'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 6

'take the first step

The longest journey, or project, starts with a first step.

When it's too hard to picture the whole journey.

break it down into smaller ones.

Keep reducing until the first step seems attainable.

Then take it.

The others will follow.'

'To begin, begin.'

Peter Nivio Zarlenga (1941 - )

To execute any move, we must - move. We need action. Whether we are talking about a trip (literally) or our dreams, to get to the destination or to live the dream we must take action. Beginning is sometimes the hardest thing. Where to start? How to start? These can be very overwhelming questions for some. However, the best plan is to plan - break it down into manageable bits, like Patrick Lindsay suggests, then just do it, as Nike states.

It is amazing that once the hurdle is crossed, the rest usually just falls into place (most of the time).

Some might read this and wonder, 'What are you talking about?' Taking a trip or beginning something is easy. And this can be true too, for some.

But, I'm talking to those who might be struggling with the life changing journey's. Change for a lot of us is a huge hurdle and needs much more consideration, and a big dose of courage. But, if you sit down and write out the pros and cons, then this is the beginning...and further steps will follow.

So, good luck and enjoy your journey...

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 5

'cherish your family

They may exasperate and infuriate us.

But they are one of our most precious possessions.

Don't take them for granted.

We never know how long we will have them,

or they us.

They are our mirror and our anchor.

Treasure your time with them.'

'The family is the country of the heart.'

Giuseppe Mazzini (1805 - 1872)

Family - A Cherished Life

It doesn't seem all that long ago,

The years have flown so fast.

When we held our babies in our arms,

But that is all now past.

Now all we have are our memories,

The good times and the best.

For they are the ones we cherish most,

They stand above the rest.

The pitter patter of little feet,

upon the wooden floor.

Delightful giggles that filled each room,

Were sounds that we adored.

Our home once quiet became alive,

With music to our ears.

We cannot remember life before,

For they were empty years.

Each passing year slipped one by one, and

our babies grew to be

delightful personalities, who

were young and proud and free.

Inspiring individuals, they

explored their world and found,

excitement and crazy mysteries

That sent them outward bound.

They never ceased to amaze us both,

Ideas flowed thick and quick.

Life was a box of chocolates, dear,

We wondered which they'd pick.

All grown up now with lives of their own,

We look at them in awe.

But it is not yet over for us,

Because there's so much more.

There's graduations and wedding bells,

and grandkids, sure to come.

We  treasure all our memories, and

family of fun.

written & dedicated to my husband, Ian

by Debbie Smith - 13/12/2010

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 4

'enjoy the day

Make the most of every day.

Use up the hours like a child.

There are no guarantees how many we get.

Older people will tell you

they rarely regret the things they did,

only the things they didn't do.

Don't spend your life intending to do something.

Start now!'

'And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.'

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

I don't know if you are like me, but don't the days seem to slip by more quickly than the day before? Hours seem to roll into each other and before I know it, the day is nearly over. I'm a bit of a list girl and if something doesn't make its way onto my list, I forget about it and it doesn't get done. I use to just have lists for every day activities, but I find I now need to write lists for all the other stuff I intend doing.

I feel compelled to do the things that have been written down. They are my challenges and I try my best to stay committed to meeting them. This is not my advice to anyone. I'm simply sharing my way of doing things. I need a list. I love to 'tick' things off as I go. It makes me feel productive. The trick is to only put important things on my list, otherwise I can fill my day with insignificant things and whilst I may have had a productive day...

exactly...productive is one thing, but is list making a way to 'seize the moment'? How can you plan for the spontaneous, the one moment at a time stuff that crops up. Lists have their place and are important for getting everyday things completed, however, it is most important to remember that the highlights usually come from the unexpected. I find personally, it's the spontaneous things I do is what produces energy for my day. People - strangers, I meet through the day and happen to strike up a conversation with about anything, anything at all can be a marvellous boost to my day. These are the little things that can help put smiles on dials, not to mention perhaps finding out something new that I didn't know before.

Ways to seize the moment can vary for the individual and can range from doing anything that you've never tried before. You can even kill two birds with one stone and commit an act of kindness whilst performing your seize the moment act. All you need to be is creative and willing to have a go...so, let's all give it a try...and have fun.

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 3

'choose freedom

Too often we make our own cages:

of the mind, or the heart.

Or we allow technology to make them for us.

But we have the keys to unlock them.

We only need the will to use them.

Unlock your heart, love freely.

Unlock your mind, live freely.'

'The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.' 

