By My Bedside #23

Good morning! Here's a glimpse of the books currently sitting on my to-read pile. By My Bedside is part of In My Mailbox, created by Kristi of The Story Siren.

♥ The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness (library)
♥ Half Way to Good - Kirsten Murphey (library)
♥ Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins (bought - finally! Adele recommended it so I had to)
♥ Room - Emma Donoghue (bought for book club)

What are you reading this week?

City in Pages - Melbourne Part 2

image source: we ♥ it

As promised, here is Part 2 - a short tour around Melbourne via some of my favourite YA novels.

Pink - Lili Wilkinson

Published by Allen & Unwin, 2009

 ACMI
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is one of my favourite places in Melbourne. Located in Federation Square, ACMI has two cinemas (which play a huge range of movies - from cult classics to old favourites and are cheaper than your Hoyts/Village multiplex) and also host a number of exhibitons - both permanent (like Screenworlds) and temporary, like the Tim Burton Retrospective and Disney's Dreams Come True. They also house screening stations (where you can access files from ACMI and the National Film and Sound Archive), digital workshops and a video garden. Check out the ACMI website for upcoming events and I highly recommend a visit!

The Westgarth

Possibly my favourite cinema in Melbourne! It’s a beautiful Art Deco building, with three screens. Formally known as the Valhalla, it was once home to regular 24-hour movie marathons (like the one in Pink). Now owned by Palace Cinemas, the Westgarth still have the Cult Vault on Fridays (they are showing The Goonies next month!!!! Count me in), but now mostly show art house films.

Royal Arcade
Connecting Collins and Bourke streets is the Royal Arcade. Like Flinders St Station, the design came about from a public competition, which was won by Charles Webb (an English architect) and is built in a Renaissance Revival style. Personally, I’m rather fond of these guys, Gog and Magog, who guard the Gaunt’s clock.

Melbourne CentralA shopping centre and office space with an underground train station. It’s most distinctive feature is probably the Glass Cone ceiling (which according to Wiki is the largest glass structure of it’s kind in the world!), though it’s also home to the Coops Shot Tower (now used as an RM Williams store and Shot Tower museum). The other ‘attraction’ housed at Melbourne Central is the Marionette Fob Watch (which is either charming or the bane of your existence, depending on how often you visit the centre. Once you have worked at a shop directly behind the clock, you kind of come to hate it with a fiery fashion – speaking from experience). It plays Waltzing Matilda every hour, on the hour complete with an Australian marionette display.

Hurstbridge train lineAs this is my line, I do feel rather fond of it (despite the fact that my station sometimes only has one train per hour and basically consists of a tin shed and a ticket machine). Still, it's quite a nice line to ride (from Eltham to Hurstbridge you get some nice rural views) and thanks to Megan for telling me, is the only section of the Melbourne train line (apart from the underground city loop) with tunnels.

Dennis StationHow can I not mention this? Located on the Hurstbridge train line between Fairfield and Westgarth, Dennis Station first opened in February 1924. There's not terribly much else to say about Dennis, so I'll leave you with a picture.

Jarvis 24 - David Metzenthen

Published by Penguin, 2009

Flinders Street Station
Ok, you really can't talk about Melbourne without at least one mention of Flinders St Station (there's a picture of it in my Part 1 post). It is the centre of the Melbourne train network and the distinctive French-Renaissance style building covers two city blocks (from Queen to Swanston streets. Most people will know the building from the clocks above the main enterance (which for a while was a prime hang-out for emos, for some unknown reason). Fun fact - Flinder St Station houses a (now pretty much derelict) ballroom - pictures here.
 Also mentioned in Graffiti Moon, The Good Daughter and Pink.

Olympic Park

This outdoor stadium was originally built as a training ground for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics (hence the name). Whilst it’s predominantly been used for athletics meets, it was the first Australian ground to be recognised by FIFA as a soccer ground (thanks Wikipedia!) and was home of NRL team Melbourne Storm up until 2009. The original Olympic Park grounds were demolished in late 2009 to make way for new training grounds for the Collingwood Football team.

