Persnickety Snark

Big Birthday Bash + awesome authors

2012-01-19T15:27:00.002+10:30

I've hit the ground running in 2012.

The first event of my working calendar? The Centre for Youth Literature's big 2-1 on February 21. Yep, CYL (the organisation I coordinate) is finally welcoming those years where one really "find" themselves :)

We're having a big slap up affair in Queens Hall at the State Library of Victoria with 21st speeches from Melina Marchetta and David Levithan.

Yes.

Melina and David.

Cool huh?

There will also be a panel of many celebrated faces in Australian youth literature chaired by CYL's founder Agnes Nieuwenhuizen.

Plus there will be refreshments including CAKE!

We're also hosting a fabulous schools program that features a bookgig, an author discussion and writing workshops (Melina, David, Alison Goodman, Michael Pryor, Cath Crowley or Simmone Howell).

It's a ripper of a program.

Everything you need to know can be found here.

Somone needs to write a book about this girl pronto...

2012-01-18T20:07:00.001+10:30

Lucia.

She's 14 and she's cooler than I could have ever dreamed of being.

Lucia Ribisi for Student Body President from PAPER Magazine on Vimeo.

...the other Tim :)

Lucia Ribisi Closet Interview With StyleLikeU from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

Things I learnt from boarding school

2012-01-11T17:30:00.000+10:30

My old digs

I attended boarding school from mid-grade 11 to graduation after my parents decided I was working too much at Baker's Delight and not studying.

I was NOT a rebel.

I only wish I got sent to boarding school for doing something risque. I do love implying that I was "sent" for everything other than the real reason.

Boarders will make a quick buck anyway they can including making beds, doing laundry and betting money on relationship time lines.
Your food of choice – toast. If you can chase it with a glass of Milo you’re good to go. No other food groups necessary.
Setting the fire alarm off with a toast malfunction is a good thing. Sure your parents will be invoiced for $200 BUT you get a visit from the local, hot fireman crew. Not to be underestimated in an all female environment,
Pillow fights stop after grade 8. Lingerie is never involved.
There is no girl code on dating another boarder’s ex. Friend’s ex? Yes. Someone you sleep on the same floor as? No.
Girl code does apply to boys that you know from your hometown that are attending the nearby male boarding school. If you know them pre-boarding school, they belong to you unless you say otherwise.
The boarders in the grade level immediately below you will always be the most irritating.
Vending machines are your friend.
You are training for a lifetime of paperwork. You want to leave for the afternoon to the shops? Great, fill in the form and wait for confirmation.
No matter how unattractive or unappealing, any male that steps within the school’s boundaries will be like a bug under a microscope. This includes dads, little brothers and the local pastor.
You will never escape sharing a sleeping space with someone will conflicting music taste. Cross your fingers that they’ve invested in earphones and that the posters aren’t too hideous on the eyeballs. If not, mocking will commence.
Your quilt will represent your personality.
Your towel will match your quilt.
Your phone is your lifeline.
Daybugs (non-boarding students) will always be the enemy, no matter how nice.
When there are general school leadership elections you will vote along boarder lines, no matter your feelings.
Time served only increase your boarder power. Like Samson, if you cut it short you're done.
You can get a lot achieved in the four minute allotted shower. This will be a valuable life skill.
A communal television means you will see a lot of programming you don’t want to be exposed to.
There is no limit to how many times you can watch the ‘nobody puts Baby in the corner’ and resultant dance as a collective.
Politeness will get you everywhere with the head mistress. This is another valuable life skill.
The headmistresses’ teenage emo son, forced to attend formal dinners with a hundred girls, will be the catch everyone is fishing for.
Watching the headmistress and her house mistresses interact prove to be a great example of hierarchy and female politics.
A wet towel and the ceiling fan will be the loves of your life on a hot night.
Never keep goldfish as pets.
Shoes are never just your own, neither are your clothes.
You will not wear academic gowns at dinner, or ever.
Not one of your fellow boarders is ‘the chosen one’.

YA is the great educator

2012-01-11T07:13:00.000+10:30

Yesterday I wasted time by posting songs that could never (but let's pretend they could) cover the main learning areas of a curriculum.

Today I am raising the bar....by using YA titles. I've made it harder for myself by choosing titles I've reviewed and linking them (click on subject).

YA Curriculum

Literature with Professor Nelson

Mathematics (Probability) with Professor Collins

Science (Chemistry) with Professor Kuehnert

(Arthurian) History with Professor Sandell

The Arts with Professor Crowley

Languages with Professor Perkins

Heath and PE with Professor Murdock

Music with Professor Benway

Sex Ed with Professor Blume

Driver's Ed with Professor Dessen

How's your YA curriculum looking?
:)

Song is the great educator

2012-01-10T23:43:00.000+10:30

Following is my top 40 curriculum

Literature with Professor Bush

European History with Professors BoneyM

Mathematics with Professor Feist

Science with Professor Bush (different one this time)

The Arts with Professor with Professor Jagger and the Stones

Health and PE with Professor Newton-John

Languages (French) with Professors Pink, Aguilera, Kim and Mya

Are you educated?

What would your curriculum look like?

2012 - What to look out for in contemporary OzYA?

2012-01-05T12:30:00.000+10:30

Australian YA.

You know it, I know it.

I was kindly invited to blog for the Book Smugglers this week and felt terrible for only mentioning a tiny list of YA titles as most anticipated.

They were:

The Howling Boy - Cath Crowley (contemp)
The Wrong Boy - Suzy Zail (historical, WW2)
Broken - Elizabeth Pulford (contemp, graphic novel)
The Montmaray Journals: FitzOsbornes at War by Michelle Cooper (historical)

You can read more about them over at the Book Smugglers. I have chosen to augment that list with more contemporary titles as that is what I am typically asked to recommend on this blog. In some cases I don't have a lot of offical information to tell you so you'll have to keep glued to their publishers' websites.

What you should be seeking out in 2012 from the land Down Under, home of supremely talented, very attractive and outrageously funny writing folk.

Vikki Wakefield's sophomoric novel on the heels of All I Ever Wanted. No title has been announced, or release date, but I want to read it. She's a new contemporary voice in Australian youth lit and you should be jumping on the Vikki-train.

Queen of the Night by Leanne Hall - heck yes. Text Publishing lists its release as February 27th this year. If you haven't read This is Shyness - get on it.

The dark is dangerous. So is the past. So are your dreams. For six months Nia—Wildgirl—has tried to forget Wolfboy, the mysterious boy she spent one night with in Shyness—the boy who said he’d call but didn’t.

Then Wolfboy calls. The things he tells her pull her back to the suburb of Shyness, where the sun doesn’t rise and dreams and reality are difficult to separate. There, Doctor Gregory has seemingly disappeared, the Darkness is changing and Wolfboy’s friend is in trouble. And Nia decides to become Wildgirl once more.

Fiona Wood made quite an impression in 2010 with her debut novel, Six Impossible Things. This year will see the release of its follow up, Pulchritude (or perhaps Kisschasey)

The Reluctant Hallelujah by Gabrielle Williams is a story I don't want to talk about that much. It might spoil things. If you've read Beatle Meets Destiny then you know Williams has a delightfully off kilter sense of humour with a strong beating heart. What I can tell you about this book? It involves a quest...at the worst possible time for a teen about to sit her final exams. Also, there is a lovely reference to Wizard of Oz throughout. Intrigued?

When Dodie's parents go missing just as final year exams are about to start, she convinces herself they're fine. But when the least likely boy in class holds the key -- quite literally -- to the huge secret her parents have been hiding all these years, it's up to Dodie, her sister, the guy from school, and two guys she's never met before, to take on the challenge of a lifetime. So now Dodie's driving -- unlicensed -- to Sydney, and being chased by bad guys, the police, and one very handsome good guy.

Some of you may know that I started a new job at the beginning of 2011. I work at the State Library of Victoria as the Program Coordinator for the Centre for Youth Literature. Our role is to promote teen reading and youth literature with a specific bent towards Australian authored works of wonder :)

My team each posted their favourites of 2011 and their most anticipated for 2012. It is a great snapshot of Australian YA content you may not be aware of from a multitude of reading tastes. We also post reviews and thematic book lists weekly at our blog - Read Alert. Throughout January we are also posting links to teachers' notes and units of work for possible class texts in the lead up to the Australian school year.

Plugging over :)

Thanks for making me feel like I haven't completely slipped out of the blogosphere. I am hoping to post more movie reviews throughout 2012 as I dearly miss blogging and the community.

Have a happy new year with your noses pressed into lovely smelling pages of wonder.

Pretty pretty pretty

2012-01-03T11:46:00.001+10:30

Guess what I treated myself to?

I ordered it before Christmas, completely forgot about it and received it today. How's that for a new year surprise?

Leila over at Bookshelves of Doom makes these little treasures from a 1962 German fairytale stamps. I fell for this Snow White one but there are heaps of others to choose from and they are very reasonable priced (and well made). They are encased in glass and wrapped in foil - just lovely. I am smitten.

You can find her etsy site here.

2011 in pictures

2011-12-31T13:34:00.000+10:30

January
My sister got engaged.

And I left Adelaide...

for a new job at the State Library of Victoria - Centre for Youth Literature - where YA literature is now my profession.

February
I had fallen in love with Melbourne by this point. It didn't take all that long.

March
Finally went to the Melbourne Gaol (gaols seem to be a sight seeing tradition in my family)

April
Relaunch of insideadog.com.au my first official event at CYL. Bernard Beckett mesmerised the crowd with his wonderful words of wisdom and I tried not to knock my knees.

May
Reading Matters conference. It was big, impressive and I cannot wait to do it all again in 2013.

Leanne Hall and Cath Crowley discussing the use of a single night in Melbourne as the setting for their titles (This is Shyness and Graffiti Moon). They both showed pictures from their late night explorations they used as inspiration.

June

July
I really really felt in love with Melbourne at this point.

August
My first regional tour for CYL meant spending a week in country Victoria with the supremely talented Elizabeth Honey and Melina Marchetta. We were joined along the way by Tim Pegler, John Romeril, Christie Niemen and Lorraine Marwood.

September
I attended my first Melbourne Writers' Festival where I also had the privilege of chairing a session with the effervescent Maggie Stiefvater (Scorpio Races, Shiver).

October
...or as I like to call it WeddingPalooza Month

November
With the sun came some exploring...

and some discoveries.

December
Lovely times with the family...

and the rise of the Kermit Slaughter Shortbread

My Anticipated Film List for 2012

2011-12-31T00:34:00.000+10:30

I think this year has been a pretty terrible year for film making. I have high hopes for 2012 and here are some of the trailers that have me excited to hit the cinemas in the new year.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

I would marry Jennifer Garner if I could. Since that horrible Jennifer Love Hewitt / Party of Five spin off in the late 90s, I've thought she was terrific. This also looks like it can join August Rush in my saccharine kids movies that aren't really for kids list starring JJ Abrams leading ladies. Also, Joel Edgerton is divine...and Australian.

Dark Knight Rises

Forget Bale, I am interested in Catwoman! Catwoman is my favourite comic book characters (in select variations...usually dependant on how she earns a crust and/or written by Frank Miller...not a fan) and I am wary of Anne Hathaway in the role but confident in Nolan's casting history. I've read an interview this week with Hathaway about her research, the costume and how she's been altering her breathing in the role as the creators of Catwoman (Bob Kane & Bill Finger) based the character on actress Hedy Lamarr.

Also, two words. Tom Hardy.

This Means War

What can I say? I love me some Tom Hardy. Especially if watching this movie means seeing Hardy do an action-comedy. I feel like we've seen the entire movie in the trailer and that Reece Witherspoon will never succeed in her attempts to be funny but I shall see it anyway.

The Avengers

Do I really need to say why? Okay - Joss Whedon + superheroes. Done.

Also, I am terribly interested to see Cobie Smulders (Robyn, How I Met Your Mother) as an action hero. I think she'll kick butt.

The Amazing Spider-Man

I loathed the other newish Spider-Man movies. I cannot stand Tobey Maguire so the movies were a lost cause...especially when it involved him dancing badly and wearing eyeliner. So here we have my favourite gal, Emma Stone, with the phenomenally talented Andrew Garfield who has an actual stake in the portrayal of Peter Parker (as seen below.)

The Spidey perspective cam shots from the trailer got me interested in the movie but this impassioned speech won me over completely.

The Hunger Games

I just really want to see Jennifer Lawrence tear up the scenery and our emotions as Katniss.

The Bourne Legacy
(no trailer or photos currently available)

I love the Bourne trilogy and Matt Damon but I also think Jeremy Renner is one talented guy. The movie will be written and directed by Tony Gilroy who was responsible for writing the first three so bring it on.

Battleship

It looks remarkably crap but it has Riggins and Landry in it. Nuff said.

One for the Money

I've only read the first Stephanie Plum book (Janet Evanovich) so I am not as tangled up with adaptation concerns as most. I am also in the 1% of the world who thinks Katherine Heigl is smart, mouthy and bucking the trend of actresses pretending to be sweet as pie for favourable publicity. She might be a raging cow but at least she's honest.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

I could say ...just because but I actually think Benjamin Walker is a talented actor and look forward to seeing the great bearded one kick some non-sparkly vamp ass.

Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters

I could have said Snow White and the Huntsman, or Mirror Mirror BUT this one is far more creative and stars the aforementioned Jeremy Renner and the divine Gemma Arterton as the hunting siblings scarred from their witch encounter as children.

Argo

Ben Affleck is following up his direction of Gone Baby Gone and The Town with this real life story of American CIA agents posing as a scouting crew for the movie Argo to retrieve American citizens during the Iranian Hostage Crisis. Affleck is acting and has cast Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) so this is a FIRM green light.

The Untitled Terrance Malick Project

I know next to nothing about this movie - 1) it is directed by Malick and 2) it stars Affleck and (my girl crush) Rachel McAdams, and 3) this shot looks beautiful.

21 Jump Street

I love Tatum (he's very funny in She's All That... remember the phone/weight room scene?) and will tolerate Jonah Hill as the trailer looks surprisingly good.

Brave

A red headed lass kicking butt and contravening age old patriarchal customs? YES.

16-Love

Stay with me - it's YA and it stars Lindsay Shaw. Shaw played Kat in the 10 Things I Hate About You tv show which wasn't all that bad. She also looks like she could be a tennis player, unlike most actresses in Hollywood. It's a common YA sporting trope - learning that winning isn't everything. And yes, it looks unbelievably cheesy. Why they've chosen to advertise that it is from the same people that inflicted Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray on us I'll never know.

The Wettest County in the World

So this crime drama stars Tom Hardy (sensing a theme?), Shia LaBeouf (ugh) and Mia Wasilkovska (LOVE) detailing bootlegging in the 1930s South.

Jack the Giant Killer

It's all about the cast -

Nicholas Hoult
Bill Nighy
Stanley Tucci
Ewan McGregor
Ian McShane

You can't do better than that. Well, remove the stalk and the giants perhaps...but still without those giants you wouldn't see flaming trees coming at you.

Well that's it for me. I admit there are no indie movies or documentaries on this list but I've had less success rooting out what will be available in 2012.

What are you excited to see on the big screen next year?

Oh My - Cutest Thing Ever?

2011-12-30T09:39:00.000+10:30

Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt singing 'What Are You Doing New Year's Eve'. Love the smile fest.

Happy Holidays Everyone

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000+10:30

Wishing you a day of merriment with your loved ones, some sun and perhaps some wine :)

Wild Bill

2011-12-23T18:25:00.000+10:30

Eight years ago I wrote an email to William Guarnere. For those that have watched Band of Brothers and/or read Stephen Ambrose's novel then you would be very familiar with Wild Bill. His story really grabbed me and so in 2002 I wrote him an email via the website his sons has set up to answer questions that arose after the HBO series screened.

I received a handwritten reply a year later.

I found the letter in my storage container today. I hadn't thought about it in years. But now my younger brother has seen the series, loved it as I have and read everything about the Easy Company - 506th PIR 101st. Today he thinks I am somewhat cool.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

2011-12-17T22:42:00.001+10:30

MI4 debuted on Australian screens this Thursday and I hadn't really given it much thought other than to continue my dislike for Cruise-propaganda.

I didn't care that he personally undertook the stunt on the tallest structure in the world. Or took his wife and his high heel wearing little miss with him.

I didn't even go to this movie for Tom Cruise.

I went in spite of him.

I went to see what Brad Bird could achieve with a cast of humans, rather than the computer animated variety of The Impossibles or Ratatoille. And Brad did good, real good.

The movie moves at a clipping pace...except when there's a character establishing monologue. No one attends a movie like this to hear actors talk so these scene slow the pace dramatically and feel like a hindrance. Even the bad-assery of Jeremy freaking Renner can't sell it completely because so little of his character is established, though he does come out strongest.

The character of Ethan Hunt, as formerly established in the three prior titles of this series, is a little more worn down by the system. It's a welcome change but doesn't prevent him from doing some amazing feats all in the service of retrieving the film's mcguffin. Yes, Cruise has the action man run down so well that other action stars will pale in comparison. I could watch his tiny form, clad in designer duds, run with whooshing arms all day long. If only I didn't have to have his 'acting' inflicted upon me. It isn't that Cruise is bad, just bland.

