10 Reasons Why I Always Prefer the Book to the Film

1) I can take the book at my own pace. If I want to mull over a scene I can. It's harder to do that with a film.
2) In a book the characters are my interpretation, not the casting director's. They never quite meet my expectations in a film.
3) If you missed something you can flick through a book to find it. It kinda annoys people when you do that in the film adaptation.
4) A book holds my attention span for much longer. I don't know why, I just find it difficult to sit there watching a screen, and yet I can sit there all day with a book.
5) Teenagers in the cinema were talking all through the final Harry Potter movie. Just sayin'. I can hide away easier to avoid distraction during a book.
6) I love to roll the words on my tongue like a nice brew of tea. I love to analyse the language and file the words away for use later. In the film adaptation the words roll into one big blob and I can't distinguish between them.
7) Nothing compares with the feel of a book sitting snug between my hands. Nothing.
8) In my head I am always the main character when I read. It's an active activity. I can never seem to do the same with the film adaptation. It becomes a passive activity.
9) I can pace around from room to room whilst I read. I have to sit still during a film.
10) I have trained my family not to interrupt me when I'm reading. No, seriously, the temper tantrum I threw when my mum offered me a cup of tea during a particularly emotional scene...it really needed to be seen to be believed. But I've had no such luck with films. People always talk over the top of films when I'm around. I don't know why, but it does spoil my enjoyment.

This list is just my personal opinion. I know many, many people who prefer the film adaptation because they don't have time to read the book, or for other reasons. That's cool too.

Oh, and I'll still watch the Anne of Green Gables DVD box set again and again and again. Right after I've reread the book...

Book Review: Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart

‘Is It Just Me?’ by Miranda Hart is an hilarious anecdotal record of Hart’s life to date. In her autobiography Hart explores the embarrassments of social life, her refusal to grow up, and her journey to becoming one of the best comics of today (in my opinion).

I absolutely love Miranda Hart’s work in all of its forms. She is a very funny, intelligent and unique woman, and I find her to be truly inspirational. As such I had high hopes for this book, and it certainly did not disappoint. It kept me in stitches as I read (that’s right, stitches), and I couldn’t put the book down from start to finish. Miranda writes to her younger self, giving her advice and, in a way, laughing at her. This caused me to analyse my younger self and laugh at her in turn. I felt the story wavered a little towards the middle, but that could just be because I am a little young to comprehend middle age issues (yes, I’m young-ish and I’m going to hold on to that for as long as I can. I, too, refuse to grow up!). In saying that, I could still find Hart’s anecdotes amusing, although you may not get many of her jokes if you are not familiar with any of her comedy.

‘Is It Just Me,’ by Miranda Hart, is what-I-call an excellent read, especially if you are as much of a fan of her work as I am. It will not take you long to complete, it will keep you laughing the whole way through, and you will learn a little something along the way. I highly recommend.

10 Reasons Why Cats Make Great Reading Buddies

1) They're warm.
2) They don't interrupt you. In fact, they're very quiet.
3) They never argue with your choice of book.
4) They're cute and fluffy.
5)They will, quite literally, pin you down for hours. Seriously, you won't be able to move. Which means you have a great excuse to read for longer.
6) They are good to hug when a scene makes you cry.
7) They will never give away spoilers.
8)They're cute and fluffy. Did I already say that? Doesn't matter. It's a doubly valid point.
9) They don't mind if you immediately put on the film adaption once you have finished the book.
10) They're really a great, all-round companion. So what if I'm a crazy cat lady?

Book Review: Gifts of the Peramangk, by Dean Mayes

History has not been kind to her people, but with a prodigious talent for the violin, deep passion and a strong work ethic, Ruby Delfey has the opportunity to carve out her own brighter future. ‘The Gifts of the Peramangk: A Novel,’ by Dean Mayes, is a heartwarming tale that follows Virginia Crammond, an aboriginal woman who, as a child, was taken from her loving, caring family during Australia’s controversial ‘White Australia’ policy. She was ruthlessly placed into servitude on a remote farmstead. Treated as less than human by a violent master, Virginia’s only escape from reality was through the violin, taught to her in secret by her master’s gentle and compassionate wife. The violin could not save Virginia from her fate, but she is able to give the gift of music to her orphaned granddaughter, Ruby. Ruby is gutsy, hard working and fiercely loyal child who has seen her own fair share of grief.