Whew! There's still more to come - check back soon for Part Three featuring The Good Daughter and Graffiti Moon.

Hold Me Closer Necromancer Playlist

Remember when I raved about how much I love Hold Me Closer Necromancer? And I said how much I loved the use of song lyrics as chapter headings, and they were so well chosen to capture the feel of the book? I even hinted at what an awesome playlist these songs would make. Well, for Just Your Typical Book Blog's Rock This! Thursday, I have guest-posted with a Necromancer Playlist!

Here's a taste, with a listing of the songs included:

Be sure to stop by Amber's blog to check out the full playlist (complete with music videos). I had a lot of fun making this, so there may be more mixes on the horizon!

Snack Size #13

Yiu know the drill now - three mini reviews at 100 words apiece, to give you a teeny taste of each title. Enjoy!

Sweethearts - Sara Zarr

Published by Little, Brown in 2008

Jenna wasn’t always slim, popular and girlfriend of one of the most popular guy’s at school. She used to be Jennifer – bullied mercilessly and her only friend was fellow outcast, Cameron Quick (whose home life was worse than her own) until he vanished. Fast forward a few years and Jennifer becomes Jenna, only to have her world rocked with the return of Cameron. Whilst I found Jenna’s struggle to confront her past an interesting read, I found myself desperate to know more about Cameron and to hear his story. Still Zarr has written an engaging (and slightly haunting) novel.

How to Say Goodbye in Robot - Natalie Standiford
Published by Scholastic, 2010

Wow. This book kind of sucker-punched me and really took me by surprise. Bea and Jonah, two outsiders, start a friendship through a late night radio program. Their relationship is quite lovely and honest and not quite like anything else I’ve read recently. The other aspect that really appealed to me was the shared love of Night Light, the late-night radio show and Standiford does a brilliant job at capturing the dynamics of the listeners (Don Berman, Myrna) and I loved the little community they formed. Full of charming details and moments that will make you smile (or tea up). Read it!!!

What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know - Sonya Sones
Published by Simon & Schuster, 2010

I’m a huge fan of Sonya Sones and adored What My Mother Doesn’t Know, so was really excited to read the follow up from Robin (Murphey’s) point of view. Once again, I fell in love with both the characters (sigh, I adore Sophie and Robin) and Sones’ use of verse. Her writing is so fresh, touching and easy to lose yourself in. This novel focuses around Sophie and Robin’s new relationship and the reaction they receive at school (which seriously breaks my heart each time I re-read it). Through Robin, Sones has captured a really honest and sympathetic young male point of view.

Polyvore Profile - Sam La Croix

Ok, so I think it's kind of obvious from my review of Hold Me Closer, Necromancer that I have a teeny-tiny-full-blown literary crush on one Samhain La Croix. So I thought he was definitely worthy of his own Polyvore Profile.

Samhain LaCroix by Girl_Friday featuring leather shoulder bags

♥ Lish McBride's website and blog.
♥ Kate of Bean There, Read That's review
♥ Read an extract on the Penguin website (warning - this contains a spoiler for those who want to avoid spoilers like the plague)
♥ Check out Just Your Typical Book Blog tomorrow, as there will be a little something Necromancer-y on there from me (hint, hint).

Popcorn - John Hughes Edition (Part 2)

Almost immediately after posting my first batch of Popcorn reviews of John Hughes movies, I knew I was going to have to do a Part Two. There's really just too much awesome to try and contain to one post. So here's another mini-reviewlettes (100 words each) on three John Hughes films.

Weird Science (1985)
Written & directed by John Hughes

A predecessor for American Pie, Weird Science is a teenage male wet-dream film, as two 'geeks' create their dream woman from an internet connection and a Barbie doll. Obviously it's slightly less grounded in reality than John Hughes other works, but still a good-albeit-goofy, comedy (though I do feel of all his teen films, this has probably dated the most - some of the technology scenes and graphics are cringe worthy). Still, I'd probably rate it above most contemporary teen-sex-comedies (think Sex Drive and The Girl Next Door). Also definitely worth watching for a young, pre heroin habit Robert Downey Jnr.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Written and directed by John Hughes

A film about the most epic sick day ever. As much as I absolutely adore this film, I can’t say it’s mt favourite because (if I’m totally honest) I kind of hate Ferris a little. I think it boils down to the fact that I’m too much of a Jeanie and that my brother is a total Ferris. That and I feel like Ferris is kind of a dick to Cameron, and Cameron is pretty much the greatest character in the film. Danke Schoen is completely random but highlights why JH is a legend because he makes it work. Also, this theory will blow your mind.

Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
Written by John Hughes
Directed by Howard Deutch

Also known as Pretty in Pink – Part Deux (the way it was supposed to be!). This time the love triangle is reversed  - Keith from a working class family, has the hots for teen-goddess Amanda Jones, whilst his best friend, Watts (who is a total bad-arse) is unable to express her true feelings for him. Mary Stuart Masterson as Watts makes this film, though Eric Stoltz is also a major (ginger) fox. Keith has that mix of sensitive-artist-misfit down pat and thank goodness JH got his way this time with the damn ending! Hurry up and watch it already!

I'll leave you with some young Eric Stoltz (you're welcome!)

Mixed Bag #30

Wow! It's been a bit of a crazy week in the world of books. Here's my list (sorry it's been absent over the last two weeks) of things online that have amused, interested or entertained me. Enjoy:

image source: we ♥ it

♥ I'm a tad obsessed with this video haha

♥ Assistant Attitude from Kit Lit - I love this article so much! As a former intern/literary agent assistant, I

♥ Nathan Bransford asks - have blogs peaked?

♥ Adele of Persnickety Snark and Megan of Literary Life both respond to recent controversy in the book blogging community.

♥ Sad news, Borders Australia has gone into administration (not a good week, with the US company also filing for bankruptcy). Even if you don't like the chain, take a moment to think about how much it's got to suck for the employees :(

♥ Television Without Pity has the best and worst YA novel adaptations

♥ Speaking of which, Logan Lerman is rumoured to be joining Selena Gomez in the 13 Reasons Why adaptation.

♥ Agent Lover talks about the newest book from one of my personal heroes, John Waters.

♥ Alien Onion share some of their favourite literary romances.

Happy Friday!

Popcorn - John Hughes edition

So I'm in a bit of a reading slump at the moment, so I thought I'd shake things up and write about my other love - movies. I had a lot of fun doing Popcorn mini reviews before Christmas, so here's another batch (and themed of course!) - at one hundred words each.

Sixteen Candles (1984)
Directed by John Hughes
Written by John Hughes

Sixteen Candles is a brilliant coming-of-age story, that certainly holds a special place in my heart. Before the whole My Super Sweet 16 MTV phenomenon, Samantha Baker is just wishing her family would remember her birthday, and her crush, the very-lush Jake Ryan (where, oh where are you now Michael Schoeffling?), to notice her. There’s also major family dysfunction with her older sister’s impending wedding and unwanted affections from Farmer Ted aka The Geek aka Anthony Michael Hall who is so clingy and yet so endearing. What still amazed me about this film is how well John Hughes writes teenagers (especially teen girls).

The Breakfast Club (1985)
Directed by John Hughes
Written by John Hughes

Ok, I’m not even going to down-play it, this is in my top five favourite films ever. Five teenagers, each from a different group at school, spend a Saturday together in detention (which possibly changes their lives – I know it sounds cliché, but I promise it’s not!). The Breakfast Club is this perfect mix of humour and sadness and honesty. It also has a killer soundtrack and Judd Nelson is pretty much the yardstick to measure your troubled-bad-ass-love-interest types against.  This should be compulsive viewing for all high school students and if you haven’t seen it – WATCH IT NOW.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

Directed by Howard Deutch

Written by John Hughes

So whilst JH didn’t direct this, it’s still widely regarded as a John Hughes film. Andi is a girl from a single-parent, working class household and becomes enamoured with Blane, the pretty rich boy (shiny, preppy and a bit boring). Then you have Duckie, who everyone knows is the best character in this film. As much as I enjoy Pretty in Pink, I have some major issues with it – namely the ending (which come on – admit it, it kind of sucks). A recent re-watch after spotting some similarities with The Duff, reminded me the continuing influence of John Hughes.