Paula Patton (Jane) plays the token female agent with a sexy figure and a mean right hook. Unlike many actresses kicking butt in Hollywood these days, Patton looks like she could actually take down some bad guys. She's striking, she's strong and she grounds the character well within the confines of what she's been given.

Renner (Brandt) performs well with some lovely comedic bits with Pegg, and also with the physical aspects. If this is a glimpse at what a new MI led vehicle might be, then I am on board. Pegg is typically great but they don't stretch him beyond his comedic sidekick role.

Action takes place in Russia, Dubai and Mumbai which allows Bird's eye to wander over some truly impressive landscapes. Dubai, in particular, might not have been seen this way before (as captured by US filmakers) and at times I did feel a rush of vertigo.

The inclusion of some snafu's were most welcome bringing complications that made sense and press the team to be creative. While the action scenes are impressive and show off Cruise's grace, it smells decidedly of narcissism. He's 50 and he can still run, jump and bash up the bad guys like the best of 'em...I get it. I just think that Renner looks better in a suit (don't get me started on Cruise's weirdly muscley and grotesque torso - put the shirt back on, man!)

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is enormous fun, slightly shallow and visually impressie. Credit to Brad Bird, cinematographer Robert Elswit and fight coordinator Robert Alonzo.

Also, a quick shout out to Josh Holloway who demonstrates there is much more to his repertoire than quips.

Release Date: December 16, 2011
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Director: Brad Bird
Screenwriter/s: Josh Applebaum, Andre Nemec
Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Vladimir Mashkov, Michael Nyqvist, Josh Holloway, Lea Seydoux, Anil Kapoor

A sad day

2011-12-07T13:54:00.001+10:30

After ninety years of life my grandfather passed away last week.

This was no great surprise for my family. He had been suffering diminished capacity in only a way that Parkinson's can tear your heart out and stomp on it. We were well familiar with this experience having seen my maternal grandfather go through a similar prolonged experience (eight + years) with Huntington's. While there are many similarities between there last few years and the lengthened list of what they could not do and what they needed increasing assistance with, they were two very different men.

Pop was cantankerous. He was a perfectionist - the no nonsense patriarch of the Walsh family. The youngest of eight, he grew up poor. I once saw his house (galvanised iron, one-room shack is a better word) before it got torn down and I don't think I've thought of poverty the same way since. But he was brilliant. He constantly performed at an academic level that was unexpected for him. Despite this, his career was relatively low key. He was a storeman, then soldier, then fruit grower, father and grandfather. He was a sportman with an exacting eye - cricket, football, water-skiing or table tennis - he always achieved great things. He even coached well having instructed many of the state, national and world champion level water skiiers in the 50-70s.

The weird thing is that I didn't learn most of these things until my father's eulogy.

Pop didn't like talking about the past. Being poor, being lonely (his seven siblings were all significantly older than him), the disappointment of serving in Australia while his friends and brothers fought overseas during WW2 - they all dogged at him. I didn't even know he had been in the ambulance infantry until yesterday. Being the history buff that I am, I had asked him in the last few years and he still couldn't talk about how angry he was that he wasn't able to actively serve his country.

He would also enquire if my pencil grip had improved yet. (It hasn't, after twenty-six years you think he would have accepted failure.)

My grandfather was known for his snowy hair. White. Most grandfathers have white hair but Pop went white very early on and battened down his locks with vaseline. I never saw his hair without it. Ever. I learned yesterday that my curly hair most probably was inherited from him. I guess this answers my question of how I might be able to tame it. Though combing vaseline through my hair doesn't sound all that attractive. My nana made a comment about washing the pillow slips yesterday and not once had I thought about the mess that would have made.

It's a weird experience saying goodbye to someone while also getting to know them better.

I met many relatives from that side of the family for the first time and my need to know more about my family suddenly grew legs. Elderly members of the Walsh family, excited that I was curious and wanting to learn more will be sending information on their family trees. There hope is that I might be able to push further, as the youngest generation of our family, and relay it back to them.

If I take anything of yesterday, it will be that knowledge will be gained, memories held tight and new bonds forged.

Not that bad for a sad day.

Hank Sgiving*

2011-11-26T15:29:00.001+10:30

*Sorry, New Girl reference.

What am I grateful for? Lots of people, places, things and opportunities but I'm going to focus on...the materialistic.

Yes, I am shamelessly shallow.

Things I am grateful for this week (let's face it, we should be thinking of these things on a regular basis).

MISFITS. Two days, 17 episodes and already up to date. Two seasons went past in a hilarious, profanity ridden blur. When you find yourself alone in a room watching a show and laughing aloud at length, you know you are onto a good thing. Misfits is everything I love about the majority of Brit humour based shows - brilliantly scripted, a little bent with a cast of motley characters. While I love the supremely annoying Nathan, I have a special place in my heart for Kelly the Chav. Her scraped back ponytail is a sight to behold.
My new Mac Book Pro. I've always found Mac users to be irritatingly smug like they are part of a special group of individuals that know something the rest of us didn't. Turns out they do. Macs kinda rock. I am still getting used to the Mac way of doing things but it all seems easier once you get the hang of things.
Dresses with pockets.
Ron Weasley
Dew Melon Ice Blends with Pearls. So freaking good.
Silent Bob and Jay are coming to Melbourne for a live tour. Extra kudos to the one friend who actually wants to go with me.
Dolly Parton. I didn't see her in concert as she's truly awesome. Her Imagination Library distributes books to disadvantaged kids in UK, USA and Canada. Forty million books have been distributed so far and she hasn't done it for good PR, rather the knowledge that she's helping early childhood literacy. Brava Dolly!
Umbrellas. If you live on the east coast of Australia today, you'll understand.

I've watched a huge amount of television this month and it's all been fantastic.

Breaking Bad - seasons one through four
The Wire - all five seasons
Misfits - into third season
Haven - season two (with the LOVELY Nathan Wuornos character)

Got any more suggestions for me?

Publishers' Showcase

2011-11-14T13:08:00.001+10:30

The Publishers’ Roadshow is the Centre for Youth Literature's way of finishing off the year with a celebration of youth literature. Publishers from around Australia will be highlighting all that was good in 2011 and what’s to come in 2012.

There will be goodie bags, a surprise door prize, booklists, catalogues and a secret author or two.

If you are in Melbourne and you're interested in youth literature - this is the event for you!

Date:
29th November 2011
6:00pm Drinks & nibbles
6:30-8:30pm Presentations

Where:
State Library of Victoria
(Entry 3 La Trobe Street).

Cost is $35

Bookings
Online: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/event/publishers-showcase
Phone: 03 8664 7099
Email: bookings AT slv.vic.gov.au

Graffiti Moon - Art Gallery

2011-11-09T20:02:00.000+10:30

(This is a repost as as I originally put this together in October of last year. As many of the blogging community discover this book, and its US release in February 2012, I thought it would be helpful to recycle.)

What I know about art can fit in a thimble. It's an area that I am slowly learning more about as I come to accept that I am completely devoid of artistic ability. I was an immediately fan of Cath Crowley's work upon reading A Little Wanting Song and found myself beyond eager to read her follow up title, Graffiti Moon. It's a smashing story that left me with a need to know the art mentioned in its pages. Hence this post on the many works of art that are discussed or mentioned in the title.

If there ever were a love letter to the arts, this book is the one. Crowley has integrated art and the complex emotions that filter throughout the story in an effortless manner. Normally I read references and forget them straight away but in this case I wrote noted them as I read and looked them all up upon completion. I hope this serves as a one stop shop for people interested in viewing the art mentioned in this fabulous story of one night, one graffiti artist, one glass blower and a combie van of hijinks.

*Click on the art piece's title to find its source.

Till the Heart Caves In by Michael Zavros

This drawing is mentioned by Lucy (one of three perspectives) on page 65 as a representation of what she thinks love should be - "...a horse falling, tumbling from the sky, legs to the clouds. There's no way to right itself. It seems to me it doesn't know how it got there, or where it is, or why it's falling."

The Lovers by Rene Magritte

This painting first mentioned by Lucy on page 100 is a reoccurring theme in the book. There is a weird logic to Lucy's feeling that "...kissing blindfolded like that is the easiest place to start". I particularly love the final callback to this painting.

Woman with a Crow - Picasso

On page 131 Lucy and Ed have a discussed about the stupidity of people who don't recognise Picasso's brilliance. It's a moment where they find their footing, both lovers of art and yet disparate in their mediums and in their interactions with one another.

Woman Holding a Balance - Johannes Vermeer

Ed's attachment to Vermeer's work (and as such his connection with Lucy) is an ongoing thread in Graffiti Moon. He uses this painting, mentioned on page 155, as an inspiration for his graffiti art. "Mrs J told me once that those scales in his painting weighed something important, something like actions or a soul." It serves as a perfect jumping off point for deeper characterisation and introspection.

No. 301 (Reds and Violet over Red/Red and Blue Over Red) - Rothko

Ed and Lucy viewed this work at a school excursion to the art gallery. On page 167 he notes "...as long as you're looking at it, that painting is the world and you get to be in it." If you follow the link attached to the title of this painting you can hear critical insight into the intricacies of Rothko's artistry in this painting.

io from The Spoils - Sam Leach...this work isn't to be found on the internet but Cath tells me it is similar to this one (also by Leach).

Lucy asks Ed which piece of art first got him hooked (page 168), he lists a title by Australian artist, Sam Leach. His work is sumptuous and rich. I am not going to discuss how this plays into the narrative but it is a beautiful concept to tie into what was near and now is far away.

Winged Victory of Samothrace - Sculpture from Ancient Greece

Lucy references this sculpture during a specific moment on page 243 "I hold out my arms and let the change float across my skin...I felt like that Winged Victory of Samothrace sculpture that Mrs J showed me. It's marble, held at the Louvre in Paris....She lost her head along the way but she still looks triumphant. Half angel, half human, wings spread wide."

Consider yourself a partaker in the Graffiti Moon exhibition :)

I would like to offer a sincere thank you to Cath for granting me permission to reproduce content from her story.

GRAFFITI MOON by Cath Crowley
August 2010 - PanMacmillan Australia (eBook)

Lucy is in love with Shadow, a mysterious graffiti artist.

Ed thought he was in love with Lucy, until she broke his nose.

Dylan loves Daisy, but throwing eggs at her probably wasn't the best way to show it.

Jazz and Leo are slowly encircling each other.

An intense and exhilarating 24 hours in the lives of four teenagers on the verge: of adulthood, of HSC, of finding out just who they are, and who they want to be.

www.cathcrowley.com.au

Beaches, Books and Blogs, Oh My!

2011-11-07T17:06:00.002+10:30

I had an absolutely brill weekend in fair, sunny Melbourne.

I also picked up some books.

I visited Kill City, a crime centred second hand bookstore in the Melbourne CBD for the first time and came away with three decidedly not crime books.

Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing which I have always loved and never owned.
Steven Herrick's The Simple Gift (as you can see from the bling it is held in high esteem).
Ursula Dubosarsky's (I will never tire of saying her name) The First Book of Samuel.

More troubling was this shelf label in their children's area.

And I understand why.

Parents walk into a bookstore and say that have a so and so aged, gender specified child that they are looking for reading material for.

I understand.

I just don't approve.

Reading shouldn't be about what you should read but what you want to read. I think it would be more helpful to ask the kid what kind of stories they like reading (and their reading ability) and enter a store with that in mind than reducing them to a file and rank.

I also finally got myself down to St Kilda (it only took 10 months) where I snoozed on the grass, ate three-colour cheese and listened to the nearby bongo player.

How's that for gorgeous?

And then I bought two more books.

(I would turn it but I haven't figured out how to do that with Instagram yet.)

With all the kerfuffle regarding the National Book Awards I made a point of purchasing Lauren Myracle's Shine.
I've also been curious about 'Five Flavours of Dumb' since it was released but with the recent blog attention I searched it out.

I'll be reviewing them once I have had time to read them over at my work blog - Read Alert. The reviews won't be what you are used to here but hey, at least I am reviewing in some capacity. I've posted small ones (like I said different) for Vikki Wakefield's All I Ever Wanted (a lovely little Aussie treasure), Lauren Barnholdt's Two Way Street and tomorrow there will be one for Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me.

My little team and I will be posting reviews through the week and creating different reading lists every Friday that combine international and Australian published lists. Be sure to swing by if you have time.

Also make sure you go and check out Carla's great initiative the Aussie YA Month over at The Crooked Bookshelf , She's got some fantastic discussions, interviews and reviews featuring the talent that we are blessed to have here in Oz.

Thanks for taking in my rambles

You can't be, what you can't see

2011-11-04T18:30:00.000+10:30

Disturbing and yet it continues...

SUNDAY EVENT - John Flanagan in person at the State Library of Victoria

2011-10-22T21:52:00.001+10:30

Just to let you know ... on Sunday you can come to the State Library of Victoria and see John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice) in the flesh. He's in town to launch his new Viking adventure series, Brotherband. Check out the details below, come into the city and buy yourself an advance copy of the book. It's also a great opportunity to have one of title signed!

When: Sunday, October 23rd 2-3pm

Where: State Library of Victoria - Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe St)

Cost: FREE

Bookings: Necessary - phone (8664 7099), email (bookings@slv.vic.gov.au) or book online

The Princess Bride Reunion

2011-10-11T17:54:00.000+10:30

Fear not.

There is no remake.

Yet.

But the cast has been reassembled in honour of EW's reunion issue.

Robin Wright Penn looks incredible.

Cary Elwes...not so much.

Thanks to Michael Pryor to drawing my attention to it.

Corpse Bride Wedding Cake

2011-10-09T20:56:00.002+10:30

I attended a long term friend's wedding yesterday and they had the most amazing wedding cake. Both bride and groom are very artistic and pursue artistic careers. It made sense then that their wedding cake would be a little different and very them.

Meet the corpse bride wedding cake.

Isn't it incredible?

It tasted awesome too.

Young Adult Trailer

2011-10-07T09:43:00.001+10:30

Charlize Theron's character is not representative of the young adult authors I've met but the film looks brittle, dark and quite sardonic so I am keen.

Charlize Theron, Patton Oswald and Diablo Cody are all involved so it should be entertaining even if it isn't cohesive.

Dirty Girl

2011-10-05T21:24:00.001+10:30

How YA does this film come across? (Wish they hadn't used cutesy pop music in second half of trailer though.) Cannot wait as I've always found Juno Temple to be a fascinating presence and isn't she killing the accent? (She's British.)

You keen?

Back from the road and other stories

2011-09-06T17:04:00.000+09:30

I look back on my life pre-Melbourne and wonder how on earth I had the time to blog. People don't understand that to blog seriously, and to blog well, one must devote sizable amounts of time and energy. I don't have either. Hence the tumbleweeds that blow through Persnickety Snark...

And yet I am reading YA blogs more than ever - hmm.

I am about to celebrate my eight month as the Program Coordinator for the Centre for Youth Literature. It has whizzed by. It seems an eternity ago that I was stepping into the library on that warm day in January excited to be making youth literature my entire focus. The enormity of the building once scared me. That lasted approximately a month and a few wrong turns (thank goodness for the dispatch guys).

Three months ago I was wrapping up the Reading Matters conference - the single biggest deep end one can imagine starting a new job. Reading Matters is a biennial conference for youth literature professionals here in Australia and it went exceedingly well thanks to the tireless efforts of the team. Attendees had a great time, the presenting authors were pleased and it was a great feeling to have been a part of it.

Melina, Liz and Christie

In the past three weeks I have been taking on new aspects of my role. Regional tours and chairing lit panels. It is what I love most about my job - it's always something different. During Book Week (August 22-27th) I spent the week driving award winning authrs Elizabeth Honey (That's Not A Daffodil, Remote Man) and Melina Marchetta (Looking for Alibrandi, Froi of the Exile) throughout regional Victoria.

Liz is a creative person in the best sense of the word - she draws, she writes and she emits an energy that only comes from people in tune with their surroundings and their artistry. Watching her teach regional students how to approach sketching and painting a model with watercolours was incredible. Kids who were reluctant due to their assumed lack of skills dove in and had a go. The results were incredible - the country kids are a talented lot!

Melina's workshops were a different beast. Students were shown the different covers for her works from across the world, as well as some covers that will never see the light of day. Her writing workshops focused on making dialogue punchier or the considerations in adapting the Jellicoe prologue for the screen. (Yes, the kids read and remarked on the opening scenes of MM's Jellicoe screenplay.) Her activity on substituting words in an action paragraph, soft consonants for harder ones, was particularly insightful and thought provoking. I read a lot but I will be the first to admit that I don't realise the thought and effort that can go into a single sentence.

The other highlight of the tour was having a local element to each country school. A local author would join Liz, Melina and myself and conduct an extra workshop for the students. We were graced with four lovley individuals in the form of Tim Pegler (YA author, ghost storyteller, Five Parts Dead), John Romeril (playwright, funny fellow, 'Miss Tanaka'), Christie Nieman (playwright, Liz's muse, 'Call me Comanchi') and Lorraine Marwood (author/poet, sweetness and light, Star Jumps).

I would flit from one workshop to another but I did get to attempt a watercolour (thankfully there seems to be no evidence of it), write a poem with Lorraine as inspired by an image and learn fascinating tidbits about Melina's original Looking for Alibrandi submission. Did you know Alibrandi was original set over three years and much, much longer when she first submitted it to publishers? The infamous slush pile has been an element in all the authors paths to published works and it was fascinating hearing their individual tales.

