Totally surprised by this information from Goodreads. Yes, I do read a lot but when I saw it all laid out like this, well, it was a pleasant shock to read the stats.
I did not realised that I had read such a varied collection of good books over one year. Perhaps many other Goodreaders were sent a similar result? Maybe we should form our own book group? Either way it is nice to think the algorithms ‘liked’ me enough to let me know.
In the back of my mind I am torn between being happy and being dubious about having my reading habits logged so meticulously when only a handful of books were absolute standouts for me. Only a few are loved unconditionally!
Gretchen Quote: ‘Books are the Three E’s, Entertainment, Education and Enlightenment.’
What is it with the anonymous people who give a one-star rating on Goodreads without having read the book? I call them Bad Goodreaders. They don’t even pretend to know the author, the contents of the book or the country of origin. How foolish they appear to real readers by giving a well rated new book a one-star rating for no reason whatsoever.
I know this anonymous deceit is done, and done frequently throughout the Goodreads website. I have a very old volume of ‘King Anne’ written by Ethel Turner, pseudonym of Mrs. H.R. Curlewis, a well-known Australian children’s author in early 1900s. It is a hardcover book with illustrations, owned by my great-aunt and her sister who was my grandmother. It was bequeathed to me when I was a teenager and I though nothing about it until many years later.
I believe the ‘King Anne’ book has been out-of-print for many many years; perhaps it will never be republished but rare copies are available. There is a blank bookcover on Goodreads but I posted the real bookcover with my review.
This book has attracted a couple of genuine star ratings and, without a shadow of doubt, two random one-star ratings from two anonymous people. It would seem to me that they did not know the author or the age of the book. It is not a contemporary story. Come on, one hundred years ago, guys! Of course, it may not be thrilling reading for today’s young readers but it’s part of the Australian classics and there is no need to give it a worthless rating just because you feel spiteful. Move on if you don’t know anything about it.
Are these Bad Goodreaders hiding behind anonymity because they are unhappy, bitter ex-readers who cannot bear a book to be successful or popular or well liked? Perhaps because they themselves are not liked? Are they lashing out with their single click because it represents the only meanness or passive/aggressive behaviour available to them without repercussions from social media or cyber police? There is no government body assigned to prosecute a non-reader, or issue a fine for a rating from an anonymous person who gives a single star reflecting their malcontent with life and literature.
Could these non-readers be resentful of devoted readers and perhaps authors they have met who are successful when they themselves have received publishers rejection? That seems feasible because we all know our own work is best. However, all the more reason to give another author a helping hand because “what is given is given in return”.
So next time, One-Star Reviewer, unless the book is actually terrible or one you hated as a child, why not pass over that random book you are about to give a poor rating and get involved in computer gaming instead? Battle it out with something animated, something virtual that can at least challenge you.
All in all, the Goodreads website may be clunky but it’s about the best book reader website surviving on the world wide web today. Just don’t get me started on spoilers or huge tracts of a book sometimes reproduced without acknowledgement or consent from the original author.
In closing, Dear Reader, we can differ in our opinions. But just so we see both sides of the page, be aware of book reviewers who are known to give too many stars to boost their favourite author. This is also misleading for readers who are looking for a good book.
Be fair, be honest, you may gain more followers by giving a genuine rating and review from what you have actually read.
Public libraries are a privilege, the right of everyone to freely borrow, read and return books. In my opinion readers do not have the right to eat or drink over a library book.
It doesn’t happen regularly but I don’t want to see a smeared thumb print, a coffee stain, toast crumbs or bath water-wrinkled edges of carelessness. Food blobs or drink spills are not acceptable and are downright contemptuous, showing no respect for the book, the author of the book, the library staff and ultimately all other library patrons.
A definition of cruelty is to crack the spine of a new book. What arrogance the reader of a new book must have to think they possess the right to break the binding? The self-entitled recipient of a new library book must believe that, because the books cost them nothing, they have the right to fracture the binding which marks the spine of the book inside and out and weakens the support of the pages.
