Guest Post: NancyO explains her motivation for reading Aussie Authors

Over the last few weeks I have invited a few of the many participants in the Aussie Author Challenge 2010 to share with us their thoughts on Australian Authors.

Today I’d like to welcome NancyO to Booklover Book Reviews.

NancyO is the author of the 2010: The Year In Books blog, lives in the USA, is a great cook and dog lover. NancyO doesn’t always go for the blockbuster bestsellers, preferring to read intelligent crime fiction and literature. She chooses the books she reads very carefully and her reviews are in depth, frank and thought provoking.

I am particularly interested to hear NancyO’s opinion on Australian literature given she’s our first guest poster in this series so far not living in Australia.

So, without further ado, over to NancyO:

What was your motivation for signing-up for the Aussie Author Challenge 2010?

I’ve always wanted to go to Australia (sigh – maybe someday!), and to read about the country via the authors who live there is a good way to get the feel of the country and the wide and varied population of people there. My motivation was to see what others were reading, especially people who live there, collect books, and to vicariously put myself in Australia while doing so.

Do you think the works produced by Australian authors exhibit any common styles or themes?

I think what I’ve noticed a lot in my reading is the focus on the intermingling of cultures and how people react to this phenomenon. In many respects, this is fast becoming a common global theme — and I think it’s something that readers who think cannot afford to ignore.

What is your favourite book read for the Aussie Author Challenge thus far and why?

I haven’t actually contributed too many works to the Challenge, but I’m going to read Cloudstreet by Tim Winton, and consulting my crystal ball, I think that it’s probably going to be my favorite. I also love Peter Carey’s book Oscar and Lucinda, which I’ll probably submit shortly in the challenge.

Do you have a favourite Australian author? Who and why?

That’s a toughie. There are so many good ones. Tim Winton is definitely up there, but so is Patrick White.

This year the Aussie Author Reading Challenge Badge featured a kangaroo. What native Australian animal would you like to see featured on the badge for this challenge in 2011?

A koala, of course!

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I completely agree with your observation that themes of intermingling cultures are ones thinking readers can’t ignore. And I’m sure my Aussie readers will join me in saying we hope you are able to travel to our country one day. It’s a long plane ride but most say it’s worth it ;)

Thank you so much NancyO for sharing with us your thoughts on some of Australia’s great authors. I have put Oscar and Lucinda on my wish list based on your recommendation!

If you have not already checked out 2010: The Year In Books I strongly recommend you pop by for a chat with NancyO, and for crime fiction fans NancyO’s The Crime Segments is not to be missed!

Quick plug for the Aussie Author Challenge:

There is still time to join in the fun for 2010!
If you’d rather wait to sign up for the 2011 Challenge, why not check out all the great reviews of Aussie Lit posted by challenge participants so far for some inspiration for your next read!

Other guest posts in this series on Aussie Authors:
Booksploring
Tony’s Reading List

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Over the last few weeks I have invited a few of the many participants in the Aussie Author Challenge 2010 to share with us their thoughts on Australian Authors.

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