I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last post. Where has the year gone? My excuse – if it’s worth anything at all – is that I’ve been spending my writing time on my novel. Plus, I’m pregnant and everyone knows that time goes quicker when one is pregnant.

Anyway, I just wanted to comment on the Dan Brown mania which has reared its (dare I say, ‘ugly’) head with the release of his latest novel, The Lost Symbol.  Footage on the news last night showed the hardcovers being grabbed out of boxes by crazed fans before they could even get a look-in on the shelf.

I just don’t get it. Why all the hoopla? Why are Dan Brown’s stories so incredibly popular?

I was in a bookstore last week, a rare occurence lately as I’m still on sabbatical from buying books but as I’m still allowed to buy books for others I was there purchasing a book for my two-year-old son. (Really, I was, he can attest.) Perusing the new releases shelf I was delighted to find new novels from Ursula Le Guin and Iain Banks. And then I realised I couldn’t buy them and got sad. So I’ve put them on my ‘Books to Buy on 2nd January 2010′ list.

But I digress. The point I’m getting to is that: Why does Dan Brown’s new book get major media coverage and invoke reader madness whilst novels from the likes of Le Guin and Banks are lucky to get a review in the weekend paper?

I read the Da Vinci Code a few years back to find out what all the fuss was about. And having read it I was more confused than before. The story was engaging enough but nothing extraordinary and the writing was average, at best.

The only conclusion I can come to is that Dan Brown’s popularity is simply due to the controversial nature of the topic he wrote about in the Da Vinci Code. This controversy led to publicity which led to book sales which led to more publicity and on it goes so that now his name is so huge that he could write a bad limerick and publish it on toilet paper and it would sell a squillion copies.

I would love to know your thoughts. Forget global warming and economic crisis, The Great Dan Brown Mystery is a truly important issue.

Why do you think Dan Brown is so popular?

Inspired by a book columnist for a Melbourne paper (who’s article I now can’t find online) I have declared 2009 my ‘Year of buying no books’! This columnist (whose name I can’t recall) did the same in 2008. And I thought if she can do it so can I.

Ever since my income has allowed me the luxury I have bought books on a regular basis. But I have developed a bad habit of biting off more than I can chew. The pile of unread books gradually grew to the point where it fell over and I had to start stacking them on the bookshelf. And then some even made it into boxes – the death knell. There’s no coming back from the box.

The joy of buying a new book would soon be dulled by the guilt of not having read my previous purchase … and the one before that. I felt like a book floozy. And so now the time has come for change. I will finally give my books the time and attention that has long been their due. There will be no new interlopers for a year.

I think my own unread books will last me the year, well and truly, but if they don’t I will not be tempted by the bookstore window. I will head to my local library and borrow from friends until 31 December 2009. This is my promise to myself and to my books. It’s halfway through January and I’m coping. So far so good.

It seems whenever I walk into a bookstore these days I end up browsing the novels in the young adult section. I find it more exciting and promising than the section that, as an adult, the bookstore is telling me I belong in.

My interest in YA fiction was reignited a couple of years ago when I found myself reviewing a lot of YA novels. Suddenly I realised how much fantastic literature is out there now for teenagers. And with some of the books I read the only thing that identified them as YA fiction was the fact that the main character (or characters) were teenagers. Going off the writing style and sophistication of the plot alone they could have just as well been written for an adult audience.

The line between the YA and adult fiction categories is murky grey and seems to be more determined by publishers and booksellers than writers or readers.

Recently some publishers have made a move to implement even more limited age labels on books by introducing age banding, the aim of which is to further clarify a book’s age appropriateness.

But many writers, illustrators, librarians and some publishers have been outraged by age banding and created the No to Age Banding initiative with the aim of convincing publishers that it’s a bad idea.

It seems to me that age banding will only result in putting some children off reading – either because the book that they want to read or are able to read is banded for an age younger than they are and therefore they may be embarrassed to read it or because it’s banded for an age older than they are and perhaps their parents or teacher thinks they shouldn’t be reading it.