Then, adding insult to injury, they have the audacity to fold the corners of a page to mark their place. Some of these book-bullies think they are discreet, they will fold a tiny portion of the page corner as to be almost unnoticeable – so they think. Often exploited is a small rip in the page. Instead of using a flat bookmark, a random piece of paper or library checkout slip, they weaken and deface the pages for future readers.
Borrowing books written from throughout the world, every genre for every age group, is a wonderful service but a grubby-fingered book is not wonderful. Keep it clean for the next reader. Of course, if you read e-books or listen to audio-books this does not apply. Should a mishap occur (e.g. your budgerigar nibbled ‘War & Peace’) please draw it to the attention of library staff. Even a note inside the book will assist the librarian in discard or damage repair.
A level of care and thoughtfulness applies to all items including magazines and DVDs borrowed from any library. Remember, it’s a no-no to initial the back page of a book to indicate you have read it. Oh, and don’t forget to remove your bookmark especially if it’s a favourite. Many backroom library walls are papered with beautiful bookmarks which nobody claimed. Happy reading!
My favourite date on the Brisbane booklovers calendar: The University of Queensland Alumni Book Fair 2024 with so much to see, do and read.
Friday 3 May 9:00am thru to Monday 6 May 3:00pm2024 This year they have even added a special dining event, favourite foods of iconic writers for lunch and dinner—see below or click forthcoming Alumni Events.
Coming soon: More than 110,000 books, magazines, vinyl records, DVDs and other pre-loved literary goodies will be available at this year’s UQ Alumni Book Fair, from as little as $1, to help raise funds for UQ student scholarships and research. Free events location at UQ Centre, St Lucia campus.
“Gifts of friendship: rare books and manuscript treasures in the Fryer Library“ Friday 3 May 2024 6:00pm–7:00pmAlumni event. Hear from Simon Farley, Fryer Librarian, about a selection of treasures held in the Fryer Library including beautiful, rare books and the manuscript papers of great Australian writers including David Malouf, Peter Carey, Thea Astley, and Oodgeroo Noonuccal. Location: UQ St Lucia campus.
Dine like a literary icon – ‘Patina at Alumni Court‘ Monday 29 April 2024 11:00am to Friday 3 May 2024 9:00pm. An Alumni event to mark the 2024 UQ Alumni Book Fair (3–6 May) and they’re celebrating with the favourite foods of iconic writers, Ernest Hemingway and Emily Dickinson. Available for lunch Monday 29 April and Tuesday 30 April. Available for lunch and dinner from Wednesday 1st to Friday 3rd May 2024. Visit University of Queensland website https://alumni.uq.edu.au/uq-alumni-book-fair
Throughout, there will be diverse music from Mozart to the music of 2024, and a family fun day with free story time sessions, face painting and craft. Those dates again—
Getting here: Casual parking is available under the UQ Centre. Paid parking applies between Monday–Friday, 7am–9pm. Parking is FREE on weekends and public holidays. More information about parking at UQ.
St Lucia campus is conveniently accessible by car, BCC buses, ferries and CityCat. I have travelled by all four options with no difficulty. Of course, my heavily laden book haul slowed me down a bit on the return journey. More information about public transport options.
Please note: You can donate books to UQ throughout the year. Also this information has been retrieved from UQ website so I accept no responsibility for changes to dates, times or information but in my experience events run smoothly. I’ve had some great finds!
Happy reading ❤ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Everyone around Australia will read this picture book together! Contact your local library to find out details!
A small selection of some of the books I read in 2023. Those shown are not block-busting bestsellers (yet) but very enjoyable reads. I liked them all and can recommend them.
The particular standout for me is Stone Yard Devotional because it was unexpected and different and engrossing—and believe it or not I did not write a blog post review. However, below I have re-posted my Goodreads review. I am sure this novel will win a literary prize in 2024.