Thucydides (460-404 BC)

Having the courage to try something new or make changes in our lives can be overwhelmingly one of the hardest challenges we ever have to face for a multitude of reasons. We get comfortable in our lives, jobs or situations and when it all boils down, it all depends on how uncomfortable we are prepared to tolerate before we are pushed, tipulated (I think I just made up a new word - I'm leaving it there because I like it), or shoved over the edge.

Remember when we were young and carefree? (If you're reading this and you fall into the young and carefree category, then please don't stop reading, take notes.) So, back to the mature acorns on the tree, do you remember? Do you remember how much easier it was to take risks and how we weren't too burdened by the consequences? It seemed easier to change jobs, move around, fall in and out of love and try out new stuff.

The longer we are around on the planet, and depending upon the choices we make, commitment to studies, careers, communities and partners slides into place and before we know it, we are caged, in some respects, of our own making. Now this alone is not a bad thing at all. We wouldn't do it if it was. However, once we've set our personal cages around us, when we do want to make a change because we discover we actually don't really like our choice, or we've changed our mind, that's when the fun begins. The stakes are higher because we've invested, sometimes greatly, into these different areas of our lives, and depending upon what stage of commitment we are at bears directly upon how much we are willing to lose or make change for.

We do need to be courageous to effect change, but we also need to remember to have balance to be effective while we are making the change/s...because sometimes these changes include and involve those we love. Change always impacts those around us, there's no way to avoid it. 

We only get to live one life so we need to make the most of it. We need to consider others, but we also need to consider ourselves. No one can make us happy. We are responsible for our own happiness and we need to nurture that. Our happiness will spill over on those around us. If we walk around with heavy hearts waiting for someone to cheer us up and they do happen along, it will only be a bandaid fix up.

Plan the change/s and consider all options. Write down the positives, negatives and consequences. Visualise - try it on and see what happens...then, seize the moment - and have fun...

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No 2.

'Now is the time to...

lighten your load

Make sure you're only carrying today's burdens.

Too often we carry far more than necessary.

Reduce your load by dropping tomorrow's worries,

and yesterday's baggage.

Present pressures and problems are usually enough.

Leave tomorrow's until later.'

'Every morning cries to us: Do what you ought and trust what may be.' 

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

What simple advice...it's a wonder I did not think of this myself. Simple advice but how often to we walk around as if we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders? 

Sounds like a great way to lose 'weight' before Christmas. Maybe we just need to let go of the extra kilos of burden and instantly look trim and terrific. It's a wonder that someone hasn't marketed this and tried to flog it off on Danoz Direct! Maybe I could do that ... and become - rich!

Maybe it's a way for me to look younger too? Maybe today I will give it a try...

Yes I will START today...

The day is only early...so at the moment, the only burden I have is that I have been busy writing and haven't got myself a cup of coffee yet. Well one way to unburden myself is to go and make a cuppa...

Enjoy your day everyone and try to unburden yourselves and lose weight!

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

A friend of mine recently gave me this little pocket rocket for a 'significant' birthday, and after a week or so, she asked me if I had read it and I confessed that I hadn't. She encouraged me to read it soon and once I began, I discovered what a real little gem it is.

As a challenge to the 'writer' within me, I've decided to share some of the pearls of wisdom with you as a daily exercise, until I run out of things to say. I hope some of you find some of it interesting, inspirational and thought provoking.

Make my day and add your thoughts to any of the exercises...I'd love to hear what you have to say.

It is what it says, 170 ways to seize the moment...and at my time in life, this is a very important concept to grasp hold of and run with.

So, here goes...

No. 1

'Now is the time to ...

tame your inbox

Stop allowing email to dominate your life.

It interrupts your concentration.

It puts you in a state of constant anticipation.

Break the cycle. Disconnect.

Treat it like snail mail.

Check it out once each morning and late afternoon.

Give yourself time to think.'

'Information is pretty thin stuff, unless mixed with experience.' Clarence Day (1874-1935)

This sounds like such a good idea, doesn't it? 

There are times when I get the sneaking suspicion that my email has a habit of 'dressing up' in whips and spurs, laying in wait to dominate me, does yours? It has been known to beat me into submission at times, where you might find me lying on my back under the desk waiting for my tummy to get rubbed, just like my gorgeous Cavoodle, Oscar. Well, it works for him...he gets away with lots of stuff with a simple roll over...and those eyes, who could refuse?

