Books matching: australian culture
64 result(s)
- #1
'Saltwater Vampires' by Kirsty Eagar is a unique blend of Australian culture and vampirism, featuring a group of Australian teenagers who must navigate the discovery of vampires in their town. The story weaves together historical incidents, evil vampire plots, and the consequences of choices made by the characters, all set against the backdrop of an Australian coastal town. The narrative style is engaging, with a slow pace that allows for detailed exploration of characters and their motivations, creating a thrilling and suspenseful reading experience.
The book follows Jamie, a young surfer who finds himself turning into a vampire after a mysterious encounter with one. Alongside his friends, Jamie embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the vampires in their town and prevent a dangerous event from occurring. As the story unfolds, readers are immersed in a world where friendship, choice, and consequences play a crucial role, all while facing the challenges of supernatural threats and historical mysteries.
- #2
'The Magic Pudding' by Norman Lindsay is a whimsical Australian classic that follows the adventures of Bunyip Bluegum the Koala, Barnicle Bill the sailor, and Sam Sawnoff the penguin as they embark on a journey with their magic cut and come again pudding. The story revolves around the peculiar and humorous escapades of the characters as they try to protect the magical pudding from thieves while engaging in playful banter and lively songs. Lindsay's writing style is described as witty, raw, and silly, capturing the essence of Australian culture, flora, and fauna from a bygone era.
The book is praised for its charming and entertaining narrative that appeals to both children and adults. Readers appreciate the clever humor, unique characters, and the delightful blend of fantasy and adventure that make 'The Magic Pudding' a timeless and enjoyable read. Despite some opinions mentioning the lack of illustrations in certain editions, the book's engaging storyline and playful tone continue to captivate readers of all ages.
- #3
'Unbelievable!' by Paul Jennings is a collection of quirky and inventive short stories aimed at kids but enjoyable for all ages. The stories are funny, occasionally gross, and filled with surprises, making them entertaining for readers. The book evokes the Australian setting, particularly the state of Victoria and the city of Melbourne, showcasing the author's unique writing style that captivates readers of all ages. From stories about an invisible ghost granting wishes to a punk ghost and a real-life superhero needing soup for powers, the book offers a diverse range of imaginative tales that keep readers engaged till the end.
I see this bloke walking along the street wearing a pink bow-tie. It looks like a great pink butterfly attacking his neck. It is the silliest bow-tie I have ever seen. ‘What are you staring at, lad?’ ... - #4
Possum Magic by Mem Fox is a heartwarming story about Grandma Poss and Baby Hush, a possum who has been made invisible by her grandmother. The duo embarks on a magical journey around Australia, sampling iconic Australian foods in a quest to make Baby Hush visible again. The book not only entertains young readers with its enchanting storyline but also educates them about Australian animals, food, and geography. With lush and colorful illustrations that spill across the pages, the book is a delightful read-aloud for children, accompanied by a map of Australia and explanations of the mentioned foods for overseas readers to enjoy.
The book's narrative style is engaging, with short, bouncy text on each page that keeps young readers captivated. Mem Fox's storytelling shines through, making the book a favorite for bedtime stories and classroom readings. The blend of whimsical storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and educational elements makes Possum Magic a beloved classic that resonates with readers of all ages.
- #5
'The Monkey's Mask' by Dorothy Porter is an Australian lesbian erotic murder mystery novel written in verse. The story follows private investigator Jill Fitzpatrick as she delves into the death of a young poet named Mickey, becoming deeply entangled in the investigation. The book is divided into 12 chapters consisting of 186 poems, each carrying a fast-paced narrative that combines raucous and contemplative elements. Through vivid poetic hues and Australian local color and slang, Porter infuses the conventions of a hard-edged detective novel with the intensity of poetry.
- #6
The Outback Stars by Sandra McDonald is a military science fiction novel set in a futuristic universe where Australian astronauts discover alien technology enabling star travel. The story follows Lieutenant Jodenny Scott, who faces corruption and mysteries aboard the massive ship Aral Sea, where she is tasked with fixing issues within the crew. The writing style combines elements of space opera, romance, and intricate science fictional ideas, reminiscent of works by Lois McMaster Bujold and Tanya Huff.
espite the protective suit shielding her from flames, Lieu-tenant Jodenny Scott expected to die very soon. The prospect should have alarmed her, but on some dim, exhausted level, she sup-posed it was ... - #7
'Tell Me Lies' by J.P. Pomare is a psychological thriller centered around psychologist Margot Scott, whose clients lie to her while one seems to be threatening her and her family. The book unfolds with a shocking scene of Margot pushing a commuter in front of a train, leading to a mystery of how the situation escalated to that point. The plot is structured to keep the reader engaged with straightforward narrative, chronological interruptions, and a last-minute resolution. The writing style includes flashbacks and memories revisited by characters, enhancing character development and creating a gripping listening experience, especially with the excellent voice intonation by the narrator, Aimee Horne.
CORMAC IS DOING that thing again. He is the one asking the questions, not me. It’s not entirely uncommon as a defence mechanism. If I’m asking the questions, I’m in control of the exchange and some pe... - #8Uglyby:
'Ugly' by Robert Hoge is a touching memoir that delves into the life of the author, showcasing his journey of overcoming physical challenges and societal perceptions. Through a blend of humor and poignant storytelling, Robert Hoge narrates his experiences of laughter, abuse, and resilience. offers insights into the complexities of human relationships, self-acceptance, and the importance of inner strength in the face of adversities.
Robert Hoge's writing style in 'Ugly' is described as insightful, authentic, and moving, providing readers with a glimpse into the mind and soul of an individual who defies societal norms. not only sheds light on the struggles faced by those with physical differences but also emphasizes the power of courage, empathy, and the beauty of embracing oneself despite external judgments.
It doesn’t have an official name. You can’t flash a membership card to get discounts. There are no annual general meetings; no president; no chairman of the board. It just exists. Members don’t pay a ... - #9
'The Last Continent' in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett follows the adventures of Rincewind and the wizards of Unseen University as they find themselves in a land resembling Australia. The plot revolves around Rincewind's journey to this continent, his encounters with various Australian stereotypes, and the chaos that ensues when the wizards accidentally create this new land. The book is filled with humor, satire, and absurdity, typical of Pratchett's writing style, making it an entertaining read for fans of the series.
People don’t live on the Disc any more than, in less hand-crafted parts of the multiverse, they live on balls. Oh, planets may be the place where their body eats its tea, but they live elsewhere, in w...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #10
'It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time' by Kylie Scott is a romance novel that explores the forbidden love between Adele, a young woman, and Pete, an older man who happens to be her father's business partner. The story delves into their complex relationship dynamics, from Adele's teenage crush on Pete to their reunion years later at her father's wedding. The plot unfolds with humor, angst, and heartfelt moments, as the characters navigate age differences, past mistakes, and budding feelings for each other. The writing style is engaging, with witty banter, clever dialogue, and well-developed supporting characters adding depth to the narrative.
I climbed out of my car, muscles protesting the movement. My sundress was a crumpled ruin. What had looked hopeful, happy, and bright in the wee hours of the morning didn’t hold up so well under the l...