communion of literature

Just a quick note to point out that the latest instalment of Yann Martel's suggested reading to Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper is out: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, by Agatha Christie.

I've never read any Agatha Christie, which is probably an admission that will see me thrown from this venerable forum. I suppose there are things that just wouldn't occur to you to read for whatever reason - that's what makes this arrangement we have here a good one. We all suggest things that are new and different to each other, give 'em a go and see how we enjoy it.

I'd also like to draw your attention to Martel's comments on second hand books that made me want to shake his hand.

Read the full post at The Glass Wall.

Australian Literature

Some of you are probably going to want to ask, "does it exist?" or will say, "that's an oxymoron".
Perhaps you're right. But given that the lovely Kemery has just refused a copy of We Of The Never Never which my Grandmother gave me for Christmas (which she had purchased as a secondhand volume herself some 15 years before and had left on her shelf until she gave it to me, and which I found on the weekend under a pile of paperwork at the weekend) I was wondering if there ARE some Australian classics anyone thinks we simply SHOULD read?
Come on. There must be one.
Mustn't there?

Does this sound like the worst book ever?

Trading Places …
The Secret Lives of a Brothel Owner and a Priest!

Respected Western Australian author, Maurice Czarniak has just released his exciting novel, Accidental Discovery. This quirky, original work of fiction centres around Brendan, a handsome Catholic priest, who wants to leave the church due to his emerging sexual desires. As fate would have it, Brendan has a chance meeting with businessman and brothel owner, Jack – a series of unpredictable events culminate in the two men swapping roles.
The tale is rapidly propelled along in exciting and dangerous directions when it is discovered that Brendan has supernatural powers! Converting the brothel into a sex therapy clinic, and pseudo-priest Jack delivering his ‘original’ version of a Sunday sermon, makes for entertaining and compelling reading from start to finish!
Accidental Discovery is an original tale, with fast-paced good humour and passionate romance steeped in mystery – an impressive new novel indeed!

I can't even begin to list the things that are wrong with this synposis. Or the scenarios I would have to find myself in before reading it is an option.

It's out through Zeus Publications people, in case you cared....