Another element that was fantastic was the country factor. I grew up in country areas, in country schools, surrounded by country kids. I loved it and it shocked me how nostalgic it made me being back in similar environments. We spent time in small towns where pubs where the only place to dine and we ate some of the best (and not so great) meals in the presence of interesting characters. Communities like - Wedderburn, Charlton, Murrayville, Sea Lake (no sea but there is a lake), Manangatang and Ouyen - were thrilling to visit. Wedderburn of the many op shops, Charlton with the flood line still evident on its buildings and Ouyen's search for the perfect vanilla slice were all fun places to explore.

As soon as I was back from driving across silo-spotted-countryside it was straight into Melbourne Writer's Festival. CYL partners with MWF for the schools programming which means CYL staff chairs a portion of the panels. A full run down of CYL's coverage can be found here. I was able to chair panels with Maggie Stiefvater, Penny Tangey and Sally Rippin/Gabrielle Wang which was a great honour.

We've also announced the shortlist for the 2011 Inky Awards. The Inky awards are Australia's first teen decided youth literature prize and we're into the fifth year. We have two awards - the Gold Inky (Australian authored) and Silver Inky (International authored) - and voting has now opened for 2011. The teen judges did a fantastic task of whittling down the longlist and it is a truly varied shortlist in terms of genre and voice. I hope you take time to vote on your favourite YA titles of the past year. Voting is open until midnight October 14.

On the weekend I was also able to attend the Ballarat Writers Festival. It was a joy to sit back and relax, taking in the author panels. BWF had a great line up that consisted of - Tim Pegler, Penni Russon, Kate Constable, Carole Wilkinson, Karen Healey, Kirsty Murray, Gabrielle Williams, Chrissie Keighery, Karen Tayleur, Maureen McCarthy, Kim Kane, Steph Bowe, Ebony McKenna, Leanne Hall as well as a host of editors, illustrators and middle grade authors. It was an incredible line up and a pleasure to met people of whose work I have read as a blogger. Well done to the BWF crew, it was a lovely celebration of all things children's and YA.

By no means is this my typical fortnight. But it has been a busy, thought provoking and fun time with people that are also passionate about Australian youth literature.

Links:
Regional Tour - blogs from the road Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and Day 5
MWF panel summaries - Maggie Stiefvater and Penny Tangey (thanks to Steph from My Girl Friday for blogging about them). Also my interview with Maggie just prior to the panel which was a hoot.
Inky shortlist and voting
Ebony McKenna's blog post on BWF

Maggie Stiefvater / Gabrielle Wang / Sally Rippin / Penny Tangey

2011-08-28T12:42:00.001+09:30

I've been back from the aforementioned road trip for less than 24 hours (read daily posts here) and now I am switching gears. Tomorrow is the start of the Melbourne Writers' Festival schools program and I have the honour of chairing some of the panels.

Monday

Maggie Stiefvater (12.30-1.15pm - BMW Edge)

Wednesday

Gabrielle Wang & Sally Rippin (11.15-12.00 - ArtPlay) for 'What is Home? What is Family?"

Thursday

Penny Tangey (10.00-10.45am - ACMI Cinema 1)

If you have any questions that you are burning to ask, post them below and I will try my darnest to fit it into the question line up.

This is my first MWF and it is exciting to be part of the celebration of the written word. I am also excited to meet Maggie, Gabrielle (we've met, she loves Supernatural, she's awesome), Sally and Penny.

Hitting the road, just not with Jack

2011-08-19T21:18:00.001+09:30

Many of us are able to summarise ourselves in sweeping generalisations that can encompass many.

I am a country girl.

Being from the country has always been a source of equal parts pride and frustration on my part. I wouldn’t have traded my childhood years in old mining boom towns like Burra for anything. I was able to play in creeks, dug outs, a 19th century gaol and amongst the salt bush. Holidays weren’t in the city, they were skiing on Lake Bonnie (Barmera), fishing for carp (a useless but productive enterprise) and sitting on extremely hard but familiar white painted, cast iron garden chairs.

I spent the majority of my formative years in Burra. A small town of 3000 (less now) it was broken into halves, Burra and Burra North by the large smelts paddock (copper mine) that was placed smack bang in the centre of the town. A creek ran through from end to end, its clay banks were laced with peppercorn trees. I will never forget that smell. It was heaven for a kid.

I spent a large portion of my teaching career living and working in small regional schools in both SA and Victoria. I love country kids, after all I was one. They have a completely different (no better, no worse) energy that kids raised in metro areas. They have had that extra room to breathe, to run, to be.

When most people say they were raised in the country you can almost hear the banjos in the atmosphere and mental images of overalls and hay firmly fixed between one’s teeth. I grew up in the country and never saw this image. I have yet to hear banjos live…though I would enjoy it. I was a country townie. I grew up not on a farm or station but in the town that serve as a meeting place. No matter how small, most towns have;

A general store
A post office (sometimes within the general store)
A pub

My dad worked for local government so we always lived in the town. So we were country kids, just not completely country. I didn’t learn to drive before I legally was allowed to. (In fact, the night before my first lesson my father had to identify the pedals for me.) I have never ridden a horse, or chewed hay or fetched fresh eggs. I have been involved in tagging and removing lamb’s tails only once – a fun weekend away with a fellow border at the age of 17. I looked like an extra from a horror movie by the end, streaks of blood covered me from head to foot.

Why am I writing all this?

On Monday I am hitting the road. Over six days I am driving across Victoria with authors Melina Marchetta and Elizabeth Honey to visit schools in regional areas. And when I say regional, I don’t mean Geelong. We’re heading to places where my phone won’t work…I’ve been warned.

I am excited to spend time with these lovely ladies but I am terribly excited to bring them to country kids. Can you imagine attending a tiny school in the country and having these ladies swing by to run a writing/art workshop?

One of the greatest things I remember from my school years was a day where our teachers took us to a nearby town. In the centre of their town’s football oval was Colin Thiele and he spoke to kids from a smattering of schools from the area. There was no stage, no pomp and ceremony. Just an amazing author, the crunchy oval grass, blue skies and a collective breath.

I don’t remember what he said but I remember feeling special because he took the time to come to us and speak. I love that I can be a small part of that for some country kids next week.

I am hoping to blog throughout the regional adventures next week…just not here. Make sure you swing by the insideadog.com.au to hear about where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to.

Just another reason I love that youth literature is now my profession.

The leap in the story

2011-08-01T19:41:00.003+09:30

I am completely without rhythm.

I cannot dance.

And yet So You Think You Can Dance is one of my favourite things on television to devour. Most of the time for me, it has very little to do with the dance, and is all about the story.

Here - those two things collide (and luckily not Melanie's face with the floor.)

Seriously...the leap is amazing.

And Neil, oh Neil, so lovely.

Japan - Oh How I Miss You

2011-07-08T22:50:00.002+09:30

I've been back in Australia for six months now and it's only been this past week that I've started having serious Japan homesickness. I am yearning for the fluorescent green of the summer leaves, the amazingly cheap and filling meals and the lovely faces of my Panda class.

I've been pouring over my videos and photos with a sad (and occasionally near tears) look upon my faces. Instead of moping. I am going to post some of my favourite bits and pieces from my year in Japan.

Note - I took all the photos so there are no licensing issues.

I miss Kyoto

This was magical to take in.

The biggest cherry blossom - like a gnarled old but beautiful lady,

I miss Shizuoka

The view from the playground

Incredible - dwellings, gardens and highways all together.

My village - Asabata Kita

Just lovely

I miss Mt Fuji

It reads: "This is the field where our food is made. Please don't throw rubbish into it or walk through it.

It was so lovely this day - I wanted to eat it up!

I miss the food

Oden - how I love you and your years old black soup - so much better than it looks

Oh man this was good.

Lunches don't look like this at home!

Eel, soba noodles and picked ginger.

I miss the really, really weird stuff

This was supposed to cure what ailed me...it didn't.

Billboards like these on the street?!?

Creepy looking vegie statues

Candied bananas

I don't miss really, really bad hair days when rain cannot be avoided.

The Silver Pavilion is to my left...shockingly bad photo

Or sleeping and sitting on the floor.

My digs

But I have many people I miss terribly...

Cate, our afternoon jaunts were so much fun.

The Juku Boys and myself at the Izakaya (pub) eating, drinking and singing really bad karaoke (well, me anyway).

Brandon, a delight to be around - curious, fun and a bow tie wearer.

The lively Nat, who left me after three months but is now back in Australia.
So gutsy, helped me get out and see Japan ( musicals and all!)

Giselle, an absolute ball.

My darling Panda class

Kubota - one in a freaking million!

Sigh.

New blogs on the horizon

2011-06-26T20:52:00.001+09:30

Some of these blogs have actually been around for awhile but I have just been blind to them. I have found that since I am no longer blogging, I am actually reading more blogs in more varied areas of life.

Dear Photograph
A person holds up a photo taken at some point in their person history in front of the same landscape, matching up the setting and voila! Incredibly simple but oh so cool. The comment that joins the photo is usually pretty pun-ny which tickles my funny bone.

Awesome People Hanging Out Together
Exactly as it states. Two people of note, within the same frame. (Courtesy of the lovely Kate at bean there, read that)

1001 Rules for My Unborn Son
Words cannot express...advice like "494. If it’s already lit, put down the lighter fluid."

I am a self-confessed pop culture consumer. I can watch anything. Two things I love - the non-Marissa Cooper year of The OC and every horrible season (that would be all of them) of One Tree Hill. Why? Two people - Autumn Reaser who played Taylor on the OC and Bethany Joy Galeotti who plays Haley on OTH. They have both just had babies but more than anything have little blogs with great photography, home decor tips, beauty ideas and some philosophical thought. Their blogs aren't pretentious, just homey. More than anything I am just in it for the cool photos of far flung, not so well known parts of the US. Plus I like to keep track of the status of BJG's The Notebook musical (because I am pathetic).

Easy as (vegan) pie
I am not vegan. I don't cook. I don't eat out all that much. And yet, I am somewhat into this blog which I found courtesy of the Emerging Writers Festival director, Lisa Dempster. It's Australian, specifically Melbourne based but I am in it for the pictures of food - I am shallow, what can I say?

Cultural Learnings
I've been reading this blog for a long time. Want insightful, thorough and thought provoking takes on an episode of a televisiion show - this is the place. Myles McNutt is incredible. I don't always agree but it always makes me think about what the director, screenwriters, actors and studios are truing to achieve.

Frocks and Frou Frou
I started stalking this blog religiously when I was in Japan. I couldn't buy clothes because I am a big girl anyway but Godzilla-like in Japan. I had to get my fashion-fill by watching the fashion stylings of Lilli. I dress conservatively because that's what I thought I should dress like but reading Lilli's blog and seeing how much fun she has, it has made me be braver in what I will try on and in some cases buy. I am also very lucky because after moving to Melbourne, this lovely lady actually because my friend for reals (instead of just on twitter). And she also solved my problem with pantyhose. The solution was ridiculously easy but I had never thought of it...

Got something you think I'll like? Post it in the comments section!

Sigh

2011-06-12T22:40:00.011+09:30

I've been thinking about this one scene in the television show, Felicity, all week.

If you haven't seen this show...which rock have you been hiding under?

The Yearbook Message:

Dear Felicity,
Here it goes. I watched you for four years, always wondered what you were like, and what was going on in your mind all that time when you were so quiet, just thinking. Drawing in your notebook. I should've just asked you, but I never asked you. So now, four years later, I don't even know you. But I admire you. Well, that makes me sound crazy, but I'm okay with that. So take care of yourself.

Love,
Ben

P.S. I would've said, "Keep in touch," but unfortunately, we were never in touch.

And the scene with the lisping dreamboat himself:

On reflection I am even more impressed. he's in the middle of an epic argument with his mother on Gradation Day and he takes the time to write something truly wonderful for a girl he barely knows. Sigh.

Family: how much did it influence my reading?

2011-06-10T13:44:00.130+09:30

In lieu of the #YAsaves discussion that erupted online, I decided to turn inward. I wanted to think about how much my family, specifically my mother, played in my love of reading.

I asked my mother and sister the same kind of questions to see how my mother saw her own parenting in relation to reading and how my sister's reading may have differed from my own.

Erin, twenties

What is your first book memory?
Reading a Fudge book??? I think that is what is was and realising there is no Father Xmas.

(Nice...Judy Blume reference off the bat. 'I still love 'Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing'....does that novel spoil the notion of Santa?)

What were your favourite books as a kid, and as a teen?
RL Stine and then Looking for Alibrandi, Tomorrow When the War Began

(It is with pride that I note that these were all books that I read and were passed down. My grandmother gifted most of the RL Stine which is pretty cool. The Marchetta is well loved in my family.)

What role did you parents play in your reading?
Hmmmm, I think we were encouraged.

To what effect did the reading habits of your parents have on your own reading?
None

(My dad didn't read - hasn't read a book since 1967 if I recall my eight grade project. My mother read in front of us quite a lot, especially on Sundays).

How would you categorise your reading as an adult? What do you like the read?
Occasional reader, usually when on planes. Anything really, true crime, thriller, tear jerkers.

(Same childhood, different reading paths. I read all the time - always have. I can't stand anything true crime or detective driven...)

Mum, fifties

What is your first book memory?
Chinese Fairy Tales

(My mum grew up in Dundas in the 50s/60s so I find her reading something cultural diverse to be really intriguing. Definitely makes me wonder if the choices my grandparents made, and the books my grandmother sent to my siblings and I, represent the open-mindedness in reading. Or maybe it just sounds weird to me?)

What were your favourite books as a kid, and as a teen?
Chinese Fairy Tales and a book about a duck which had a ring around his neck - the duck was called Ping. As a teenager I can remember reading the book called "The Little Red School Book" which had been banned and gave lots of information on sex, contraception and explained some of the mystifying terminology that older people used.

(My mother, the rebel. Think back to my Forever days... I looked up this book and it was banned in Victoria and Queensland in 1972. Two Danish school teachers wrote a book all about sex and drugs. You can find out more here.)

Did you make a conscious decision about your parenting in relation to reading?
Can't remember a conscious decision about reading, but do remember doing readers with you particularly and getting library books (but I don't remember helping you choose them) I think your early teachers did more than I did. And as you had advanced reading skills I do remember you reading things like Saddle Club etc which were aimed at older children than you were. I also remember that my mother used to send you lots of those books and you devoured them.

(I think Erin was the one that read Saddle Club, I was reading Babysitter's Club, Sweet Valley High and RL Stine - not Goosebumps ewww.)

How would you categorise your reading as an adult? What do you like the read?
I like to read travel documentation but have more difficulty reading now as my eyes are tired and I can't read without glasses.

(Really, really not looking forward to that. I can remember how heartbroken my grandfather was when his eyes couldn't take in the newspaper anymore.)

Would you tackle reading with your children now on reflection?
On reflection, I would have my children spaced out further apart and choose a partner who helped more, so that I could have more one to one time with my children and books. It was difficult to juggle three children's competing needs after school with books and quite frankly I didn't do it well quite a bit of the time. I would like to make reading more exciting and interesting.

(Frankly, that's a hard question. Parenting on reflection isn't really that much fun. Mum had three kids under four - I am surprised she had time to shower, let alone encourage us to read. And she did - she modelled reading for enjoyment, made sure there was lots of reading material in the house, took us to the library and all while she worked...she underestimated herself. Plus the joy of being the bossy elder meant that I could impart my wisdom, or perhaps just my overbearing nature, onto my younger sister and brother. It trickles down, people.)

In my case - I was born a reader. I was brought up in a family where reading (and education) were valued but not emphasised. I am the product of a non-reader and an occasional reader. My sister is an occasional reader, my brother is an internet and back of dvd reader and I read a lot. We were brought up in the same family, in the same schools with the same resources and we all differ in terms of our reading choices.

How much did my parenting affect my reading choices? Not a huge amount. I think I would have read no matter what. I was always ahead of where I "should" be. But having access to books at home, seeing my mother read for enjoyment, good teachers and regular library access all had a role. My primary school teachers and librarian were all amazing individuals - my mother was right to credit them.

But my mother never corralled our reading. She wanted us to read whatever interested us. My grandmother was also an influence. She would send boxes of books (and other crap) regularly - I always loved the Babysitter's Club Super Specials the best. We lived in a small town in the country so we didn't have bookstores - only the library. New books came in the form of care packages every few months. Paradise for a book nerd.

I find it interesting in my mother's response that she was reading books that were banned in her childhood and teen years. Her parents may or may not have influenced what she read. I cannot conceive that my grandmother would have approved her reading The Little Red Schoolbook but I think my mum would have found it anyway. I suspect this in turn affected her choices on what we could read...anything we wanted.

I don't even know if mum knew I was reading Stephen King novels at 10/11. Or Judy Blume's Forever - though I did get in trouble for that one at school (read here.) It didn't matter - I was reading. If it were too much I would do as John Marsden and Judy Blume suggested, I would have stopped reading.

I would like to encourage you to reflect on your own reading and how much, or how little, your family influenced your reading.

The Vampire Diaries #2: The Secret Circle - you in?

2011-06-06T17:21:00.003+09:30

I was judgemental about The Vampire Diaries, I admit it. I won't ever read the books (though I have respect for LJ Smith) but I have a kernel of love for the television show adaptation in my withered heart.

