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

Andrea’s comments from the Aussie Readers group.

Thanks Ian - sounds great.

Goodreads Recommendations showed me an excellent example of this today:

An Untamed State by Roxane Gay



Unburnable: A Novel by Marie-Elena John



Is it a coincidence that both authors write about the same (ballpark) corner of the world?

I collected my reserved copy of Ronan's Echo from the library today, for the April challenge. Can't wait to get stuck into it - so tempting...

Marianne wrote: "In the mail today from Hachette, The Little Paris Bookshop: A Novel by Nina George"

That sounds lovely!

Suzanne wrote: "Hi to all the bakers out there.. I'm after some good biscuit recipes.. I think I should be making my own, nicer than the shop ones! I've got a lot of cake recipes, but not so many biscuits/cookies...."

I can't vouch for this being an Australian recipe, but it's one much-loved by my own Aussie family.

Chocolate chip & raisin biscuits

Serves: heaps Preparation time: 15 Cooking time: 15

Ingredients
250g cooking margarine, or similar
2 eggs
2.5 cups plain flour
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips
2 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp water
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup raisins

Method
Cream the margarine and sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla and water. Sift the flour and baking powder together, then add to the mixture. Add the raisins and chocolate. Spoon onto baking tray and bake in a moderate oven for about 15 minutes.

Sometimes these biscuits spread out a lot; other times they stay compact. I recommend using about a heaped tbsp of mixture for each biscuit.

Finished Bereft by Chris Womersley (d) this morning - really enjoyed it, 4 stars.

I'm really looking forward to this challenge. My picks are:

a) Historical Fiction which is set in Australia - The Secret River by Kate Grenville

b) Historical Romance - Nightingale by Fiona McIntosh

c) Historical Mystery - Ronan's Echo by Joanne van Os

I really hope to get through all 3, but will focus on b and c initially, as I already had them selected for some personal challenges this year.

Regina wrote: "Andrea - I found this review summed the reading experience up rather well https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ..."

Oh dear. I think I will sweep that one under the rug. But I'll still watch the show with interest.

Regina wrote: "Will be interesting to hear what they have to say about An Untamed State (I found it to be disappointing)..."

That's a shame - I was debating whether to try to fit An Untamed State in before the April show. Perhaps I won't try too hard.

I treated myself to a few of the new Penguin Little Black Classics the other day: Wailing Ghosts, The Beautifull Cassandra and Anthem For Doomed Youth.

Anyone wanting to read Nightingale as ANZAC Day approaches, it's on Amazon US for $3.91 at the moment - lowest I've seen it.

http://www.amazon.com/Nightingale-Fio...

Mish wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Then we'll hear tomorrow what you think....."

Ladies, I watched One Day last night, and, like you all said, it was equally amazing.

@Andrea, Anne Hathaway was ..."

Phew - that's a relief! I remember when the movie was being made there was such an outcry over the casting of Anne Hathaway in that role, but honestly I can't imagine either of the leads being played by anyone else.

Now we wait patiently for the movie of Us...

I'm up to my third book for this challenge - started Bereft this morning (4. male author). Contrary to what I expected based on the synopsis, it seems to be moving along at quite a good pace already.

Love books about books? Love films based on books about books? State Library of Vic has some free films coming up. March 25 the film of the book Possession, April 29 the film of the book 84 Charing Cross Road, 27 May tbc.

I've seen the first two, loved them both; might go and see them again!

Details: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/sc...

Mish wrote: "Not sure about Dexter, he was blond in the book. Oh well, I will just have to see it :) ..."

I saw the movie before reading the book (and a handful of times since then), and for me there can be no other Dexter than Jim Sturgess. Perfect. Oh, and he ages very well in the film, too...

As I mentioned in the other thread, I just finished Foreign Soil last night (4 stars). I haven't read any of the others on the shortlist.

Here's my review of Foreign Soil: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Did I see somewhere that the shortlist is out today? I finished Foreign Soil last night - will review when i get home later. Gave me a lot to think about.

Mish wrote: "I just finished this very moment. Oh cried so much!!! It was such a lovely, lovely book."

*grinning* - so glad you enjoyed it! One of my all-time favourites.

Great idea Suzanne! Out of the books I have read, there is nothing I have given less than 3 stars. Sorry I couldn't help.

I finished Addition today (debut). I liked it - 3 stars. Moving on to Foreign Soil next (new to me).