Friday, April 29, 2011

The Eastern Regional Library Radio Show 27th April 2011

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next week for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

Finding inspiration for new reading can be difficult at times. You prowl the shelves and nothing jumps out at you, your friend's recommendation of a new thriller doesn't appeal. What are the options? One is to drop into one of the many Book Chat sessions that run in most of our branches on a monthly basis. Not only will you be encouraged to try some new authors, but your thoughts and suggestions are welcome too. Last week, journalist and interviewer Ann Creber visited Lilydale Library Book Chat group to inspire us with some wonderful Australian writing. Under the influence is an accomplished first novel by Jackie Lunn which deals with a schoolgirl secret which brings two successful and happy women together at the death of an old friend. Another thriller Ann recommends is Beyond fear by Jaye Ford. Four friends go away for a weekend together, only to be thrown into a terrifying situation challenges them all, and for one woman, takes her back to a traumatic past.

For something a little more laid back, Ann recommends Lyn Bryski, who has set out specifically to supplant the stereotypical young beautiful heroine and replace her with real women in middle age. Her book Gang of four has many fans, and her latest is Last chance cafe. Another writer to challenge the stereotypes is June Loves, in The Shelly Beach Writers' Group. The story of a woman who's marriage has ended, is dissatisfied with her working life. She retreats to a small seaside community to regroup and finds a new life in being involved in the community.

For myself, I keep an eye open for book reviews in likely and unlikely places. Most magazines run book review columns, and can point you in new and interesting directions. I enjoy the reviewers in Country Life and Australia Coast to Coast Country Style magazines. The latest title from one of these which attracted my intention was a new biography of Roald Dahl, entitled Storyteller : the life of Roald Dahl by Donald Sturrock. It sounds to be full of thoughtful insight on a remarkable man.

---- Lesley

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