September brings the Get Reading campaign, a government incentive to get people reading that extra book (hallelujah!).  Look out for the booklet The 50 Books You Can't Put Down, which you'll find in store and in magazines, newspapers etc.  For one month only, take advantage of a free collection of Australian short stories, or Land of Dragons by Emily Rodda, both specially written for the campaign, and available with any purchase from the booklet.

Congratulations to our lovely Ange Takats, who was a star at the recent Byron Bay Writers Festival.  Her memoir, Buffalo Funeral impressed the publishers and the audiences, and she sang like an angel at her two gigs, one with Paul Kelly.
 
You may have heard of the phenomenon called Game of Thrones, which is the first book in the series called A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin.  Martin published the first in the series in 1996, and the fifth book (of seven) has been published this year.  It is an epic fantasy set in a fictional world, full of knights, castles, treachery, passion and bloodshed, and I'm loving it!  The first book has been filmed for television, so the series has had a resurgence of popularity.  My son emailed from China recently, telling me how great it was, so I decided to have a go.  I am not a fantasy reader (although I am passionate about Lord of the Rings), so I attacked the first book with trepidation.  I admit that I quickly became totally engrossed in the story and am more than a little concerned that I may not have the willpower to stop after the first book, and read something else.  I found Game of Thrones an easy read, but very compelling and satisfying, with well drawn characters and an exotic, icy setting.  It has some quite adult themes, so not suitable for younger readers (in my opinion).  Isn't it great to read something completely different (to the usual) every now and again?

Remember Switch-foot??  
Andrew Crockett has released a new book called ACUMEN, which is quite a departure from his surf/art books, but with his unique, individual style.  ACUMEN contains answers to 31 thought-provoking and inspiring questions, all of which we may ask ourselves during our lives.  These questions are answered by 40 very different people from around the globe, from rock stars to doctors, tour guides to professional surfers, Aboriginal elders to software developers, and much more.  Andrew says, "2011 is a rapidly changing time for all of us.  People are adapting and changing to what feels like a new way of living.  People are busy.  The world is getting more and more out of balance environmentally and financially.  People are asking questions and wanting answers.  I hope Acumen can be read by anyone from anywhere in the world, and bring some light to their life."

Don't forget that the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival will run from 5-9 October this year.  If you are planning to visit Bali in the near future, do it then!  It's another fabulous program, including Aussies Alex Miller and Benjamin Law, internationals such as DBC Pierre and Alexander McCall-Smith and a strong contingent of Asian writers.  Check the website: www.ubudwritersfestival.com 

LESLEY SYNGE is a Brisbane-based writer who grew up roaming the bush. She is a poet, a teacher, a Buddhist and a mother. Lesley took her son on an adventure to the forests of South Korea and later to our own Gondwana rainforests. Her uniquely flavoured memoir carries the message to "...slow down and walk the earth's wild mountains; it will make us happier and wiser." Mountains Belong to the People Who Love Them is a travel story of adventure, spiritual pilgrimage, a poetic essay and a touching love story. Join Lesley "on the footpath" for a cup of chai and a window into Lesley's world.
 
LESLEY SYNGE - BOOK LAUNCH
ON THE FOOTPATH
THURSDAY 29th SEPTEMBER - 6.00pm
TEA & NIBBLES (no alcohol will be served at this event)
FREE OF CHARGE  

BOOKS FOR COOKS

SOME GREAT NEW TITLES NOW IN STORE....    

FOOTPRINTS: THE STORY OF POWDERFINGER (Special Limited Edition also available)
IQ84 - Haruki Murakami
PRAGUE CEMETERY - Umberto Eco
SURFARI - Tim Baker
MAWSON - Peter Fitzsimons
TIGER MEN - Judy Nunn
MARRIAGE PLOT - Jeffrey Eugenides
NIGHTWOODS - Charles Frazier
FOAL'S BREAD - Gillian Meares
GOLDEN EARRINGS - Belinda Alexandra 

PRIZE QUESTION 

The first person to email the correct answer to my question will win a fantastic prize - the brand new hardback novel from Kate Grenville, Sarah Thornhill.
   
Who is this lovely lady?  She's releasing a brand new cookbook later this year, (and she's my friend!).