Spotlight on timeless authors – Orwell, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis

Blog, Fiction

What makes an author’s works timeless? At Team Booko, some of our favourite authors include C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and George Orwell.  We think they are timeless because their stories remain fresh and captivating decades after publication; because they write speculative works that are not time-specific; and because their writing has influenced countless authors.  Here are our pick of their works:

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

Big Brother.  Thought Police.  Newspeak.  Orwellian.  These now-common terms are testament to the strong and enduring impact that George Orwell, and particularly Nineteen Eighty-four, have on our views about politics and society.  This chilling story about Winston Smith, an ‘editor’ whose job is to rewrite history to conform to the government’s version of events, is an early masterpiece of dystopian fiction, a genre that remains popular through works such as The Hunger Games.  With major political events fast approaching in the US, Australia as well as the UK, the time is right to re-read this modern classic.

 

 

Why I Write by George Orwell

Besides politically-charged fiction, George Orwell is acclaimed for his essays, where he is analytical, autobiographical and persuasive all at once.  In Why I Write, Orwell argues that four main motives underlie writing – egotism, aesthetic enthusiasm, historical impulse and political purpose.  This discussion is insightful for all aspiring writers, as well as anyone who has a creative urge.  This slim volume also contains other celebrated essays including “Politics and the English Language” and “The Lion and the Unicorn”.  Reissued as part of the Penguin Great Ideas series.

 

 

Tolkien Box Set: The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

It took over 60 years for technology to catch up to Tolkien’s imagination – to be able to depict Middle Earth visually, and do it well.  Inspired by fairy tales, mediaeval languages, ancient mythologies and religion, Tolkien’s Middle Earth stories are epic in scale and feature quests, action, comedy, friendship.  These stories seem timeless and elemental, and are acclaimed as the originators of modern high fantasy.  This movie tie-in set contains both The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, telling the complete story of the Hobbits’ adventures with the One Ring.  A beautiful edition for fans new and old.

A Secret Vice: Tolkien on Invented Languages by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Dimitra Fimi and Andrew Higgins

From Lord of the Rings to A Game of Thrones – an awe-inspiring feature of Tolkien’s stories is his world-building, where Middle Earth is so richly imagined that it comes with languages and mythology as well as geography and history.  His meticulous approach has influenced countless fantasy writers since.  Explore Tolkien’s creative methods in A Secret Vice, based on a lecture he gave on constructing languages, and the relationship between mythology and language.  The book also contains previously unpublished materials connected to the essay.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe pocket edition by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were friends and colleagues who shared an interest in mythology and fantasy writing. Lucky for us, their creatively fruitful friendship has led to both Tolkien’s Middle Earth stories and C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is jam-packed with elements that captivate children – an epic quest, resourceful child heroes, fantastic creatures, adventure, and good versus evil.  This edition offers a beautiful pocket-sized hardback of the most popular and best-known of the Narnia books.

The Illustrated Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Before the success of Narnia, C.S. Lewis was better known for his Christian writings (and in fact, The Chronicles of Narnia contains Christian themes).  One of his most accessible and entertaining religious works is The Screwtape Letters, which offers a sly and satirical look at human nature.  These letters, supposedly from a senior demon (Screwtape) to a junior and inexperienced one (Wormwood), offer advice on how to lead humans into temptation.  This illustrated edition also includes a sequel, Screwtape Proposes a Toast, which critiques trends in British education.

So you want to be a great speaker

Personal development, Uncategorized, ,

How do you feel about public speaking? Do you think of it as a dreaded chore, something that you wish you were naturally talented in? (Yes on both counts for me.)  In fact, such feelings are not uncommon – survey results even suggest that some people fear public speaking more than they fear death.  But it doesn’t have to be this way – help is out there.  Here are some books that help us develop our public speaking skills, through inspiration, instruction, and humour.

