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DAVE'S Book reviews | |
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A shadow falls: in the heart of Java by Andrew Beatty Odd travel./anthropology/social and political commentary based on the auhtor's time living in a Javanese village. Worthwhile for its subtle portrayal of the impact of Arab style Islam on the Javanese Islamic tradition. Spoilt by some poor editing and at times rambling and even bad writing, but this can't take away from the wondrous Javanese people and their amazing pluralistic society. 65/100 Six suspects by Vikas Swarup Written like a whodunnit, but really the bios of 6 typical characters of modern india. Has a lot of similar themes to the new Adiga book below. 79/100 Between the assassinations by Aravinda Adiga A gutsier version of R K Narayan stories. Modern India's problems through the eyes of characters in a southern coastal town. A great read, but surprisingly harrowing at times. 81/100 China underground by Zac Mexico China seems an amazing place but this will turn any ideas you have about it on its head. Don't know how people survive there, especially if you feel different. 76/100 The slap by Christos Tsiolkas Gripping and powerful stuff, but painfully realistic in that you end up hating almost all the characters. Each chapter is written from each character's perspective, and sometimes it is superb and other chapters are poor, but good to see someone trying to make sense of real modern urban Australia rather than rural anglo fantasies. 80/100 The women by T C Boyle One of my favourite writers but this is a shocker. Only lasted 150 pages of unrelenting boredom about incredibly boring people. Its established by page 10 that Frank Lloyd Wright was a shit, and his women were all needy psychos, so you don't need 400 pages more about it. Biggest reading disappointment in years. I think its time to for the author to ditch these novels about enigmatic men. 20/100 The man who invented history : travels with Herodotus by Justin Marozzi. Travels and fun with everyone's favourite historian, Herodotus. Full of many insights into herodotus's work, and East west relations today. 76/100 Sea of poppies by Amitav Ghosh Never really got into his novels before but this is a cracker. great stroy, fascinating subject matter and the highlight is the rich Anglo-Indian language he uses. 90/100 Ghost train to the Eastern star : on the tracks of the great railway bazaar by Paul Theroux Theroux looks back on his famous journey by revisiting many of the places. Written in his usual cynical but accurate style. Not sure baout his thing about red light districts though. 85/100 Eating India by Chitrita Banerji Some interesting insights into regional foods of India, but very patchy. At her best talking about her family, otherwise is sometimes condescending. The author also needs to come to terms with her meat obsession. Its as if she thinks meat is just another type of vegetable and has no idea it comes from living creatures brutally murdered. 41/100 My revolutions by Hari Kunzru Kunzru again explores the theme of identity, this time set amongst the radical left of 1960s Britain. Unusual and interesting, and it reminded me of International Socialist meetings at uni! 82/100 A country in the moon by Michael Moran Sometimes humourous account of the author's time working in Poland. Spoilt by too much concentration of workplace politics and his obsession with Chopin. 60/100 Evening is the whole day by Preeta Samarasan The first half of this book is really good, very reminiscent of the God of Small Things, but it descends into introspective, obsessively detailed descriptions of non-events. I gave up at about page 160. Which is a shame, because it involves things i like such as Malaysia, India and food. Needed a good editor! And as for that title... 40/100 Empires of the Indus by Alice Albinia Fascinating stories of one of the most ignored great rivers of the world. Some real revelations, many of them heartbreaking, about the river and the variety of peoples that live on the river from Tibet to the indian Ocean. The author sounds like an interesting person to meet too. 89/100 From Russia with lunch by David Smiedt Entertaining account of the author's travels through his ancestors' country. Makes a good read out of a very limited and uninteresting place. Does highlight some of the more unsavoury aspects of Lithuania's invlovement with the Nazis though. 70/100 Crime by Irvine Welsh For some reason the reviews have been bad for this, but i thought it was a pretty good read, if an uncomfortable one. But he deals with a very serious topic well, and the characters are pretty real. 80/100
The enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie Some great storytelling, cleverly disguising some interesting observations about east and west, and contemporary politics and culture. Excellent stuff. 92/100 In Turkey I am beautiful by Brendan Shanahan Terrific travel writing, at last, a really good Aussie travel writer like Peter Moore, but with more depth. Made me miss how great Turkey was. 89/100
Grow up: an autobiography by Keith Allen Some funny bits but he's really a sad, self-destructive ratbag at heart. You can see where Lily gets it from. 60/100
When the fish come home to roost by Rachel Manija Brown Hilarious but sometimes heartbreaking account of the author's childhood at an Ashram in India. Excellent. 83/100 Out by Natsuo Kirino Haven't read any Japanese serious literature for a long time as i got sick of its warped association of sex with violence. Guess what, this is the same! Otherwise its an interesting look at modern Japanese life set around an unusual murder investigation. think I'll stick with Doraemon. 60/100 The Peacock throne by Sujit Saraf Hugely disappointing, starts off really well but bogs down into intensely boring conversations and situations. Needs about 300 pages removed. 35/100 Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides Terrific read ,lots of fun and full of all sorts of bizarre information. Good holiday read, surprised it isn't more popular. 82/100 Yacoubian building by Alaa Al Aswani An assortment of characters living in the the neighbourhood of the Yacoubian building throw light on Egyptian modern life. Worthwhile. 76/100 Slam by Nick Hornby This should be compulsory reading for all teenagers and adults too. Deals with teen pregnancy in a human, clever way for once. And its funny too! 92/100