Once I get up from the floor, without a tummy rub I might add, I find another 9 or 10 emails have dropped into my inbox and added themselves to my already growing 'backlog'. I arm myself with a fly swat to try and tame the hoards, but to no avail. They continue to lie in wait...and arm themselves with - red! Red signifies urgency and oh to have the will power to press delete. I must combat the inbox, but how? Turn off the computer? Trash the lot? 

While I am deciding what my weapon of choice should be, the landline phone rings; the other dominator in my life. My life is ruled by technology - I have lost control. I pick up the receiver after promising myself I will never answer the phone again ... and I wait ... yes, I wait while the automative connection of some random sales clerk in faraway India tries to click into place...and I grab my chance, and stealthily replace the receiver! Satisfied. I sure did show them.

I'm trapped by technology...is there no escape? Then a brain wave hits me ... of course there is - face book...see ya, I'm off to see my mates...ciao...xx

'Life of Pi' by Yann Martel - Discussion thread.

I am beginning a discussion thread if anyone cares to join in. You are more than welcome to add your thoughts or questions that have arisen with the reading of the novel. I will only chose to write about chapters that I find relevant and while ever time allows. Please feel free to write about what interests you regarding the novel.

The Author's Note & Chapter One:

Yann Martel begins his story of Pi with an author's note and from the beginning, sets up intrigue and interest. I wonder if this note is part of the fiction, or is this the way he wants to draw us fictitiously into the story? At any rate, it helps to set the scene in order to introduce the main protagonist in the first chapter.

His opening sentence begins: 'My suffering left me sad and gloomy.' From that first moment I want to find out what and why.

I personally feel that without the author's note, I'd be lost as to who the main protagonist is in the first chapter. We learn about his 'interesting' studies of three-toed sloths and we also find out that religion plays a strong part in the life of this particular character. Without the author's note, it would be hard to determine how old the character is, and whether they are male or female.

Three-toed sloths (specifically), in my opinion, are interesting in themselves as comparisons to God. What did others think?

The first chapter is full of reflective and  philosophical thoughts about life and I get a real sense of someone with a heavy heart with phrases such as: 'Death is in love with life - a jealous possessive love that grabs what it can.' and 'Gloom - passing shadow of a cloud.' These statements build a profile of someone who has gone through hell, perhaps.

'Richard Parker has stayed with me. I've never forgotten him. Dare I say I miss him? I do. I miss him. I still see him in my dreams. They are nightmares mostly, but nightmares tinged with love. Such is the strangeness of the human heart. I still cannot understand how he could abandon me so unceremoniously, without any sort of goodbye, without looking back even once. That pain is like an axe that chops at my heart.' This paragraph is very powerful and I yearn to know who Richard Parker is? Why did he just leave and not look back and why is he so important to the main protagonist, who we still haven't learnt their name yet, only through the author's note.

And the last points I wonder about in this first chapter are his time in the Mexican hospital and, after his recovery, his bad experience in the Indian restaurant. He seems rather traumatised and this builds nicely for the reader and drives the story along.

What are your ideas?
Happy reading...

'Life of Pi' - Discussion Points and Reading Group Guide

If you are currently reading and haven't yet finished, 'Life of Pi' and missed the December meeting, then you might find these notes and questions helpful and thought provoking.

You are most welcome to discuss via the comments section of this post.

'Since its original publication in 2002, Life of Pi has become established as a reading group favourite. With its unique combination of religion, survival and a Royal Bengal tiger, the novel offers ample themes for discussion. You may find some of the following suggested questions helpful in stimulating thoughts and discussion.'

1. In the author's note, Mr Adirubasamy claims that this story 'will make you believe in God'. After researching and writing the story, the 'author' agrees. Did Pi's story affect your religious beliefs?

2. The young Pi insists that he cannot accept an exclusively Hindu, Christian or Muslim faith; he can only be content with all three. What is Pi seeking that can only be attained by this apparent contradiction? Is there something common to all religions? How do faith and belief differ?

3. Chapters 21 and 22 are very short, yet the author has said that they are the core of the novel. In what ways do these chapters affect your reading of Pi's story?

4. Pi's name, in its shortened form, refers to the irrational number π, a number that goes on forever without a discernible pattern, and it is used in calculations of a circle's radius and diameter. What do you think the significance of Pi's name is to the novel?

5. Discussing zoo animals, Pi tells us, "All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways. This madness can be saving; it is part and parcel of the ability to adapt. Without it, no species would survive." How could this idea relate to Pi's actions in the immediate aftermath of the shipwreck?

