Snippets – news from the world of books

They are hiding on the shelves of our bookcases, perhaps in full view in a neat pile next to our favourite chair. In nooks and crannies around our homes, we find the treasured, Tsundoku.

Sensing the coming of a new way of life, some tsundoku left the safety of their bookshelves to learn to survive in and populate a new world. They quietly moved into electronic devices, an environment which welcomed them with open arms and where they continue to live, breeding at a prodigious rate.

To some, tsundoko are a delayed pleasure, to others they’re a secret shame, an indulgence they vow to curb. To the Japanese, they are the stack of books that you have purchased but not yet read.

In her delightful essay, Why You Should Surround Yourself With More Books Than You’ll Ever Have Time to Read, Jessica Stillman argues that an overstuffed bookcase is “isn’t a sign of failure or ignorance,” but rather “a badge of honour.” Well, I have to tell you, my badge of honour is rather large – what about yours?

Do you proudly house Tsundoku, or is every book on your shelves, and in your ereader, read?

Most Underrated Books Award

As you might have noticed, it is book awards season again with many fine authors and their works receiving the accolades they richly deserve.  The award which gets grabs my attention, however, is the Most Underrated Book Award.

The shortlisted titles are:

Gwen (Goldie Goldbloom, Fremantle Press)
Living in Hope (Frank Byrne with Gerard Waterford & Francis Coughlan, Ptilotus Press)
Plane Tree Drive (Lynette Washington, MidnightSun).

Now in its seventh year, the Most Underrated Book Award “celebrates hidden gems—engaging and creative books across all genres that deserve to reach a wider audience”. I’m looking forward to reading Gwen, by Goldie Goldbloom which somehow found its way into my ereader.

Is there a book you love and consider underrated by others?

Happy Birthday ‘Mostly Books’

In a world where bookshops seem to close more frequently than they open, Adelaide bookshop Mostly Books will celebrate its 41st birthday. Situated in the inner-southern suburb of Torrens Park, Mostly Books was founded by Jacqueline Cookes in 1977 and purchased by current owner Charmaine Power in 2008.

Since the closure of Birchall’s in Tasmania after 170 years, is Mostly Books the oldest bookshop in Australia?

Screen rights sold to top ten bestseller

Screen rights for The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart Holly Ringland’s debut novel have been acquired by Australian producer Bruna Papandrea’s company Made Up Stories. “Holly has created a distinctive and powerful novel that is a compelling tale of female resilience. This story is told with authenticity, courage and love and we are thrilled to be bringing it to the screen,’ said Papandrea.

I loved The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, a powerful, disturbing, beautiful story and hope that a screen version will stay true to the book. What do you think of the recent book to screen adaptations?

ASA to wind up print magazine after 50 years

How ironic that The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) has announced it will no longer produce its biannual print magazine, Australian Author, and will transition to digital publishing.

The magazine, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, will conclude with a ‘special commemorative edition’ incorporating a selection of articles from the last 50 years that best reflects the spirit of the magazine. The final issue will be released in November this year.

Happy reading everyone – would love to know what books are on your radar at present.

Karen xx