One night in the call centre by Chetan Bhagat Slick, cool writing from India, showing they can do it as well as anyone else. Good to read an Indian novel without any magical realism. Good story, reads like the new, hip youth oriented Bollywood movies that are starting to appear. 76/100 Running with scissors by Augusten Burrows Lots of laughs at first, and its very interesting and eccentric, but then you realize that its actually about child abuse and gay rape, and that isn't funny at all. The author likes to think he has some mental illness but really he's just another screwed up American. 30/100 Vroom by the sea by Peter Moore More scooter fun through Italy, this time in Sardinina and Sicily. 78/100
If you like school you'll love work by Irvine Welsh Not sure about Irvine Welsh's latest. A few short stories and a novella. A bit of a contractual obligation book I feel. The novella is very good and very different, with a great assortment of odd or annoying characters, but the short stories were all pretty boring and just too bloody American. In fact at times i forgot i was reading Welsh and was reading T C Boyle (not that is too bad). What is it with British authors that they all eventually want to be American writers? 70/100 Harmony silk factory by Tash Aw Read this initially as i wanted to read something Malaysian while we were on holidays there and the one thing the author does well is captured the feel of Malaysia. However it reads like 3 different books, the first part being OK, the second awful and the last part very good. Its inconsistency is its downfall. 60/100 Paprika paradise by James Jeffrey The author retraces the unlikely marriage between his Hungarian mother and English father by spending some time in Hungary to work it all out. He captures the beauty and eccentricities of this often ignored country and culture. 78/100
In search of Kazakhstan by Christopher Robbins After reading this account of the author's time in Kazakhstan you'll realize that what Borat does is a gross insult to the Kazakh people. Unlike many central Asian countries the Kazakhs are trying very hand to make a democratic, multicultural society work. 80/100
Wrong hands by Nigel Richardson Unusual tale of a boy with special hands, can't say more without ruining the story. Not really well written though, and although compared with Curious incident it isn't really close. Some very funny characters though. 65/100
Whatever you do, don't run by Peter Allison Amusing account of the author's time as a park guide in Botswana. Lots of funny stories of animals and tourists, as well lots of interesting snippets of info about animal behaviour. 74/100
Sacred games by Vikram Chandra A battle to get through this, it is very very long and at times frustrating and bogs down, and at other times verges on brilliance. Took me close to 3 months to read it, but worthwhile and deserves more of an audience. An endearing Sikh detective attempts to get inside the head of a very peculiar Bombay don. 80/100
Princes amongst men by Garth Cartwright New Zealand author tracks down the greatest living gypsy musicians and looks at the background to the brilliant music they are making. Only downside is the author's pretentious references to black American blues throughout the book. The Roma people's story stands on its own. Extra points though for introducing me (amongst others) to the amazing Bulgarian Roma, Azis (see the video at http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=ByVgMyp9Fa4) . Incredible... 72/100 Larklight by Philip Reeve Amusing and offbeat fantasy for teenagers by the author of the Mortal Engines series. Much lighter than the series, but still cruel in parts. Lots of clever satire and perhaps some slight political comment on current world affairs. 81/100 Black swan green by David Mitchell Possibly the best book about growing up I've read. It misses out on a higher score because of the stupid bit with the weird French lady. 91/100 Talk Talk by T C Boyle Another great story from the Author Who Cannot Write a Bad Book . This time he looks at identity theft with the usual sort of characters who could be anyone you know. Lots of his digs at American society and pop culture, prejudices and fears as is typical of his works. 80/100 Bollywood boy by Justine Hardy Amusing pursuit of two thumbed megastar Hrithik Roshan by the author for an interview. Funny account of the eccentric and at times dangerous world of Bollywood. 72/100 The boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne Cleverly written from the perspective of a 9 year old boy who makes some rather shocking discoveries but never quite realizes exactly what he has found. A very powerful book about the holocaust, but both Aidan and I wondered if you didn't know about the Holocaust in the first place, as would many of the children who might read this book, would you even understand what is actually happening? Still, it's a worthwhile read, perhaps more so for adults and shows just how easily such things can be taken as normal. 75/100 The last Mughal by William Dalrymple Possibly the best history book I've ever read - entertaining, superb and unique research, amazing topic, fascinating conclusions and parallels with today! 99/100 1 mark off because it should be longer!!!! Shantaram by Gregory Roberts This is apparently fictionalized from his own life story. There are some excellent passages about India, and some true understanding of India's culture that is rarely seen in Western writing, but the continual references to how tough and brave he is gets on your nerves, and 900 pages of his amazing ability to instantly recognize a man's man by the look in his eye is painful to read. i read this on our holiday in India, and its a good travelling book, but probably wouldn't have bothered at home. In fact I still haven't read it all yet. If it is all true, he's led a pretty amazing life, and it contiues even after the book finishes, but despite his philosophizing, he still always seems to opt for the criminal path when he has some legitimate opportunities, and this is disappointing. 60/100 2006
