So long, farewell, hoo roo, adieu

I so much enjoyed hearing everyone's thoughts about their literary choices, in our Book Club.
It was so valuable to really LISTEN to opinions about books we may all have dismissed, had we not taken the time to pay attention to each other. I would not have considered reading a fantasy, or a Vampire book, for examplel, but after listening to Lucinda, Lyndel, Rosie and Georgia, I'll reconsider. And the amount of publicity over The Horse Whisperer flashed warning lights for me, but now perhaps I must read it also!

Wouldn't it be good to have a Book Club if we had the time next year? But, life will get in the way. So let's just say that we'll continue to read and pass on our thoughts to whoever will listen!

I'll attach the list of all our novels. And one final task:
I'd like everyone to select a book was discussed in our Book Club, and read it over the summer break. Be brave. Give something new a go. And I will to.

Thanks for a great year. JC

SWPL and more

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com

Hello,
This is the link to the site we were talking about today.
There is a tab at the top labelled "Full List of Stuff White People Like". Scanning down it, I found that #99 is "Grammar". I couldn't resist reading this post, and yes, there I was , reading bout people like me who are bothered by incorrect punctuation and poor grammar. And I am proud of it!

We're drawing to an end of our blog, aren't we? Makes me a little sad. JC

The Cannon

Hello everyone,

Have you heard the term "cannon" applied to books, or authors? It means a list of books which are generally accepted , or considered, to be worthy of reading for generations after they were first published, beacuse they remain relevant. They are referred to as "Literature" in inverted commas. Sometimes the definitions lead to a kind of snobbish attitude, which everyone generally tries to avoid. The qualities of works in the literary cannon are that they are stylistically interesting, they have something to say beyond the plot, they are re-read over and over.
Read the article at the link below.
Go to the link at the Harold Bloom appendix reference within the article. This has the entire list of the books Harold Bloom ( a very well known writer, academic and critic), considered should be in a literary cannon. There are many lists. Go to the Great Britain, America and Australia lists. Have you read any of the novels he lists? Have you heard of any?

Why would certain groups or people argue with the lists?

http://www.suite101.com/content/return-of-the-literary-canon-a52968

JC

Wait a minute Mr Postman...

OK, I wonder who knows where that line is from? (Ask your parents if they're over 40)
We've all been considering the art of letter writing recently. Coincidentally, I am reading a delightful novel called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". It is a novel told completely in letters, from a series of characters who become known to the reader through their correspondence with each other. Initially the reader knows only Janet and her literary agent, but we are introduced to a broad range of characters, all via correspondence. It is also an insight into the German occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII, which is fascinating in itself. It is set in post-WWII London, 1946. All correspondence, such as arranging a dinner date, is via letter, often several brief notes of just a word or two, sent throughout a day - very similar to how we text message today!
What would be the benefits of corresponding in this way? It seems quaint and charming, and I wonder what the drawbacks are - I can't think of any!
Hope you're all well and enjoying Spring, despite the RAIN.
JC

So much to do, so little time..

Wasn't the Orchestra wonderful? I think it is so interesting to watch the precise movements of the musicians, and the conductor. The smallest note - the "ting" of the triangle, the plucking of a violin string - can have such a big impact! It makes me aware of the score in every film I watch, and to consider the music with much more importance than I used to.
And the galleries are places of real magic, aren't they? It would have been great for us to spend more time in both galleries, and visit the costumes and glass and sculptures, and spend a long time lying down under the Leonard French Windows. Ah well, maybe everyone will make a point of visiting the Ian Potter or NGV one day over the next holidays. The gift shops are wonderful, too.

That show about the food from other eras is on SBS, and it's called "Supersizers Go..." Last week they ate like Edwardians, from the early 20th century. I worry for their health, as all the meals seem like a plate of heart attack followed by a dish of clogged arteries, with a side serve of liver disease and fat. But, it's very amusing and the hosts are very funny.

Thanks for the poems, Zoe and Mrs Dr Who. The Harpur poem had me curious, so I researched him - he was born in Australia in the eraly 1800s, so was a very early Australian Poet, writing before Pretty Dick and M Caloche were written! And the poem Invictus is inspiring, isn't it? Nelson Mandela used to recite the poem to his fellow prisoners, and those final two lines always make me draw breath, they are so powerful. The poem initially had no title, it was called Invictus at a later date. Invictus means "Unconquered". I think if that was the mantra you lived by, it would help you to feel in control of your life and your destiny.

JC

Poetry websites - so many to choose from!

Hello fellow poetry lovers,

Sarah, thanks for sharing your poetry information with us.

The best Poetry website to start with is www.australianpoetrycentre.org.au

Apart from anything else, it's a very smartly-designed, fun and interesting website.
There are links there to other sites (cordite is a very good poetry website), including literary magazines and journals (Heat, Meanjin), links to Students resources, writers, competition, links to poets both AUstralian and International, as well as the most recent and invigorating poetry.

What poets have you discovered recently? What Australian Poet can you find on the website mentioned above, and what poem strikes a chord with you?

Looking forward to some interesting, poetical discussion!

Here's my fave for today, by the amazing Les Murray, from 2002



The Meaning of Existence

Everything except language
knows the meaning of existence.
Trees, planets, rivers, time
know nothing else. They express it
moment by moment as the universe.

Even this fool of a body
lives it in part, and would
have full dignity within it
but for the ignorant freedom
of my talking mind.

Further study - a well-timed article

Hello there, This blogger has received and enquiry about undertaking further study in Literature. There is a wealth of information, advice, and many sounding boards at your beck and call at school, as you know. In yesterday's Age Education section there is also an article titled "Doing it By the Book", briefly discussing a BA with a Literature major.

Perfect timing!

Link is here www.theage.com.au/national/education/doing-it-by-the-book.

If it doesn't work, head to Theage.com.au/education, and there is a link on the right hand side of the page.
JC