But did you know, the US network CW have picked up another show reinventing LJ Smith's vision? It's paranormal again but this time around it's all about the witchy ones.

And here we go... THE SECRET CIRCLE

Yes, that is Life Unexpected's Britt Robertson as Cassie.
The town is called Chance Harbor - ick
The blonde boy next door needs a serious hair cut (90210 - the early years called and they want their hair and leather jacket back). He's unfortunately a homegrown Aussie - we claim no responsibility for his throwback look!
No principal is that attractive...even if they are, they are so stressed they fail to look so in a very short amount of time.
Adam might be cute in some circles but to me he shall always be the whiny John Connor in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Phoebe Tonkin (Australia's own) is working it as the bad girl Faye - she's the only one that makes an impression out of the entire cast.
If someone you don't know takes you to an abandoned house in the woods - DON'T GO!
Gale Harold (aka older strange dude / Diana's dad) - can do charismatic and twisted just as well as Ian Somerhalder. But he doesn't have sparkly blue eyes :(
"If you're reading this and I'm gone..." letters are lame.
Odds are drunk, weird dude is probably Cassie's dad

While I sound skeptical, I was about TVD too. I wrote it off and if you look back at the first few eps of TVD you'll remember why. I know nothing about the book series so any guesses above are based purely on the 6 minutes of the pilot episode.

I guess we'll see about this one....

YA Saves: WSJ thoughts...

2011-06-05T15:56:00.006+09:30

My mantra in life is “the only way out is through”. You can’t avoid, you need to tackle your issues and wade through the mess until it’s left in your dust and you’re stronger.

We’ve all had rough roads. Some more than others. Those who have been blessed not to have suffered hardship are probably feeling guilty for having been let be. Whether upbringing or circumstance – life isn’t sunshine, puppies and roses. But we all aspire for it to be that. We want love. We want peace. We want to be happy.

But sometimes happiness can feel alien, or worse…impossible.

The Wall Street Journal published an article that branded YA as “… rife with explicit abuse, violence and depravity.” Which it is not. That's like saying golf is a stick and a ball plus weird hats. It removes storytelling from the equation, simplifying it to subject matter. I can do that too - with a Nicholas Sparks novel (death, death, death, tears, death.)

Young adult literature isn’t about pigeonholing – dividing readers by gender, age or preparedness, it is about shining a light on the plight of others. Whether that is stewing over having red hair, suffering from unrequited love or living in the aftermath of tragedy – it allows the reader to sympathise, empathise and ultimately became more understanding and less judgemental.

I grew up in white bread country towns where there was little to no diversity. I don’t mean just cultural diversity either – everyone was the same. Everyone was white, everyone was straight, everyone believed in God, everyone played sport (whether they were proficient or not) and everyone saw life in the same way. But the secret is – not one of those statements was true. It just appeared to be. The perception was hurtful, a prison for teens wanted to discover their own identities. The pressure was too encompassing.

And yet there was an out.

Reading allowed me to see the world through many different eyes.

Their truth, their stories.

Reading Forever (Judy Blume) allowed me to make choices from my teen years onward about how I wanted to be treated by boys and more importantly, how I would allow myself to be treated. In reading the mistakes and misfortunes of others, I had a hand to hold through the treacherous obstacle course that are the young adult years.

Books can’t protect us from life, they aren’t a Kevlar vest that we can affix to our chests and la-la-la our way through life. But they are a buoy. They allowed us to feel less alone, relatable and understood.

I cannot know what it is like to be a minority. But in reading books that deal with the complexities of racism and cultural exclusion, I have a better idea. I am not making wild guesses, I am experiencing the world through those glasses.

I cannot know what it is like to be a mother. And yet I have read stories about teen mothers, stressful relationships between mothers/daughters and teens contemplating adoption/abortion that allow me to better understand.

I cannot know what it is like to be a teen boy. But I have a better idea now from reading YA.

I’ve read books that detail rape, murder and abuse but not one motivated me to replicate these actions. They didn’t make me murderous, or vengeful. They inspired love in me for those who suffered, for those who trudged through, for those who prevailed. What the WSJ fails to realise is that these stories aren’t about the violence, they are about the hope. They are about getting “through”.

In preventing teens from reading books with darker storylines we are doing them a major disservice. It feels like we’re judging those who have experienced profound tragedy and abuse. That their stories need to be shielded from the world. That they don’t belong to be heard. In hearing these stories, we support them. In reading these stories, we understand. In experiencing these stories, we value our humanity. It’s not about the aggression, the senseless cruelty. It’s about human connection.

Ultimately teens will read what they want to read. Readers, no matter their age, censor themselves. If a book makes them feel uncomfortable, they put it down. If they continue reading, it is for three purposes: 1) it is a class text and they have to, 2) it is so badly written that they need more chuckle-fodder or 3) it provokes thought. Choice is vital. Choice is universal, not solely for those with the largest or loudest (or most widely distributed) voice...but for all.

#YAsaves

**Recommendation: if you are feeling alone the Post Secret is a fantastic addition to your blog reading - "PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard."

Sarah Dessen: Key Note Speech (BookExpo America)

2011-05-30T14:08:00.001+09:30

Hanging out to see...

2011-05-19T21:33:00.000+09:30

I've become a bit of a film fiend of late. I think it's proved to be the most effective means of turning my brain off and just 'being'.

Here are some trailers that have me wanting to sprint back into the theatres asap.
Crazy Stupid Love

Drive

(Yes, I like Ryan Gosling - he can act and he's pretty....that happens less than one would think.)

Page One (doco on New York Times)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Hanna

A Joe Wright directed films starring Saorise Ronan, Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett cloaking a tale of a child assassin within a fairytale - count me in! Extra goodness...the Chemical Brothers scored the film.

Waiting for Forever

Weird enough that it seems to be in my wheelhouse. Plus I have a OC sized soft spot for Rachel Bilson but Tom Sturridge intrigues me. I suspect it will suck but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.

How about you? What are you keen to see?

Mum - Reasons to celebrate her

2011-05-08T19:44:00.002+09:30

For my entire life, my birthday has fallen in the same week as mother's day. Many years it finds itself falling on the same day. For me, it has always been a reminder of that tie. That I wouldn't be here without her... literally. That I wouldn't be right here, right now - without her body, her influence and her love.

I am the first child that my mother introduced into the world. She was only 24, living in a state away from her family and embarking into the unknown. Four and a half years later she was not yet my age and had three little ones causing havoc around her. It's that last sentence that gets me. At my age, my mother had three lives to be responsible for, to be selfless for and to clean up after. It blows my mind. Mainly due to the fact that I can't conceive of being ready for any of that. And that's what makes my mum special...amongst other things.

Some other things:

The Bangles Greatest Hits CD she gave me ten years after she had melted my Bangles cassette tape.
Our collective work ethic....it's from her.
Allowing us all to make her the butt of the joke - whether it be her continual need to declare any male on the celluloid as Tom Cruise or Jerry Seinfeld or her feet.
Encouraging us all to play as many sports as possible and supporting us despite the fact she hadn't had that herself.
Her roast pototoes.
All the times she had to work at the football/netball in the canteen - ugh (I am so so sorry).
Taking that day off five years ago so I could take my class on that excursion...we wouldn't have been able to have gone without you.
For being the perfect height for a hug, and as an arm stand.
For giving me the "talk" while on a freeway so it was impossible for me to flee the car. (You're crafty).
For getting annoyed at us for speaking to each other from another room, and yet you do the same thing (and expecting us to hear you properly :)
For not getting the blogging thing but being completely supportive of it anyway because it made me happy.
For my birthday party this year. I know what that took. Thank you.
For keeping the promise (to take me to Phantom of the Opera the next time it was in town) from when I was eight even though it took 12 years and statute of limitations could have been invoked.
For introducing us to musicals instead of cartoons as children.
For caring for our friends.
For making us all believe we could do anything we wanted (I got a perm - not all choices work out.)
For hating Jerry Lewis - you have taste.
For introducing me to Grand Designs.
For making those golden syrup dumplings and cinnamon cake - they taste like home.
For finally pursuing your wants and seeing the world.
For being you.
For my sister and brother.

Happy Mother's Day, Mum. I love you.

There may be millions of mums but you're extra special because you are mine (and E and R's.)

Restless - A thousand times yes

2011-05-07T07:59:00.000+09:30

Yes. Yes. Yes. Could be cliched but I suspect it won't be. It is directed by Gus van Sant after all, the guy behind movies such as Good Will Hunting and Elephant. The film will be opening at Cannes Film Festival next week.

The plot is described by imdb as "The story of a terminally ill teenage girl who falls for a boy who likes to attend funerals and their encounters with the ghost of a Japanese kamikaze pilot from WWII." We all need a Hiroshi in our lives...am I right?

The kid is Harry Hopper = he might look slightly familiar as his father was the marvelously creative Dennis Hopper. The sister is played by Schuyler Fisk who writes and performs the most lovely folk inspired pop music. She was also Kirsty in the Babysitter's Club Movie and is Carrie's (Sissy Spacek) daughter. Plus...I love Mia Wasikowska

Hot Picks

2011-05-06T17:23:00.003+09:30

I like sharing my finds so I thought I'd post some pop culture laden items that I have been partaking of.

ADELE - 21
I have been transfixed by 21 for what seems like forever. There isn't a track that I don't respond to on some gut level along with her beautiful vocals and the stunning arrangements. I also love that one of my twitter friends indicated that listening to 21 made him dislike his entire gender because of the hurt and anger that permeates this album. Amazing.

If you can check out John Legend's cover of 'Rolling in the Deep' as it is marvellous.

SOMETHING BORROWED
Stay with me...I know it is a chick flick. I saw an early screening a few weeks back as I love the book (it's the best of chick-lit) as it explores the grey area of friendship and romance. There are many moral quandaries in Something Borrowed (Emily Giffin) and while the movie doesn't depict itself as murky, it does show this less-than-desirable behaviour. You see, women in romance films can do worse things than break a heel....like sleep with their best friend's fiance. Is the film as compelling and snappy as the book? No. But it is a lively film that will probably lead into an adaptation of the sequel, Something Blue. All the cast did supremely well but I found the direction and the screenplay a little overwhelming. Elevated by a slightly difference take on females in their 20s and fun performances. However, Ginnifer Goodwin's wig must die.

John Krasinski is awfully cute but not all that different than his role on The Office (US).

FAST 5
Big grin. Brainless, tongue-in-cheek action flick with Vin Diesel and The Rock hitting each other. I don't like cars and yet I've seen each of these films in the cinema. Who cares about the laws of physics? Go with it. Jordana Brewster needs a burger something bad, The Rock seemed to have a sweat gland issue and Vin Diesel should never (ever) smile.

Stay for the last scene. I've never heard such an audible reaction to information revealed on screen before and it made me excited to see the sixth installment.

ELEVEN SCANDALS TO START TO WIN A SCOUNDRAL'S HEART
Sarah MacLean writes fantastically fun and heartfelt historical romance. Some might know MacLean from her YA release, The Season (also great) but her historical romance releases are above the genre. Yes, the titles of this series (also Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake and Ten Ways To Be Adored When Romancing a Lord) are overly long and cumbersome but their insides are a joy.

BLOG FINDS

Post Secret - I have no idea why I failed to learn of this initiative, website, book series and exhibits before but I adore it. Strangers share their innermost secrets anonymously on a homemade postcard and send it to Frank Warren. What results is a curious blend of art, humanity and a sense of community - it is impossible not to see yourself in others with this project. Moving and important.
Letters of Note - Some days I don't read the updates because I am not interested but there are some fascinating historical pieces of correspondence on this blog. The letter Jim Morrison's (The Doors) father wrote to the Parole Commission when his son was arrested for lewd behaviour. A telling reflection of this man and the fractured (yet loving) relationship he had with his son.
Cultural Learnings - anyone who is invested in television probably knows about Miles McNutt and his critical breakdown of television episodes (whether it is Friday Night Lights, How I Met Your Mother or Community.). Hes critical, he's insightful and you always come away thinking of a performance, a line or a arc in a different way. I also cannot conceive of when this man sleeps as his discussions are so lengthy and he covers many shows (from a variety of genres) each day...incredible. Worth a look if only for his Three Glees theory.

GAME OF THRONES

I have never read the book in which this HBO adaptation is based but three episodes into this series and I am hooked. I find myself particularly invested in the personal journey of Daenerys, who we meet as her brother marries her to Drago as part of his machinations for the throne. She's young, she's powerless and she's terrified. And yet, she learns very very quickly. The intelligence and subtlety of Emelia Clarke's performance is lovely, as are all the performances on this series.

PODCASTS

Remote Viewing - recorded in Melbourne and reflecting on Australian releases the trio behind this podcast host interesting discussions on the state of Australian and international cinema and diverse reviews. I particularly enjoy their weekly discussion whether it be the works of John Hughes, cult cinema or the nature of hype. One of these days I'll sneak my way on ....
Now Playing - I am in love. Thorough, insightful and deep discussions of a movie from a variety of perspectives (newbie, movie fan, obsessive) all with a sense of humour. I started listening for their Scream franchise retrospective and now have been sucked in completely. I am starting on the Philip K. Dick adaptations and then play on going back to the Back to the Future retrospective. My saviour on public transport. If you are a horror fan, they've worked through the entire Halloween franchise and they have just started on X-Men leading up to the release of X-Men: First Class.

What are you digging on?

Television + Singing = :)

2011-05-04T17:35:00.002+09:30

Apparently it is very possible to sing Whitney Huston well on a reality television show....even more amazing when you consider this singer is 14 and male.

I blame Young Talent Time. My enjoyment of people singing on television knows no end.

What's new, Pussycat?

2011-05-03T21:37:00.002+09:30

What's new?

Well...not a cat.

It's a Dog - insideadog.com.au.

While I've stepped away from Persnickety Snark I am blogging more over at the Dog. I'm not alone. Last month Gayle Forman (If I Stay, Where She Went) was our writer in residence and this month we have the fabulous homegrown Leanne Hall (This is Shyness).

What you might like to check out?

Gayle Forman's posts from the road (publicising Where She Went) and other adventures.
Leanne Hall started blogging today about her recommendations for YA book clubs.
We brainstormed a book list of YA titles involving royal families to celebrate the big wedding. There are more of these book lists to come!
We launched a new competition - design a cover for Maile Meloy’s The Apothecary and win a Text prize pack of titles.
When there is a movie adaptation of a book you want to unsee so you can experience the book first. I name check Pollyanna which I am sure most of you haven't heard of.
This great video from the US depicting the reading journey.
Discussion post - Hunger Games: is it better to look the role, or play the role well?
The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s announced its shortlist for Book of the Year: Older Readers.
The Book Clubs are continuing to grow in number - the titles alone are worth a gander.
The teacher resources continue to receive a lot of traffic as they run the gamut of YA literature in an online setting - from literature circles to book clubs to creative responses we have it all.

So as you can see, I am still producing content (just slightly different). You can add this blog to your blog reader with the following rss feed - http://www.insideadog.com.au/blog/all/rss

Catch you around the web!

Kiss and Tell

2011-04-19T21:31:00.001+09:30

I've posted about my favourite singing and dancing scenes...I thought I would cover my favourite smooches.

The Notebook
Ahh the longing, the passion, the....rain. Rachel McAdams is so pretty she can make the drowned look, complete with smudged make up, look fantastic. Link to youtube.

Empire Records
AJ has been lusting after Cory for forever. He sets a timeline for his love declaration and chooses the worst possible time to reveal his true feelings. He gets the girl in the end with a clumsy, dramatic never ending swaydip with Renee Zellweger singing 'Sugar High' in the background. The acting is abysmal (and the audio is out of sync on this video) but I adore it anyway specifically the line "...it wasn't just some stupid feeling in my stomach like everything else." My favourite thing about this kiss is the way they tentatively look at one another for what seems like forever before touching lips. It's almost as if they are worried that the spell might be broken.

Stealing Beauty
Since the moment I saw this movie I've been rather transfixed. I have adored Liv Tyler since the beginning of her career and this is the reason. Lucy travels to Italy to learn about her deceased mother from her greatest friend. She also has convinced herself that it is time to lose her virginity to a summer crush from many moons ago - the son of her mother's best friend. Instead she finds someone much more suited... (Note - This movie has one of the best soundtracks ever and some lovely quiet performances that I can happily watch over and over again.)

Practical Magic
I knew I was being manipulated - the music, the framing, the acting but boy did I like Sandra Bullock's husband in the whole minute he was in that movie. I love Mark Feurerstein (this continues in In Her Shoes) but when Bullock starts running down the street followed by many dogs so she can kiss this greengrocer - the heart swells. Unfortunately all the youtube videos of this scene were beyond horrific in quality.

Reality Bites
Sure Ethan Hawke looked as though he were going to swallow Winona Ryder whole but it was a nice pay off for the barbed, tense and hormone fuelled relationship between the two characters.

Interestingly I used to think Troy was hot and mysterious and now I find him manipulative and loathsome. It is amazing how much things change from your teens to your late twenties.

My Girl
I mean c'mon!

The Cutting Edge
I am still waiting for the YA equivalent of these two - so much animosity, so much tension, so much "foreplay". This kiss was earned...