There were 3 other books this year, but I was too slack and can't remember them! Bedroom secrets of the master chefs by Irvine Welsh Slower paced than the usual Welsh, but just as nasty and cruel. 90/100 Tourism by Nirpal Singh Dhaliwal Dhaliwal is an English Sikh version of French author, Houllebecq. He writes like him, so like him I forgot who I was reading, though the Frenchman is much better at the sex scenes. And like the French guy, he has the amazing ability to make racism, fascism and arrogance sound cool though he is at least self-deprecating as well. Still, a thought provoking commentary on current English society. 80/100 Inhaling the Mahatma by Christopher Kremmer Interesting retrospective on modern India, becomes a bit repetitive and tedious in the second half of the book. 70/100 Climbing the mango tree by Madhur Jaffrey Nostalgic look at Jaffrey's childhood in Delhi and the development of her love of food. Enjoyable but the patronizing tone towards family servants gets annoying. 71/100 Monster blood tattoo by ? Fantastic concept, great illustrations but just lacking a bit oomph. Has its own unique weirdness but is too slow moving to become another Harry Potter or Northern Lights. 60/100 Shalimar the clown by Salman Rushdie A fantastic return to form by Rushdie. Dramatic, witty and powerful account of the Kashmir situation, full of Rushdie's usual offbeat characters. 91/100 The big twitch by Sean Dooley Dooley succeeds in finally making birdwatching cool as he sets out to see more Australian birds in a year than anyone else. This book is a great travelogue as well as a great nature book and gives inside info into the birdwatching world. At times it is more like The Big Ego and his amazing ability to just see birds at the right time can be a bit unbelievable, but its always amusing and a top read. 80/100 A year in the merde by Steve? If France is really like he describes I'm going tomorrow! Do they really so resemble the stereotype? Very funny and insightful, and perhaps we could all learn a bit from the French attitudes to work and love. 71/100
2005 In Tasmania by Nicolas Shakespeare Fascinating insights into the bizarre history, nature and culture of Tasmania. Always good to hear people from outside that understand us better than we ever will. 80/100 Sing and don't cry by Cate Kennedy Excellent, moving and humorous account of the author's time spent on an aid project in rural Mexico. Very well written and poetic. 75/100 Infernal devices by Philip Reeve If there was ever a society that prevented cruelty to characters they are needed for this book. The poor old sods never get a break in this relentlessly grim but interesting tale. Continues the story from Predator's Gold (see below) but is not as good, though still has patches of wit and satire. 72/100
Just as well I'm leaving by Michael Booth. Very funny account of the author's journey following H C Andersen's journeys around Europe. Fascinating information about the eccentric writer, including revelations about his mental health and his twisted stories. Some funny digs about the Danes too! 79/100 Curry by Patricia Cunningham A history of curry. Especially interesting are the author's account of curry in England and other societies such as the West Indies. 70/100 Indian summer by Will Randall The best of his books so far. Will finds himself teaching at an orphanage in Pune, India. Most of the time it is a happy, idyllic book but the author doesn't draw back from the seedier side of Indian life. 84/100 Across the nightingale floor by Lian Hearn Unusual fantasy set in a sort of Japanese world. A bit slow at times but very different to most fantasy novels. 74/100 Transmission by Hari Kunzru Another excellent Indian novel! Mixes viruses, Bollywood and contemporary corporate culture. A great read. 91/100 Q and A by Vikas Swarup At long last a really good Indian novel. Inventive, clever, amusing but at the same time a biting look at the ongoing troubles of India. A poor teenager wins millionaire, each chapter explaining how he knew the answers. 89/100 Botswana Time by Will Randall Another amusing account of teaching in foreign lands from Randall. An enjoyable light and sometimes inspiring read. 71/100 Hall of a thousand columns by
Tim Mackintosh-Smith Amusing "detective" story set as usual in Florida (though it could be easily set in Queensland!). Hiaasen's usual over the top characters and combination of sex, corruption and the environment combine in a great read. 75/100 The Snowy Baker Story by Greg Growden Disappointing biography about a remarkable sportsman and opportunist. At various times he was an Olympian, a fight promoter and friend of Hollywood stars, and a pioneer of the Australian film industry and the fitness industry. Pity the book bogs down in endless descriptions of fight promotion scandals. 60/100 Are we there yet? by David Smiedt South African now resident in Australia returns home and is taken aback by the changes. The book charts modern South Africa's successes, horrors and failures as a free society, and its surprising natural treasures. Also many amusing reminiscences of the author's family life. 70/100
Birds without wings by Louis de Bernieres The tragic story of the Greek/Turkish wars and Turkey's role in WW1 is told in this sometimes melodramatic but always humane and fascinating novel about life in a Turkish village. Great village characters are contrasted with the life of Attaturk and the distant world of politics and empires. 85/100 Sightseeing : stories by Rattawut Lapcharoensap Fantastic collection of punchy, shocking and sensitive stories about modern Thai life. The first story, Farang, should be compulsory for all tourists to Thailand. The story about Cockfighting is superb. 82/100 Jonathan Strange and Mr Norris Forget it. Not worth the effort. 20/100 The inner circle by T C Boyle Boyle's bizarre look at professor Kinsey, the famous sex researcher. A great read! 90/100 Ratings are given out of 100. ALL BOOKS PROVIDED BY THE EXCELLENT COLLECTIONS OF |
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MY TOP 10 BOOKS EVER (SO FAR)
NOT IN ANY ORDER
Midnights Children by Salman Rushdie
Coolie by Mulk Raj Anand
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