City in Pages - Melbourne

I've been sitting on this idea for a while now. I had it after reading Lili Wilkinson's Pink. I get really excited when I read books which mention places I know (or because in Pink, Kobi is from my old hometown and rides my train line). Anyway, I thought it would be fun to take you on a little trip around Melbourne through some of my favourite books - enjoy!

image source: we ♥ it

Notes from the Teenage Underground - Simmone Howell
Published by Pan Macmillan, 2006

State Library

State Library of Victoria is the main research and public reference in Victoria. Opening in 1856, the Library currently holds over 1.5 million books. Notable features include the stunning Domed Reading Room (seriously amazing) and the La Trobe Reading Room. The State Library is also home to the Centre for Youth Literature and the newly opened (in early 2010) The Wheeler Centre. The lawns in front of the Library on Swanston St are also a great lunching and/or people-watching spot. For more information about the State Library, check out their website.

National Gallery of Victoria
NGV is the oldest and largest public art gallery in Australia and holds approximately 65,000 words of art (from both Australian and international artists) including Frederick McCubbin's The Pioneer and Tiepolo's The Banquet of Cleopatra. I've been here a number of times, and my favourite thing (besides looking at the art of course) is to sit down in the Great Hall and look up at the Leonard French ceiling (made of stained glass) - it's amazing. There's a photo here.
Also mentioned in Six Impossible Things.

Six Impossible Things - Fiona Wood (reviewed here)
Published by Pan Macmillan, 2010

Yarra River

If you're from Melbourne, you've surely heard many stories about the Yarra (particularly in relation to some of the 'lovely' things found beneath it's surface) and it's level of pollution and cleanliness (yeah, you couldn't pay me to take a quick dip in it, sorry!). Despite the unsightly appearance of it's water colour, there are some beautiful parklands adjoining the Yarra at various sections (like the Warrandyte State Park and the Royal Botancial Gardens). The Wikipedia page has a wealth of interesting facts about the Yarra.
Also mentioned in Beatle Meets Destiny

Edinburgh Gardens

A beautiful park in North Fitzroy. What I just recently learned, was that Queen Victoria provided the grant for the land in 1862, and the centrepiece rotunda used to hold a statue of her, until it was mysteriously stolen in 1905 and was never replaced (personally, I’d like to think the statue is sitting in someone’s shed haha).

Fitzroy
Melbourne's first suburb (according to Wikipedia). Formerly a working-class neighbourhood, Fitzroy is now pretty damn trendy. This page highlights some of Fitzroy's great features (including the shopping & food on Brunswick St, which is possibly a bit of a cliche now, is still pretty great - personally, I highly recommend Harem for lovely things and Veggie Bar for amazing food). Fitzroy is also home to a wealth of book stores, cafes, restaurants, bars and galleries.

Beatle Meets Destiny - Gabrielle Williams
Published by Penguin, 2009

The Espy

St Kilda’s Esplanade Hotel has some of the nicest views in Melbourne. An awesome place for a drink, to play some pool (like Beatle, Toby and Magnus) or watch a band. You can check out their website here.

Camberwell Market
Running every Sunday, the Camberwell market is home to a treasure trove of pre-loved items (clothing, records, trinkets, collectables - you name it, chances are there's a stall which sells it) and hand-made goodies. I have to admit, I'm not very good at finding hidden bargains here (I'm not a very patient person), but I do like to flit from stall to stall (whilst eating a hot jam-donut of course).

Royal Botanical Gardens
I love them! In summer, they are home to some of my favourite summer things - the Moonlight Cinema, the Australian Shakespeare Company productions and of course, picnicking! Seriously, I highly recommend spending an afternoon just wandering through the gardens (and bring a picnic lunch!)

The George Cinema
Formerly owned by Palace Cinemas, this St Kilda three-screen cinema sadly closed in October 2010.