I want to be Kate Mosley...but less bitchtastic.

Sixteen Candles
...you know why.

An Officer and a Gentleman
I hate the idea of a girl being 'saved' but this scene is iconic.

And last but not least...the kiss of death from The Godfather II

Have you got some faves?

Persnickety Snark Traffic Report

2011-04-10T21:00:00.000+09:30

According to my stats on blogger these are the top 10 posts on PSnark (according to unique hits):

Final List - Top 100 YA Novels (2010)
Redheads Rule!
Harry & Me (scratch that) Ron & Me
Epilogues: When Stories End with Ugh
Persnickety Snark Question Forum (I continue to be stunned by this - most boring post ever)
Thoughts on Negative v. Critical Reviews
Friday Night Lights - Season 5 Promo (people obv have taste)
Boy Next Door or Girl's Next Bore?
Top 100 YA Novels (96-100)
Persnickety Snark's FIVE Challenge of 2010

What I find very interesting is that not one of these posts is a review. I've never thought I've been a strong reviewer and I think this supports that. Five of the posts are discussion/reflection posts on YA related topics (I love that the redhead post is #2). This is reflected in further stats that show my discussion page gets 100% more traffic than any other page link at the top of the blog.

These are the top search terms keyed in to get to PSnark:

persnickety snark (given)
If I Stay movie
Friday Night Lights season 5
Alex Reads Twilight
Sarah Dessen new book 2011
Unrequited Love
It's Not Summer Without You
Team Gale (yeah!)
Ranger Apprentice movie
The Weasley Family

This really doesn't make all that much sense to me. #10 relates to the above #3 but other than that I am at a loss.

Inspiration - Lynda Day

2011-04-06T21:46:00.001+09:30

Growing up there were two people I wanted to be.

Jo March. Which is pretty much a given....if you take Professor Bhaer out of the equation. Which I never will. It's a bugbear that I can't relinquish. (More here.)

The other person was also fictional but from a television series. She was a character I loved from the beginning despite being a dictator who no sense of humour and a penchant for over sized cardigans, short flouncy skirts and tights. Her name was Lynda Day and she was a pocket rocket on a power high. I adored her. The editor of The Junior Gazette, she was my role model as a tween onwards. A girl who was smart, driven and wouldn't take no for an answer. She was a bulldozer in Doc Martins.

Press Gang was a British television show that ran from 1989 until 1993. It was broadcast on the Australian Broadcast Company (ABC) every afternoon as part of the children's programming block. The premise of the show was a famous investigative journalist starts editing The Gazette and sets up a junior publication. Students managed the paper in the hours before and after school. The staff was made up of a mixture of the highly academic (Lynda, Sarah, Kenny) and the delinquents who were forced to use their time productively (Spike, Frazz, Colin). The running arc was the day to day operations of the newspaper plus the Lynda/Spike relationship with self contained investigations each episode.

While I adore Spike...I will watch Dexter Fletcher (the British actor who spoke with an American accent the entire run of the show) in anything - it was also the Lynda show for me. While she was on occasion called a bitch, not undeservedly at times, she was a compelling character. Brittle, feisty and completely lackingthe ability to socialise. She was fascinating in her sheer power of will.

The show was smart and well ahead of the times. I still remember their episodes on teen suicide and huffing with clarity. The idea for the show was formulated by an Glaswegian head master and pitched to ITV. The head master was Bill Moffat. When the pitch was picked up, he recommended his son (Stephen Moffat) a twenty-five year old English teacher write the script. Stephen wrote it, they LOVED it and the rest is history. Twenty years later that man is the head writer for the BBC's Doctor Who, Coupling and the upcoming movie The Adventures of Tin Tin.

Today I read that Sawalha and Moffat continue to talk about a reunion and it is my fervent wish that this happens. I want to see where Lynda is today, with or without Spike. She's compelling enough on her own!

Who were your inspirations as a tween?

You Make Me Wish That I Could Sing

2011-04-05T19:00:00.001+09:30

Being able to break out in song ....in key has been a dream of mine since before I could see over the kitchen table. So watching people express their emotions through song has always been a two edged blade - one that cut and made me smile.

Here are some of my favourite musical moments in cinema:

Easy A - Knock on Wood
Didn't make a huge amount of sense other than you should always break into song if you can. A great tribute to John Hughes and female empowerment in this snarky tale.

Ferris Buller's Day Off - Danke Schoen
Only this movie could have made a Wayne Newton song cool. While the whole parade scene is fabulous - I am much more fond of Danke Schoen lip syncing for some unknown reason. Matthew Broderick's commitment to singing those lyrics is a joy to behold.

"Thank you for Central Park in fall".

Mary Poppins - Feed The Birds
Such a melancholy song that just tugs at you. Always loved it even as a young tucker. After looking it up on wikipedia I read this "Walt Disney himself made the unusual request that the bird woman, though a non-speaking part (except for one line, stating the first line of the song's chorus), be a cameo by one of his favorite character actresses, Academy Award winner Jane Darwell. In her mid eighties and semi-retired from acting (she took episodic guest appearances about once per year in television shows), Ms. Darwell had recently moved into the Motion Picture Country Home due to her advanced age and feebleness. Needing neither the money nor the screen credit she declined the role. Walt Disney, still insistent, personally drove to the retirement home to plead with her. Charmed and flattered that she was so wanted, she agreed to take the part. Walt later sent a limousine to bring her to the studio. It was her last screen appearance or acting role." Beautiful considering it is a story about giving.

The Hangover - Stu's Song
Why the heck not?

Meet Me in St. Louis - The Trolley Song
Judy Garland...heaven

Oklahoma - Surrey With A Fringe On Top
This musical was my introduction to show biz. I was in grade one and the high school was recruiting for their production of Oklahoma. I got to dress up as a chook to dance around the surrey for two nights at the Burra Community School production in the town hall. Ahh memories. I honestly can't remember all that much other than wearing black gloves with sequins on them....that and having a ball amongst all the older kids.

It's a musical I've always loved (but FF'ed through the ballet section). I believe my love of the bad boy might have started with Jed - I was always quite taken with him and I have no idea why. He's kind of gross and depressing. My favourite character was always Ado Annie!

10 Things I Hate About You - Cruel To Be Kind
"...in the right measure". Oh boy. This plus Heath Ledger's serenade of "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" = swoon-ville.

I can't NOT put Heath Ledger up now -

My Best Friend's Wedding - Say A Little Prayer
Just makes you wish you were sitting at the table joining in! I love how low and ridiculous Rupert Everett starts and how bad pretty much everyone is at singing. This is what a family singalong is traditionally like - tone deaf.

Mamma Mia - Waterloo
I am sorry but seeing Colin Firth singing in lyrca just has me in fits. He committed so wholeheartedly to being atrocious that I could help but love him more. Don't believe me, look at his high stepping entrance - brilliant! Unlike hearing Pierce Brosnan singing which has me clawing at my ears.

Fame
I've watched this one since before it was appropriate. I had no idea why Coco took her shirt off or what happened to Raoul's sister but I loved two songs more than life itself. Body Electric - it's just bliss, everything in my body relaxes when I hear this song. The opening singer looks scarily like Anna Kendrick as well.
But my favourite is 'Is It Okay If I Call You Mine?" the actor Paul McCrane (who became the armless and bald Dr Romano on ER) wrote this song and it's just filled with yearning and sadness. Very close to my heart.

Beaches - Otto Titsling
For some reason this tune has been popping into my head at the oddest moments of late. Very catchy!

Hit me with your hits!

You Make Me Want To Dance

2011-04-04T20:58:00.003+09:30

As someone who is devoid of rhythm, I've always been oddly fascinated by those who can dance. Part of it was my formative years watching the simple steps of the Young Talent Time gang, part of it was the impact of watching musicals from an early age. That being said, if I were to be granted an ability right now - singing or dancing - I would go the former.

But dancing seems so far away from what I am capable of and so transformative that it is almost magical. This might explain why I will see pretty much an dance movie that is released on the big screen.

Here are a couple of my favourite dance routines from many years of watching :)

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - Barn Dance
I love how dorktastic the acting and storyline is. I love the painted background canvas. I am weirded out that it's based on an Ancient Roman legend called (and I am not kidding) The Rape of the Sabine Women. I love that it's nearly so awesome that it's wonderful. Starting off with a traditional line dance it becomes increasingly athletic, daring and much much less about the gals. I also find it hilarious that it took two failed group thinks before they figuring out how to wrest the gals free of the town's gents! They totally get my respect back by using a leap frog to up the blandly dressed dullards.

As a kid I had a terrible crush on the red shirt brother (Frank played by Tommy Rall). I never remembered his name, just that the red dye didn't take as well on him as the others. After listening to the audio commentary (yes, I am one of those people) I found out that the reason we don't see the classically trained, exceedingly tall Julie Newmar dancing much is because her brother (the tallest dude they could find) wasn't a dancer but a basketballer!

And Mr Rall, I know you're 81 but I totally love you!

* Random fact - Blue shirt is the father of Joan of Arcadia's Amber Tamblyn.

Footloose - Prom Dance (apologies for the Italian version)
I LOVE this dance scene. The first reason is the finger crooking of the unknown extra at the beginning. The second is for Ren and Rowdy doing their little dance and thirdly everyone genuinely looks like they are having a blast. You can't help by laugh by the confetti smudging effect on the camera, Rowdy's bake and shake moves to impress SJP and how impressed Ren/Kevin Bacon is with his cocky moves (and stunt dancer flip). It's shameless, it's self-impressed and it's purely 80s. I adore it (and still loathe Ariel, even though Ren's a bit of ick-fest anyway.)

While the fish eye lens and streamers can be distracting, it makes the simplicity of the footwork shots that much more brilliant. I love the sound of many feet hitting the floor in the same rhythm (just as long as it isn't river dancing). The brilliance of this scene is that most of the dance moves are completely within the capabilities of a normal person (except rubber dude and break dancer dude). Lastly, the 'everybody cut' sashaying in unison is classic.

Anyone else wonder where all that glitter is falling from?

Singin' in the Rain - The Rain Dance
It horrifies me to think that most kids introduction to 'Singing in the Rain' will be via Glee. It is an arts education in a poorly devised, inconsistent narrative barren forty minute episode. Matthew Morrison is NO Gene Kelly. Kelly might not have had the strongest voice but he danced with athleticism and panache. This is a classic.

I was tempted to add many more Kelly dances but there are only so many hours in the day. Good Morning is a favourite (I used to sing that to my class every morning in Japan) as is everything else that man/dancer/choreographer/director did on film. He was a genius.

West Side Story - Opening
Finger snaps all round! Brilliant choreography combined with brilliant direction combined to set the scene for the animosity between the Sharks and the Jets. While I never really cared for Maria and Tony I totally invested in the opening of this film. The co-directors Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise won an Oscar for their efforts and hired blue shirt (aka Russ Tamblyn - also wearing a blue shirt with mujacket in this scene) as the character Riff in this movie. Unfortunately, gangsters do move this gracefully in real life.

Mary Poppins - Step in Time
Are my musical roots showing? I recently saw the production of Mary Poppins and their depiction of this routine was phenomenal but I do love the original. Life isn't complete before a) you've heard Dick van Dyke's horrible cockney accent and b) you've seen chimney sweeps dance in unison. On re-acquaintance it is interesting to see the darkened dancers against a marginally lighter background, the contrast really works to show off their physicality. I do wish Mary hadn't joined in. I love Julie Andrews (she's up there with Noni Hazelhurst goddess status for me) but she's not a great dancer. Having seen this routine back to back I see many similarities with that of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

If you could dance like this wouldn't you have joined the circus instead of sweeping ungrateful British sod's chimneys?

Dirty Dancing - Mickey and Sylvia
This movie came out when I was seven though I didn't see it for many years after. I made up for that during grade 11 when my boarding school housemates watched the finale dancing scene on repeat for a good term. No exaggeration, ten full weeks. I would complain more but the term prior was Titantic-themed.

There's just something so undeniable awesome about people writhing on the floor and lip syncing (this does not apply to anyone who ever was a Disney employee).

"Spaghetti arms!"

Unfortunately no embeddable video so click here.

(500) Days of Summer - You Make My Dreams
It comes out of nowhere and I loved it. Halls & Oates + blue costuming + Joseph Gordon Levitt = sigh. Also, I am partial to a nonsensical marching band.

Centre Stage - Finale
Like whoa. Doesn't matter that I was in love with the bland Charlie (I was a teen, cut me a break), I LOVED this entire routine.

A Knight's Tale - Golden Years
In context it doesn't work but I love it anyway. It looks fun and easy so why not?

The Breakfast Club - The Molly Ringwald
I am fluent in both the Ringwald and the Allison shake down. I wish I could retain my balance on a ledge enough to do everything they do on theirs :)
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I have missed many but what makes you want to dance?

Dear Lenore

2011-03-25T16:12:00.000+10:30

Dear Lenore

I have known* you now for over two years. When I found myself lost in the overwhelming currents of YA bloggerdom (specifically the hows, whys and don’ts) you responded to my queries and requests with class. You might not have known at the time that you’d tossed me a raft or two but you were never doing it to save me. You were doing it to be of assistance, to offer support, to be kind. That is you in a nutshell – you’re there as a guiding force, someone to set the bar. Not to be the be all and end all but to be the beacon.

You can imagine my surprise this morning when I heard your news. That our Lenore was going to be a published author. I knew you wrote of course but to hear that not only were you getting published, that you had brokered a new kind of deal was mind blowing (but not all that surprising.)

I believe that what you give out comes back to you. While this doesn’t pertain to your writing talent (of which I am sure is bountiful), it does to you as a person.

Congratulations Lenore.

As a person, as a blogger and as a writer you continue to set the standard!

With mountains of respect,
Adele

*hopefully this will bridge the online 'know' and into the actual 'know' at some point :)

Ethel Turner Prize shortlist

2011-03-16T18:39:00.001+10:30

The NSW Premier's Literary Award shortlist were announced today. Of particular interest are those on the Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature shortlist.

They are a great list of titles, all authored by Australian women! The 2011 shortlisted writers are...

Michelle Cooper - The FitzOsbornes in Exile: The Montmaray Journals - 2
Cath Crowley - Graffiti Moon
Kirsty Eagar - Saltwater Vampires
Belinda Jeffrey - Big River, Little Fish
Melina Marchetta - The Piper's Son
Jaclyn Moriarty - Dreaming of Amelia

A big congratulations to the lovely ladies that authored these titles - worthy recognition of their writing. A fantastic list, I shall be interested to see who takes the prize.

My new favourite blog - The Book Lantern

2011-03-16T17:08:00.000+10:30

I very rarely do this so know that I mean it. Last week I came across The Book Lantern blog which only started last month. In the interest of full disclosure, I stumbled across it as they'd listed Persnickety Snark in their blog roll (yes, I have Google alerts).

Out of narcissistic interest I followed the link over.

Two minutes later I was already entering their html address into my Google Reader.

Why?

I am partial to discussion posts. They are the element of Persnickety Snark that I loved writing the most. They are apparently the one element of Persnickety Snark that you enjoyed reading (recommending and linking) the most. (I have statistical evidence of this, I am not trying to be a cretin). I am not a blogger who typically reads many reviews, I am much more engaged by what people are saying about the genre, the topics and the news.

So The Book Lantern was like a dream come true. Well written, clearly argued positions on various elements of youth literature. I might be in whole hearted agreement, or shut down / arms crossed denial, but I respect their ability to discuss different topics in an intelligent and supported way. They tend to reference a whole gamut of titles when discussing topics, no matter the author. Yes, there is a bent towards referencing paranormal titles but that's YA as a whole.

Four contributors write for the blog and as a result it's updated regularly with quality posts. There isn't anything whiz-bang, gee whiz about The Book Lantern it is just purely well crafted, knowledgable and smart reflections on YA. Something that we can always have more of.

Brava, The Book Lantern!

Japan - Love to You

2011-03-11T19:49:00.002+10:30

When news broke of the earthquake (and subsequent tsunami) that hit Japan I was frightened. I spent the entirety of 2010 in Japan teaching three year olds and my thoughts instantly went to my little babies, their families and the staff of my school.

They aren't in the direct hit area but I want to send my love. One mum told me "It was soooooo horrible. We are okey". This makes me feel better for them but my love goes out to the country that made me feel so welcomed. It is truly frightening to see people go through this kind of horror. My love to them all.

Dog Aunt Adele

2011-03-10T20:47:00.001+10:30

I've been nagging my sister for a niece or nephew for years and within the past few months I got both. Just in fluffier, non verbal form. First there was Lucy (or Lucy-goose). She's already got the alphabet down and is hitting the books hard!

And for the glamour shot...

...slightly out of focus. She has wonderful taste in books.

And now there's OP - - - - otherwise known as Optimus Prime.

What is the point to all this dog randomness? Well the Centre for Youth Literature has just launched a website called InsideADog after the Groucho Marx quote - "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." It's YA Goodreads (except book trailers, chapter and audio book samples are attached) with a YA author as writer in residence every month, book clubs, forums and a blog overseen by me. (Teachers and librarians there are resources specifically for you too!) I am even posting reviews as SnarkyWench!

This month the New Zealand author Brian Falkner is our writer in residence. In honour of his presence we are hosting a competition to win a prize pack of his books - just post a picture of your dog reading to be in the running. There are some gorgeous entrants already....check em out!