And from the other side of the spectrum, who’s to tell me as a 34-year-old that a book labeled for 14-year-old isn’t suitable for me? No one. Exactly.

Philip Pullman, a member of No To Age Banding, summed it up in his address at a recent conference discussing the age banding issue:

I did not intend the book for this age, and not that; for one class of reader, and not others. I wrote it for anyone who wants to read it, and I want as many readers as I can get, and I want to meet them honestly.

More reading on age banding:

Age guidance prompts author rebellion

Publisher admits errors in ‘damaging’ age banding row

Another year, another Man Booker Prize for fiction and the longlist has been announced.

Now I’m not a particularly patriotic person but … Two Aussies on the list!! Go team! Three actually if you include Aravind Adiga’s, author of The White Tiger, who was educated in Australia and holds Australian nationality.

The Aussies are first-time author, Steve Toltz with A Fraction of the Whole and Michelle de Kretser’s The Lost Dog.

What I find interesting is that a few of the books aren’t even published yet: From A to X and The Northern Clemency. It seems strange to me. Imagine a Best Film Oscar being given to a film that was yet to be released. I would have thought these books would simply be in the running for the prize next year. I bet the publishers are scrambling like chooks on an iceberg to get those books into stores ASAP.

I briefly entertained the idea of reading all the books on the list but (a) I’d be living in fantasy land to attempt that feat at the moment given that I spend more time reading My first words to my son than I do reading novels. (b) As written about on this blog I’ve vowed to never read a book because of the author’s name or because it seems every other person on the planet has read it and raved about it.

And not all of the books on the list appeal to me anyway. Netherland, The Clothes on Their Backs, Child 44 and A Fraction of the Whole are the ones that immediately caught my eye. I think reading these four novels is an achievable goal.

Visit the Synopsis and author bio available on the Man Booker site.

And below are links to Amazon:

• The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

• Girl in a Blue Dress by Gaynor Arnold
• The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
• From A to X by John Berger (Due for release in September.)
• The Lost Dog by Michelle de Kretser
• Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh
• The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant
• A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif
• The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher. (Due for release in February 2009.)
• Netherland by Joseph O’Neill
• The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
• Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
• A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz

The shortlist will be announced on September 9 with the winner announced on October 14.

Have you read any of the novels from the list yet? Currently reading or plan to read?

If a Man would that his Writings have an Effect on the Generality of Readers, he had better imitate that Gentleman, who would use no Words in his Works that was not well understood by his Cook-maid.

I couldn’t have Said it better Myself. If only all writers followed the sage advice of Benjamin Franklin.

As I understand it, the purpose of writing is to be understood. So when words are used that most readers don’t understand – ie big words – the meaning is lessened. And the reader is most likely left annoyed and/or frustrated.

If there was an Olympic event for the number of ridiculously, incomprehensibly obscure words one can fit into a single paragraph it would have been won by the author of a non-fiction book I read a little while ago.

I have a fairly large vocabulary, I read widely, I love language and I love to learn new words but this book drove me crazy! Crazy I tell you!

Here’s just a sample: ostinato, psittacosis, paracosm, and (this one takes the cake) sententiousness! Even now, I don’t have the energy to look them up in the dictionary.

I just don’t get it. Why the big words? If writers are trying to impress their readers they may want to use another strategy. A study conducted by Princeton University revealed that readers perceive a writer’s use of big words not as a sign of intelligence but rather the opposite; the more big words used, the less intelligent, in the reader’s estimation, the writer becomes. The rationale being that only someone lacking intelligence would attempt to create an image of intelligence by using words that no one understands.* I love that! We readers aren’t as naïve and shallow as some writers think.

So why do some writers feel compelled to use big words? It apparently makes them come across as less intelligent than if they had used simple words and it impedes comprehension. Am I missing something here?

How do you feel about the use of ridiculously, incomprehensibly obscure words?

* Disclaimer: I’m certainly not suggesting that the author of the crazy-making book I read is not intelligent, of course not. It just begs the question why he feels the need to use words that most of his readers wouldn’t know the meaning of.