Number 16 Tram (Melbourne University – Kew via St Kilda Beach)
Gabrielle William’s description of this could be used as a route guide.

Chadstone Shopping Centre
Australia's largest shopping centre, with over 500 stores. The car park alone gives me nightmares.

Also mentioned:
Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square
Carlisle St, St. Kilda
The Prince

Part 2 to come soon (because Melbourne is so well-loved in young adult fiction that I couldn't fit it all into one post!).

The Duff - Kody Keplinger

The Facts
Author: Kody Keplinger
Publisher: Poppy
Date of Publication: September 2010
Length: 288 pages

The Fiction
From Goodreads: Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Ok, so I’m feeling very conflicted about this review – and it’s been the most difficult one I’d had to write for a while. Before reading The Duff, I had heard a lot of things. A lot of really positive, raving reviews. Then I read it – and I didn’t love it. I wanted to! I really did – and I feel like maybe if I hadn’t heard so much about it pre-publication and instead went into it knowing nothing, maybe I would have gotten more out of it, but it just wasn’t what I hoped it would be I guess. Anyway, here are some of my thoughts about The Duff:

• Firstly, Bianca - Bianca had a lot of the traits I usually love in YA girls – she’s snarky and cynical and is also the mother-hen of her friendship group (which I can relate to). Bianca is also intelligent and a fiarly direct person. So where did she lose me?  Well, sometimes I felt like she was just so angry, to the point it started to alienate me as a reader a little (maybe because generally I am not a particularly aggressive person?). I also would have liked her to be more honest (with herself and with others around her) and to stand up for herself (especially in regard to Wesley referring to Bianca as Duff/Duffy/any variation of that) when it counted.
• I also struggled to sympathise or even like Wesley Rush. Whilst he certainly has a Chuck Bass-ish arrogant charm, he also unfortunately tended to fall into a bit of poor-little-rich-boy cliché for me, and I kind of kept expecting something more from him.
• What I really liked is the fact that Keplinger writes openly about teenage sexuality. Instead of an awkward-first-time story or a heavy, foreboding, don’t-do-it scene clad with a stern moral message, Keplinger writes about sexual experiences as hormone-driven and exciting, and writes about sexual pleasure from a female protagonist’s point of view (something I haven’t read much of in contemporary YA).
• I have heard the term ‘the Duff’ before reading this novel (designated ugly fat friend for those of you unfamiliar with it). I really, really dislike this expression and even though Keplinger explores what it means to be a Duff (and eventually there seems to be an ownership of the term – hard to explain, but I felt like there was a bit of ‘we are all the duff’ joke at the end) but I kind of wish that there had been more of an emphasis on the idea that this way of thinking and talking about young women is quite simply not okay (just like the classifying girls as ‘grenade’ or a ‘hippo’ on Jersey Shore. This is not funny – it’s so unbelievably offensive!).
• I also have a bit of a random theory about this book– in some ways, The Duff reminds me a lit of Pretty in Pink, but set in 2010 with a more voluptuous heroine, more sex and no (awful) pink prom dress (I’m sorry, the prom dress in Pretty in Pink disappoints me every single time I watch it. Ugh).

The Duff is an interesting read which touches upon a number of important issues, such as teen sexuality, relationships, alcoholism and body image. Keplinger’s writing is direct, honest and easy to read (even though I was having trouble relating to the characters, I was certainly compelled to keep reading) and I commend her for creating characters who speak their mind and don’t necessarily fit into a traditional YA mould, and who can be confronting and challenge the reader’s comfort zone. I do think that because of all the hype and publicity prior to the novel’s release last year, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed that it didn’t live up to my own high expectations. Still, if you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

Thanks to Good Golly Miss Holly for hosting The Duff ARC tour, which allowed me to read this book.

Waiting on Wednesday - A Pocketful of Eyes

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine to "spotlight upcoming releases". Whilst there hasn't been anything I've been really, really hanging out for over the past couple of months, I have to say I'm kind of ridiculously excited for Lili Wilkinson's A Pocketful of Eyes.

