Anthony Malloy Between Coffees

Rae and I were talking about books the other night, old books, books we had read as children when one popped in to my head; The Ghost of Thomas Kempe.

I can’t remember anything about it except for the fact that I loved it and it was very ‘English’. Now I’m going to have to track down a copy to add to the bookshelves for Phee when she is a little older. I also remember one called ‘Green Magic’ that I must’ve had out on permanent loan from the school library. It too was very ‘English’ and was about a young boy who found a Griffin and (I think) decided to keep him. My memory has also dragged up something about it being part of a series, something like ‘Griffin Magic’. That one’s going to be trickier to track down as I don’t even know the author. Looks like I’ll be busy for a while.

Miss Wyoming is going to be set free tonight. By coincidence the previous book set free on Book Crossing was a Douglas Coupland book too. I wonder if they will ever cross paths?

Run Miss Wyoming, you’re free.

Rob told me about BookCrossing ages ago but he didn’t know the name of the site. I stumbled across it today so I can finally start.

Basically you put a label in your book and then ’set your book free’ once you’ve read it. You can then track its journey via the web site. If I’m quick I can be the first person to release one in Newport.

On the weekend it struck me that I wanted to read Fast Food Nation. So whilst in Yarraville yesterday I popped in to the Sun Bookshop. They didn’t have a copy.

“Never-mind,” I thought ” I’ll try Books In Print on Monday. It’s not that important.”

Books In Print let me down. (I really want that book now.)

So did Jefferies. (I must have that book TODAY!)

So did Dymocks. (Now there is nothing more important in this world now than finding a copy of this bloody book. NOTHING.)

However, I am willing to wait a few days if some kind benefactor wishes to come to my aid. But only a few.

Stop Press

I found it! Collins at Altona Gate had it so I now have it. If you’re feeling magnanimous though I still have a book on my wish list.

Two of my favourite authors, Ian Rankin and
Iain Banks set most of their stories in and around Edinburgh. I’ve always wanted to travel there and do a Banks and Rankin tour of the streets mentioned in their books - now it seems that Inspector Rebus’ patch of town will be no more and my itinerary has been cut a good deal.

No doubt Rebus will have something to say about in the next novel, just one more reason to read it.

I’ve stopped reading. Don’t know how or why but for the past few months I’ve read nothing but computer magazines and reference books. I still have the pile of books by the bed, and they come in mighty handy for blocking out the search light that doubles as my bed side clock. I half heartedly started Ressurection Men again but can feel that is going to have to wait a little longer.

Today I marched on down to Books In Print (who still don’t have a web site) determined to buy Stupid White Men when another book caught my eye.
Banvard’s Folly: Thirteen Tales of Renowned Obscurity, Famous Anonymity, and Rotten Luck.

I’ve always loved reading about the past but the history that intrigues me most is the past that never was. I’ve always wanted to write a book about the grand projects and ideas for Melbourne that never made it; the airport that would have sat where Port Melbourne now is, the history of proposals for the Federation Square site, Grollo’s plan for the world’s largest building at Docklands. The how, why and who of what lead to their demise fascinates me, as does pondering what shape this city may have taken had they gone ahead.

So let’s see how we go with this book. It may inspire me to read again and then start some research. Maybe.

Hooray. My Book from Amazon is here already - only four business days after I ordered it. I only opted for air mail and it has arrived early than they said their Express Delivery option would. Congratulations Royal Mail and Australia Post (there’s a sentiment I never thought I’d express).

Now excuse me please for the next few days, I have some reading to do….

‘Dead Air‘ is on its way, via air-mail. Hmmmmmmm.

There’s already one person in line to borrow it and it’s at least two weeks away from my mail box.

Great excitement (no, no baby news yet but this comes a close second). Iain Banks has a new novel!!! Dead Air has only just been released in the UK so I’m going to have to order it. It’s 12 pounds for the book and then another 6 for the postage but $55 is a small price to pay for heaven.

Time to make more room on the top shelf.

Finished ‘There’s A Bear In There‘ last night. Have not been able to put the book down since we bought it a week ago and would have finished it sooner had not my love stolen it off me on the weekend.

Amusing, entertaining. touching, enlightening, engrossing - all the things a good quick read about a receptionist at a brothel should be.