Who's your favourite Aussie author?

[Rosanne]

Try "A Fortunate Life" by Albert Facey. You'll never forget the ending.

[Janine]

Has anyone read Tamara McKinley??? I think she is great!!

[Adhityani]

Rosanne wrote: "Try "A Fortunate Life" by Albert Facey. You'll never forget the ending."


Ooooh! Thank you for the recommendation! It's on my TBR now :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Janine wrote: "Has anyone read Tamara McKinley??? I think she is great!!"

Thanks Janine, here's a link which has most if not all of the books she's written..
http://www.goodreads.com/search?query...

[Tegan]

I quite like Andrew McGahan. Read Underground in year 10 and got hooked. Really liked The White Earth. Wonders of a Godless World was quite interesting, I have to reread it sometime. Tried to get through Last Drinks a number of times and never made it.

His later stuff is good. Not as fond of his pre-Underground work.

[[deleted user]]

Jon Cleary is terrific if you like crime novels.

[Dee-Ann]

Carmel wrote: "Has anyone read any books by Shane Moloney, he's featurng at my local library tomorrow night?
This is what the library have said about him:
"Acclaimed Aussie author Shane Moloney is the creator o..."

I read one of his books, Something Fishy and loved it, very funny and I am hanging out to read more of his.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carmel wrote: "Great thanks Dee-Ann, they spelt his name incorrectly on the email and I couldn't find any reference to him, but now I can see he has many pieces of work to his name. This will be my first evening ..."

Enjoy Carmel, love those sort of events at the library:)
I just added the 'blurb' to Something Fishy as well, as there wasn't one.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ooohh!! He's not coming here:(

[Dee-Ann]

Carmel wrote: "Great thanks Dee-Ann, they spelt his name incorrectly on the email and I couldn't find any reference to him, but now I can see he has many pieces of work to his name. This will be my first evening ..."

I am envious ... please let us know how it turns out.

[New York Review Books]

Gotta say Christina Stead, and am looking forward to reading Helen Gardner

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

New York Review Books wrote: "Gotta say Christina Stead, and am looking forward to reading Helen Gardner"

Hi NYRB! You look like you're new to Aussie Readers:) Welcome! Feel free to head over to http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3... and introduce yourself to everyone, so we can all say 'welcome' :)

[Graham]

Lennie W Lower: Humourist from the 30's. I picked up a book of his short stories when I was about 15, so funny. A bit silly, like Monty Python.

His stuff is pretty hard to find: here's a site with him (LW Lower) and a whole bunch of other stuff:

http://gutenberg.net.au/plusfifty-a-m...

[Mike]

I was walking around the National Portrait gallery here in Canberra and bumped into Peter Carey so I started looking for my other favourites. Found a great portrait of Tim Winton but no Patrick White or Christina Stead! Recommend a visit the next time you find yourself in the ACT.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Mike! Would love to visit the gallery next time we are in the ACT!

[Adhityani]

I just finished Tim Flannery's The Weather Makers : How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth and have enjoyed his writing as far as non fiction goes. Will have to read more of his works to make him a favorite, though.

[Tanya]

Giraham wrote: "Lennie W Lower: Humourist from the 30's. I picked up a book of his short stories when I was about 15, so funny. A bit silly, like Monty Python.

His stuff is pretty hard to find: here's a site w..."

Have just spent the morning reading LWL - what a treasure to find this and be able to read it from a screen! He would never have believed it possible.
Tanya

[Frank]

Greg Egan - the natural heir of Arthur C. Clarke.
Margo Lanagan
and for old readers Peters Carey and Mathers. Both have a nice line in mongrel.

[Danielle]

My favourite is Tim Winton, his books are beautiful. after I read Breath when it was first released I just had to go back and read the others again and I was surprised how much more I enjoyed them the second time around, even Dirt Music which I didn't like on the first read! I recently read Xavier Herbert's Capricornia and absolutely loved it too. I think Tim Winton writes in a similar style to Herbert and it made me wonder if he was one Winton's influences or inspirations. I must say too I really loved Peter Carey's True History of the Kelly Gang, the first of his I loved so I may need to do some re-reading of his others.
This is the first group I have joined on Goodreads,which I only joined a few days ago, I figured Aussie Readers would be a good place to start!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Danielle wrote: "My favourite is Tim Winton, his books are beautiful. after I read Breath when it was first released I just had to go back and read the others again and I was surprised how much more I enjoyed them ..."