Two Months: PSnark is still quiet

2011-03-09T20:31:00.005+10:30

Tomorrow I celebrate my second month working at the State Library of Victoria. That means I have been living in Melbourne for two months and one day and I cannot believe how fast it has flown by.

Plenty has changed. For instance...

I thought that scaling back on Persnickety Snark would be tremendously difficult having spent so many hours on it over two years. Weirdly it hasn't been. I post every now and again. I plan on reviewing YA movies when I have the time and updating people on what I am up to but I don't miss posting daily. I love Persnickety Snark but the opportunity to direct my passion for YA into a profession, my career, is more than a worthy replacement.
Privacy. I've always been someone who approached PSnark as professionally as I could. I made minimal connections to my personal life. That made transitioning to the library easier but I do have to watch what I tweet (thus less tweeting) and post here (thus less PSnarking). (Unfortunately this has increased my use of thus.) Honesty is great but my words can reflect on my employer - even if my opinions differ from theirs.
Colleagues and friends. I've never worked or been friends with people who read. That may be hard to believe but I realise now that was part of the reason I started blogging. I am not particularly shy or inhibited, I just couldn't find people who loved what I love. Now I am surrounded by them at work and outside of that and I feel like I am flying. Don't underestimate how important these kinds of connections are, especially if they are genuine, smart and passionate people.

Melbourne. I love it. I love it. I really, really do - to quote Justine Clarke. I still hate getting up and close to people I don't know in the train but then I am lifted to the surface from the Melbourne Central subway and I cannot help but smile. Some people love a sunset, I love the Shot Tower and it's cage cone (or cornucopia if you will - where is Katniss?)
Bookstores. I've been slowly getting to know more around the city and hope to start working my way out. From Readings, to the (Lil) Little Bookroom, to Rendezvous - I love booksellers who know what they are talking about. I still have so many more to visit and that makes me exited. I feel like I should document my bookstore jaunts on a map while wearing a hat and wielding a whip. I am taking suggestions....
Borders and A&R. I would say I am surprised that the bottom fell out but I am not. Anyone who is in the industry or blogging about the industry would have been well aware. It doesn't mean that it doesn't make me sad. I grew up in country towns where bookstores were the secondhand basket at the petrol station - I still get zippy from being in any bookstore. It feels like a privilege.
Blogging differently. I am now the main contributor for the insideadog.com.au news blog, the teaching and librarian professional blog Read Alert as well as their associated Twitter and Facebook profiles. Believe me when I say that I am still blogging a lot, just not here. The former blog is teen directed and involves short, sharp and shiny posts about books, films and authors. The later involves referring people to great resources, suggesting fun reads, reminding people of dates and (hopefully) soon showing off professionals who are great at their jobs. (Links to all of these are in the right sidebar).
Work. I've been crazy busy but I love it. It can be draining but the pay off is huge. Seeing people's faces when they see the redeveloped website, or planning elements of the upcoming Reading Matters conference is simply rewarding. Last night we launched the website (more info here) at The Age and it was a brilliant opportunity to meet many individuals that I have known from Twitter and blogging - Marg from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader, Megan from Literary Life, Andrew from YA Bookpile, Rhiannon Hart who's transitioning from blogger to blogging author, a range of authors and a whole host of teachers, teacher librarians and librarians who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and just darn nice. They made me feel welcomed into their community in a way that is impossible to describe. Thank you.
I need to find time to read. I've always read a lot and very fast but it's become more difficult. I rarely get to sit on a train and find it impossible to both read and retain my balance. That being said I have read a few lately - Leanne Hall's This is Shyness, Elizabeth Euberg's The Lonely Harts Club, Denis Wright's Violence 101 and Ursula Dubosarsky's The Golden Day. Diverse and fun.
Weirdly, some people I tweeted with who were unrealted to YA blogging have become friends in Melbourne.
I still have no idea where I am in Melbourne outside of the immediate city. If you ask me where I live, I can say the name but not point in its direction. I wish I were kidding.
I cannot believe how much coffee Melbourne people consume. I swear if one of them were bitten by a vamp the caffeine in their system would repel the vampirism.
I have a burning urge to study - even if it is for my own amusement or into my family history. I just want to fossick around and unearth information on things that interest me.

Stay cool and please consider checking out insideadog. You can add reviews of YA books, start book clubs and check out the gorgeous pictures of dog reads in the forums.

x

Adele

Ron sings his little ball of light out

2011-03-01T17:30:00.000+10:30

To be honest, I found the Oscars to be a little boring this year. It was all too polite and self congratulatory. It doesn't reflect well when James Franco in Marilyn drag, a Charlie Sheen joke and a cutesy viral fanfic-esque montage were the edgiest aspects of the entire show.

That being said, the fanfic-esque video mash up of Harry Potter, Toy Story 3, Twilight and The King's Speech had me laughing. 'Little Ball of Light' is undoubtedly catchy.

Which 2010 YA Cover is Australia's Finest?

2011-02-23T17:00:00.001+10:30

The winners of the Australian Publishers Association Book Design Awards are announced in May but here are the nomimees for the Best Designed Young Adult Book (sponsored by Griffin Press)

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares (David Levithan & Rachel Cohn)
Cover Designers: Lisa White
Internal Designer:Alfred A Knopf
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Graffiti Moon (Cath Crowley)
Cover Designers: Melanie Feddersen - i2i Designs
Internal Designer:Melanie Feddersen - i2i Designs
Publisher:Pan Macmillan

The Innocents (Nette Hilton)
Cover Designers: Simon Rattray
Internal Designer:Midland Typesetters
Publisher:Random House Australia

Wolfborn (Sue Bursztynski)
Cover Designers: Christa Moffitt, Christabella Designs
Internal Designer:Midland Typesetters
Publisher: Random House Australia

Who deserves to take home the prize?

Which OzYA cover should be deemed the best?Market Research

Film Review: I Am Number Four

2011-02-21T17:44:00.003+10:30

Starring:

Alex Pettyfer, Dianna Agron, Callam McAuliffe, Timothy Olyphant and Teresa Palmer.

Directed by: D.J. Caruso

Synopsis:

Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. Walt Disney Pictures

Review:
Stepping inside the cinema I knew nothing about the premise on which this movie is based upon. My knowledge could be encapsulated into four throwaway facts: 1) Alex Pettyfer is pretty, 2) Dianna Agron is the least talented singer on Glee (but probably the most act-capable), 3) DJ Caruso directed Suburbia, which I quite liked and 4) the book in which this film is based was written via James Frey's writing sweat shop.

My expectations were low. Not just low, Twilight and Sex and the City 2 low. I left the theatre surprised. Not JJ Abrams' Star Trek surprised but pleasantly surprised. The story isn't anything new - outsider falls in love with a girl who is anything but the ordinary she pretends to be. Outsider has an epic responsibility and finds that anything is possible with the support of friends. End scene. I Am Number Four is in a nutshell a terribly bland premise with blue hand lights.

And yet, unlike many other paranormal bent teen movies/books this cast can act. Pettyfer wrings all the emotional beats out of a pretty ordinary screenplay but can't ever lift it out of mediocrity. Agron is rowing hard in the same boat and also has to struggle with her arty girl character's propensity for hats. The chemistry only ever truly sparks when there is snoggage - otherwise it doesn't necessarily ring true. Callan McAuliffe does a credible job at both the American accent and finding some nuance in the sidekick role. Teresa Palmer brandishes her Australian accent and ass-kickery to fulfill the role of unexpected hot blond girl. Timothy Olyphant phones in the role with his grimaces and quirky eyebrows but still eats his co-stars up with room to spare.

The effects are passable. The stunts are impressive. Nothing can really be said other than the evil jock could not have been more cliched if they had tried. It does its job well. It crafts a tolerable story with a likeable cast and a certain visual panache.

Buy / Rent / Ignore

**If you like the idea of PSnark being a place to view YA film reviews tell me. I've been flirting with the idea as I will no longer be posting book reviews.

A busy week

2011-02-20T13:18:00.005+10:30

I just realised that I started work in Melbourne on the same day I started Persnickety Snark two years prior. (I totally blanked on my two year bloggiversary) Tell me that doesn't mean something? Or it is purely coincidental? Who knows?

I've told you where I work and some of what I do.

In the past week I've been lucky enough to attend two book events when previously a Reading Matters conference, a NY event and a Melina Marchetta appearance were all I'd been able to do. Melbourne was given the title City of Literature in 2008 and for good reason. There's a lot going on.

Last Sunday I attended the launch of Our Australian Girl, a middle grade series by Penguin. Getting to Readings Hawthorn in one piece and on time was an accomplishment. All four authors were in attendance, as were the cover models (looking very different in modern clothing) and a whole host of other people. Gabrielle Wang is an author who I've gotten to know largely via our shared loved of Supernatural. She's a tiny lady with enormous class (and good taste in pop culture) and it was great to see her speak briefly about the plight of her Chinese/Aboriginal Australian girl. The other three authors (Sherryl Clark, Sofie Laguna and Alison Lloyd) all spoke, as did the editor (Davina Bell - of the divine red dress), publisher (Jane Godwin) and designer of the fabulous covers.

What is exciting and mildly concerning for me was meeting new people. I am a newbie to Melbourne and everything is new. Everything. Public transport, place names, geography, bookstores etc. I know people from years of online communication but I've definitely lacked in getting to know people face to face. Adelaide, my beloved home town, doesn't get the face time that Melbourne and Sydney gets so my predicament is understandable. I am reticent in unfamiliar situations but give me five minutes and I dive in. I like to access the water first. It was fun to meet some of the authors and Penguin team behind this series with its encompassing of Australian history and their stories.

I also got to meet Megan Burke from Literary Life for the first time. Bloggers are people that I know but don't 'know'. I've only ever met four (seriously) - Rhiannon Hart (2009 Reading Matters), Steph Bowe (2009 Inky announcement), Mitali (Cassandra Clare event, Union Square) and the amazing Steph Su (Natural History Museum). It's always fantastic to meet people that share your interest so passionately and immediately kick into 'what are you reading?' talk. Great minds.....read YA :) Megan has been my telescope into Melbourne writing events and launches throughout last year and she's done a bang up job at sharing the event with everyone here. She shares the event in such detail and enthusiasm so you feel like you were there yourself.

I also got to attend another middle grade series event throughout the week. Specky Magee is a series of books that can be found on most desks in Australian schools. Detailing the football (AFL, not soccer) adventures of Simon 'Specky' Magee' it is now reaching the end of the series with the tenth title - Specky Magee. The two authors - Felice Arena & Garry Lyon - spoke about the process in detail (again read Megan's report of the event) and entertained the attendees with sparky repartee. For me it was enormously informative as I got to meet many Melbourne booksellers. I got to hear what they loved reading and what was selling well, aspects of YA that I would normally only guess at. I also go to make them some suggestions - Anna & the French Kiss - and I am waiting on the thank you emails :P I also got to see what Penguin Australia looks like on the inside before their eventual move to the Docklands.

One lovely bookseller asked if I were a blogger (I didn't bring it up, I swear) and I said I was. She then went onto say that she's read this blog for years and that she recommends it to her teen customers. I was a little shocked. In some respects this blog is (was) a reading journal and I would forget people read it. It's lovely to hear, though surprising. I am so sorry I've misplaced your name in my brain, lovely bookseller, but thank you.

And lastly, a big HELLO to Mrs Cernera's English class. Thank you for dropping by. I am sorry that I was your homework but I hope you choose to come by again because you wish to :) This former teacher was delighted to be a small part of your electronic learning.

PSnark's New Online Existence

2011-02-16T09:50:00.002+10:30

I've been promising to update you on my current online adventures for awhile now. Truth be told I've probably been a bit of a tease. But today I am following through.

This week celebrates my fifth week working for the State Library of Victoria in their Centre for Youth Literature (CYL). My role as Program Coordinator encompasses many things from conferences, youth days, professional development and a whole heap of online content. I may not be posting reviews on PSnark anymore but I will be posting them elsewhere. (However, PSnark will continue to host discussion posts and the odd event recap. I've also been asked to construct a series on Australian authors and that will be underway shortly.)

Where can you find me on the web?

Read Alert blog - this is the Centre for Youth Literature blog. Beware it looks a little antiquated but that will change from March. My team will be posting updates on Australian YA, reviews and a lot of new content. I am currently attempting to post every other day and the most recent post is on romance in YA - Love, Romance & Broken Noses.

Inside A Dog - CYL's website has been an ongoing fixture of Australia's YA content but required an overhaul as technology moved ahead. Good news - as of March 08 Inside A Dog will be launched in all of its sparkly brilliance. I am already signed up to contribute reviews under SnarkyWench. Teens and readers in general can create a profile and volunteer reviews on YA titles new and old. Think Goodreads but groovier, younger and much more about peers recommending good reads (pun unintentional). There is professional content for teachers and teacher librarians (and trust me as an educator, its amazing) as well as a writer's in residence program. Each month a new author is spotlighted and contributes three (or more) posts per week over their time on a range of subjects. Previous contributors have been John Green, Scott Westerfeld, Justine Larbalestier, Melina Marchetta, Simmone Howell, Penni Russon, etc

As for me, I shall be manning the Inside A Dog blog with competitions, interviews, spotlighted reviewers, book gossip, interactive discussions and a whole host of other things. While the website isn't up for another three weeks you can hit the link and enter your email address to be advised when it's open to the public. It's pretty, it's awesome and you will love it.

CYL e-newsletter
This little puppy is send out every second month and contains links to our reviews of Australian and international titles, upcoming events and important news. It's very simple to subscribe and we won't inundate you with emails. And yes, I will be creating content and writing reviews for this too :)

Twitter
I am also manning the two twitter feeds for Inside A Dog website @insideadog and our general organisation feed @youthliterature should you be interested.

So hopefully that answers your queries (thanks for the emails) about where to find more Adele YA-content.

Book Blogger Controversy...again?

2011-02-13T21:57:00.003+10:30

The bloggerdom must be pretty bored at the moment as there has been controversy after controversy these past few weeks. I’ve been asked to contribute my thoughts in response to claims last week by a self-published author that bloggers are lacking in objectivity and professionalism etc etc.

While I could give my thoughts in similar lines to last week’s post on the viewpoint that book blogger’s don’t sell books…I won’t. Ultimately writing blogs and reading blogs come down to one singular thing. Choice. You choose to read them or you don’t. You choose to read worthy blogs or you don’t. You choose to paint all book bloggers with the same brush or you don’t. You choose to flame others based on your own subjectivity or you don’t. Objectivity has nothing to do with reviewing, blogging or flaming. Everyone can provide reasoning for their choices but that doesn’t mean they are correct.

I often get caught up into the negativity that surrounds the dregs of book blogging. It takes up much more time than I have to give and it doesn’t have any bearing on my personal blogging. Except when I blog about it. You see I’ve chosen to harp on and on about it numerous times. It’s time for me to let it go.

The only thing in life (and blogging) we can control is ourselves. Our choices. I choose not to read blogs lacking in a voice or that present memes and contests as their only point of view. I choose to read bloggers that are passionate, strongly voice their perspectives and pitch books that are worthy of a readership.

Authors have no power over what a reviewer writes but they do over their reaction. Similarly a blogger has no control over an author’s reaction to their reviews. This is where professionalism comes into play – side with the person who demonstrates the most integrity. The individual that wrote a review justifying their opinions or the person flaming someone for not appreciating their work and blanketing an entire community with a broad stroke. Who showed the most finesse in this situation?

I would argue no one did in the outcry following. It got messy and emotional and stirred the anger of many. This is the primary reason I choose not to write anything about this situation in the days immediately following. It has happened before, it will happen again. But there is a fine line between having the right to speak your thoughts and be attacked when another doesn’t agree with them. Ugliness abounded this issue. Even some commenters, with who I agreed, were particularly noxious in the way they chastised the author in question. It made me feel a little dirty - there’s a huge difference between righteous, well expressed debate and outright hatefulness. While the author was a little sheltered in her ideas, she didn’t deserve the barrage of tut-tuts she received either.

Authors can’t control what a reviewer writes but they can influence the decision on which bloggers receive their books. Whether it be identifying a selection of bloggers who might respond favourably (and with influence) to their work and presenting that to their publisher or asking that a specific blogger not receive a copy. Perhaps ask that a marketing campaign not target bloggers as they are unprofessional (if you feel that way). I would be curious to see if this was a position the author held before or after her work was critically examined. Regardless the author wasn’t reviewed by a blogger lacking skills; in fact she received a critical yet not unkind review. It’s a pity the author didn’t show the same restraint towards the blogging community and the reviews in question.

What is becoming more and more apparent to me is that bloggers who receive ARCs need to be identified specifically for each title. (I understand this creates work, which takes time, which costs money but it’s an idea). Until there is a more selective approach to who receives ARCs we will continue to have these issues. Sure authors might continue to feel betrayed by less than positive reviews regardless but good marketing is knowing your audience. (Had the reviewers bought the author’s book then this is beside the point.) Until publicity departments stop seeing all book bloggers as the same, we will continue to be seen in entirety as the lesser of ourselves.

There are more and more book bloggers coming into the community with every week. Fantastic! But with that come thousands of different subjective perspectives, genres preferences and specific issues. The controversies of the past fortnight point to a larger issue – the community and its sheer volume. A year ago there were murmurings that there should be blogger guidelines, rules if you will. But that was never going to happen. Who has the right to tell you what is right for your blog? No one does. It’s not the answer.