6. Pi imagines that his brother would have teasingly called him Noah. How does Pi's voyage compare to the biblical story of Noah, whom God spared from the flood he sent to destroy the rest of civilisation?

7. "If I still had the will to live, it was thanks to Richard Parker. He kept me from thinking too much about my family and my tragic circumstances. He pushed me to go on living. I hated him for it, yet at the same time I was grateful. I am grateful. It's the plain truth: without Richard Parker, I wouldn't be alive today to tell you my story." Can the relationship between Pi and Richard Parker be seen as an allegory of the challenges we face in our own lives?

8. The novel begins with an author's note, and we frequently hear the authorial voice through the book. Do you think the 'author' of this note is indeed Yann Martel? How do the different layers of narration within Life of Pi influence your thoughts about the story?

9. "I am a person who believes in form, in the harmony of order. Where we can, we must give things a meaningful shape. For example - I wonder - could you tell my jumbled story in exactly one hundred chapters, not one more, not one less?" What is the effect of giving such a precise structure, of exactly one hundred chapters, to Life of Pi? How does this regularity contrast with Pi's name, an irrational and infinite number?

10. "That's what fiction is about, isn't it? The selective transforming of reality? How does this question, from the author's note, affect your interpretation of the events in the novel? And what about the question Pi asks of his Japanese inquisitors: "Which is the better story, the story with animals or the story without animals?" What do you think is the truth of Pi's story?'                                  

(Reading guide attached to 'Life of Pi' 2002 edition)

December Meeting: 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Ngozi and 'The Secret Life of Pi' byYann Martel

Book Clubbers met for the last time in 2010 at our December meeting where we discussed the two books: 'Half of a Yellow Sun' and 'Secret Life of Pi'. The first part of the meeting was dedicated to 'Half of a Yellow Sun'. The second part of the meeting was dedicated to 'Secret Life of Pi' and the third part of the meeting we divided between eating, socialising and watching, 'The Book Show' a UK program screening on Studio TV Fox.

We enjoyed a few little Christmas type treats while we caught up on everyone's adventures since our last meeting back in October. It was good to see those who were able to make it along. Unfortunately a few were either away for their holidays or had other commitments, but we still managed to enjoy a very pleasant evening, hearing each others' thoughts on the two books up for discussion.

'Half of a Yellow Sun' is currently being enjoyed by our book club members. Not everyone managed to finish reading it, so it limited our discussion to a point. Some who did manage to finish it said they enjoyed it and Sue (one of our South African ladies) shared she had always known something was happening in Nigeria, but just didn't know what and she felt the book, although fictional, enlightened her due to the research carried out by author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It opened her eyes to the plight of the country.

Another point raised was the different perceptions of the characters. Some readers were surprised to find out the main characters were actually Africans. The author portrayed them in such a way that they 'sounded' white and professional and adaptive to aspects of Western culture. It was also interesting that Olanna's sister, Kainene would take a white lover, which would have been rare in the era this story was set in, and yet the author did not delve too deeply into the complexities of this relationship.

This tale is set in the 1960's in Nigeria, a country blighted by civil war.

'Three lives intersect. Ugwu, a boy from a poor village, works as a houseboy for a university lecturer. Olanna, a young woman, has abandoned her life of privilege in Lagos to live with her charismatic new lover, the professor. The third is Richard, a shy Englishman in thrall to Olanna's enigmatic twin sister. When the shocking horror of the war engulfs them, their loyalties are severely tested as they are pulled apart and thrown together in ways that none of them imagined...'

Those who currently continue to read this work of historical fiction commented that they are enjoying the read and will continue. Those who finished the book, enjoyed it and were glad they read it. It is a book the club members are happy to recommend.

'The Secret Life of Pi' ... 'one boy, one boat, one tiger...after the tragic sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild, blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen-year old boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra with a broken leg, a female orang-utan - and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. The scene is set for one of the most extraordinary works of fiction in recent years.'

Unfortunately not all members were able to complete reading this work of fiction and as a result, it was a little difficult to discuss. Everyone will continue reading this work over the Christmas holidays and enjoy it for what it is. We did manage to discuss a few ideas, etc, however, none of us had progressed too far into the book.

However, I will do my best to blog about it and maybe add some thoughts to help with questions and discussions. If anyone is interested in contributing to the discussion, please add your comments.

I will begin a discussion thread shortly.

