Andrea’s Comments (group member since Sep 13, 2012)

Andrea’s comments from the Aussie Readers group.

Carolyn, thank you for The Luminaries - I thoroughly enjoyed this rollicking adventure through the NZ goldrush.

Melissa wrote: "Andrea wrote: "I'm strangely looking forward to giving the vegemite chocolate a try. But then, I'll try anything once."

You will have to tell us how it is Andrea haha"

Well, I've tried it a couple of times in the past few days. Firstly, let me say I was surprised to discover that it was a filled chocolate. In hindsight perhaps I should not have been surprised, but it was not what I was expecting.

As an open-minded chocolate-lover I have to say I thought it was just ok. The novelty value far outweighed the actual or potential deliciousness. I doubt I will buy it again.

Marianne wrote: "the blurb on this one gave me a laugh Special Offers free on Amazon for 2 June (US time I think) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077ZJNRW
http://www.amazon.com.au/Special-Offe......"

That gave me a smile to start my day, but I honestly don't think I can go there... Do let us know how you find it Marianne.

I'm visiting my parents this week and have just been browsing in their local discount shop where I picked up a hardcover edition of A Fort of Nine Towers: An Afghan Family Story for $2.90. It's on my personal challenge list for this year, so I'm very pleased.

I'm also debating whether to go back for a hardcover copy of The Golem and the Jinni for the same price. It's not really my usual fare, but has had lots of good reviews in this group.

I haven't done one for a while, and I'll be on holidays, so I'll join you all. With any luck it will be enough to finally get across the line with The Luminaries...

Pat wrote: "Kindle First sounds good, but I got this message:
Country not supported
Sorry. Currently, Kindle First is not available in your country. Please visit us again once we have launched the program in ..."

Yes, I noticed in their latest email Amazon was trying to flog me a few of the Kindle First titles for 2-3x the discounted price. That explains why.

MaryG2E wrote: "It's a while since I concentrated on my personal challenge of reading books related to the ANZAC experience. I've just finished a cracker of a story, very sombre and moving, but also romantic and s..."

That sounds fantastic - adding it.

David wrote: "I'm reading White is the coldest colour by John Nicholl
It's not an easy read because of the subject matter ..."

It certainly does sound confronting David, but I'm game. I'll be interested to see your review.

Carolyn wrote: "I always have two - a paperback for reading in bed and an ebook for my commute to and from work. Not always different genres."

Same. Although sometimes if my paperback is really, really good it comes to work with me. Recently someone caught me reading a paperback at work (that sounds bad - it was my lunchbreak) and got all worried, thinking that something had happened to my Kindle!

☼♄Jülie wrote: "From NetGalley this morning: The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster .... this one sounds quirky :)"

I'm intrigued - will watch out for your review when the time comes.

Veronica wrote: "Juliet Madison picked this one out herself."

To be honest I'm not convinced it's worth appearing on more than one book...

Brenda wrote: "The Chocolate Promise by Josephine Moon is Kindle's daily deal..."

I had noted a lot of discussion about the main character's name, but hadn't realised it was set in Tasmania until now - can't pass that up! Thanks Brenda.

Laura wrote: "A House Called Askival -So far, so good. Picked it up because it's currently on Kindle promo. It gets absolutely brilliant reviews. Has anyone else read it?..."

Haven't heard of it, but thanks for posting as it sounds really interesting - perfect prep for my trip in September.

I'm strangely looking forward to giving the vegemite chocolate a try. But then, I'll try anything once.

I just noticed that History of the Rain is only $0.78 on Amazon US. It has been highly recommended by some group members.

http://www.amazon.com/History-Rain-Lo...

Phrynne wrote: "I just finished A God in Ruins. The ending is absolutely stunning. Totally unexpected. I need a bit of time before I can write a review:)"

Phrynne, had you read Life After Life first? And if so, do you think this has influenced your reaction at all? I plan to read both at some point and am wondering whether there is a preferred order.

I just watched the May episode on iview. A bit underwhelming, but I think I will probably read the Primo Levi at some point.

Marianne wrote: "But my current read is one recently discussed on the ABC Book Show, Brother of the More Famous Jack: A Novel by [author..."

My favourite book so far this year!

Thanks everyone who recommended A Man Called Ove - feeling all warm and fuzzy right now.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

One that I highly recommend is Shiver by Nikki Gemmell, about an Australian journalist who joins a mission to Antarctica. I've read this 3-4 times; love it.

One aspect that I particularly liked was the preparation for the journey, at the Australian Antarctic Division just south of Hobart. It's where I'm from and I have driven past it so many times (and dream of seeing Antarctica one day, too).