The Glass Canoe by David Ireland
His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis
1984 by George Orwell
Top Travel Writers
William Dalrymple
Bill Bryson
Jeremy Seal
Peter Moore
Tahir Shah
Paul Theroux
Kevin Rushby
2004
Maximum city by Suketu Mehta
If this book had been slashed by about 200 pages it would be travel book of the year, but instead the Bombay born, American raised author rambles on in too much irrelevant detail, forcing the reader to skip chapters. Honestly, most chapters are interesting but only for the first 10 pages. The author should read some Naipaul or Dalrymple to learn how to get to the point! 45/100
The shadow of the wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Mysterious and at times chilling story of a forgotten author. A dark and surreal novel set in Barcelona with some stunning twists. Worth a read, but not my cup of sangria. 70/100
The Sari Shop by Bajwa Rupa
Gentle and moving story of the class divide in India. 75/100
The naked man festival by Brian Thacker
Funny adventures following some of the more bizarre festivals of the world. Very amusing. 75/100
Platform by Michel Houellebecq
More sex and philosophy from the popular French writer. Not as good as Atomised. 74/100
Drop city by T C Boyle
Hippies and rednecks clash in a battle of self sufficient survival in Alaska. Who will win out? If you know T C Boyle, best American writer around, you'll know the answer. As usual, a delight for readers and once again sharp satire of American life. 88/100
Sex lives of cannibals by J Maarten Troost
Well I never, a funny American travel book! Very funny in fact, though it would be hard not to be judging by the author's time in Kiribati, a very weird group of islands in the Pacific. Shatters myths of the Pacific being a paradise, that's for sure, and reflects badly on what the west is reall doing to countries such as these.
Cloud atlas by David Mitchell
At last, a really good novel in a very lean year. Fascinating, clever stories interwoven around recurring themes and ideas. Hard to tell what its about, but the stories range from the south seas to a future run by corporations. A must read. 90/100
Al dente by William Black
If you can ignore the author's taste for eating anything that moves this book has some very interesting content about Italian food culture. At its best as a book about local culture but not as a foodie or travel book. 55/100
Beyond the Coral sea by Michael Moran
Excellent account of a little known part of new Guinea that shows how little understand about our immediate neighbours. A paradise with a lot of problems are revealed in this entertaining and well researched book. 77/100
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Young adult novel that I borrowed for Aidan but started reading on the train. Amusing characters and an interesting plot revolving around some odd kids trying to save burrowing owls (yes, they exist in Florida). As usual though, the hero kid, like in all American stories, has just moved from somewhere else (though unusually he still has both parents!). 71/100
The Killer bean of Calabar by Peter Macinnis
Amusing and scary tales of poisons and their role in the past and present. Its a wonder anyone survived the nineteenth century when you read about the chemicals they worked with. I'm sure people will say the same thing about our society too in a hundred years! not rated.
Molvania
Hilarious spoof of travel guides. Laughed a lot, especially on the train. 80/100
Trawler by Redmond O'Hanlon
This starts off as another amusing O'Hanlon book but by midway it just turns into disjointed ramblings (he means it to mean that you go nuts at sea) that have little interest for the reader. Bits about fish are good, not interested in the marine biologist though. 30/100
Curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Hadden
Fascinating story of an autistic boy. A very likeable book, though the ending could have been better. 81/100
Culua by Samantha Wood
Samantha is so sweet, and this account is interesting culturally for an account of contemporary Mexican life and food. However, it lacks a bit of passion or cojones. 65/100
A short history of nearly everything by Bill Bryson
Wow! A science book that I can understand and that's entertaining. 80/100
Mortal Engines/ Predators Gold by Phillip Reeve
Imaginative sci-fi, aimed at teenagers but a great read for adults too. Not sure what this trend towards orphaned characters is though. Some witty ideas of the future, action packed story and very human characters. 80/100
Brick lane by Monica Ali
I really wanted to like this book, but there's just something that doesn't quite work. The characters, ideas, plot are all good, but it just don't hang together. 60/100
2003
Vroom with a view by Peter Moore
I've loved all his previous books but this is very disappointing. Would have been better as an article in the saturday herald. At least there's the next book to look forward to, when the author will no doubt split up with his new girlfriend and have to go somewhere more exotic. 55/100
At the tomb of the inflatable pig by John Gillett
The author travels through Paraguay, probably the wackiest country in world history. Sadly the author doesn't do it justice. 78/100
Seven types of ambiguity by Elliot Perlman
If it wasn't for the crap title this book would be winning the Booker prize next year. Very enjoyable and deep, but not without humour. 79/100
The wish list by Eoin Colfer
More of Colfer's witty supernatural playfulness. Clever concept of what heaven and hell is really like. 83/100
K-Pax by Gene Brewer
Clever sci-fi book disguised as a real psychiatric report. Almost believable, but why are aliens always so clever? 80/100
$9.99 by Frederic Beigbeder
Amusing and sad satire of the advertising industry. very clever and political. 74/100
Children of Kali by Kevin Rushby
Not his best book, despite the interesting subject material, but still entertaining and covers the darker side of India. 71/100
Porno by Irvine Welsh
Git tae fuck, cunty baws. 95/100
Dark star safari by Paul Theroux
More cynical travelling fun, intermixed with concerning observations about current African life and politics. 85/100
White Mughals by William Dalyrmple
Best history book ever! 99/100
Across Russia with two boring people by ???