The last couple of months have been an extremely busy time for everyone and so I am not all that surprised that members found it hard to keep up with the reading. Does this matter? No! Not at all. That is the whole point of this club, we do what we can, keeping in mind that we are a casual book club and the social aspect is just as important...friends first, books and chats.

I would like to extend my deep gratitude to everyone who joined and came along this year. You have all helped to make the idea of the book club work. What started off as an idea came to fruition and you have all helped to continue to keep it alive. I really hope you have all received something back for your effort in just showing up, because that's all you really have to do...read a book and show up once a month and you receive, for your effort: laughter, stimulating discussions, maybe to make new friends, reconnect with old friends, ideas, delicious treats, drinks and a time for yourself. I know I have had lots of fun hosting the group.

If you have any suggestions on how to make the group more interesting, or more fun, please don't keep it to yourself. I would love to hear from you. Maybe next year, we could sometimes attend poetry readings and set aside some time to attend some sessions at the Brisbane Writers Festival, and maybe take in some author book launches. Tell me what you think? I want this to be 'your' club, so please let us know your ideas.

Home work: Please think about what book you enjoyed reading the most from our 2010 list and email me or let me know in the comments box. Let's take a vote? Write and tell me your top read, and second and third place. I will compile and post the results. Then Novel Tea 'n Pages will have a Top Ten Book List for 2010!

Also, please have ready for our first meeting back a short list of nominations for our reading list in 2011.

Merry Christmas everyone and may 2011 be exciting and rewarding for you and your families. Bless you all and enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

Thanks everyone,
until next time...
happy reading

October Book Club - 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel

We were down on numbers at October's meeting due to various commitments of some of our members to 'life'. Everyone is very busy and sometimes it is hard to fit everything in. So, if you were unable to come to our October meeting, let me just say, you were missed and we look forward to meeting up with you at our next meeting.


The members who came to discuss Laura Esquivel's, 'Like Water for Chocolate' were very happy with this magic realism novel, with most commenting that they had enjoyed it immensely.


One comment made: "As soon as I started reading it, it reminded me of the similar style of writing as in, 'A Hundred Years of Solitude', by Gabriel Garcia Marquez."


'Like Water for Chocolate is the story of a young woman, Tita, whose mother forces her to take care of her sole needs because of the order in which she was born. Tita is the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, and is prohibited by 'family tradition' from marrying so that she will be free to take care of her mother later in life. She is awarded no life of her own to look forward to and as a result, bases her whole existence on her love of cooking, where every emotion she feels becomes a part of the recipe she happens to be creating.


The book is thought provoking with interesting images landscaped in this telling tale of tortured love for Pedro that develops and endures during the course of Tita's life, and the results of this. The story follows Tita's life from birth to death, focusing mostly on her relationship with Pedro, her angst at her mother and her struggle and eventual triumph in pursuit of love and individuality.


This book is highly recommended, especially if you enjoy magic realism or the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.


Until next time,
happy reading...

News & Updates

Novel Tea 'n Pages missed its November meeting due to a clash with a function scheduled on our meeting evening and after trying to organise alternative dates, which proved a little difficult for everyone, it was decided we would combine October's book with November's book at our December meeting, which will be held on the second Wednesday of the month (a slight change as well). The new date set is: Wednesday evening, 8 December 2010.

I apologise for any inconvenience this has caused anyone, however, it was unavoidable.

It is hoped that, even though we didn't meet up during November, everyone has continued to enjoy the nominated books.

I look forward to catching up with everyone next week.

cheers, and until then...
happy reading....

September Book Club - 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger

Spring has sprung, fever is in the air and the turn up for our September's book club matched this vibe well. It is lovely to welcome along two new members, Claire and Julie. We sincerely hope you enjoy being a part of 'Novel Tea 'n Pages' Book Club.

I recently received some positive feedback from a couple of our members, who before joining book club, found it difficult to actually sit down and read, let alone finish a book. Since they have joined, book club has helped them remain committed to set aside time, and now they actually finish the books they read.

This is very encouraging news. These members thanked me for starting the book club and continuing with it. Receiving feed back like this is wonderful and makes everything all the more worthwhile. It's exciting to think that for some, book club is making a difference. I know I certainly look forward to meeting up with everyone each month and enjoy both the social aspect and the lively discussions we have. Sometimes the discussions are very thought provoking. Occasionally members express they normally might not have chosen a particular book  to read, however they were glad they had the opportunity. There are occasions too when a book will challenge our thinking. Whether we agree with something or not, stretching our minds and imagination is what reading is all about.