Speeches that Changed the World with foreword by Simon Sebag Montefiore

Elizabeth I, Mahatma Gandhi, Adolf Hitler, Barack Obama… these people are powerful leaders not just through their actions, but also through their speeches – whose eloquence can persuade and initiate change.  Speeches that Changed the World is a collection of over 50 momentous speeches throughout world history.  This edition includes recent entries such as Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generations, and Barack Obama’s election victory speech. Comes with a DVD showing footage of these great speeches – pure inspiration.

Talk Like TED: the 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds by Carmine Gallo

Last month Team Booko showcased the entertaining and thought-provoking world of TED Talks – presentations that have introduced a new style of public speaking and audience engagement, becoming the new gold standard for these skills.  In Talk Like TED, Carmine Gallo has identified 9 techniques common to the most popular TED Talks, through analysing speeches, interviewing speakers, as well as research into psychology, neuroscience and communication.  Use strategies such as storytelling, favouring pictures over text, and delivering jaw-dropping moments to boost your communication skills to TED-standards.

How to Get Your Point across in 30 Seconds or Less by Milo O. Frank

Have you heard of the “elevator pitch”? It’s a short, succinct speech that sets out your key message and persuades your audience to buy in – all within the duration of an elevator ride.  Elevator pitches are first articulated for business ideas but are also relevant to political and charitable causes, even personal arguments.  How to Get your Point Across in 30 Seconds shares this focus in “getting to the point”.  Milo O. Frank sets out strategies towards high-impact, captivating, efficient communication.    A classic text that is still relevant today.

Umm…: a Complete Guide to Public Speaking by James O’Loghlin

Many guides to public speaking focus on business/professional themes, but what about social speeches that aim to amuse and delight?  Umm… a Complete Guide to Public Speaking offers friendly and practical advice that would work for a wedding or a retirement, as well as for a job interview.  It argues that public speakers are not born, but made – and offers strategies in how to achieve a great speech, from researching, to using your voice effectively, to overcoming nerves.  James O’Loghlin has distilled his experiences as a successful lawyer, comedian, radio- and TV-presenter, and public-speaking coach into this approachable handbook.  

The Australian Schoolkids’ Guide to Debating and Public Speaking by Claire Duffy

Kids often start off with a natural confidence in public speaking, so it’s a good idea to support that confidence with real skills, before they learn to fear it.  It might even turn that dreadful argumentativeness into something positive!  Claire Duffy’s book is a clear and accessible guide on what debating and public speaking is, and how to do it.  In addition to tips on delivery and managing nerves, she also explains and guides readers on how to create a logical structure and show critical reasoning.  Claire Duffy has used her experience coaching award-winning debaters, both as a teacher and a parent, to create this great resource for kids, teachers and parents.  

Thanks Mum! Booko’s Mother’s Day Picks

Blog, Gifts

It is nice to have a special day in the calendar to acknowledge the love and hard work of mothers – even though I would like to think that every day should be Mother’s Day. Well, a wonderful book – beautiful to look at, hers to keep forever, with captivating stories that can be revisited again and again – can stretch out that Mother’s Day feeling a little longer.  Here is a selection of wonderful recent titles by mothers, for mothers and about mothers:

Room by Emma Donoghue

Jack is a cheerful 5-year-old who lives with his Ma in a small room.  His days are fun and filled with activities with Ma.  Gradually, we realise that Jack and Ma never leave their Room because they are held captive – and that Jack is the result of Ma’s repeated rape by their captor.  Echoing several real-life cases, Room is remarkable for its tender mother-child relationship, and for having Jack as the narrator.  These elements turn an otherwise horrifying story into something luminous.  Room is a gripping novel that has become a much-praised film – with Brie Larson’s sensitive portrayal of Ma winning her the Best Actress Oscar.

How I Met Your Father by Aminah Hart

Aminah Hart’s autobiography has so resonated with readers that this new release is already a bestseller.  Aminah has experienced the agony of losing two infant sons to a congenital disorder.  Desperate to be a mother, Aminah managed to remain resilient, and eventually conceived a healthy baby girl through IVF.  When she tracked down her daughter’s donor father, she found Scott Andersen – and their connection developed into attraction and love.  This joyous “back to front” love story is a true triumph over tragedy.

Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is a huge hit in over 40 countries.  Her message that we should only retain items that “spark joy” speaks to us about more than tidying – to many fans, the decluttering expresses a philosophy about not becoming slaves to possessions.   Spark Joy is the follow-up, and it acts as a masterclass for the KonMari method – with illustrations explaining various folding techniques, and explanations on points that readers of the first book wish to clarify.  

Letters from Motherless Daughters: Words of Courage, Grief and Healing by Hope Edelman

Mother’s Day can be tough for those whose mothers are no longer with them.  In Letters from Motherless Daughters, many different women share their experiences of losing their mothers.  These letters were sent to author Hope Edelman in response to her bestselling self-help book, Motherless Daughters.  These brave, honest letters give insight into how their writers have been changed by, and dealt with, their mothers’ deaths.  Let these letters comfort and guide you in accepting and growing from this very personal loss.

A Mother’s Story by Rosie Batty, with Bryce Corbett

Rosie Batty is an ordinary mother whose life was irrevocably changed when her ex-partner murdered their son in public. Amazingly, even in the immediate aftermath, she has managed to channel her grief into incredibly positive actions – by highlighting that domestic violence can happen to anyone. Her resilience and humanity is widely admired, and has made her an influential campaigner against domestic violence.  In A Mother’s Story, Rosie Batty shares her heartbreaking story, showing how her experience and her work has changed cultural perceptions around domestic violence.  Her dignity and grace is truly inspirational.

Mother, Can you NOT? by Kate Siegel

There is a special (over-)familiarity in mother-daughter relationships that lends itself to hilarity and/or embarrassment – just ask Kate Siegel.  The outrageous and cringeworthy text exchanges between Kate Siegel and her mother, known as @CrazyJewishMom, have become an Instagram sensation.   Mother, can you NOT? is a loving tribute that shows how the combination of boundless love and lack of personal boundaries lead mothers (and not just Jewish ones!) to do awkward but extremely funny things to their children.

Nonna’s House: Cooking and Reminiscing with Italian Grandmothers at Enoteca Maria

If you have fond memories of cooking with your grandmother – or just wish you do – then you will enjoy Nonna’s House.  Enoteca Maria is a very special restaurant on New York’s Staten Island, whose star chefs are ten Italian nonnas (grandmothers).  The Nonnas’ families come from all over Italy, and each of them cook authentic regional dishes that have been passed down through the generations.  Packed with delicious recipes, Nonna’s House is also a celebration of family, traditions and culture.

If you’re after more Mother’s Day ideas, take a look at our Pinterest board.

Celebrating Readers: Top Travel Books

Blog, Travel, Uncategorized, , ,

What’s not to like about travel?  New sights, sounds, tastes, beautiful scenery, different cultures, tranquility or excitement (or both)… even if drop-everything-and-go travelling is not an option right now, it is still fun to indulge in some armchair travel and plan a dream trip.  Whether you like your travel glamorous or rugged, by car or in a plane, there’s a great read waiting here for you!

Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places by National Geographic

Destinations of a Lifetime is a stunning coffee table book that inspires wonder and daydreams.  As befits a National Geographic publication, the photography is amazing – whether it is of a rugged landscape, or a rustic market stall.  These 225 Amazing Places have been chosen from around the world for their natural beauty, architecture and cultural history.  From wildlife reserves to mountain ranges to palaces and even train stations, they remind us that the world is a big and amazing place. Each profile also includes travel tips and how to visit places “like a local”.

Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita by Slim Aarons

Slim Aarons built his career on photographing “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places”.  La Dolce Vita is a collection of his society portraits – chronicling the lives of aristocrats and celebrities for over 50 years.  We see his subjects at home and at play all over Italy – in villas, vineyards, palazzos and on yachts.  The stunning scenery provides perfect backdrops for elegant displays of sumptuous wealth – Slim Aaron’s vision of La Dolce Vita is never crass, but nostalgic and effortlessly glamorous.