My husband and I are renovating our house and in doing so I will realise one of my lifelong dreams: to have my own library. An entire room dedicated to books and reading with custom-built (ie husband-built) shelving and a comfy armchair. Bliss.

Yet despite being more than happy to indulge my library dream, and the floor space, my husband just doesn’t get the whole library thing.

‘But you’ve already read these books, right?’
‘Yes.’
‘So why do you need a library?’
‘Ah, to keep the books in.’
‘So tell me again why you’re keeping books you’ve already read?’

I try to think of a logical answer to that very logical question and come up empty handed. So how about an emotional, non-sensical one:

‘Well, … because … they’re my books.’
‘Okaaaay, riiiight,’ he gives me a look that suggests he’s sizing me up for a strait jacket and backs away slowly.

Now, I’m not completely lacking in discrimination; I don’t keep every book – probably 80% or so.*

I really don’t know why I love owning books and looking at my books, resting in rows on a bookshelf with spines on show. It defies logic.

If you can articulate your love of books please share it here; … actually, even if it’s not particularly articulate that’s okay too.

* The books I turf are the ones I didn’t finish reading; books I’ve reviewed but wouldn’t choose for myself; and books that have been sitting in my unread pile for so long that they’ve actually claimed the land and built on it. The Joke by Milan Kundera, don’t think I didn’t notice that two-bedroom townhouse on my bedside table.

You know how there’s those things that, to you, seem perfectly reasonable and normal but to other people are just downright weird? Well, I think this might be one of those things.

I don’t buy thin novels. I only buy thick ones. Why? Because I think they’re better value for money and frankly, a more worthwhile investment of my time. (Gee, I sound like one of those people who have a share portfolio. )

Now I know that value shouldn’t be measured by number of pages but I really just can’t help it. It’s a psychological thing, minus the ‘logical’.

And I figure that if I go to the trouble of getting to know a novel’s characters and getting used to the writing style then I may as well spend some time with it. If it’s all over in 150 pages then it’s not worth the intellectual and emotional investment I’ve made. It’s for this reason that I’ve never taken to short stories. They’re just too … too … short.

There’s no doubt that I’m missing out on some great reads because of my prejudice against size-challenged stories.

Am I being ridiculous? … On second thought, don’t answer that. Do you have any quirky rules or habits when it comes to books?

I became a fan of Pinky McKay after reading her down-to-earth articles on bellybelly.com.au whilst I was pregnant with my son so I was pleased to see her new book Toddler Tactics: How to make magic from mayhem had been released. Its timing could not have been better as my son had recently celebrated his first birthday and graduated from baby to toddler.

Pinky McKay is a lactation consultant, infant massage instructor, author and columnist specialising in parenting and baby care. Her books include Parenting By Heart and Sleeping Like a Baby.

Toddler Tactics is an easy and reasonably quick read; I finished it in a few hours. However, for a small book it’s incredible how much useful information it contains. Topics include toddlers’ physical development, behaviour, play, learning and sleeping, to name but a few.

It’s the kind of book that can also be used as a reference to be consulted later as your child grows and new challenges arise. For example, I’ll be revisiting the chapter on toilet training in a year or two.

McKay has a gentle approach to parenting. Her advice doesn’t come with a ‘Do it this way or your child will be forever ruined’ footnote. She doesn’t aim to add to the pressure already on parents who are often already feeling guilty or inadequate for one reason or another. Rather she provides answers to a lot of the questions many parents will have about their toddlers with a guiding hand and some common sense advice. For instance, tips for encouraging healthy eating include: don’t put too much food on your child’s plate, and let your toddler help prepare food and some things parents can do to support their toddler’s speech include: name everything, listen, exaggerate speech sounds

Toddler Tactics is peppered with first-hand accounts from parents of toddlers sharing their experiences and their own toddler tactics which are often quite touching and very helpful in themselves.

