Friday Recap: Week Three

Week Three!  Where has November gone?!

Only one more week of our online literary festival, one more week of great writing from our wonderfully talented guest authors.  Of course, you can always do as I like to do and reread the posts from time time, discovering new bits to enjoy with each reading...like this week's guest posts.

I was reminded of my "reader's rights" this week when I learned that Doris Lessing had died at the age of 94.

Apart from writing books that I've loved over the years, Doris (we've been on first name terms since I read The Golden Notebook) always championed the autonomy of the reader, saying readers should only read the books they like in the ways they like to read.  Here's Doris' advice: 

“There is only one way to read, which is to browse in libraries and bookshops, picking up books that attract you, reading only those, dropping them when they bore you, skipping the parts that drag - and never, never reading anything because you feel you ought, or because it is part of a trend or a movement. Remember that the book which bores you when you are twenty or thirty will open doors for you when you are forty or fifty-and vise versa.  Don’t read a book out of its right time for you.” [my emphasis]

Here are some good things to browse, read, skim - or even skip bits if you're rushed for time and - definitely, definitely - revisit.  Here are this week's guest posts:

On Monday, Anita Heiss introduced her 10 favourite picture books by Indigenous writers and illustrators.  A diverse and beautifully illustrated selection of books which, in addition to being good reads, provide interesting insights into indigenous Australian writing and visual art and our diverse indigenous cultures.

Tuesday's post, A Reader's Story is an understated, elegant piece of writing by playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer, reminding us of the power of language and the importance of communication.  A gentle story of journey, discovery and time.  I'd tell you more but Finegan tells it so much better. 

In Beyond Godzilla, Cristy Burne, introduces us to some fabulous Japanese monsters (and also explains the inspiring relevance of science and history).  I wouldn't object to a frog-like mutant (or any sort of monster) cleaning my bathroom overnight...

In Thursday's post, the third of our series on the book industry, Fiona Inglis outlines the work of a literary agent in The Business of Writing.   Literary agents are handy people to know, particularly if you're a writer.  Fiona also recommends some fantastic books, many of which are recent award-winners.  Have a look at this interesting post, in which there's something for both aspiring writers and keen readers.

And, today, more wonderful reviews by young readers from different parts of the world:

Outcast by Michelle Paver (reviewed by Aphiwe)
Jump by Sean Williams (reviewed by Nick)
The Winter Knights by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell (reviewed by Benedict)
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (reviewed by Madeleine)

If you would like to recommend a book to the international Kids' Lit Quiz community, please have a look at the Kids' Contributions tab under the Reading for Australia header for guidelines on writing book reviews.  If you've read any of these books, please add your comments to that review.

A Little News

Some more book-related news out of Canada.  Thank you, Nancy.  I hope the preparations for the Canadian Kids' Lit Quiz competition are going well.

Did you know that reading enjoyment is a predictor of success in science and maths? 

The 21st Century School Libraries, Parent Engagement and Student Achievement program has recently been launched on the Ontario Library Association website to provide information and resources about the benefits of using the school library as a hub for student engagement.

Finally, hands up if this post, recently doing the rounds on Facebook and blogs, reminded you of this book:

Published in Australia by Harper Collins, 2007

I miss the dinosaur days in our house...

 
And that's all for another week.  Join us for the last week of our literary festival next Monday, remembering to always maintain your rights as readers and always read for pleasure - vale Doris Lessing, literary giant.