From Allen & Unwin: When a dead body is discovered at the Museum, Beatrice May Ross is determined to use her sleuthing skills to solve the case. Sharp, sassy YA crime-fiction, with a dash of romance and a splash of funny.
Bee is in her element working in the taxidermy department at the Museum of Natural History, but her summer job turns out to be full of surprises:
A dead body in the Red Rotunda. A mysterious Museum benefactor. A large stuffed tiger in the Catacombs. A handsome boy with a fascination for unusual animal mating habits.
And a pocketful of glass eyes.
Can Bee sift through the clues to discover whether her mentor really committed suicide ... or is there a murderer in their midst?

To be published by Allen & Unwin in May 2011

Not only is the cover absolutely gorgeous, but I'm a big fan of Lili's writing and A Pocketful of Eyes has something Veronica Mars-ish about it, which is a big plus in my book - can't wait to read it!

What books are you most eagerly awaiting?

Polyvore Profile - Beatle Meets Destiny

Oh my, I absolutely adore Beatle Meets Destiny so, so much! If you haven't read it before (gasp!) here's a tiny teaser from Penguin:
Imagine your name is John Lennon, only everyone calls you Beatle.

And then you meet your Dream girl and her name is Destiny McCartney.
But what if you're already with the perfect girl?

In the spirit of my Nick & Norah, and Dash & Lily sets, I just had to make a combined profile for Beatle and Destiny - I hope you like it!

Beatle Meets Destiny by Girl_Friday featuring leather sunglasses

Snack Size #12

Sorry for the slowness around here lately. I've had a bit of a hectic week at work, and have only just recovered. I've also been working on some fun guest posts I hope to share with you all soon.

Anyway, it's back! My first lot of Snack Size reviews for 2011, and they're all Australian. Each piece is a tiny, bite-sized reviewlette at 100 words each.

Darkwater - Georgia Blain
Published by Random House Australia, 2010

Darkwater is a mystery set in 1973, in a quiet, riverside suburb following the murder of a popular schoolgirl. Now you all know I love my ‘missing / dead girl’ books but I actually felt that Winter‘s (the narrator) coming-of-age story was more powerful and engaging than the mystery aspect surrounding the murder of Amanda. I loved the way the dynamics of Winter’s family were captured in the novel (her mother and her plotline were especially interesting).
Blaine’s writing is subtle and easy to read and Darkwater has just the right mix of suspense and personal exploration.

What Now, Tilda B? - Kathryn Lomer
Published by UQP, 2010

Matilda is restless. She lives in a small coastal town, is almost finished her schooling and has no idea what she wants to do next (despite being asked constantly by those around her). It’s when Tilda discovers two seals stranded on her beach, that things start to change. I really liked Tilda and thought she was well-developed and relatable for young teen girls, and enjoyed reading about a girl who lived with her grandparents, and loved her bff Sharon’s obsession with hair. The writing is understated, pleasant and believable and What Now, Tilda B is an enjoyable afternoon read.




Chasing Charlie Duskin - Cath Crowley
Published by Pan Macmillan, 2005

Chasing Charlie Duskin is about two girls, two boys and one summer in a country town. Rose who longs to escape and Charlie who needs to find herself and put her family back together. I adored this book! The characters are very well developed and Charlie, in particular, was so easy to like and you so badly want things to work out for her. Cath Crowley’s writing is so touching and there’s this beautiful combination of humour and poetry and just amazing-ness.
Released in the US as A Little Wanting Song. Oh my goodness, this book is completely wonderful - please read it!

By My Bedside #22

Good morning chums! Here's a glimpse at what is currently sitting on my to-read pile. By My Beside is part of In My Mailbox, created by Kristi of The Story Siren. This week, all my books come courtesy from my local library (and thanks to my little sister for allowing me to photograph them onto of her bookshelves, as mine are currently covered in other books and papers ... whoops).

♥ Rules of Attraction - Simone Elkeles

♥ Sweethearts - Sara Zarr

♥ Mirror Mirror - Gregory Maguire

♥ Chasing Charlie Duskin - Cath Crowley

What are you reading this week?