The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson

Twenty years after the journey immortalised in Notes from a Small Island, Bill Bryson travels around Britain again, to see what has changed – and, as he cheekily reveals, because his agent wants him to write a sequel.  Time has not diminished his love for his “Small Island”, but has enriched it with authority – he makes a passionate plea here, as a seasoned campaigner for preserving the landscape and heritage of rural England. Bill Bryson also enjoys showing his grumpier side as he derides the bad manners and crassness so evident nowadays.  The Road to Little Dribbling is another perfect blend of affable humour, naughty wit and eye for the ridiculous that Bill Bryson fans know and love.

Walking the Camino: a Modern Pilgrimage to Santiago by Tony Kevin

Travel is usually about external stimulation such as new sights and sounds, but can also promote inward contemplation – particularly when walking alone on a long trek. Tony Kevin, an overweight, disaffected retired diplomat, does just that when he treks across Spain along the Camino – the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. During his eight-week journey he experiences physical and mental exhaustion, picturesque  scenery, ancient tradition and spiritual nourishment.  Walking the Camino offers fascinating insights about why the Camino is still relevant and appealing – and in fact is experiencing a revival, travelled each year by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from many different nations and creeds.

The Route 66 Encyclopaedia by Jim Hinckley

Route 66 is one of the world’s iconic travel routes, and Jim Hinckley has the wealth of knowledge to help guide us along it.  True to its name, The Route 66 Encyclopaedia is jam-packed with information, photographs and memorabilia about the history, landmarks, and personalities associated with this road. It is a guidebook, a cultural history as well as a tribute.  With alphabetically-arranged entries, Jim Hinckley has created the definitive reference for “the Main Street of America”.

Pretty Good Number One: An American Family Eats Tokyo by Matthew Amster-Burton

You may already know Matthew Amster-Burton and his daughter Iris from the book Hungry Monkey, a chronicle of Matthew’s attempt at turning little Iris into an adventurous eater.  A few years on, Iris is six – still an idiosyncratic eater – and Matthew takes his whole family to Tokyo for a month.  Based out of a tiny apartment, Matthew and his family immerse themselves in the daily life (and food) of this often impenetrable city.  Part guidebook and part diary, I find Pretty Good Number One both endearing and inspirational, because it shows that travelling with children can be delicious and fun.  Cool fact: one fan took Pretty Good Number One as his only guidebook on his Tokyo trip – and ate magnificently.


Holidays in Hell and Holidays in Heck by P. J. O’Rourke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the hard-living foreign correspondent for Rolling Stone magazine (who knew that they would have one!?), P. J. O’Rourke filed despatches from troublespots around the world, including Mexico, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.  These thought-provoking and hilarious pieces, published as Holidays in Hell, mash politics and pop culture with black comedy.  Holidays in Hell became an instant classic and a game-changer for travel writing.Fast-forward to the present, and P.J. O’Rourke, retired “sh*thole specialist”, now travels for leisure like everyone else.  In Holidays in Heck, let P.J.’s caustic wit and gonzo ways show you the unexpected horrors and hidden dangers of travelling to nice places.

Check out our recommended travel reads on our Pinterest board.

Top Poetry and Short Story Collections

Uncategorized,
Poetry and short stories are perfect examples of “Less is More”.  (And also, in many instances, “shorter is harder”). These short pieces can encapsulate a moment or a world as well as longer formats; and their shorter form means you can dip in-and-out of a collection easily – perfect for today’s busy lifestyles.  Here are some suggested volumes to get you started:

Sentenced to Life by Clive James

Since a terminal diagnosis “with the lot” in 2010 (leukaemia, emphysema and kidney failure), Clive James has been focusing his energy on what he loves, but probably hasn’t done enough of – writing poetry.  The result has been an outpouring of beautifully crafted work.  Sentenced to Life is a collection of 37 poems, including the poignant Japanese Maple, which has gone viral since publication. The poems are elegiac and rueful but never morbid, with regular glimpses of Clive James’ familiar wit.  And while Clive may feel embarrassed about still being alive (his condition having improved due to experimental therapies), his readers (and literature too) are certainly benefitting from his extended farewell.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:countryA Few Days in the Country: and other Stories by Elizabeth Harrower