View the 80+ books I have read and reviewed in 2023, click on link and browse my Goodreads webpage:
If you have time, here is my l-o-n-g Goodreads book review for my favourite Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood:
Charlotte Wood’s books opened up a new avenue of reading for me and I really, really, wanted to read this novel. The whole premise, ethos, structure of the story cried out to be read slowly and with feeling. It did deliver emotions, from the characters as well as from me. It was like bobbing along in a small row boat down a tranquil stream then coming to a bridge with pylons difficult to navigate; fast water swirling around rocks; clumps of bullrushes clogging the oars; finally being chased by hissing swans. These, of course, are my similes for the obstacles faced by the nuns who showed calm resilience in the face of adversity. Mainly a horrendous mouse plague which saw their Chapel and retreat overrun by thousands of hungry mice for quite some time. Then there is the arrival of the remains of nun Sister Jenny who died in Thailand and, perhaps the most unsettling, the enigmatic visitor Sister Helen Parry who doesn’t seem to want to leave. In fact it takes awhile to work out why she stays at all.
And still the mice invade everything and eat anything in their path. The religious sect is nameless and the protagonist is unnamed (at least I don’t think she is named) narrating Her role in the produce garden and general surroundings, written in beautiful prose, succinct, moving, observant, showing respect for others and the Monaro plain. On page 161, nun Simone takes Her to task over the way she prays “Praying was a way to interrupt your own habitual thinking” she told me. “It’s admitting yourself into otherness, cracking open your prejudices.” Enigmatic local farmer Richard Gittens helps out although his wife Annette doesn’t really approve. Many vignettes occurred to me to write in my review. Of course the overzealous rodents predominate but it would be difficult and unfair to isolate and convey the undercurrents in this book; the flashbacks, the past catching up with the future, the enlightenment. If asked, I would say this novel is semi-autobiographical. If not, it surely has those universally relatable feelings of loss, regret and the challenging moments which shape us throughout life.
A brilliant example of literary showing-not-telling with quite graphic moments, strange dreams, and egg-laying hens. Coupled with Her past memories it caused me to reflect on my own youth and how I retained snippets of a particular event but regrettably never found out the full story, or the true story behind a family’s grief. In fact, this story is layered with other people’s despair and made me delve into my own preconceived ideas of forgiveness. There is almost a comfort in not knowing the people whom Charlotte Wood weaves through the pages, I read, I understand, but I don’t have to take action. Just like the written characters, pursed lips, a head shake, a tut-tut and let’s move on; our society has been good at looking away for centuries. Through the unnamed narrator, sense has been made of all this and I came to grips with Her world without maudlin sentiment and saw the truth of what transpired in several dysfunctional lives. Perhaps a potential for trigger moments, this is a moving, insightful and significant adult read and holds up well to discussion.
Short bio: Charlotte Wood is the prizewinning author of six novels and three books of non-fiction. A recent book is The Luminous Solution about creativity and the inner life.
The Ten Penners have created an anthology of magical creatures and mysterious moments. Young humans took me on their humorous and enlightening adventures involving broomstick riding, crystal balls, a backyard concert, a magic mirror, intrepid Pixie P.I. Dandelia Oakleaf, frogs, friendships and more—read on!
The Ten Penners latest anthology Backyard Beasts and Curious Capers contains imaginative reading for that age group of children who love a good giggle at preposterous things. Or are they preposterous?
✨BOOK LAUNCH✨
Book launch at BOOKS ETC, Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise Saturday 21st October 2023 – 11.00am to 2.00pm “Come and have your book signed by a Witch called Floriece, a Pixie, and Jeremy the Spaceman.”
BLOG TOUR & BOGGLE COLOUR-IN COMPETITION DETAILS BELOW
Perhaps making a rocket is not such a strange idea?
‘Jeremy Albatross’ by Marion Martineer highlights the delight and disaster of making a backyard 🚀 rocket. This story is both funny and a health and safety warning during an action-packed BBQ for Dad’s birthday.
‘The Trees are Alive!’ by Jill Smith (of Poo Boom Cat fame) is a tale about Maggie and Caleb who get ‘a cubby house and a living garden’ during the school holidays when they rejuvenate an old tree 🌳 and receive benefits in return. Part awareness, part ecological, a story of nurturing and working with nature.