'The Time Traveler's Wife' usually finds itself on the Top 10 list of popular books for book clubs and reading lists. It is a popular choice. So, it was interesting to hear the comments made by our book club members who attended September's meeting.

Generally most felt is was a moving story of love between a man, a woman and a peculiar set of circumstances. Not everyone agreed it was their 'favourite' story for lots of different reasons. Some of the language used bothered some members, whilst others remained quite undisturbed. One aspect that cropped up in discussion was the actual time travel component and the way the author handled it. It was challenging to discover the main protagonist meeting up with 'himself' at different ages. The general consensus was the book proved challenging to begin with, but once the reader twigged to the author's style the reading got easier and more enjoyable.

The story line provoked many questions about the way certain relationships developed throughout the story and members wondered if they were in fact, always believable or plausible. It is food for thought. The story is generally jammed packed full of emotional ups and downs and readers would have to be heartless not to empathise with each of the main characters and some minor characters' circumstances or situations they find themselves in. The novel initiated lots of questions about certain characters, situations and why the author presented them the way she did. The story certainly made for lively discussion amongst our members.

Generally everyone enjoyed the story and found it quite original, entertaining and with substance.

Please feel free to add your comments or thoughts about the story to carry on with discussion. I am sure our readers would be interested.

I look forward to catching up with everyone at our upcoming October book club where we will be discussing 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel.

So, until next time...
happy reading

Brisbane Writers' Festival - September 1 - 5th

The 2010 Brisbane Writers' Festival is upon us next week. Why not pop along and check out some amazing authors and events listed below:

happy hour (or two!) 12-2PM, Friday 27 Aug Two-for-one tickets to Brisbane Writers Festival. Two hours only. Tomorrow from 12-2PM. Call qtix 136 246 to purchase tickets. (Offer not available online. Offer excludes bookend events, Festival First Night and workshops and masterclasses.) BWF Book Raffle Plenty of opportunities for book lovers to indulge at this year's Brisbane Writers Festival! Did you know that BWF will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2012? Show your love and support for the Festival, and help ensure it's around for another 50 years by purchasing a raffle ticket or two from the volunteers in the Knowledge Walk. Your money will go towards bringing more of those internationals we all know and love to next year's Festival. At just $5 a ticket you have the chance to take home the bookshelf and the 100 exceptional Festival books - past and present - that fill it! The winner will be announced Sunday at the Closing Address. Student Rush Tickets BWF 2010 will be offering Student Rush Tickets. 1/2 price tickets will be available for students to purchase (student card required) one hour before every session, from the qtix office at the Festival.Read more. Intimate Conversations Don't miss these one-on-one conversations with extraordinary writers at this year's Festival. The Unexpected Fun of Federal Politics The Australian has labelled Jessica Rudd's debut novel Campaign Ruby'prophetic'; Sydney Morning Herald has called it 'stranger than fiction'. Find out why the press just can't leave this one alone, when Jessica speaks with Ellie O'Gorman about the realities and humour of national politics. Purchase tickets here. I'm Sorry. He's Passed. Tom Jokinen chats to Richard Fidler, revealing the discoveries he made when he quit a good government job to work at a family-run funeral home and crematorium as a trainee undertaker. His book, Curtains: Adventures of an undertaker in training, explores, first-hand, our culture's relationship with the dead, dying and left behind. Purchase tickets here. Christian the Lion: A YouTube Phenomenon You may have seen the video; you've probably heard the story. Christian the Lion shot to celebratory status when a remarkable video filmed in Kenya in 1971 featured on YouTube in 2008. Australian colonial and aboriginal art specialist Ace Bourke will take you back to 1971 to re-tell the remarkable story of his adventures with Christian the Lion. Purchase tickets here. One Book Many Brisbanes at BWF Hear what it's like to be a winner of Brisbane City Council's One Book Many Brisbanes competition. Be inspired by four winning authors from last year's competition who will share their experiences and give their tips on how they approached their short stories. Rosie Fitzgibbon, the editor and mentor of the anthology, will also be there to give industry insights into the competition. Saturday, 4 September, 5.30 - 6.30PM. Breezway Stage. Read more. A Catch of the Breath Co-presented by Metro Arts and Robert Thwaites. Until 4 September at Metro Arts. Brisbane-born poet Michael Thwaites, winner of the prestigious Newdigate Prize and Kings Medal for poetry (putting him in the company of Judith Wright and Les Murray), left behind a body of work that grappled with the themes of his generation. Director and grandson Robert Thwaites breaths new dimension into his verse in a performance of dynamic physicality, original music and powerful spoken word. Read more. For your chance to win one of TWO double passes to see A Catch of the Breath next Monday, 30 Aug, e-mail your name to info@metroarts.com.au with BWF A Catch of the Breath competition in the subject heading. The lucky winners will be notified by Metro Arts to pick up their tickets on the night at the Box Office. Don't miss the A Catch of the Breath ensemble in conversation and performance at BWF on Friday 3 Sept, 3:30-4:30PM. The Australian Writer's Marketplace Industry Masterclass Friday 3 September, 10AM-3PM at Brisbane Writers Festival Here is your chance to meet top industry professionals including Madonna Duffy (Publisher with UQP), Suzanne Babboneau (Publishing Director with Simon & Schuster UK), Sally Collings(Publisher with Red Hill Publishing), Emma Rusher (literary agent), and writers L.A. Larkin andSimon Groth. This industry seminar will introduce you to agents, publishers and writers and take you on a journey from manuscript development to published author promotion. It will cover the role of agents in a writer's life, the publishing process, including developing and submitting your work, and new pathways to publication. You'll learn the tricks of promoting your book and yourself, and the importance of both. This seminar is for emerging writers and those who are just plain curious about books and publishing. Walk away with tools and insider knowledge to help you navigate a pathway in the marketplace. Tickets $100 from qtix. Includes a copy the new edition of The Australian Writer's Marketplace, valued at $49.95. Queensland Brain Institute From the laboratory bench to Brisbane Writers Festival, the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is proud to be involved in spreading the word on neurological disorders. On Saturday 4 September, Perminder Sachdev, author of The Yipping Tiger and Other Tales from the Neuropsychiatric Clinic, will discuss 10 fascinating case studies at Brisbane Writers Festival. Professor Bryan Mowry (just one of many internationally renowned neuroscientists working at QBI) will chair the event. Read more. ArtsHub ArtsHub helps industry professionals and up and comers stay connected to the latest jobs, news and events in the arts. As an individual member, you will gain access to the latest arts jobs from over 800 company members as well as the ability to list unlimited events and classifieds. From grass roots not-for-profits to some of the biggest arts companies in the country, we are here to help everyone link together at one central hub. Visit ArtsHub to be a part of it. We encourage all BWF fans to please forward this e-mail to friends, family and members of your community. New subscribers can sign up to our e-news here. Until next time, The BWF Team Brisbane Writers Festival 1 - 5 September 2010 PO Box 3453 South Brisbane Queensland 4101 P: 61 7 3255 0254 F: 61 7 3255 0362 E: info@bwf.org.au www.bwf.org.au