A lot of us here love Tim Winton Danielle:) His books are great. We have a thread for him http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4... if you'd like to have a browse and/or comment:)

I also see this is your first comment, so an extremely big welcome to you:) Perhaps you'd like to go to our introduce yourself thread http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3... and pop a little bit about yourself there...the other members would love to welcome you too:)

[Tango]

Danielle wrote: "My favourite is Tim Winton, his books are beautiful. after I read Breath when it was first released I just had to go back and read the others again and I was surprised how much more I enjoyed them ..."

I have to agree. The authors you mentioned are all favourites of mine too.

[[deleted user]]

I love Jackie French books and Emily Rodda books.
I want to read Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

[H]

Melina Marchetta, hands down :)

[Emma - Mybookcorner]

I'm still discovering lots of good ones - loved Cloudstreet by Tim Winton, as mentioned by quite a few of you.

I currently have a shelf full on Anita Heiss - just read Sacred Cow. I am full of admiration of Boori Monty Pryor having read Maybe Tomorrow at least twice!!

[Emma - Mybookcorner]

Ah yes! I've just discovered how to link in the books correctly - thank you!!!

Yep, I'll follow that link to introduce myself - thanks for the warm welcome!

[Emma - Mybookcorner]

Dub Leffler
Boori Monty Pryor
Christine Booth

infact I'm interviewing one of them this week!!

[Amanda]

Juliet Marillier, Sara Douglass, Kate Forysth and Kim Wilkins. All amazing. When I was younger I was mad in love with anything John Marsden wrote.

[Emily]

Andrew McGahan very aussie, very believable
Kim Wilkins great fantasy, very evocative
David Malouf classic, excellent writing style
Susan Duncan honest and makes you 'see' the places she is in

And lots more, but these are the first to spring to mind... :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some great authors there Emily:) I see you are new as well.....a very big welcome to you:) Feel free to drop into our http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3... thread, as I know the other members would like to meet you as well:)

[Moi]

Peter Carey
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

[[deleted user]]

2 of my favourites are Colleen McCulloch and Jon Cleary.

[Tara]

Traci Harding

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Amanda wrote: "Juliet Marillier, Sara Douglass, Kate Forysth and Kim Wilkins. All amazing. When I was younger I was mad in love with anything John Marsden wrote."

Amanda, you have three of my favourites in your list also. Julliet Marillier, Sara Douglass and Kim Wilkins. I'm just waiting for my copy of The Devil's diadem by Sara Douglass in the post. Have you read it yet? I hope its not her last, I've seen it said it will be due to her ill health. She is a great fantasy/historical writer.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lisa wrote: "Amanda wrote: "Juliet Marillier, Sara Douglass, Kate Forysth and Kim Wilkins. All amazing. When I was younger I was mad in love with anything John Marsden wrote."

Amanda, you have three of my fa..."

Lisa, Sara Douglass passed away on 26th September.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Dou...

I put a beautiful tribute to her here back then, I'll try to find it, and repost it for you.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

http://voyagerblog.com.au/2011/09/28/...

There you go Lisa. It was so beautifully written by her dear friend Karen Brooks.

[Emily]

Nice link Brenda. So sad to lose such a prolific Aussie author, lovely tribute from her friend.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Brenda wrote: "http://voyagerblog.com.au/2011/09/28/...

There you go Lisa. It was so beautifully written by her dear friend Karen Brooks."

THANK YOU SO MUCH, BRENDA. I had no idea that Sara Douglass, had passed away. I've just spent the last ten minutes having a little cry, I love her writing so much, and it seems so unfair that such a great, creative talent has been taken at such a young age. What a beautiful tribute from her friend. This will make reading the Devil's Diadem and her short stories, bitter sweet.

[Alethea]

At the moment it's Monica McInerney.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lisa wrote: "Brenda wrote: "http://voyagerblog.com.au/2011/09/28/...

There you go Lisa. It was so beautifully written by her dear friend Karen Brooks."

THANK YOU SO MUCH,..."

That's ok Lisa..yes it was a terrible shock! Lots of grief surrounding her death..she was a brilliant author.

[Rosemary]

Stephanie Laurens would have to be my favourite.

[BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...)]

Tim Winton, without a doubt. I just loved Dirt Music and Cloudstreet and have several of his other books as well. And I like Richard Flanagan (have read three of his books so far). But there are heaps of others I like to read as well :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Greeneyedlady wrote: "Tim Winton, without a doubt. I just loved Dirt Music and Cloudstreet and have several of his other books as well. And I like Richard Flanagan (have read three of his books so far). But there are he..."