‘Wizardo’s Spell’ by Jennifer Scicluna involves Simon digging in the backyard with his father. Or not digging in the backyard with his father “Who wants to plant boring 🌸 begonias?” Simon relents and with a whack of his spade he falls through the earth into Muderoon where he meets irascible Agrim Kateus.
Only a quick glimpse at three Ten Penner author tales but you can discover a brave cat, a sensitive tree, a blue Quoggle and a fright night sleepover. In fact, twenty inventive short stories for young readers. Here’s the list:
Ten Penners, twenty stories! Always imaginative and highly readable, their newest anthology Backyard Beasts and Curious Capers contains fantasy and fun with cool character illustrations, kooky critters and silly stuff which appealed to me. Apologies if I’ve left out your favourite. There’s much more including a wakeboarding octopus and an old fairytale reimagined. Ideal for 8-12 year old readers and group reading. Story length would also suit reading before bedtime, or reading in your favourite tree. Just don’t laugh too hard!
Saturday 21st October—BOOKS ETC. Paradise Centre Surfers Paradise 11 am to 2 pm. Saturday 28th October—Big B Books 10 am to 12 noon outside the shop. Saturday 4th November—The Ten Penners monthly meeting (near Melbourne Cup) Saturday 18th November—Gold Coast Writers book launch/promotion 15 mins confirmed. Saturday 2nd December—Upper Coomera Library 1 hour 10 am to 11 am (then their Christmas Party lunch at the café) Saturday 9th December-—Bookness, Mudgeeraba (to be confirmed) Draw the Quoggle colour-in competition winner! NOTE: The PrizeActivity Packwill include more of their characters to colour-in. A badge. A Word Search. A copy of Backyard Beasts & Curious Capers, signed by the authors, and more. Please send your entry via email tothetenpenners@gmail.com Or hand them to The Ten Penners at their presentation. CONTACT: The Ten Penners look forward to your feedback on their new book so please visit their WIX site, become a member and make a comment: https://thetenpenners.wixsite.com/the-ten-penners/blog
Bibliophiles and books rejoice in a heritage-listed building in the heart of Brisbane CBD. Archives Fine Books is the largest second-hand and antiquarian bookstore in Queensland, a book mine where a bit of fossicking reveals literary gold. Read their suggested online resources, browse their extensive categories, it is like an Aladdin’s cave of amazing volumes but so much better in person. Now they are adding an Australian first.
Before I begin, let me tell you a tale. When I originally discovered Archives Fine Books, the old floorboards were uneven and creaked, books were crammed on shelving which ran into the gloom and rose to the roof like canyons of dark wood. Dull lightbulbs showed thousands of dusty spines and the air felt heavy with—what? Knowledge, books jostling, words waiting? A beam of light spearing through a grimy windowpane. A flash of something around the corner.
I must visit again to see what has changed, if anything has changed. It was the kind of atmosphere where I felt I was not alone. I felt other people around me but nobody was there. I also had to buy something. As I walked through a myriad categories soaring high above my buzzing head, I acknowledged the need to stop and inspect a particular section. A book drew my gaze and I prised it out, knowing I would buy it. Why? Not sure, not sure to this very day, but I knew that book wanted me and I wanted it. It was purchased, slid into a paper bag, the cash register yielded my change and I swiftly exited down the stone steps to the street.
Several forays followed but soon e-books impinged my reading time. Fast forward to 2023 and I have come to my senses. I am planning to revisit, older and creakier like the floorboards of 40 Charlotte Street. I am sure a book is waiting for me. I can hear the pages rustling.
Meanwhile, have you heard of their unique book collection prize? Read on—
WRITE AN ESSAY | CREATE A BIBLIOGRAPHY | SHARE YOUR WISH LIST
The Archives Fine Book Collecting Prize is an occasional prize with a combined value of over $1,000 awarded for an outstanding book collection conceived of and built by a young Australian collector. The purpose of the Archives Fine Book Collecting Prize is to unearth and celebrate current book collecting passions and practices among young Australians so that every young and curious collector can play their part in invigorating existing traditions whilst they develop knowledge and build expertise.
