DrCris Reads

ABC’s May “First Tuesday Bookclub”

May 8, 2008 Bookclubs, What to Read No Comments

I just watched my recording of the May First Tuesday Bookclub, screened on ABC Australia.

The first book discussed this week was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This is a Swedish blockbuster mystery novel, and has become a Scandinavian bestseller. Two of the five reviewers loved it, and the others thought it appallling. Once of the guests even failed to finish it. By all accounts, this is a very journalistic style book, heaving with detail. Also, from an author who claims to be raising awareness of the abuse of women, there are very graphic scenes of, you guessed it, abuse against women.

The second book discussed was Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Jennifer Byrne thoguht this was simple and repetitive. However all the others raved and raved. I haven’t read this book, but like the Hemingway I have read. This is definitely on my someday-read list.

The vodcast of this and other episodes are available here.

ABC’s March “First Tuesday Bookclub”

March 9, 2008 Bookclubs No Comments

This is the week for ABC Australia’s First Tuesday Bookclub aired this week (yes, I know I am a bit late posting on this). The books they discussed this week were Christopher Koch’s The Memory Room (which was pretty much canned) and David Sedaris’ Naked (which was applauded).

This is a great TV bookclub, and the vodcast of episodes are available here. I have got a lot of books recommendations from this program so it is worth checking out.