Last week’s Stella Prize shortlisting of A Few Days in the Country caps off a remarkable backstory for Elizabeth Harrower and her work.  Elizabeth Harrower is a rediscovered literary star who, having written a number of acclaimed novels and short stories, stopped writing abruptly in the early 1970s.  Forty years later, her works have been resurrected by Text Publishing.  A Few Days in the Country is the first compilation of Elizabeth Harrower’s short stories; some had been published previously, while others have lain in the author’s archive until now.  Although the stories are set in an earlier era, they are powerful explorations of loneliness, emotional abuse and depression; their themes of class, gender and power remain fresh and relevant today.

Airmail: Taking Women of Letters to the World curated by Michaela McGuire and Marieke Hardy

https-::covers.booko.info:300:AirmailThe Women of Letters anthologies are not really short stories, but I have included them here because they are short, entertaining and beautifully evocative.  Women of Letters started as Australian literary events where wise and wonderful women – “dames of stage, screen and page” – share letters they have written to set topics.  These letters are witty, poignant, vulnerable, and offer fascinating glimpses into the people behind their public personas.  Airmail takes this concept further through an international focus, with correspondents from Indonesia, Ireland, the UK and the US.  Read the heartfelt and hilarious contributions of letters from an impressive lineup including Rookie magazine founder Tavi Gevinson, musician Moby, and author Monica McInerney.

The Complete Short Stories (Volumes Oneand Two) by Roald Dahl

https-::covers.booko.info:300:RD1Roald Dahl is best known for his children’s fiction but his adult fiction – especially his short stories – are also incredible.  For adult audiences, Roald Dahl’s wicked sense of humour takes on an unsettling and often sexy edge; he became famous for sinister, gasp-inducing twists.  These two volumes present 55 short stories, written between 1944-1988, in chronological order.  Volume One https-::covers.booko.info:300:RD2includes Roald Dahl’s earliest stories, inspired by his wartime exploits as a fighter pilot; we also see the development of his sinister, black humour in classic stories such as Lamb to the Slaughter.  Volume Two contains stories written between 1954-1988, showing Roald Dahl’s mastery of the savage twist, and includes eight stories not available in any other printed edition.

 

Voyage of the Sable Venus and Other Poems by Robin Coste Lewis

Voyage of the Sable Venus and Other Poems won the National Book Award for poetry – an outstanding achievement for a debut work.  The title poem is an extensive work made up almost entirely of titles and descriptions of artworks showing the black female figure; it explores how black female bodies have been depicted in 40,000 years’ worth of Western art, and what that means for notions of race and cultural identity.  Other poems are intimate and autobiographical, on topics as diverse as travel, family, death, history and sexuality.   In her National Book Award citation, Robin Coste Lewis was praised for the “aesthetic and psychological complexity of her work, [which] is underscored by its clarity”.

Celebrating Readers: TED Talks and their Books

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Have you discovered TED Talks yet?  TED started as a small technology conference, and has grown into a global network of events showcasing “ideas worth spreading”.  TED events attract speakers ranging from artists and scientists to rockstars and political leaders – and whether they are leaders in their field, or rising stars, TED presenters are always charismatic and entertaining.  TED Talks have become synonymous with riveting presentations that are intelligent and thought-provoking.

Besides enjoying TED Talks as video content, you can also enjoy them in book form.  Here are a selection of important, interesting and funny books and TED Talks:

Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

If, like me, you feel that introversion is undervalued in our society, you might be pleased to discover this book.  In Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain argues that the development of an “extrovert ideal” in Western culture has resulted in the undervaluing of introverts, leading to “a colossal waste of talent, energy and happiness”.  She explores the different behaviours of introverts and extroverts, demonstrates that introversion is both common and normal, and argues that introvert traits should not be considered inferior.  Part social commentary, part manifesto and part self-help manual, Quiet has been hugely successful and has influenced changes in education and employment, such as hiring / admissions policies, and office / classroom design. 