Can't remember the authors or title of this one, which shows you how memorable it was. 2 Aussie cyclists complain about each other riding across Russia, which sometimes has interesting people in it. Why can't Aussies write travel books (apart from peter Moore)? 47/100
The crimson petal and the white by Michel Faber
Some witty and clever passages are not enough to save this overlong cross between a soft porn novel and Mills and Boon. Interesting for the author's way of finding hundreds of different ways of using ejaculations in a sentence. Very disappointing, but he might get it spectacularly right next time.52/100
The Pianist by Stanislaw Szpilman
Strangely cold but nevertheless chilling account of one man's escape from the Nazis in the Warsaw ghetto. Has a surreal quality that makes you wonder if it really happened or the author was part of a nightmare. 62/100
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
A meaningful and sad story with some wonderful wit and satire to balance it out. Well worth reading. Presents a side of american life rarely seen in film or literature. 89/100
Life of Pi
Not sure if I enjoyed it or not. Certainly annoyingly smug, certainly not a Booker winner, but it did sometimes make me stare out the window of the 5.24 all stations to Lidcombe and think. Also could have done with some editing. 69/100
Swahili for the broken hearted by Peter Moore
Amusing travels through Africa. A bit too lonely planet. 79/100
River dog by Mark Shand
Disappointing journey along the Brahmaputra river by a previously good writer. Would have enjoyed more about the river and less about his mutt. 60/100
The Impressionist by Hari Kunzru
Thoroughly enjoyable and unpredictable story telling tracing a weird character with the ability to blend into any culture. 88/100
2002 Books
2002
Solomon time by Will Randall
Reasonable and occasionally amusing tale of the author's time in beautiful Solomon Islands. A bit more detail about the lives of the locals would have been nice, rather than himself. Last few chapters are very good. 63/100
From Balham to Bollywood by Chris England
The author lands a role as a cricketer in the Indian blockbuster movie Lagaan. A jolly, amusing tale of cricket, India and Bollywood. Can't wait for the movie. 90/100
Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald
I started reading this and after about 50 pages started to think what a hopeless case she was and why such a pathetic person would even bother to go to India. But she finally realizes how precious she is being and it turns into an educational overview of religion in India. Especially loved the sections about the psychotic Israeli buddhists and the followers of the Mother. Good on ya, Sarah! 72/100
Family Matters by Rohinton
Mistry
At first I
was a bit disappointed with
this, it was a bit droll and boring, but
it
does build up a bit and grow on
you. But not enough to be as
enjoyable as
his previous works.
66/100
In search of king solomons mines
by Tahir Shah
Not Shah's best book but of course still better than many travel writers. Does paint an amusing and at times sad picture of Ethiopia. Fascinating information about the Coptic religion and some truly exotic places. 75/100
Route 99AD by Tony Perottet
The author and his
pregnant wife
retrace the ancient Roman tourist
routes, which aren't a lot
different to
most backpacker's med tours of
today. Enjoyable read, some
editing
would have been useful though.