But there are standards of decency. Reading Lindsey Leavitt’s post about a specific person (who identified themselves as a blogger) simply horrified me. But that happens to be a person without common sense or any freaking clue…who also happens to be a blogger. Had I been the publicist nearby (there would have been), I would have written that name down and removed them from EVERY list known to man. Authors can be generous, warm and delightful, they can choose not to be. The same can be said for bloggers. All publishers aren’t the same, all agents aren’t the same and neither are all public restrooms. There are many pizzerias, not all of them can make a great pie. I am a YA blogger, as is Lenore from Presenting Lenore*. The only thing we have in common in regards to our book blogs... is that we blog. She likes dystopian, I like contemporary. She lives in Germany, I live in Australia. She’s married, I am not. She loves cats, I am allergic to them. She doesn’t get Jellicoe Road, I don’t get Before I Fall. I could go on and on. What Lenore and I do have in common is a love of books, a sense of decency in the way we interact with our blogging brethren and author community and a love of Dexter and Mad Men. I might be over simplifying but to be honest, I am making this more complex that those that throw blanket statements of unprofessionalism and accusations of worthlessness.

*Lenore chosen randomly.

As for the claim of unprofessional behaviour, bloggers aren’t. Professional implies it be a profession (aka job) and a salary. Bloggers will tell you that the hours are like a job and the payoff doesn’t come in the form of a pay check. I will speak for myself as I’ve chosen to talk specifics – in the height of my YA blogging days I was devoting 40 hours per week to my blog between reading, writing, emailing, interviewing and networking. That’s a full time position. The only thing guiding me was my own ethics and standards that directed my choices in reviewing and my behaviour toward others.

I am not saying I am an angel. But I think I’ve mostly made good choices. Choices that I can stand by.

In the end that’s all you’ve got.

And I think a few bad ones were made this week.

Opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent my employer's stance.

Calling All Book Nerds!

2011-02-08T20:33:00.001+10:30

You might remember that I have a step-sister called C. who I interviewed for the blog last year. She's currently undertaking her final year of high school. Anyway...C and I have always talked books. I was giving them to her before we spoke all that much and now it's our thing.

I am asking for your advice on her behalf as I just received this email (posted with her permission) -

Hey Adele,

I know how much you love helping me so..... I have another Independent Reading Study to do.

So, here's the deal. I can study 2 novels or a novel and a movie. They need to have heaps of comparisons. Therefore I am begging for your help. If you can think of any send me an e-mail because I would really, really appreciate it.

Thanks!

The thing is that I can really help her a lot. I have heaps of ideas. I was an English teacher after all but what about those obvious or left field ideas that don't occur to me? So I am asking my lovely PSnark readership to suggest two novels / novel and movie pairing that C might choose. She is partial to contemporary and avoids gore and aliens - - her words.

She would love me forever :)

New beginnings in beautiful surrounds

2011-02-07T17:00:00.002+10:30

After training to be a teacher and actually being one for the past 12 years of my life, I have course corrected. Believe me, I love kids. I love teaching them about literature and history but I wanted a more focused career.

Somehow that career found me in Japan. And dragged me back to Australia and into Melbourne.

I've never been more happy.

For the past month I have been working at the State Library of Victoria. Within this stately building are a plethora of divisions of which my organisation - The Centre for Youth Literature - can be found. I am heading up the centre with a trusty team of knowledgeable and oh so lovely co-workers.

Later in the week I'll tell you all about the things I am working on but today I thought I'd show you the library. My new workplace. The first place I've ever worked in an office capacity - one of the harder aspects of changing from teaching to administration. I am not used to sitting in front of a computer for the majority of my day. I am not used to being able to leave the premise for lunch. I am not used to having a desk / cubicle / phone line. I am not used to a whole host of normal things.

I am also not used to working in such a beautiful building. This is one thing that I hope to never adjust to.

The State Library of Victoria was first built in 1854. At this point in time it takes up an entire city block and is comprised of 23 buildings. Constructed over many years it features some simply gorgeous architecture and amazing history. Last week I saw the armour of Ned Kelly (for my international friends - our Jesse James - except he wore a suit made of steel) and Hoddle's Chain (how they measured out all of Melbourne's streets)

Once the home of the State Museum and the Art Gallery, it is now all library all the time. It doesn't lend out but there are art and history exhibits, an amazing genealogy lab and free wifi. This is all great but some people love it for the green lawns that roll out from the entrance and allow a cushioned and sunny spot in which to eat one's lunch.

The first time I saw the La Trobe Reading Room I felt the breath catch in my lungs. It's exquisite.

"Opened in 1913, this octagonal building is six stories high and can house 32,000 books and 320 readers at its desks.

To give you the awe inspiring picture -

The librarian used to sit in the centre desk (with a mirror behind them) so they could see the entire room. Apparently the layout is based on similar architecture for prisons and asylums for maximum visibility :) Librarians are needed to sit in the centre anymore but I've heard they would be some serious competition should that opportunity make itself known.

As for Ned Kelly's armour...

As this The Age article tells the suit weighs 44kgs (97lbs) and is made of five steel plates and a helmet. It has been housed at the SLV since 2004 and will soon be reunited with the other three suits (of Kelly's gang - Joe Byrne, Steve Hart and Dan Kelly) in Canberra later in the year. The gang made the suits out of stolen farm machinery parts and were somewhat successful in robbing banks.

Can you imagine riding, shooting and generally walking in this thing?

Awesome.

Why am I sounding like a rabid geek?

I went on a library tour. One of the tours open to the public and learnt all about what is on offer. And I fell in love. There are so many amazing things on offer. I even contacted some family members for family trees so I can get started on the Walsh genealogy - I've become an info fiend, I tell you!

Who knew that microfiche weren't tiny fish? (Well, I did but...) Just being here has made me more curious about everything and it's terribly exciting.

You know what else is terribly exciting....what I've got coming up....and I'll tell you about that later this week.

Cue evil laughter.

xx
A

What book blogging has given me...and I am not talking "free books".

2011-02-04T17:05:00.002+10:30

I am worming my way out of blogging Siberia to give my two cents on the claims that book bloggers don’t sell books.

I agree.

Most book bloggers don’t sell books.

But some of us do.

Some of us get the word out about a previously ignored books that didn’t get attention when the bookselling realm was blog-less.

Some of us bring attention to titles that aren’t being pushed hard by publishers because another title with a sparkly premise is.

Some of us hand ARCs to a bookseller in another country and have the international book rights sold.

That being said …

Some of us revel in the ARCs as they’re competition fodder.

Some of us sell our ARCs for large quantities of cash on eBay.

Some of us review positively solely to get more free books.

If I received any positive comments on my blog I am normally quick to brush them off. Why? I’ve bought into the stigma somewhat. The stigma that bloggers are the bottom feeders of the publishing world. We’re not…but some of us are.

Some things I know for sure about the influence of a blog from a personal standpoint:

A US title found distribution in Australia because of me. (Books sold.)
A book that was not being distributed at BEA 2010 was demanded by a large reading audience forcing the publishers to hand out the ARCs they were sitting on because of perceived lack of interest. (Awareness created.)
Quotes from my reviews have been used on the reverse covers of several YA titles because my (earned) opinion helps sell.
The many personal emails I’ve received in the past two years thanking me for enticing them to read Melina Marchetta’s Jellicoe Road. (Books sold. OzYA awareness created.)

Why do I know this? The authors told me.

Now I don’t believe that my reviews sell books on a consistent basis. Heck, I am one of those people that pollute book blogging with negative critiques! (Ridiculous claim – why are people voicing outrage about bloggers receiving free books and attacking those that read critically?) I know I sell books (or interest) in a title if I am glowing in my review of them. If a book earns my respect, my readers typically wanted to read it.

While I recognise that there are bloggers out there who aren’t in it for the good of the written word, there are many that are.

I’ve even managed to parlay my blogging (and professional skills) into a position where I have greater influence. I am now the Program Coordinator for the Centre for Youth Literature. An Australian organisation situated in the State Library of Victoria that runs events, websites/blogs and conferences that include teachers, publishers, librarians, students and the larger community.

If blogging means nothing. If what I’ve done on my blog means nothing. If the only purpose of a blog is to sell books (that’s another issue completely)…then that doesn’t explain my current position.

Blogging helped me find a career doing what I love. I get to review, recommend, speak directly to teen literary stakeholders and manage special events. But you see, I was doing that all before from my laptop. Sure it was on a smaller and simplified scale but I was doing that without money, without a wage, without a team and I was helping to sell books. In my new role, books will be sold because of what I have recommended or held functions for but that isn’t my goal. It’s not my organisation’s goal. We’re here to facilitate reading. I am here to facilitate reading. And the right kind of book bloggers are here to facilitate reading.

When you reduce blogging to dollars and cents you are robbing it of its true worth.

Teachers, librarians and bloggers aren’t at odds with one another. We all have the same aim – to facilitate reading in our teens. To recommend great books that strike a chord and create an appetite for the written word. To cast them out into the world and go on adventures, fall in love or slay a dragon.

ARCs aren’t the focus. They aren’t free either. With ARCs come an expectation to review, to create discussion, to make connections, to encourage reading. They aren’t free to the publisher, they aren’t free to the author and they sure aren’t free to the blogger.

ARCs aren’t something bloggers, teachers, librarians or booksellers have control over. We can ask but the ultimate responsibility in ARC distribution comes from the publishers. A few well placed ARCs will promote selling and interest in the same way that an ARC flood of the book blogging community will. You just need to find the right blogger, with the right interest, with the right intention.

While I appreciate that some accusations against book bloggers might be true in some cases I would ask that they aren’t thrown around willy nilly. Book blogging started out for me as a means to grow my school’s non-existent library and create excitement in my class. It grew my passion for youth literature. It grew my knowledge of youth literature. It grew my network of booky individuals in a diverse range of book related industries. It allowed me to find a career where I could reach more professionals and students about the worthy books out there. Book blogging was a priceless experience for me and it gave me a new direction in life. Money or free books were not in the equation but my heart and passion for youth literature were fully invested.

So while some people might take issue with book bloggers…know that I love it. Know that I love my trusted group of friends that I’ve made through blogging and know that Persnickety Snark gave me a new lease on life.

*Opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent my employer's stance.

Melbourne Update

2011-01-20T14:39:00.003+10:30

State Library of Victoria

I am now two weeks into my new position at the State Library of Victoria and as a new Melbournian. Before moving here to become the Program Coordinator of the Centre for Youth Literature I had only ever been to Melbourne for 4 x 2 day trips. Needless to say it is a lot of change but I feel unbelieveably appreciative for the opportunity to work in an area that I feel so passionately about - YA. Change is a great motivator in my life and I am grabbing it with both hands.

You might have noticed that PSnark has had no content since my position began. I am to blame. I feel some expected unease about fulfilling a position of responsibility within the Australian YA community and sharing my opinions on specific works. While Persnickety Snark does not, and shall never, represent the opinions of the organisation that I work for - it does share my own. The same opinions that have been recently branded "opinionated" (I choose to interpret that in the positive sense) and as a "mean girl of blogging" (blogger meant that in a positive light...I think). And here's the rub - I am opinionated, sometimes my thoughts can be viewed as mean (though I never intend it that way) and I value integrity above all. Honesty is important.

So here's some honesty. I advised publishers that were hoping to send me review copies upon my return to Australia that I would no longer be reviewing as PSnark. My job is now YA and the thought of going home and making myself create content seemed like over doing it. While PSnark might have sporadic content - discussion posts and the odd interview - the content of various CYL online communications will contain items I've contributed. More information to come and you really want to see what's about to be launched. What I was producing during my spare time will be available via different avenues. I won't be gone...just redirected.

PSnark will also be presenting content on author events around the Melbourne area. This won't be a feature about Adele + Authors...it will be focused on the authors and their work. It will be Adele-light or Adele-free because there's only so many posts you can write before you bore yourself. As you can tell I am diversifying but I won't be as regular in posting.

I've been exploring the idea of blogging on another genre. I plan on making the blog entirely fun and not at all serious. I may, or may not, advise you of my plans (*insert evil laugh*.)

As for moving to Melbourne - I love it. I've been welcomed with open arms by Tye (aka The Book Griffyn) and her motley crew. My new workplace is filled with passionate book people who are amazing at their jobs and Melbourne is lovely. Sure, Melbourne rained on me the entire first week but she had her reasons. One person suggested it was a christening - perhaps. Or maybe Melbourne was commiserating for the plight of those to our north who have suffered tremendously in ways I cannot even contemplate. (Some great fundraising inititives by Australian authors here and here.)

Melbourne Cricket Ground

In happier news ....

Tye took me to my first cricket match. The Australia versus England 20/20.

This also resulted in my first time inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which is spectacular. It was a wonderful day and the atmosphere was electric. Australia also happened to win - rare at the moment but a result of my presence :P

MCG brilliance

I still don't understand all that much about the game, who does what and the scoring but I had a ball (pun not intended but there nevertheless). To give you an example of my lack of cricket knowledge - I had to ask what 20/20 meant. I called my brother as I entered the MCG to tell him what I was doing. He was initially shocked then hysterical - he's a fan that could not have interested me in a game even had he paid me.

Proof that being open to experiences is a good thing.

Melbourne is also a cracker of a gal once the night falls - just gorgeous.

I am still on twitter and will update the blog on the new places you will find reviews etc very soon. Thanks to those people that contacted me about continuing blogging - never fear, I will still be around.

Cheers
Adele

Australian bloggers - assistance?

2011-01-14T06:24:00.001+10:30

If you are an Australian blogger who presents YA content on your blog I would love your assistance. I am currently gathering some information on the bloggers that help to shine a light on YA (whether it be Australian or international). Your content can be exclusively YA or only marginally. This does not include YA authors at this time but may do so at a later date.

It would be fantastic if you could take the time to email me with your name (optional), blog's title and hyperlink and which state in our fine country you are from.

All will be explained sometime in the future.

Thank you
Adele

Mini Review - Last Sacrifice / Richelle Mead

2011-01-09T14:07:00.000+10:30

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you? Goodreads.

Review - The last title of the Vampire Academy feels like slipping on a pair of old jeans - comfy, familiar and the right fit. That doesn't meet that the plot isn't a little overindulgent in unnecessary scenes and side trips but it was nice to spend time with the motley crew of individuals that assisted Rose throughout the series. There weren't that many surprises (for this reader anyway) and the stakes failed to project as dire as they were meant but it was an enjoyable read nevertheless. Mead managed to wrap up the series with appropriate sass and affection that one would expect.

Recommendation - A comfortable completion to a fun series.

Published: December 7, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 594 pages
Publisher: Penguin USA
Source: purchased
Origin: USA

Mini Review - Forget You / Jennifer Echols

2011-01-09T07:06:00.000+10:30

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . . AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER? There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Review - I am a huge fan of Echols work there is a zap to her dialogue and a heat to her story lines that really capture a reader's attention. Forget You revolves around the memory loss of the protagonist and as such the reader feels untethered in the novel. So much of the plot is dependant on Zoey not remembering that the emotional connection is lessened. Zoey holds fast to what she thinks she knows for sure while understandable, also alienates her from the reader. However, there is a lot to enjoy about this novel from the charged interchanges between the two leads, portrayal of depression and Echol's trademark banter.

Recommendation - A fun read with some bumps in the road.

Published: July 20, 2010
Format: ARC, 293 pages
Publisher: MTV
Source: publisher
Origin: USA

Your questions answered...

2011-01-08T22:48:00.002+10:30

A few days back I invited readers to ask questions ...

What did you study in college/grad school? I'm only wondering because your new job looks so amazing and I'm currently applying to colleges, but don't really know what to study.

Thanks! I attended the University of South Australia and graduated with a Bachelor of Education with a minor in Children's Literature. I then chose to punish myself by working as an Assistant Dean of a residential college while earning my Masters in Business (Administration Management). I worked my butt off and finished my Masters in a year. For the past eight years I have been teaching in regional and metropolitan schools as well as filling a number of leadership roles so I've used my college education rather well.

At 17 I didn't possess a great desire to become a teacher. I didn't know what I wanted to be post-high school and chose teaching as I liked working with young kids. I chose to minor in Children's Literature for obvious reasons. I was in your position twelve years ago having no idea what I wanted to do or be - just knowing what I loved. Go with your gut.

When did you come up with the name of your blog?
Elena, New York

I am partial to the snide remark so 'snark' was easy. 'Persnickety' is a word I had been using the previous year as I loved the sound of all the consonants bouncing off one another, the fact it wasn't often used and snobbery is unfortunately something I have been accused of. Together they sounded great. Extra geek factor - I liked that the name of my blog sounded like the noise coming from Wolverine's (X-men) claws when they unsheathed.

Do teens really read steampunk books? I think I saw this addressed somewhere, but I'm curious. I haven't gotten into steampunk yet. I'm not sure why the reticence. But I'm curious. Dystopia seems big. But is steampunk really a big sell?
Linda, Chicagoland area (Illinois) USA

To be honest, I am not the person to be asking. Steampunk isn't a genre I've really explored all that much outside of Clockwork Angel (not really but kinda - Cassandra Clare) and Worldshaker (Richard Harland). Like you I possess a reticence for it but I am curious to read Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan. Having taught teens I haven't noticed a huge push towards steampunk but that doesn't mean there hasn't been one. I think people like the idea of steampunk more than the actual execution but that is coming from a place of little understanding.