However, ‘The Gifts of the Peramangk’ is not just Ruby and Virginia’s story. This novel is full of vibrant, 3-Dimensional characters who seem to leap off the page. There is Jeremy, Ruby’s loyal, protective cousin who tries to shelter the female members of his family despite being only sixteen. Jeremy is flawed and in danger of falling in with the wrong crowd, but he is willing to fight for those he loves no matter what. Then there is Rex, Ruby’s alcoholic uncle, who daily damages his family further and further through his violent rages when under the influence of the bottle. There is his wife, Belle, who works her fingers to the bone to try to keep it all together. And there is gentle, sweet Asher, whose faith in her cousin Ruby is unwavering and heartwarming.

When he is not writing, author Dean Mayes is an ICU nurse who resides in Adelaide, Australia. His compassion for human suffering shines through the pages of ‘The Gifts of the Peramangk’, and it is his voice, his heart, that makes this story the brilliant novel that it is. I have previously read Mayes’ first novel, ‘The Hambledown Dream’, which made me cry on the very first page. I said then that Mayes is an author whose skill will take him far, and this follow up novel did not disappoint. My one beef with Dean is that his books keep making me cry in public. I guess that’s a compliment to the author, though, rather than a criticism.

This is not just a story about the aboriginal people and how tough their lives are. It is so much more than that. Author Dean Mayes carefully and skilfully examines the racism the aboriginal people encounter on a regular basis. But in saying that, not all white people are bad, and not all of the aboriginal people are in the depths of despair. The story is more grey than that, and it is to Mayes’ credit that I never felt I was being lectured to. I was presented with the facts and left to interpret them as I chose. This story is unapologetic. Mayes does not brush over the violence Rex inflicts upon his family, nor does he ever excuse it. The violence Virginia experienced as a little girl is recounted sensitively and skilfully without going into any gratuitous detail. I could not help but admire Mayes’ talent and the improvements he has made as an author.

Now, I know what many of you are probably thinking: “This book seems a little heavy”. But I can assure you, it is not. There were many times when this book made me laugh at the sheer joy of it. Ruby is very cheeky and funny, and Dean Mayes very cleverly and sensitively interspersed humour in with the serious or violent scenes. There are times when Virginia’s story brought a lump to my throat. There is no denying that she had an extremely tough life, more so than anyone should ever have to suffer through. And what is more, there are hundreds of Virginia’s throughout Australia. But, knowing that her future held a loving husband and beautiful grandchildren made the bitter pill slightly easier to swallow. More importantly, the story was buoyed up by the hope that the future may just become a little brighter for the Delfeys through Ruby’s unselfish sharing of her very special gift.

‘The Gifts of the Peramangk,’ by Dean Mayes is a beautiful story that will make you laugh out loud and choke up with tears. and you will certainly want to read it again. I have no hesitations in highly recommending this book. I even bought a second copy of this book to gift to my grandmother-in-law. That’s how beautiful I think this story is.

10 Reasons Why Writers Should Read

1) It keeps the creative juices flowing.
2) It gives you a good sense of voice.
3) It provides you with a goal (eg. 'When I grow up I want to be just like this author'.).
4) It gives you a good idea of what sorts of stories/styles get published.
5) It will help you learn new words and how best to use them.
6) It helps you recognise the difference between good and bad writing.
7) It will help you learn the rules of writing fiction.
8) It gives you a good sense of what works in a story and what doesn't.
9) Good writing inspires good writers.
10) It's fun.

Book Review: The Casual Vacancy, by J.K. Rowling

Barry Fairbrother was an integral part of life in the small village of Pagford in the west of England. Father, friend and church councillor, Barry dedicated his life to helping others. Upon his death the sleepy town awakes, bringing jealousies, rivalries and old grievances to the surface. The idyllic country town is not as peaceful as it seems, and author J.K.Rowling gradually reveals secrets and scandals that the villagers had hoped to bury forever. ‘The Casual Vacancy’ is a gripping tale of human greed, class distinction and secret whisperings of the human heart.