65/100
A season with Verona by Tim Parks
Parks follows the Hellas Verona team through a painful battle with relegation. Wacky fans, dramatic games, corruption and tribalism. 88/100
Cook's tour: in search of the perfect meal by Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain ranges from being very witty to being a total arsehole, the latter role he especially seems to relish. In this one he sets out to try as many revolting foods as he can. There's some pretty gross stuff in the book, but as a veggie (and he hates veggies!) I still enjoyed it for the interesting travel stories and his wit. 65/100
House of blue mangoes by David Davidar
Sometimes fascinating, but more often melodramatic and corny. Is made readable by its interesting SOuth Indian settings and insights into Tamil culture. 68/100
Atomised by Michel Houellebecq
What can you say? Erotic, warped, sad, bigoted, tragic, inspiring, thoughtful, comic, surreal. Well, it is French. 88/100
Wogs, sheilas and poofters by Johnny Warren
A surprisingly good read from the man that lost the game to Iran. He puts Australia's world cup failures down to a curse: i thought it was just that all our best footballers don't play soccer. Anyway, lots of interesting insights into a rarely written about sport. 74/100
Dead famous by Ben Elton
Clever and funny spoof of Big Brother. having never watched the wretched show I may miss some of the jokes, but I'm sure Ben's pretty close to the mark. In this book, the big brother are shocked by a murder on set, and Coleridge is given the task of solving it. 80/100
Them by Mark Ronson
Did you know the world is run from a secret room by 12 foot long lizards? Well some people believe it and Ronson tracks down the conspiracy theorists in this amusing but worrying report. 68/100
About a boy by Nick Hornby
Typical Hornby stuff, he has the ability to make you love and empathize with characters as long as you don't think too much about what stupid fuckheads or creeps they actually are. Entertaining story, same comment about films as below. 80/100
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Witty, crafty tale of fairies and leprechauns, but there's nothing cute about these wee folk as they battle the evil child genius Artemis Fowl. Extremely enjoyable, read it before they spoil it with a filmed version. 82/100
The dog catcher by Alexei Sayle
Alexei shows he isn't just a funny guy in a tight suit with these wacky stories. Some hilarious observations and pythonesque situations. Just skip the last story. 77/100
Hokkaido Hitchhiking Blues by Will Ferguson
Very funny account of hitchiking in Japan, revealing a Japan much different to the usual corporate portrayals. The author speaks Japanese and this gives it added insight. Some very memorable incidents in this book. 79/100
The Dead School by Patrick McCabe
One of these writers that creates characters in order to heap on them all sorts of suffering. The younger teacher in this one reminds me of my brief career at Punchbowl Boys! Entertaining but overwhelmingly sad 72/100.
Never say die by George Piggins
How King George saved Souths from the evil Murdoch empire, and brought meaning back to my existence. They're back and they still can't tackle! 100/100
True history of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey
Surprisingly entertaining novel about a well covered topic. Sought of an offbeat miniseries feel about it. Certainly rekindled an interest in colonial Australia that i've never had. 80/100
Trail of feathers by Tahir Shah
Another wacky travel adventure by a writer that often gives the impression of being a compulsive liar, such is his ability to attract weird people about him (he's a bit odd himself) and odd events. This time he searches for the hallucinogenic tribes famous for tsantas or shrunken heads. As usual with books dealing with the Amazon, you get no urge to follow in the author's footsteps. 84/100
2001 Books
June: Glue by Irvine Welsh
This book starts you thinking that Welsh has gone all domestic but it isn't long before his usual combination of brilliant observations, shocking truths and scumbag characters reappear. More enjoyable than the disappointing Filth, and more accessible and emotional than earlier works, this is another scary but amazing roller coaster ride through Scottish schemie life.
92/100
July: A friend of the earth by T C Boyle
Another fascinating, cynical and enjoyable tale from my favourite American writer. (Well, my only one!) A clever satire of environmentalism, redneck America and Californians. As usual Boyle combines offbeat facts and research, a love/hate relationship with America and great characterization - his people are so real you start seeing them on the train with you! Makes some interesting observations, especially throwing up the idea that our computerized world will ultimately lead to total apathy about the environment, as everyone gets their emotional and recreational satisfaction in cyber space. 89/100
August: Bolivian Times by Tim Elliott
Honest and amusing description of the authors time in the bizarre country of Bolivia, where he worked as a journalist. Full of amusing and sometimes dangerous adventures involving dogs, fridges, cocaine and smuggling. 85/100
September/October: Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman
Where has this gem been hiding? Beautifully written, Pullman can describe a scene in one sweep and a world that you long to visit. Fantastic characters that you either love passionately, are totally fascinated or repulsed by. Fascinating story and the concept of daemons is one of the most original ever. Can't wait to read the sequels 92/100
November: The Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman (see opposite)
December: Travels with a tangerine (see opposite)
The Subtle Knife/Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman
Fucking brilliant, a rare trilogy that changes how you think about things.99/100
In the footsteps of the Mongols by Stanley Stewart
Entertaining journey through Central Asia, much wit and some interesting encounters. 77/100
Travels with a tangerine by Tim Mackintosh-Smith
Ibn Battuta was probably the greatest traveller of all time, crossing the known world almost end-to-end in the thirteenth century. Tim's journey traces the North Africa-Middle East leg with style, erudite learning and much humour. A fine example of a travel book. 90/100
Sheba by Nicholas Clapp
You can't believe you could get a whole book out of a person who appears only briefly in the Old testament, but with padding he does. The Queen of Sheba is variously believed to be the ancestor of the Ethiopian royal family, a goose footed witch, the bride of Jesus and a powerful Yemenite queen. All fascinating but unfortunately badly and boringly written by the author. 55/100
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J K Rowling.