August Book Club - 'The China Garden' by Kristina Olsson

If it feels like I've been away for quite some time and news has been scarce, then you'd be right. Many apologies book clubbers for my absence, but it is for good reason. My eldest daughter Jocelyn recently married her sweetheart Chris, and as everyone knows, weddings are extremely busy times. Certain priorities must change in order for things to happen, and in this case, I took a short vacation from blogging to experience the joy of family and this wonderful occasion. So, I am sure you will all understand and forgive me.

Our August meeting saw us discuss the book, 'The China Garden' by Brisbane author, Kristina Olsson. Whilst most members agreed there were a couple of positives about the book, it was not a favourite amongst us. Many found the writing a little annoying in many places throughout, although occasionally, the author managed to pull off some eloquent and well constructed sentences, which were a pleasure to read.

Some members thought the going tough and tedious, so they decided to call it a day and weren't able to finish the book. Personally I'm glad I finished the book, however, there was little joy in this because it did not feel like it went anywhere and a lot of things were left unexplained. There were a number of places where the text was predictable and quite uninteresting. Many said they could not connect with the characters and so were not able to engage in the story at a deep level.

Overall, book club members felt disappointed by the book because it lacked certain entertaining qualities. There were places within the text when it was obvious that the author tried too hard to show off their writing prowess.

September Book Club - 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger

September Book Club - 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger is currently being read by Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club members and will be discussed at our next meeting on Wednesday, 1st September, 2010.

We look forward to seeing you all. Please check out the events page and click to say if you are attending.

New members are most welcome.

Reminder: August Book Club - The China Garden by Kristina Olsson

Next Wednesday evening, 4 August, is time to snuggle down with our next cosy book discussion, where members will discuss this month's novel, 'The China Garden' by Kristina Olsson. We hope you've popped us into your date claimer and can come along for some insightful discussion, tasty treats and warm cuppas.