Susan Cain’s TED Talk, called The power of introverts, has been viewed over 13 million times, ranking it within the Top 20 TED Talks ever.  

Follow Your Gut: the Enormous Impact of Tiny Microbes by Rob Knight, with Brendan Buhler

Follow Your Gut: the Enormous Impact of Tiny Microbes describes what we currently know about how microbes affect human biology.  This is cutting-edge science – researchers have only just realised that these microscopic lifeforms, both inside and on our bodies, are important to how human bodies function; and they have already discovered potential links between microbes and health issues including mood, sleep patterns, obesity and allergies.  This work has enormous potential impact on how we understand and manage health issues.  Follow Your Gut expands upon Rob Knight’s TED Talk, How microbes make us who we are, which can be viewed here.

Beyond Measure: the Big Impact of Small Changes by Margaret Heffernan

Beyond Measure: the Big Impact of Small Changes is about organisational culture – hard to quantify and change, and crucial to the success or failure of any group. Margaret Heffernan argues that, while culture makes a big difference, it is built from small actions, habits and choices – small acts that can arise from anywhere within (and sometimes outside of) the organisation.  She challenges her readers to opt for a collegiate mentality built around helpfulness, rather than a hierarchy where star performers are offered the most power.  Beyond Measure is based on Margaret Heffernan’s talk entitled Why it’s time to forget the pecking order at work, one of three talks she has presented at various TED events.

To Reach the Clouds by Philippe Petit

Philippe Petit became world-famous for his unauthorised high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.  To Reach the Clouds is his recollection of why and how he achieved this feat.  Through Philippe Petit’s writing we see glimpses of his dedication and obsessiveness;  we also see his unwavering belief in the power of inspiration and creativity.  To Reach the Clouds is dramatic, fascinating, and ultimately uplifting.  It has inspired both a documentary (Man on Wire), and a feature film (The Walk).  Philippe Petit’s TED Talk, The journey across the high wire is available here.

Bonk: the Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach

I love Mary Roach’s first book Stiff: the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, so am thrilled that Bonk forms the basis of a top TED Talk.  Bonk traces the history of scientific research into sex.  It shows how our fascination with sex has long inspired – as far back as the ancient Greeks – academic interest in how and why it all works; and that this juxtaposition of serious study with a seemingly frivolous subject often results in “mildly outrageous, terrifically courageous, seemingly efficacious displays of creative problem-solving”.  Mary Roach’s chatty style, and her skilful balance of the scholarly and the quirky makes for compulsive, hilarious reading.

Mary Roach’s TED Talk, 10 things you didn’t know about orgasm, is in the Top 10 most watched TED Talks ever, with over 18 million views.

Brain Food for Any Age

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One of the delights of reading is that it offers us to access to so much knowledge – including the work of great thinkers and scholars both past and present.  Developing a love of learning can help us become more interesting people, insure us against the unexpected (such as the need to change jobs) and help keep our mental acuity for longer. Here are some “brain food” on a range of topics that are interesting and readable for different ages:

Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe

Thing Explainer was a hit during the last Christmas gift-giving season, and it’s easy to understand why. It has an appealing premise (explaining complex scientific knowledge using only the 1000 most frequently-used English words), beautiful production values (a large-format hardback with intricate line drawings, in blue-and-white reminiscent of blueprints), educational cred (Randall Munroe is a former NASA robotics scientist) as well as a sense of humour (he has a cult following as the author of xkcd, a geeky webcomic; and the illustrations contain stick figures!).  I love Thing Explainer because it is truly Brain Food for All Ages – while the simple vocabulary makes these concepts more accessible, it also creates constraints; the result is a sort of cryptic puzzle that is challenging and hilarious (a famous example is calling the Saturn V Rocket “Up Goer Five”).

