Occasionally I notice in the paper important people talking about the books they are currently reading. I think I'm important, although obviously not as well known as the people being asked. So, I decided to start up my own occasional post about books I am reading and why.
At this moment, I am juggling two books. The first is Bill Bryson's "I'm a Stranger Here Myself - Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away". Interesting that it was originally titled "Notes from a Big Country" when it was released in Britain.
Published in 1998, the book is essentially a collection of articles written for The Mail on Sunday's Night and Day supplement during the 1990s, and discusses Bryson's views on relocating to Hanover, New Hampshire, after spending two decades in Britain.
Most people refer to Bryson as a "travel writer". Not such a surprise given his other books, most of which involve travelling in various places. Nevertheless, I prefer to think of him as a real-life revealists - someone who notices the odd and the entertaining and shares it with us in a very revealing way.
My fascination with Bryson began many years ago when I was asked to review "In a Sunburned Country" for the local paper. His humour, wonder and unflagging curiosity caught me off guard, and revealed an Australia that was simultaneously familiar and foreign to me - surprising, given that I lived there for 35 years!
When I came across this current title for a pittance in a discount bookstore, I simply had to find out if all his writing would get me laughing, or only the one about my homeland. Yep, Bryson is one funny guy!
The other book on my shelf is a Aussie read called "Stiff". A fast-paced, fresh and funny murder thriller, Shane Maloney's debut novel "... pokes fun at almost everything, revelling in words that showcase ludicrous events and behaviour" (Library Journal). Main character Murray Whelan's wry social commentaries and ironic observations are natural and hilarious, and surprisingly normal, given everything that's going on.
I have to admit that the only reason I picked up this book is because I saw the fabulously brilliant David Wenham on the front cover. Seems two of Maloney's books have been turned into major telemovies, with Wenham in the lead role. Whatever my reasons, I'm so glad I did because so far, this book is a rollicking ride!
By the way, I'd like to take a moment here to thank Maloney for his "rich, ridiculous and tawdry" voice (Melbourne Age), which kept me riveted and sustained, and distracted me from total boredom during several hours recently spent in a walk-in clinic.
Not sure what I'll read when these two are done, but "Let the Right One In" by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist definitely looks promising, and Maloney's second book "The Brush Off" is a must.
Anyway, that's what I'm reading, in case anyone's wondering.