A big welcome to our group, lovely to have you with us:) Feel free to browse the threads, we have a Tim Winton thread, http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4..., and lots of other threads that you would possibly be interested in:)

[Gerald]

Although I realize that he was British by birth, Nevil Shute moved to and adopted Australia when he became fed up with the socialism in Great Britain. He is, by far, my favorite Aussie author. I read A Town Like Alice first and shortly after finishing it, I went on a search through the stacks at our main library to find his other works. I also liked In the Wet, The Far Country, The Rainbow and the Rose, Pied Piper, An Old Captivity, and Trustee from the Toolroom. It is so interesting to read the writing style of authors from so many years ago compared to those of today. I haven't read all his books as yet but the ones I haven't are on my "To Read" list. My next one will be Beyond the Black Stump.
I was surprised in reading through the early responses to this question that Nevil Shute was not mentioned earlier than he was. I was also surprised to realize from several responses that
Geraldine Brooks is an Aussie. I have recently read two of her books, i.e., Year of Wonders and Caleb's Crossing. I thought they were both really good. I particularly liked Caleb's Crossing. She can so easily transport the reader from today's world to the world of the 1600's.

[[deleted user]]

I haven't really read the backgrounds of many authors, but I ave always loved Kate Forsyth

[Stephen]

I am a barbarian and probably like Peter Corris Follow the Moneybest right now. In the past I liked Peter Temple and I have enjoyed some Micheal Robotham and Barry Maitland but after reading a few have lost interest in them. I have read a David Malouf, An Imaginary Life and the writing was very fine but the story was sort of airy and vague. I prefer action. I have also read all of Phil Scott, the comedian's books including Gay Resort Murder Shock. I like humour and he is a funny man. I have also read a couple of Norman Lindsay's books (yes the artist not only write The magic Pudding he was also an adult fiction writer and often illustrated his books), years ago.Dust Or Polish?no idea what this is about the one I remember was not listed it seems.

And I loved the Silver Brumby series, by Elaine Mitchell, when I was a kid. Does anyone read those now?Silver Brumby's Daughter. I loved animal books.

Loads of Australian authors worth reading are out there.

[John]

Derek Hansen is quickly rocketing to the head of my list. Can we claim him? Technically, yes, he's a Kiwi - but so are Russell Crowe and Split Enz and we gave them honorary Aussie status. I'm nearly finished reading Hanen's A Man You Can Bank On and I'm overjoyed with it. I enjoy black humour and adsurdist fiction mixed with crime and mystery - but in the past I've had to rely on American authors such as Carl Hiassen and Elmore Leonard to provide the fare. And now I find a local author has written something as good as their best but with familiar lingo and place names. Remarkable. A while ago, I read Hansen's Lunch With Mussolini . That's brilliant too but it's in a very different genre. I've also read Rembember Me. I didn't think much of that, but it was a different genre again. What this all tells me is this author has something special: versatility. In my view, there are too many authors around who want to jump on the latest bandwagon (are magic and vampires still in vogue?), find that winning formula and template - and stick to it. With Hansen, we expect him to serve up a gourmet meal - but it's hard to tell what that gourmet meal will be.
I've also enjoyed Tin Winton, Kate Grenville, Thomas Keneally and John O'Grady (Nino Culotto)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

John wrote: "Derek Hansen is quickly rocketing to the head of my list. Can we claim him? Technically, yes, he's a Kiwi - but so are Russell Crowe and Split Enz and we gave them honorary Aussie status. I'm nearl..."

A Man You Can Bank On sounds really good, John. I've added it to my TBR list..thanks:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Great book Brenda i strongly suggest that you read some time. :)"

I noticed you'd read it and given it 5 stars Michael! Good recommendation;D

[Karen]

Kate Grenville is a firm favourite - the Secret River and Lilian's Story in particular. I am amazed that these books were written by the same author.

Tim Winton of course, being from WA (and growing up in Albany, known as Angelus in his stories), I can identify with a lot of his writing. The Turning was a revelation!

Randolph Stow - especially the Merry-go=round in the Sea. Sadly the current merry-go-round has been bolted down!

Robert Drewe - The Shark Net.

Peter Carey is an old favourite - Bliss, Oscar & Lucinda, True History of The Kelly Gang.

Tim Flannery - although not a novelist, his books have had a profound influence.

[Brian]

Meredith Whitford has two historical novels, Treason and Shakespeare's Will.
While Rosanne Dingli has two crime & mysteries, According to Luke and Death in Malta.
Both authors are favourites and published by BeWrite Books.
http://www.bewrite.net/