The first national book collecting prize has a combined value of more than $1,000 and includes:
A domestic return air-fare to EITHER the Melbourne Rare Books Fair (July 2024) OR The Sydney Rare Book Fair (October 2024);
A $250 voucher to spend at the Fair;
A $250 Archives Fine Books Voucher;
A one-year subscription to the Bibliographic Society of Australia and New Zealand (BSANZ);
A two-year membership with The Book Collectors’ Society of Australia (BCSA).
Why young people?
This year Archives Fine Books (Queensland) has expanded the geographical scope of their prize to be open to ALL young Australian collectors.
The impulse to celebrate young Australian collectors emerges from Archives Fine Books desire to see the whole book collecting scene in Australia grow and be invigorated. They know book collecting is usually a solitary pastime. By establishing the national prize, they hope to introduce young collectors to the existing community for inspiration and information.
Originally launched as a local prize in 2020 the inaugural Archives Fine Book Collecting Prize was awarded to
To the best of their knowledge this in the first and only Australian Book Collecting Prize. They are seeking those curious young Australians who are already hunting and uncovering things they sense may have something interesting or new to tell us about ourselves and our world; and who, by their collecting foci, are preserving books and ephemeral items into the future.
Note: Entry deadline is 31st December 2023 and the prize-winning collection will be announced in March 2024.
First in line‘The Fourth Crow’(2012) a Constable & Robinson Ltd hardback featuring a series written by well respected historical fiction author Pat McIntosh. Her Gil Cunningham murder mysteries are lusciously populated with all manner of people and goings-on in Glasgow in fifteenth century Britain. The ye olde atmosphere is so vividly written that you can imagine yourself right there, and this series was recommend to me by a medieval historian and lecturer.
Historic Note: 👑 The movie ‘The Lost King’(2022) is a story about the real Philippa Langley who actually found the final resting place of King Richard III. The poetic licence has been challenged but it’s immersive viewing, filmed entirely on location in Edinburgh Scotland with great care and compassion, humour and heartache and so relevant on so many levels. Can recommend!
Nextin line‘Death in Disguise’ (1992) by Carolyn Graham on BorrowBox Audio, but do I really have to mention anything about Caroline Graham’s Midsomer Murders mystery series? DCI Tom Barnaby has had so many crimes to solve over so many years in books and on ITV television that he’s almost a real person.
This story is nicely read by John Hopkins with a foreword by John Nettles who played the first Tom Barnaby. I have to admit I am not far into this tale of criminal intent because I am finding the plot slow and the scene-setting long. However, the writing quality is top notch in relation to some of the light-weight stuff around today.
The third book‘Love and Summer’ (2009) a Charnwood large print hardback written by highly regarded award-winning Irish author William Trevor. I had not heard of him until a WordPress blogger Reading Matters posted and wrote about the William Trevor Reading Challenge. https://readingmattersblog.com/2022/12/17/a-year-with-william-trevor-is-almost-here/ This tale hooked me straight away with subplots, instant twists and turns and interesting characters. “Ellie falls in love with Florian, although he’s planning to leave Ireland and begin anew after what he considers to be his failed life… and a dangerously reckless attachment develops between them”.
Of course, I review books on Goodreads regardless of whether or not anyone reads them. Either the books or my reviews! The interesting fact of my 2022 Goodreads Reading Challenge is I nominated to read 37 books over the year. I ended up reading 78 books (211%) so that was a surprise.
JOIN A LOCAL BOOK CLUB AND BE SURPRISED!
Happy New Year 2023 and may you be pleasantly surprised by________________(fill in the blank).
Many people read more than one book at a time and I have been doing this for several years. If one book is slow or doesn’t capture my immediate interest, I switch to another one. Plots and characters never seem to get confused because I usually read different genres.
And I always like to finish a book!
Watch out for a special blog post for my 100th Book Review. This milestone took me by surprise. I have many more reviews on Goodreads but I personalise my blog post reviews.
Have a quick look at Fantastic Fiction, my favourite go-to resource:
Thoughts Become Words 