Finally read this to see what the fuss is about and I must admit it has me stumped how this old fashioned, Billy Bunter with wizards book has become so big - perhaps because of these very qualities after so much social realism in childrens books??? The characters are stock standard British schoolyard types, the ending is pathetic, Harry Potter himself is a hero though Hermione and others actually do all the clever stuff, so what's the big deal? Especially surprised that Americans love it because it is so 1950's England. I'll give it 80 only because my kids love it so much. 80/100
House of windows by Adana Hoffman
Interesting look at life in a poor Jewish suburb of Jerusalem, as the yuppies move in erasing the past, already razed by the Jewish settlers who erased the Palestinian's past. Nicely written, with some gentle mocking humour. 72/100
You talkin to me? by Anthony Sharwood
Diary of a Sydney cabbie during the Olympics. Amusing and offbeat, but probably should have just been a magazine article. 65/100
The full Montezuma by Peter Moore
Hilarious account of the authors trek through Central America with his recently acquired girlfriend, referred to in the book as GND, the Girl Next Door. Interestingly, you finish the book feeling sorry for her travelling with such a dork! Pete's alright, really, he's on 2JJJ! Lots of great places, and if a travel book makes you wish you were there, its a success, and this does in a big way, especially Guatemala and Mexico and Cuba. 80/100
High fidelity by Nick Hornby
Nick has a knack of expressing the things blokes think but rarely would say in public. Many of his comments in this book bring back painful recollections and emotions I buried long ago. Easy to read, but emotionally honest about relationships, careers and life. 81/100
Chasing Che by Patrick Symmes
Entertaining account of a motorcycle journey following that of Che Guevara's trip around South America. Most striking is the rather sad figure he was, and how silly some of his decisions were. Interesting tales of life on the road in Peru and Chile especially. 69/100
Rule no.5: no sex on the bus by Brian Thacker
Daggy but funny tales of Australian style tours of Europe, probably Top Deck. Some very funny drinking stories, and some cynical wit thrown in. 72/100
The Death of Vishnu by Manil Suri
Interesting and enjoyable, but a bit too like many of his contemporaries, especially Mistry. Some lovely scenes, especially the husband-and-wife ones. perhaps he is just a bit too restrained and nice!
77/100
Last drinks by Andrew McGahan
I don't usually read political or other thrillers but I loved McGahan's earlier books, Praise and 1988. This is no disappointment either, covering his usual territories of drinking and Brisbane. I must have been from brisbane in my last life, I just love McGahan, Malouf and Earls books and my all time favourite Aussie bands are the Go-Betweens, Powderfinger, Regurgitator and the Saints! Anyway, theres enough plot twists for the thriller enthusiasts, and enough ponderings on drink and existence for me! 88/100
The miracle of Castel di Sangro by Joe McGinnis
Drama, violence, sex, food, drugs, tragedy, corruption - sound like an airport thriller? Nope, its a season in Italy's Serie B soccer league, where the Castel team found themselves. A fascinating book narrated by an American journalist who followed the team around, and probably the most entertaining sports writing I've read.
90/100
The Great hedge of India by Roy Moxham
Moxham travels to India in search of the Customs Line hedge, that went for thousands of km's across India last century to collect the evil Salt Tax. This tax hit the poorest of the Indian people and led to vast profits for the British. Amazingly little is left of the hedge or the mounds that it grew on. Only shortcoming of the book is a lack of decent maps and photos, but there are some on his website at http://www.roymoxham.com/ 85/100
Touch the dragon: a Thai journal by Karen Connelly
This book was remarkably similar to the one on Bhutan, and coincidentally(?) has a Canadian author as well. Very informative and witty but I got a bit sick of her crying every time there was a cultural misunderstanding. Interesting for its depiction of Thai rural life. Book 52/100 Thailand 99/100
Motorcycle Masala by Peter Riordan
Interesting account of a motorcycle trip around India on an Enfield. Perhaps could have got off their bike more and talked and experienced India more though.
71/100
Towards the mountain of light by Kevin Rushby
Excellent travel history of diamonds. Set mainly in India, Rushby traces the meaning of diamonds there, and the history of the Kohinoor diamond. But really its an Indian travel book, with some hilarious episodes, such as the Iranian embassy scene, and some disturbing ones, such as the author's kidnapping. 82/100
The Devil's Cup by Stewart Lee Allen
Entertaining history of coffee, with some interesting theories on its influence on the rise and fall of empires. Some interesting travels in Ethiopia, brazil and India. 73/100
Frost on my moustache by Tim Moore
Amusing but slow travelogue about the arctic circle. Read about odd Icelandic habits, drunken Norwegians and seasickness as the author retraces the voyages of Lord Dufferin, a 19th century explorer and diplomat. 70/100
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
I've always had a dream of running my own restaurant (as has everyone else that loves cooking). Well that was until i read this book, and you realize what a lot of bloody hard work it is. Reading this also takes away any idea that it is a glamorous lifestyle. There's certainly nothing glamorous about the author. Highly entertaining and often funny, but a bit wearing at times, so skip the dragged out character analyses!
