I think the book written by an Australian that I'd most recommend to you is 'Cultural Amnesia' by Clive James. I don't know what James' reputation is in his homeland, but in the UK where he is well known for a lot of lightweight TV presenting people often raise their eyebrows when I tell them he is actually an incredible man of letters. He has read everything, and he was fluent in at least half a dozen languages and so has read a lot of stuff not readily available in English. 'Cultural Amnesia' is a series of over 100 essays, each taking the name of a famous writer, thinker or political figure mainly from the twentieth century. I say the essays take the name of the person because they often only use that person as a jumping off point to talk about something else entirely. The essays are arranged alphabetically not chronologically and so the book becomes a scattershot cultural history of the 20th century. But it is also a treasure trove of writers you've never heard of but will want to read - I guarantee you would add at least ten (if not 20 or more) new writers to your must read immediately wishlist while reading it. PS: James has written some novels as well, but I don't recommend them, they're not that great.
Wonderful book haul! If you find that you don't like "My Brilliant Friend," don't give up on the series. I initially disliked the book and then about a year later I picked up the second book in the series, and now the "Neapolitan Quartet" is one of my all-time favorite reads. Happy Reading! 😎📚👍
Great selection! I've read three Alice Munro collections and enjoyed them quite q bit. She grew up near our summer vacation spot, so I felt a bit of a connection as I read her stories. Could picture the terrain anyway. That Steven Moore book sounds really interesting. Very tempted to buy it.
If you’re wanting to get more into Australian literature, I’m currently reading The Solid Mandala by Patrick White and absolutely loving it! Keep up the great work
Hey I study literature at UQ in Queensland. Adam Bede and Americanah are both on the syllabus maybe you received an students second hand stuff haha. I can give you a few recommendations for Aus Lit. Peter Carrey True History of The Kelly Gang is fantastic, and I think it might be quite up your alley. Also Alexis Wright is fantastic, she's really at the forefront of Australian Writing, Carpentaria and Plains of Promise are both very cool and intellectual.
Hope to hear your thoughts on Munro! Great video as always
Your enthusiasm is wonderful!
I think the book written by an Australian that I'd most recommend to you is 'Cultural Amnesia' by Clive James.
I don't know what James' reputation is in his homeland, but in the UK where he is well known for a lot of lightweight TV presenting people often raise their eyebrows when I tell them he is actually an incredible man of letters. He has read everything, and he was fluent in at least half a dozen languages and so has read a lot of stuff not readily available in English.
'Cultural Amnesia' is a series of over 100 essays, each taking the name of a famous writer, thinker or political figure mainly from the twentieth century. I say the essays take the name of the person because they often only use that person as a jumping off point to talk about something else entirely. The essays are arranged alphabetically not chronologically and so the book becomes a scattershot cultural history of the 20th century. But it is also a treasure trove of writers you've never heard of but will want to read - I guarantee you would add at least ten (if not 20 or more) new writers to your must read immediately wishlist while reading it.
PS: James has written some novels as well, but I don't recommend them, they're not that great.
Wonderful book haul! If you find that you don't like "My Brilliant Friend," don't give up on the series. I initially disliked the book and then about a year later I picked up the second book in the series, and now the "Neapolitan Quartet" is one of my all-time favorite reads. Happy Reading! 😎📚👍
I had the same experience.
Thanks for the comment, I'll keep it in mind.
Great selection! I've read three Alice Munro collections and enjoyed them quite q bit. She grew up near our summer vacation spot, so I felt a bit of a connection as I read her stories. Could picture the terrain anyway. That Steven Moore book sounds really interesting. Very tempted to buy it.
Adam Bede (like bead). It’s beautiful. 😊
If you’re wanting to get more into Australian literature, I’m currently reading The Solid Mandala by Patrick White and absolutely loving it! Keep up the great work
Thanks for the recommendation!
Dalkey Days: A Memoir Paperback by Steven Moore
a great book haul
Hey I study literature at UQ in Queensland. Adam Bede and Americanah are both on the syllabus maybe you received an students second hand stuff haha. I can give you a few recommendations for Aus Lit. Peter Carrey True History of The Kelly Gang is fantastic, and I think it might be quite up your alley. Also Alexis Wright is fantastic, she's really at the forefront of Australian Writing, Carpentaria and Plains of Promise are both very cool and intellectual.
Thank you for the recommendations. I just bought Carpenteria a few days ago!
@@readreadofficial awesome. glad to see a fellow Australian reader. love the channel 👍