SUNDAY SHOUT-OUT: A FIRST PLACE

Is there ever such a thing as too many books? I don’t think there are too many books to read, but there can definitely be too many to review. Often I’m sent books and, with an already sagging review shelf, these unsolicited books often often don’t fit in to my schedule. Other times, I am unable to finish a book I intended to review (for various reasons), or I don’t have time for a full review. Sunday Shout-Out aims to acknowledge these books and the publishers who have sent them to me.

Sunday Shout Out is a bookish meme hosted by Monique of Write Note Reviews. If you’re a book blogger and you want to join in, just:

• Share the title, author, blurb and image from a book (or more than one) you want to acknowledge
• Share the genre, price and link to the publisher so readers can follow up if they like the sound of the book
• Ping back to Write Note Reviews in your post.

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A First Place by David Malouf, Knopf Australia RRP $29.99. Available from Random House Australia.

Topography, geography, history. Multiculturalism, referendums, the constitution and national occasions. Parental and grandparental romances, the sensual and bountiful beauty of Brisbane, the mysterious offerings of Queenslander houses, and leaving home. The idea of a nation and the heart of its people. Being Australian and Australia’s relationship to the world. Putting ourselves on the map. All these subjects, and more, are explored from the generous, questioning and original perspective of David Malouf. At the heart of these pieces is the idea of home, where and what it is. What they illustrate is the formation of a man, an Australian and one of the best writers this country has produced.

The only David Malouf book I’ve read is An Imaginary Life, back in Year 12 as a required text. I read it several times and loved it … but that was a long time ago. This collection of personal essays and writing from David Malouf to celebrate his 80th birthday was sent to me by the publisher, but a quick glance showed that it wasn’t quite my style. It’s had fantastic reviews and for those who love Malouf’s writing it’s sure to be an absorbing read.

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What do you think? Do this sound like something you’d read?