The more the merrier ...

The details can be found on the events page listed on this site.

We really hope you can make it. This event is a great place to meet new friends, mix with old friends, catch up, sample tasty treats, and indulge in our common love of books.

If you are coming, please make sure you add yourself as 'coming' to the event for organisation purposes.

Hope to see you there...

until then...

Happy reading...

The China Garden by Kristina Olsson

By (author) Kristina Olsson

Retail Price: $32.95

Your Price: $26.36

Shipping: $6.95 (per order regardless of how many books you buy!)

You Save: $6.59! (20% off the retail price)

Plus...earn $1.32 in Boomerang Bucks when you purchase this book

Availability: In stock at the publisher and usually ships by us in 7 - 10 days. Allow a few extra days for delivery.

(from 1 customer reviews)

Description
When a newborn baby is found abandoned in a backyard, this dramatic event pierces the lives of three very different women. Laura has returned home for her mother's funeral after years in exile, only to discover her upbringing was based on a lie. Elderly Cress, who is the moral compass of the community, conceals her own vices, while young Abby walks the streets, her bruises wrapped in baggy clothes. But it is gentle Kieran, an unlikely guardian, who knows their secrets and watches over them. As their lives collide, what is buried can no longer remain hidden.

ISBN: 9780702236976
Classification: Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Publish Date: 2-Mar-2009
Country of Publication: Australia

July Book Club Meeting: 'The Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer

What more could one ask for?

The perfect way to spend a lazy wintry Wednesday evening with friends, includes a faux fireplace, a cozy room full of books, great guests, two cute and cuddly puppies running amok for entertainment, a slinky feline, random family members floating around and popping in to say hi, a great story to sink our teeth into, delicious treats and warm beverages to chase away the winter chills.

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club had all this, and more, at its third (July) meeting. We had all the trappings of a great novel, including a sub plot: the third and final State of Origin footy match for 2010. Congratulations to the Queenslanders...commiserations to NSW. Better luck next year.

Attendees included:

Elizabeth

Leisle

Caryl

Deb

Apologises from:

Liz (visiting China)

Julie

Cheryl

Kimmy

Jocelyn

We'd like to welcome our new member, Caryl, to Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club. It is always lovely to welcome new book lovers into the club (there is always plenty of room). Novel Tea 'n Pages is a very informal group of ladies who enjoy mingling socially and discussing their favourite books along the way. The objective is to build friendships and enjoy a social gathering, whilst sharing a common passion. So far, so good.

Book club members enjoyed a stimulating discussion revolving around this month's novel, 'A Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer. Members who attended all agreed that the author was clever in his use of devices, such as voice, characters and elements of surprise to craft his story, even though some didn't particularly enjoy the story shared. It was, however, most interesting and very creative.

The group discussed Greer's characters and decided they were very strong and believable. It was interesting the way Greer dealt with the character of Holland, as opposed to Pearl and Buzz. The story revolved around Holland, yet we never got to hear the thoughts of Holland. His character was very passive, whilst all around him were very active. Holland's character was shaped and engineered by the opinions of others in the story. Greer was able to build and layer depth to each character well throughout.

The author was extremely clever in his use of voice for each of his characters. He was very careful not to leave clues behind, ensuring the reader enjoyed surprises along the way. A few of us who pride ourselves on the ability to predict situations or outcomes, were very much taken by surprise throughout this work.

This book was very interesting on so many levels. Many times the author planted a seed of thought, only for the reader to be led down a merry and misleading path. Touché for Greer. It was interesting to note the choices different characters made and the consequences that followed, which is very much mirrored in our own lives. Another interesting point was the author's use of certain superficial and shallow images within the characters' lives to obtain a desired look about a situation.

Questions we asked were: Why did Pearl do some of the things she did? What was her motivation. Was she a reliable narrator? How hard would it have been to be not only gay, but coloured back in the 1950's?

All through the night's discussion, the line: 'How well do we know the ones we love?' was bandied around freely and club members discussed at length the concept of 'seeing things how we choose to see them...

Overall, the book club members summed up the book with two words: fascinating and unpredictable.

Towards the end of the meeting, members selected and sequenced the four remaining novels to take us up to the end of the year. Thank you to the ladies who came along and made Wednesday evening an enjoyable time.

Please see my new page on this blog that details the reading list for 2010.

We look forward to meeting up again on the first Wednesday of August.

Until then,

happy reading...

PS Please feel free to leave a comment or continue the discussion. Please add your thoughts...what did you think about this book?