Upon the death of Barry Fairbrother an opportunity opens up for the more snobbish of the Pagfordians. A nearby council estate, The Fields, had been foisted upon Pagford some fifty years ago, and the villagers had been smarting ever since. Dilapidated, riddled with illicit drugs and crime infested, Pagford does not want to be associated with the concerns of The Fields. Only Councillor Barry Fairbrother stood in the way of The Fields being cut adrift. Before Barry’s body is even cold the other Councillors are rubbing their hands together with glee. If they can fill the casual vacancy with a person sympathetic to their cause they may well fulfil their life-long dream of being rid of the desolation that is The Fields forever.

Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of ‘The Casual Vacancy’ is author Rowling’s refusal to sugar coat the realities of life. Life in the council estate, called The Fields, is gritty, violent, desperate and heart rending. The perspective of The Fields is given through the eyes of sixteen year old Krystal Weedon — courageous, strong and rough as guts — as well as her junky mother, Terri. Your first glimpse of the Weedon household is through the eyes of a new social worker, and what she sees is devastating. Filth lines the house, smells of rotting meat and worse seep out from the walls, and a toddler is running around with a three-day-old nappy, his bottom crusty and sore, whilst his mother, Terri, is out of her skull on drugs. Rowling holds nothing back because she herself once lived in a council estate. When asked in an interview how she was able to write such a raw and informed view of people such as the Weedons, Rowling responded that she had known people just like them. It’s just so very real. This is very evident as you read Krystal’s story. Her view on life is skewed by her terrible experiences, the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and Krystal is as tough as nails. Don’t get me wrong, Krystal is no hero. She is violent, a bully, crass and uneducated. But she has guts and does the best that she can with the hand that she is dealt.

In contrast to the Weedons are the Mollisons. They are wealthy, educated and live in comfortable, warm homes. And yet, their lives are no less tumultuous than the Weedons. The only difference is that the Mollison’s hide it better. Rowling tells the story from the perspective of many different characters. You get to catch a glimpse of each character’s thoughts, their hidden agendas, and their deepest secrets. Rowling is such a talented writer, and is truly skilled at showing rather than telling the intricacies of the interactions and relationships between all of the Pagfordians.

‘The Casual Vacancy’ can be frustrating at times. Because you are glimpsing the characters’ thoughts, they will often reveal that they have a secret, but you have to piece together that secret bit by bit as you read. If you are one of those people who have to know now, this may become a bit annoying because it happens again and again throughout the book. Personally, I liked this aspect of the story because it prevented me from being able to put the book down. I had to know what the character had just alluded to, and I could not stop reading until I had pieced together each of the characters’ little secrets. Nothing is as it first seems when you start reading ‘The Casual Vacancy’, and you will need to set aside a chunk of time so that you can finish the book in as few sittings as possible. This is no fairytale. There is not guarantee of a happy ending. Just like real life, the characters have to make changes in their own lives of remain unhappy. No handsome prince is there to save them. What is more, this story will leave you thinking about the issues it raises for hours on end. In particular, the character of Krystal Weedon is embedded in my memory and will stick with me for life.

‘The Casual Vacancy’, by J.K. Rowling, is a deeply moving, memorable tale woven by one of the best authors of the age. It is confronting, stark, passionate and raw. It is brilliant and well worth taking the time to read.

10 Reasons Why You Should Date an Avid Reader

1) Avid readers have a strong sense of romance.
2) There is never a lack of conversation with an avid reader, nor a need for an ice breaker. Just ask them about the latest book they're reading and the conversation will flow.
3) If you have a really hectic time at work your avid reader will be more than happy to amuse themselves.
4) An avid reader will often let you choose what goes on the television, so long as they have a book in front of their nose.
5) Avid readers are quirky. They will often talk about their favourite characters as if they are their friends. I find this charming.
6) Gift buying is a breeze. Writers are always writing more books that your avid reader will love.
7) If your avid reader gets sick all you will have to fetch them is a blanket and a book. They'll be right for hours. No bell ringing and demands for you!
8) Avid readers tend to have extensive general knowledge, making them a perfect addition to your pub quiz team.
9) Avid readers have lots of pretty items to scatter about your house. Some people call it clutter. I call them books.
10) An avid reader is a lovely, well rounded individual who has improved their mind through extensive reading. Seriously, there is nothing more appealing than that.

