Sunday, June 21, 2009
My final assignment for the semester is complete and sent, and I now have a few minutes to come back to this blog. Of course nobody reads this anymore, so I'm talking to myself again.
Anyway just have a minute and just wanted to get a post in.
Even if it, like the majority of the Internet, is pointless.
Anyway just have a minute and just wanted to get a post in.
Even if it, like the majority of the Internet, is pointless.
Monday, December 08, 2008
As of now, The Librarydude's Summer Reading Program consists of one book, and a paperback novel at that. So here are some other titles that I hope to knock off by the end of Summer.
Round Ireland With A Fridge by Tony Hawks
Inspired by a strange sight he saw years ago, Tony Hawks (genius behind the hit 80s single Stutter Rap) makes a drunken bet that he can hitch-hike around the circunfrence of Ireland with a fridge. This book details his travels and the inhabitants who help (hinder?) his task.
Ok, anyone who has completed the HSC (Higher School Certificate) in Australia has probably already read this, but this is Australia's essential coming of age novel, and deserves repeated re-reading.
Set over one year in the life of Josie Alibrandi, this novel covers her struggle with being a second generation Italian, he reuniting with her Father, and her struggles at school. Because it's a coming of age novel, Josies love life is put through the wringer as well.
Apparantly this novel was one of the most stolen books from school libraries back in the nineties, and with good reason. It is my favourite Australian novel.
Well I haven't actually read this so I cannot give my synopsis to you. But I have enjoyed James Herbert's other work. Here, in place of my blurb, is the write up from amazon.com.
Sleath - a picturesque village hidden away in a part of the Chiltern Hills seldom visited by outsiders. With its mediaeval church and traditional green and pond, it presents the perfect picture of English rural calm. But something is lurking in the shadows of the ancient buildings. The faces of the people hiding behind the twitching curtains of the idyllic cottages betray the fear that has gripped a community, fear of terrors beyond mortal control and imagination. Psychic investigator David Ash had more experience than most of facing what lies behind paranormal and supernatural phenomena. But even he is unprepared for what greets him when he is summoned to investigate reports of mass hauntings....
Well thats the lineup for now. If anyone wants to comment on any of these selections, feel free to comment here or email me at davidroyreid@hotmail.com.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Because it is now Summer, and The Librarydude has completed all his study until at least february next year, I'm starting my own personal Summer Reading Program.
First book off the rank, William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist.
For those who have not read this (or seen the movie, which was a very good adaptation) here's the blurb from my copy of the novel.
"The terror began unobtrusively. Noises in Reagan's room, an odd smell, misplaced furniture, an icy chill. small annoyances for which chris MacNeil, Reagan's actress mother, easily found explanations. The changes in eleven-year-old Reagan were so gradual too, that Chris did not recognize for some time how much her daughters behaviour had altered. Even when she did, the medical tests which followed shed no light on Reagan's symptoms, which grew more severe and frightening. It was almost as if a different personality had invaded the child. Desperate, Chris turned from the doctors to Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest, who was trained as a psychiatrist and had a deep knowledge of such phenomena as satanism and possession. Was it possible that a demonic force was at large? If psychiatry couldn't help, might exorcism be the answer?"
Labels: Summer reading
Friday, November 28, 2008
Essential reading for any librarian or library worker would have to be Library Journal, (or Australian Library Journal), but a more entertaining one, and just as full of library information is Unshelved. (for those who for some reason have not realised it, Unshelved appears on this page every day- just look at the top of this page for todays strip)
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Digital revolution comes to printed word
"A survey published in conjunction with the Frankfurt Book Fair last month showed that 40 percent of book publishing professionals thought digital sales, regardless of the format, would surpass the ink-on-paper kind by 2018."
Hmm really? I like e-books, for some applications, I even have made moves into selling ebooks online, so I do appreciate them, but I cannot see them overtaking print within the next decade.
For out of print books, such as the collection at sites such as forgottenbooks.org and Project Gutenberg, the e-book format is a useful way to retain these works, but I cannot see the new book bestseller being bought mainly by download.
Let's see what happens in the next ten years...
"A survey published in conjunction with the Frankfurt Book Fair last month showed that 40 percent of book publishing professionals thought digital sales, regardless of the format, would surpass the ink-on-paper kind by 2018."
Hmm really? I like e-books, for some applications, I even have made moves into selling ebooks online, so I do appreciate them, but I cannot see them overtaking print within the next decade.
For out of print books, such as the collection at sites such as forgottenbooks.org and Project Gutenberg, the e-book format is a useful way to retain these works, but I cannot see the new book bestseller being bought mainly by download.
Let's see what happens in the next ten years...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Interesting new site. The Open Library
http://www.openlibrary.org/
I'll have a good look at this later, I'm in the middle of writing an assignment and can't giove it a great workout yet. It does however, have online copies of some older, and rarer material. Could be worth a look.
Currently it is in beta stage.
http://www.openlibrary.org/
I'll have a good look at this later, I'm in the middle of writing an assignment and can't giove it a great workout yet. It does however, have online copies of some older, and rarer material. Could be worth a look.
Currently it is in beta stage.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Quick Recommendation for a good novel.
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier.
I found a replacement copy of this yesterday for $2 at a Salvation army store. (My original copy has fallen apart from overuse)
This is one book that I would be pleased to see my kids read (later on, no way are they reading it now). In fact, I was always glad to see kids reading Cormier's books, and The Chocolate War and I Am The Cheese in particular. Maybe it's because I can't stand books being removed or censored from school libraries, and seeing kids read them is a great stand for their right to choose. (which incidently, is the sub-theme of The Chocolate War). If you haven't read it, I urge you to.
Also check out Cormier's other books, especially I Am The Cheese and Beyond The Chocolate War.