I want to know how the blog will change with your new job.

At this point I have no idea. There are three options - 1) It stays the same, 2) I stop reviewing but present other content, or 3) cease blogging altogether. I'll get back to you...

I can't think of any questions right now but I do want to use this as an opportunity to beg/implore (on my hands and knees) that you not stop writing this blog. I religiously read your blog and think it is one of the most entertaining and well written blogs around. I love your writing and your sense of humor and I will shed many tears (not of joy) should this blog end. I understand that you might not have as much free time with the start of your new job but please do not consider discontinuing this blog. Slow content is better than no content so maybe consider posting fewer entries rather than shelve this site all together. I rarely make comments so you might not know that I am an avid fan but I am most definitely an avid fan of Persnickety Snark. Whatever you decide best of luck on your new job; it sounds so exciting.
Danielle from San Mateo, California (San Francisco bay area)

Thank you so much, Danielle! You've made my week. Unfortunately the blog's future is dependant on the position I am about to fill. I will be in constant contact with YA authors and as such there might be a conflict of interest if I continue to review. I won't ever be a pandering reviewer so stopping might be the best option. We'll see. But thank you so much for your kind words and support.

What are you looking forward to most about your new position? What are you most nervous about?
Also, how did you go with the move to Melbourne?
Jessica, Melbourne

I am looking forward to working in an organisation that strongly promotes and believes in the power of the written word and our youth. I am really excited to work as part of a team that is equally passionate about youth literature. Nervous...new jobs are always nerve wracking as there is so much to process. I am actually flying to Melbourne in the morning and starting at the library the morning after that so there isn't much time to get nervous (which is how I planned it). The move hasn't been too bad but I have moved from Japan 20 days prior so it has at times been a little overwhelming.

How does the development of your critiquing skills as reviewer help/hinder you with your own writing? And further, what are your aspirations for your own writing?

I think critiquing does both. It helps in that you have a greater understanding of what is required in terms of quality characterisation and plotting but it also has the opposite effect. When your own writing doesn't meet what you know is quality then that can make continuing a problem. At this point in time I find it extremely hard to turn off the critiquing part of my brain and just relax into writing.

Thanks for the questions!

Mini Review - White Cat / Holly Black

2011-01-08T08:08:00.001+10:30

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers — people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail — he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen. Goodreads.

Review - I love life's grit as presented in youth literature and Black has managed to brilliantly integrate the urban scrounge with fantasy elements. It makes for a compelling mix especially with her unique voice. Disregard all the surface elements and world building and you have a story that thoughtfully explores family, isolation, sacrifice and responsibility. There is a hefty amount of smoke and mirrors which weaves effortlessly around the more universal elements that struck emotional chords. Black is an author that has eluded my attention previously, however White Cat has created an appetite for her perspective on teen life within a fantastical context.

Recommendation - Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels with teen boys and magic - love.

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Format: Hardcover, 310 pages
Published: May 4, 2010
Source: purchased
Origin: USA

Mini Review - Clockwork Angel / Cassandra Clare

2011-01-07T23:12:00.001+10:30

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. Goodreads.

Review - Clockwork Angel isn't reinventing the wheel for Cassandra Clare but it is plowing into the world that she had created with the Mortal Instruments series. While the historical setting and the inclusion of a steampunkish storyline deviates from what she's previous accomplished there continues to be the elements that make her such a popular author - love triangle, dark origins, conflicted feelings and compelling characters. Whereas the tight familiar ties of the previous series conflict invested the audience more, the main dilemma of this narrative is distinctly inhuman and cannot be personified so there is decidedly less investment. However, the story and characters are fun company on an intriguing journey with some big questions that need to be answered.

Recommendation: Entertaining read.

Publisher: Margaret K.McElderry
Format: Paperback, 479 pages
Published: August 31, 2010
Source: purchased
Origin: USA

Mini Review - Whisper My Name / Jane Eagland

2011-01-07T19:10:00.000+10:30

Since she was twelve, Meriel Garland has lived with her grandfather in London, exiled from her beloved India following the death of her mother. Now sixteen, Meriel chafes against the strict regime of tests and study that her grandfather imposes on her. Escaping, she discovers a world outside her narrow existence - one that promises admiration for her acting skills, social success and the excitement of seances. But what should have been a game turns serious as the young medium Sophie Casson passes on a message from Meriel's dead mother - and Meriel begins to suspect she might not be alone in the world after all. In searching for the truth about her past, Meriel uncovers a sinister scheme - and soon it's hard to know who she can really trust. Goodreads.

Review - In most respects the title, cover and synopsis are rather misleading in presenting this story to the world. Not that the synopsis is incorrect but I was expecting something altogether different. Eagland has tried something different within the historical setting that works in some context and not in others. The ultimate mystery is one that was rather unique and intriguingly played into the clash of scientific beliefs of the era. The integration of the mystical elements was less successful as it felt more of a plot device than an element to colour the world. That being said, while there are disparate parts of this novel that don't gel together as well as I would have hoped, the book is an interesting and curious read.

Recommendation - Historical intrigue with an unique premise.

Published: August 6, 2010
Format: Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Young Picador
Source: publisher
Origin: UK

Mini Review - Guardian of the Gate / Michelle Zink

2011-01-07T15:56:00.015+10:30

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing. Goodreads.

Review - Some distance separated my reading the first title of this series (Prophecy of the Sisters) and its follow up and yet it was possible to pick right up with no confusion and even better - no intelligence insulting, exposition laden recapping. It is a testament to Zink as her narrative is rife with mythology and emotional complex interactions that one could seamlessly re-join the warring sisters and their rivalry that impacts the fate of the known world. The middle child of the Gothic trilogy this book is less about the intrigue and more about the characters making realisations about themselves and others, motivations being clarified and the stakes reinforced. Yet Zink manages to depict all this with beautifully constructed sentences that paint the setting, the era and the circumstances richly. I love that the history of the Milthorpe family is sketched in greater detail which ultimately plays into what will be the ultimate showdown in the third title.

Recommendation - Sink your teeth into this tale of familial fate, romance and sacrifice!

Published: August 1, 2010
Format: Hardcover,340 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Younger Readers.
Source: author
Origin: USA

Mini Review - Fall For Anything / Courtney Summers

2011-01-07T11:44:00.001+10:30

When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered? Goodreads.

Review - Summers' third title joins her previous titles as kinetic reads that possess a force that propels the plot and the protagonist's emotional arc. That's where the similarities end. Grief is an emotion that is often explored in youth literature and yet Summers has managed to present a gloomy and inward emotion into something with unique direction. It is a hard book for me to quantify but the reader's emotions in situations tend to mirror that of Eddie's experience. The power of the words, the characters and the emotions that cloud everything are intoxicating and yet beneath, there is a subtlety about the human condition that very much resonated. Summers is an author that excites me - she is wonderfully unpredictable, scarily intense and hugely relatable. Fall For Anything reflects evolution as a storyteller and a push towards exploring oft depicted themes with a tighter handle on what teens are like versus an idyllic version.

Recommendation - Read it, read it now.

Published: December 21, 2010
Format: ARC, 230 pages
Publisher: St Martin's Griffin
Source: author
Origin: USA

Persnickety Snark Question Forum

2011-01-05T16:32:00.001+10:30

I start my new position at the Centre for Youth Literature on Monday. I thought I would offer to answer any questions that readers of this blog might have as the content may cease (and/or slow) with that position.

I would love if you chose to leave your first name and location but I understand some people find that uncomfortable.

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TEN Best Reads of 2010

2010-12-31T07:45:00.013+10:30

Thanks to everyone who have been reading and taking part in the FIVE challenge. It has been fantastic seeing how similar and divergent our picks for our reading material throughout the year. Thanks again and I look forward to seeing which titles are lucky enough to grace your own lists :)

2010 has been a year where I have read less content but reviewed more positively. This has been due to the fact that I have been purchasing more books that interest me and receiving less review copies. My top ten are from the books that I have written a review of and have been released in 2010.

Anna and The French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins

If you respond to quality characterisation, authentic and well built individual conflict and a gradual, evolving romance (based on friendship and attraction, rather than the love pow) then this is the book for you! What I love most about Perkins' debut is that while the romance is lovely, so is the personal journey of the protagonist. Should St Clair not have existed this book would still have been a fascinating examination of being a stranger in a foreign land and problems that plague a teen in boarding school.

Review

The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson

Nelson's debut shows of her exquisite turns of phrase while depicting the push and pull of grief. It is a story that explores the muddiness of mind and emotions that come with grief and the need to hold onto the familiar, the known. The poetry that is sprinkled throughout strikes a chord drawing the reader in closer to the heart of the matter.

Review

A Match Made in High School - Kristin Walker

This somewhat overlooked title was riotously fun demonstrating how one jaded principal's perspective can turn a senior class upside down. What is lovely here is that two friendships are born between the protagonist and two diametrically opposed boys as a result of the Marriage Education program. I love Todd Harding (one of the boys) too much considering how much he would have annoyed me during high school. His way with dirty jokes and innuendo is a credit to the author. Worth checking out for the shenanigans and the deeper implications of a hilarious educational implementation.

Review *My favourite opening line of any review I have ever posted.

The Piper's Son - Melina Marchetta

Tom Mackee was the larrikan in Marchetta's sophomoric Saving Francesca but in this title we see another side of the jokester. The audience is reintroduced to several characters we are already familiar and news ones as well as the perspective alternates between Tom and Georgie. Despite the cloud of grief that shadows TPS there is laughter, love and lots of music. It is the only title on this list that represents the older years of the young adult category and does a wonderful job of reflecting that aimlessness of change and self doubt.

Review

Grace - Elizabeth Scott

Scott is an author (along with Marchetta) who is always changing it up. It is such an admirable trait, especially when accomplished to the degree that this title is. Grace is unlike anything I have read in YA. Detailing a barren dystopian world only slightly removed from our own, we join a girl ready to sacrifice herself for another's cause. It's sparse, tense and political and also highly personal. Affecting and thought provoking.

Review

Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley

Sometimes there are books that come along where the characters speak directly to your own experiences and those that populate your own lives and Graffiti Moon is that. Highly relatable, introspective, funny and a lovely representative of those that chase artistic ideals. I particularly love that it is a story encapsulated within one Melbourne night with multiple perspectives presented. Love it.

Review

Six Impossible Things - Fiona Wood

Sadly this is the only title that graces the list told exclusively from a teen male perspective. And yet, I have a lot in common with this character having shared several of the same situations that he encounters....though I never stalked my cute neighbour. Wood has shared with us a kid dealing with a world upside down with an enormous reservoir of humour and sensitivity. There are also heapings of quirk - always a good thing!

Review

Some Girls Are - Courtney Summers

Unflinching in it is portrayal of the heinous nature of high school girls, Summers' sophomoric novel is powerful, nasty and slightly wicked. But deep down under the underhanded power plays and evil wrongdoings there is a truthful look at redemption, forgiveness and how far is too far.

Kinetic. Fast. Charismatic.

Review

A Little Wanting Song - Cath Crowley

Another duel perspective Australian tale for the list, A Little Wanting Song is the lyrical telling of two girls finding friendship despite their differences and one hurtful untruth. It's gentle and strong like Charlie's song lyrics and while quiet it resonates.

The two girls are diametrically posed in upbringing, interests and geography but their burgeoning relationship is beautifully grown. Just lovely.

Review

Not That Kind of Girl - Siobhan Vivian

Feminism and femininity aren't themes that are often told hand in hand in YA but I am ecstatic that they are so truthfully told here. Never have I read a book that seemed to so accurately depict my high school experience (sans hot boy). Vivian has told a story about a girl striving to be her best version of herself to a degree that is frightening. The rigidity of Natalie's existence, her pursuit of perfection and the pressure placed upon her are at direct contrast to that of the errant upstart who uses her sexuality to seek her goals. Fantastic.

Review

December 21 - 5 Great Debuts

December 22 - 5 Great Covers

December 23 - 5 Great Series

December 24 - 5 Great Re-Reads (books you've LOVED so much you went back for more)

December 25 - 5 Most Anticipated (2011 titles)

December 26 - 5 Hopes for YA in 2011

December 27 - 5 Great YA Movie Deals

December 28 - 5 Great Author (in the flesh) Moments

December 29 - 5 Great YA Bloggers

December 30 -

December 31 - 5 Best Titles for 2010 (which I double because 5 was too hard)

FIVE Great Miracles

2010-12-30T11:21:00.001+10:30

(I am changing this one up a little)... that Occurred to Get Me To Continue Reading Paranormal YA. I have become increasingly disenfranchised with this genre as the sheer volume of content being published is 1) resulting in less than impressive writing and 2) making the good paranormal harder to find. I also don't respond to be hit in the face with the paranormal YA wall when entering bookstores.

There were a few titles that restored my faith in the current flavour of the decade.

Hex Hall
This debut paranormal set in a boarding school made me instantly wary. That being said...I kinda fell in love with Rachel Hawkins' protagonist Sophie. She's sassy and strong but has requisite vulnerability that help to create a relatable and striking entry point into the world of Hex Hall.

What particularly struck me was the simple but very emotive aspects of Sophie's relationship with her father.

Raised by Wolves
Note to Stephenie Meyer's....this is how one would go about structuring a werewolf community complete with hierarchy, history and intricate loyalties and bonds. Whereas the story of the protagonist kept me invested in the overall journey, the pack life was endlessly interesting to me.

Similarly to the above mentioned title, Jennifer Lynn Barnes has crafted a complex and conflicted relationship between Bryn and her father figure that rings true.

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June
Robin Benway has taken the relatability of sibling relationships, the 'ahhh' factor of contemporary romance and the intrigue of paranormal and mixed it all up to create something fresh and fun. The dialogue between the sisters sets a cracking pace, showing their personalities and the details of their interactions with one another. The barbed and snappy nature of their interactions plays both entertaining and authentic.

Again, the realness of the protagonist's family and surrounds plays into why the paranormal works.

And this where my FIVE finishes....at three. That being said, I am currently reading a paranormal title - Paranormalcy - so I am not completely turned off...yet.

December 21 - 5 Great Debuts

December 22 - 5 Great Covers

December 23 - 5 Great Series

December 24 - 5 Great Re-Reads (books you've LOVED so much you went back for more)

December 25 - 5 Most Anticipated (2011 titles)

December 26 - 5 Hopes for YA in 2011

December 27 - 5 Great YA Movie Deals

December 28 - 5 Great Author (in the flesh) Moments

December 29 - 5 Great YA Bloggers

December 30 - 5 Great Miracles that Occurred to Get Me Reading More ______ (choose your genre)

December 31 - 5 Best Titles for 2010 (which I double because 5 was too hard)

FIVE Great YA Bloggers

2010-12-29T10:37:00.001+10:30

Who are the five bloggers I think you should give a-whirl?

That Cover Girl
I don't know how it was overlooked but ShabbyGeek. found a niche in the YA bloggerdom and is filling it with decadent aesthetic goodness. A blog focusing purely on the visual aspects of YA - the cover - I am learning about the process of a cover's creation (image, font, foils etc) to a degree that I was formerly blind to. Not only that but I am coming across covers that I would never have seen PLUS it shines a spotlight on those that toil hard to make our YA eye candy ;)

Forever Young Adult
Equal parts brilliance and nutjob-bery, this blog tickles the funny bones, encourages tomfoolery and makes reading fun (or should I say, more fun). More than anything I love their inventiveness whether it be creating a Hunger Games naming formula or qualifying the hotness of each romantic interest, I am totally game for this blog.

The Crooked Shelf
AHhh the lovely Brit Carla who is the randomest of the random and thoroughly delightful. I don't always agree with her thoughts but usually we find some shared thoughts on any book. Her discussion posts are thoughtful yet wacky and that is one sure way to capture my interest - making me think and laugh simultaneously.

Steph Su Reads
I rave about this girl and having met her in the flesh in August I can say she's equally as thoughtful in person. We both have a tendency to read a lot into a book and in that way I feel like I have found my reading soul mate. Yet she's a science nerd (watching her geek out over planets is awesome) and I am not but we are both total book nerds. I trust her reviewing implicitly and she deserves every single bit of recognition for her sterling reviewing and discussion posts.

Angieville
She wrote a post about Richard Armitage because I asked her to. She is an angel. She's also extremely well versed in so many titles out on the market and a lovely lady taboot! Her reviews are beautifully crafted and that thought invested in a book is clearly demonstrated. She's a deep thinker, people. (And clearly she has great taste in men --->)

December 21 - 5 Great Debuts

December 22 - 5 Great Covers

December 23 - 5 Great Series

December 24 - 5 Great Re-Reads (books you've LOVED so much you went back for more)

December 25 - 5 Most Anticipated (2011 titles)

December 26 - 5 Hopes for YA in 2011

December 27 - 5 Great YA Movie Deals

December 28 - 5 Great Author (in the flesh) Moments

December 29 - 5 Great YA Bloggers

December 30 - 5 Great Miracles that Occurred to Get Me Reading More ______ (choose your genre)

December 31 - 5 Best Titles for 2010 (which I double because 5 was too hard)