Disclaimer: This was written by an avid reader. Bias has been used at the author's discretion.

Book Review: Mao's Last Dancer, by Li Cunxin

Mao’s Last Dancer is author Li Cunxin’s own story. It is a gripping tale about a boy growing up in communist China during the 1960’s. Cunxin’s family are wealthy in love, but poverty stricken in every other sense. Cunxin recalls his childhood days with fondness and never a single word of complaint. He explains, without ever excusing, his indoctrination into the communist party, and his devotion to the despot, Chairman Mao. He then goes on to explain how, by chance, he was picked up to be a ballet dancer for Mao’s propaganda department. He trains by night and by day, pushing his body to the absolute limit. He was trained to dance with perfection, but never passion. At this time in history the borders of China were closed. No citizen could leave the country for the Western world. And so it was beyond all expectation when Li, through perseverance and a miracle, was able to go to America to attend a dance school. This was an eye opening experience for Cunxin, both in his capacity as a dancer and as a firm communist. He was forced to redefine many of his beliefs, and in doing so was propelled into a future that, as a poverty-stricken boy living in rural China, he could have never dreamed.

The author of Mao’s Last Dancer, Li Cunxin, was born in the early  1960’s in the Li Commune in North-eastern China. He was the youngest of 7 sons living in deep poverty. At the age of 11 he was selected to become a student of the Beijing Ballet Company by Madame Mao’s cultural advisers, not because of any apparent skill, but because of his big eyes. Li Cunxin now resides in Australia with his wife and children. He was a professional ballet dancer for many years, becoming one of the best male dancers in the world.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Mao’s Last Dance is Cunxin’s deep, unwavering love for his family. He paints them vividly, respectfully and fondly. Cunxin’s father worked long, gruelling hours to earn a pittance so that his family could survive on meagre rations. His mother worked all day to make what little food they had stretch as far as she could. Cunxin had a happy childhood, running  around barefoot and being happily unaware of the turmoil his country was in.

It was when Cunxin went to school that he was taught to love Chairman Mao devotedly. He wanted to make Mao proud. He learned to write by copying out Mao’s principles. Adults who asked too many questions disappeared, and it was a traumatic and terrifying time for everyone. But, being a child, Cunxin didn’t notice anything strange about his way of life, and never questioned the propaganda that he was taught. I found this aspect of the story absolutely fascinating, and it has kept me thinking long and hard ever since I finished the book. The way in which the children were raised to love their leader with such a strong attachment seems so strange, it’s almost something out of a science fiction story. Cunxin passionately believed everything he was told. It is scary to realise how much like sponges children really are. It made me realise how careful we have to be when raising our next generation of children.

When Li Cunxin goes to America for a brief visit to a ballet school everything changes. He comes to realise that many of his beliefs were skewed. Americans were not the tortured, unfortunate people he had been told about, and things he had been told were evil no longer seemed too bad. Even the poorest of Americans that he encountered had more than his family. Cunxin went home with many questions. His entire belief system was shaken, and he returned to China a very different person.

Mao’s Last Dancer is a story of survival, revolution and chaos, courage and love. It is a passionately told, awe inspiring story that left me all too aware of just how easy my own life has been. I learned to work a little bit harder, make do with having a little bit less, and to appreciate how lucky I am to live in such a free country. This story has really stuck with me, and I believe it will hang around in the back of my mind for the rest of my life. Do I think you should read it? No. I think you have to read it. It is essential. It can be hard to read. My heart must have broken a dozen times as I read this story. But you will come away from this book  a better person.

10 Reasons Why Anne Shirley is the Heroine for Me

1) She oozes imagination.
2) She has unique looks, just like me. I, too, have learned to deal with backhanded complements.
3) She is loyal. She gives up her dreams to look after the woman who adopted her. She does this joyfully and without even a hint of regret.
4) She had a loveless childhood. No one ever wanted her for herself. And yet she is loving and affectionate.
5) She is determined and self-motivated.
6) She is intelligent and not afraid to show it. She never hides her brains to catch a man.
7) She does not judge.
8) She uses big words to express her big ideas.
9) She is by no means perfect - her temper often gets in her way, and she makes many mistakes when she's daydreaming. But she never makes the same mistake twice.
10) She has an aura of possibility that clings to her like gossamer. And she shares it around.