80/100
2000 Books
The merciful women by Federico Andahazi
Another Borges like bizarre tale of sexuality, literature and the gothic. Like his previous excellent book, the Anatomist, Andahazi's books are fascinating reading and full of esoteric learning and shocking twists and characters. 84/100
Down under by Bill Bryson
Great to see Australia get the Bryson treatment. it passes my travel book test of learning things I didn't know already, and this time about my own country! As usual its funny, perceptive and entertaining. The most poignant comments are about Australia's treatment of aboriginals., and his love of Australia's environment is very touching. Highly rated. 88/100
Orchid Fever by Eric Hansen
Fascinating book about the obsessive nature of orchid growers and collectors. Most interesting is how the UN won't allow collectors to save orchids from massive forest clearing in Malaysia and Indonesia. its quite ridiculous what bureaucracy does in the name of conservation. Apart from lots of amazing trivia about orchids and their uses, it tends to get a bit repetitive towards the end with accounts of hard done-by orchid collectors. 65/100
Shiva 3000 by Jan Lars Jensen
This bloke has gone and done what I've wanted to do for ages: combine Indian mythology with science fantasy. Admittedly though, I could do a better job and one day will. Still, it's a reasonable read, especially if you're into Hinduism. Otherwise the writing is crap and he needs a good editor. 60/100
Moving the Goalposts by Mark Courtney
For those like me that continue to be devastated by Souths' axing from their own competition, this is the book to read. Totally meaningless to any but Souths supporters, but the author reminisces about the glories and more often recently the tragedies of following the greatest football team ever. 90/100
Beyond the sky and the earth: a journey into Bhutan. By Jamie Zeppa.
Fascinating account of the author's teaching experiences in this unknown country. Describes lots of traditional manners and attitudes that will no doubt be non-existent in a few years time. Zeppa writes very well, but I recommend you skip the last few chapters dealing with her boring account of her courtship with her Bhutanese husband. 71/100
A Star called Henry by Roddy Doyle
An entertaining book but one of those books where you can't believe the stupidity of the characters, and you are left wondering why they do the things they do. Not sure how accurate its portrayal of ireland during the independence movement is, but it seems very well researched and is very enjoyable. 80
On Mexican Time by Tony Cohan
The critics bagged this a bit, and its understandable because the couple that relate their adventures living in a small Mexican town are such arty-farty wankers. However, it really is an excellent portrayal of life in Mexico and it is a lot different to the way most people probably imagine it. It actually seemed more reminiscent of India than of the Americas. My major criteria for travel books are did I learn something and would I go there, and the answer is yes to both. 77
Trail to Titicaca by Rupert Atlee
How come there are all these Englishmen that can always find the money, sponsors or publishers to allow them to go and do interesting things of the "across the andes by frog" type of travel? These 3 pratts cycle from Patagonia to Titicaca (uphill mind you!), having all sorts of interesting adventures in obscure places, as well as enjoying the amazing scenery of Chile and surviving poisoning! 70
1999 Books
Mali Blues by (Joris) 70 - Boring look at Malian music, don't know how you can make it boring.
Restaurant on the roof of the world (Seuer) 85 Hilarious account of managing a hotel in Tibet.
Rebels and outcasts (Pye-Smith) 60 Sedate look at Christians in India.
Snakebite survivors club (Seal) 90 Author with fear of snakes travels the world's most scary reptile spots.
Last Kabbalist (Zimmler) 62 Badly written "name of the rose" type mystery set in Portugal amongst the Jewish mystical community.
Three dollars (Perlman) 74 Excellent Australian novel portraying the misery of Kennett's Victoria
Scoopwallah (Hardy) 72 Disappointing story of English journalists time at an Indian newspaper.
Jesus man (Tsiolkas) 87 Extremely unpleasant story, great novel!
Wrong way home (Moore) 85 travel book that could be any Aussie backpackers story.
Filth (Welsh) 88 Irvine can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned. Not for the squeamish!
Blue bedspread (Jha) 82 Arty but well written attempt at the Booker prize.
Homework (Peres Da Costa) 10 Worst Australian novel I've read since high school. 10 points because she's Indian.
1998 Books
Night train (Martin Amis) 75 Entertaining literary thriller
Anita and me (Syal) 80 Funny story about immigrants in the north of England
Moscow mule (Young) 77 Drunken travels in a very bleak location
Butter chicken in Ludhiana (Mishra) 72 An unusual travel book - about India by an Indian. recommended
Dervish (Kelsey) 71 Boring travel book about Turkey
Candy (Davies) 81 Underrated Australian novel about two tragicomic druggies.
Bullet up the Grand Trunk Road (Gregson) 75 Interesting idea about riding bike across India, poorly written
Zigzag Street (Earls) 80 usual amusing Nick Earls book
Riven Rock (Boyle) 80 Not one of TC Boyle's best, but still fascinating
For a pagan song (Bealby) 72 Average travel book about India
Hullaballoo in the guava orchard (Desai K) 70 Ok Indian fiction
Stars of India (Holt) 90 Unusual travel book about astrologers of India. Great!
Last pink bits (Ritchie) 79 Ritchie visits the remnants of the British empire.
Everest hotel (Sealy) 90 beautiful and sad novel
Eating the flowers of paradise (Rushby) 89 Leaf chewing in wild parts of Yemen
Don't forget the war (Ferris) 75 Comical backpacker adventures
The Anatomist (Andahazi) 80 Erotic and surreal tale of the renaissance
Sorcerers apprentice (Shah) 92 Amazing story of the author's training with Indian illusionists.