The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt

The Food Lab is the latest in a long line of books exploring the science of cooking, a topic of current interest through the work of chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and Ferran Adrià.  What makes it different (and visually stunning) is that it is both a science text AND a recipe book.   Basically, The Food Lab uses the scientific method to work out the best way to cook a dish, then explain why it works.  It is a skilful combination of explanations, instruction, reference and classic homestyle recipes.  By showing the science behind cooking processes, The Food Lab will help you become a better and more confident cook – able to experiment beyond following a recipe to the letter.

The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton

Alain de Botton is a philosopher and writer who has made his name highlighting the relevance of philosophy to modern life.  In The Consolations of Philosophy, he reinterprets the thinking of six great philosophers, to show how they can offer valuable advice about life problems.  The resultant essays include Socrates for unpopularity; Epicurus for not having enough money; and Schopenhauer for having a broken heart.  Consolations of Philosophy is part Philosophy 101, part self-help book; it is witty and readable and plays a valuable part in debunking the “worthy but intimidating” image of philosophy.

The Annotated Alice by Lewis Carroll and Martin Gardner

There’s more to this childhood favourite than meets the eye.  The Annotated Alice contains the texts of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, with the classic illustrations by John Tenniel, and extensively annotated by Martin Gardner, a mathematician who was widely admired for his Mathematical Games column in Scientific American magazine.  The annotations reveal a wealth of hidden meaning, from wordplay, to mathematical puzzles, literary parodies and cultural references. These rich details show that the Alice books are more than just nonsensical fantasy – enough to make you fall in love with them all over again.

Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith is an acclaimed creative duo whose frenetic energy, wild imagination and dark humour makes maths fun and exciting in The Math Curse.  An unsuspecting student becomes the victim of the Math Curse when his teacher says “you can think of almost everything as a math problem” – suddenly, his daily routine becomes a series of time problems, fractions, statistics and money sums.  He feels exhausted, but manages to break his curse when he realises that a problem is no longer a problem when it has an answer.  Lucky for us, the book includes all answers to the problems described.  Fast-paced maths fun for ages 6-10.

Quantum Physics for Babies by Chris Ferrie

Quantum Physics for Babies made headlines recently when Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla were photographed reading it to their baby daughter.  The book may seem gimmicky – Chris Ferrie, the author, assumes that it is often purchased as a novelty gift – but the content is based on Chris Ferrie’s expertise as a trained quantum physicist, and written in language aimed at young children.  He has since written other physics-based picture books on Newtonian physics, optical physics and quantum entanglement.  A great way for children (and parents!) to learn some important concepts and familiarise with technical language.


Little Master Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet: a Counting Primer and Little Miss Austen Sense and Sensibility: an Opposites Primer by Jennifer Adams

 

 

It’s never too early to get to know great literature – and the BabyLit collection aims to do just that.  BabyLit is a series of cute and stylish board books based on literary classics.  Fancy a counting book based on Romeo and Juliet ?  Or a book of Opposites based on Sense and Sensibility ? The range of titles is growing, and includes Treasure Island (shapes), Les Miserables (French vocabulary) and Wuthering Heights (weather).  The text includes themes as well as immortal lines from each work.

Valentine’s Day for Book Lovers

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How do I love thee, tales of romance?  Let me count the ways – I love your strong, smart, vibrant heroines; I love your handsome, witty, sensitive men; I love your exotic locales and eras, and I love the grand passions, just as much as I love the quiet tendernesses.  And I love knowing that I am not alone in my devotion.  In honour of Valentine’s Day, here are some wonderful stories that have made us swoon over and over:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The appeal of Pride and Prejudice  is phenomenal: 203 years after first publication, it remains one of the best-loved novels in English literature.  The story of how proud Mr Darcy and judgmental Lizzie Bennet overcome their mutual dislike to recognise each other’s worth is tender and heartwarming; add a cast of brilliantly drawn secondary characters and the story is enriched by sharp satire about money, status and sexual politics.  Many adaptations and updates of Pride and Prejudice are celebrated in their own right, including the TV mini-series starring Colin Firth (still considered by many to be the definitive Mr Darcy).