McKay does have some parenting do’s and don’ts however they are do’s and don’ts that I don’t think any conscientious parent could disagree with. For example: don’t label children, use rewards rather than bribery, support don’t criticise. Even though these are all common sense principles, as a parent, it helps to be reminded sometimes.

Whilst there is a lot of useful advice and information in this book I think the most important thing I learnt from it is to always try looking at things from my child’s perspective. For instance, McKay gives parents a reality check with regards sharing:

Do you lend your friend your car, your computer or your brand-new shoes? Isn’t it a bit unrealistic to expect your toddler to willingly part with his favourite toys whenever a strange child visits? (p93)

Point taken. And she reminds parents that very young children are simply not able to understand the concept of sharing, this capacity doesn’t develop until about three years of age. So in other words, ‘Lighten up Mum and Dad!’

And McKay has this advice for playtime:

Give children a few minutes’ warning that it’s nearly time to stop playing, rather than insisting they pack up now! Imagine how you would feel if you were busily working at a task and somebody ordered you to stop immediately! (p119)

Toddler Tactics is a must-read for all parents, and soon-to-be parents, of toddlers.

Publisher: Penguin Australia

RRP: $24.95

Is it just me or is everyone talking about Kindle at the moment? Released late last year by Amazon, Kindle is the cat’s pyjama’s, the bee’s knees, the ant’s pants etc of portable reading devices. Perhaps my antenna is extra sensitive so I’m seeing Kindle everywhere. Because I want one.

Of course Kindle isn’t the first e-book reader to come along (who can forget Sony’s galiant but ultimately doomed attempt) but it appears to be the first that actually does what e-book readers have been promising for years, and then some … and then some more.

I love gadgets and Kindle is a beautiful gadget.

And I love books – real books made from trees – their physicality – I love to touch, hold, carry, look at and smell books (I draw the line at tasting). I’ve made a lifelong commitment to books. So to use a Kindle, even to consider using a Kindle, feels like a betrayal to not only my books but books everywhere. I would be cheating on the entire book community if I were seen in the company of the sexy, sleek and slender Kindle.

If I were to use a Kindle I wonder whether it would it be a brief fling, a novelty that wears off within a month, or the beginning of a new relationship. Perhaps I’d end up like one of those busy men who have two wives and families on the go and ‘travel’ a lot for work.

Books may be old fashioned but they don’t crash or freeze or run out of batteries. They don’t break when dropped or need upgrades and patches. And books fill a bookshelf. Ones and zeros do not a bookshelf fill.

My moral dilemma is immaterial anyway because Kindle isn’t available outside of the USA. Whether it ever lands on Australian shores is an unknown so for now Kindle will remain an unrealised fantasy in the realm of my imagination.

If you’re a lucky resident of the USA and own a Kindle please share your experience. What’s it like? Do you sleep with it under your pillow?

BlogKindle
How the Kindle Saves You Time (If Not Money)
Amazon Anounced Kindle

‘Love this book, or your money back. Publisher’s guarantee.’ These words appeared on a sticker stuck to the cover of a book my mother-in-law had just finished reading.

I actually had to read the sticker twice because I couldn’t believe what I was reading. A guarantee on a book! It’s the oddest thing I’ve ever heard. The implication that literature (a term used loosely in this instance) has a ‘One size fits all’ genre or style is misguided, at best.

On the surface it appears that the publisher has such confidence in this book that readers were guaranteed to not only be satisfied with their choice but to love it. That must be some book. By the looks of the cover design it appeared to be a mystery/thriller/forensic type novel that fill the shelves in airport bookshops. Not my cup of tea so I would never find out whether I would love it or not. (Which I guess is the point.)

But really, it just smacks of desperation. A ploy to stand out amongst the reader’s many other choices on the shelf.

And it’s cheap. Can you imagine ‘Catcher in the Rye’ bearing a publisher’s guarantee? It would be like Queen Elizabeth wearing fish net stockings – it’s simply not done.

Have you ever seen a ‘Love this book’ guarantee? Did it make you want to read the book or put you off reading it?