If you love Pride and Prejudice, try Frederica by Georgette Heyer

If you love the Regency era of Jane Austen and her creations, stay a while longer through Georgette Heyer’s novels.   Georgette Heyer singlehandedly created the Regency Romance genre; she evoked Georgian England vividly, through her staggering knowledge of period minutiae.  Her 50-plus novels are witty, dramatic and fast-paced and feature a wide variety of winsome lords and ladies.  A personal favourite is Frederica, a subtle and mature romance where a world-weary hero loses his cynicism and finds love when he meets the irrepressible Merrivale family.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Out on the wily, windy moors, a boy and a girl fall into deep, all-consuming love… Heathcliff’s tortuous, obsessive relationship with Cathy in Wuthering Heights is heightened by its unrequited nature and the story’s bleak moorland setting.  The tempestuous emotions – passion, vindictiveness, grief – resonate with many (especially during their hormonal teenage years).  You may not think Cathy and Heathcliff are nice or pleasant characters, but you will not forget them.

978140886567520160229If you love Wuthering Heights,
try Carol by Patricia Highsmith

Written and set in the conservative 1950s, a sense of doom hangs over the growing attraction, and ultimately love, between beautiful, sophisticated Carol and young, lonely Therese.  Even when they acknowledge their feelings for each other, unease lingers about whether this forbidden romance can last.  In fact, Carol’s tentatively optimistic ending represents a shocking twist at a time when lesbian stories usually end in mental breakdown and/or suicide.  A tense and absorbing story, now an acclaimed film starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Gone With the Wind is a historical novel with a thoroughly modern sensibility – Scarlett O’Hara is determined, assertive, tough, but also selfish and wilful; Rhett Butler is an anti-hero with dubious morals.  Their passionate but difficult relationship has influenced our collective understanding of a grand romance, assisted by its backdrop of incredible wealth and its subsequent destruction during the Civil War.  A true epic both in length (1000+ pages) and scope.  Pair this book with the sumptuous visuals of its celebrated movie adaptation.

If you love Gone with the Wind, try Katherine by Anya Seton

Although Katherine Swynford plays an important part in British history – she is an ancestress of Plantagenet, Tudor and Stuart royals – she was relatively unknown until the publication of this mesmerising love story.  Katherine, daughter of a minor knight, catches the eye of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; an emotional connection eventually blossoms into love.  This love is tested during a tumultuous time of war, plague and revolt; ultimately it triumphs when, in a scandalous move, John of Gaunt marries Katherine as his third (and final) wife – over 20 years after she becomes his mistress.  Anya Seton’s story is so iconic that Alison Weir’s biography of Katherine Swynford contains a chapter analysing Anya Seton’s version of the story.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Stories of first love are often tender and heart-rending – none more so than John Green’s The Fault in our Stars.  Gus and Hazel are teens who meet in a cancer patients’ support group.  They are funny and philosophical, and refuse to be defined by their illnesses.  They bond over books and witty repartee; they become each other’s strength. Inevitably though, tragedy strikes.  John Green has created some incredibly appealing characters, and a skilful balance of comedy and tragedy, in this offbeat romance. Relive the laughter and tears in both book and movie form.

If you love The Fault in our Stars, try I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I Capture the Castle’s memorable first line, “I write this sitting in the kitchen sink”, hints at the quirky delights within.  Styled as the journal of seventeen-year old Cassandra, the story follows her eccentric family, living in genteel poverty in a crumbling castle.  There’s her father, crippled by writer’s block; her stepmother, bohemian but surprisingly practical; and Rose, her beautiful older sister, desperate to escape their poverty by marrying well.   When two young, wealthy brothers come to claim ownership of the crumbling castle, romance and confusion ensues.  Cassandra’s coming-of-age is dreamily and sensitively portrayed, and her unrequited love is agonisingly poignant!  I Capture the Castle is an underrated classic championed by authors including Joanna Trollope and J.K. Rowling.