Now, this category is a lot harder than it might seem because I really don’t read all that much fiction written by men, occupational hazard I suppose, given my focus and work for the Australian Women Writers Challenge. The last book by an Australian man I read filled the crime category, but I’ve finally read another! I really should read more from our Aussie men, I always enjoy what I’ve read.
Written by an Australian man:
The Rip is a novel about homelessness and addiction, about people who have felt the sharp edges of life and become tangled in too deep. It’s also about loyalty, and reaching out to other people, no matter how many times they say no. And it’s about vulnerability, how incredibly vulnerable young people are when they are addicted to drugs and live on the streets. It’s this vulnerability that has remained with me, etching itself into my consciousness. We think we know all about predators, but what we know, from our cosy homes with locking doors and safely tucked up children is nothing compared to what street kids face. That’s the powerful punch this novel packs, you think you know the story, but then the story actually shows itself to you, in all its glory, and you want to look away but you can’t.
The Rip was an edge of your seat read and I couldn’t put it down, I read it straight through in one evening. It really is a novel for our times. Highly recommended.
For 2019, I’m teaming up with Mrs B’s Book Reviews and The Book Muse for an even bigger, and more challenging book bingo. We’d love to have you join us. Every second Saturday throughout 2019, we’ll post our latest round. We invite you to join in at any stage, just pop the link to your bingo posts into the comments section of our bingo posts each fortnight so we can visit you. If you’re not a blogger, feel free to just write your book titles and thoughts on the books into the comments section each fortnight, and tag us on social media if you are playing along that way.
This sounds good. Another for my TBR. I’m collecting titles to buy for international book day. This will be on my list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do you have a set amount of books you intend to buy or any other guidelines?
LikeLike
Yes, definitely a tough one to fill! I think I won this one so it’s somewhere in my piles that are in the middle of being sorted!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those piles! I have too many of those as well…
LikeLike
Yes! I want to get into them and sort more out but I think it might be better once I get the new book case and get help putting the shelves that I couldn’t get into the wall unit in and work out what fits where first. Waiting on new bookcase to be delivered in the next few weeks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’ll be fun once it arrives, all of the arranging you’ll get to do!
LikeLike
I know! I already know I want to try and keep certain authors and series together, and have wild dreams about having one side of the wall unit dedicated to Harry Potter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One day I want a whole room lined with shelves…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. Once the new one arrives, we’re also going to be moving around my framed stuff, so it could take a few days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a whole room lined with bookshelves; my very own library.
But
It has not helped with the TBR. The thing about having more shelves, is that they fill up all by themselves…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no doubt about that!
But I still want them! 😁
LikeLike
I want a branch library – upstairs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This new book by Mark Brandi sounds good. I must check it out. I just finished reading Of Mice and Men for my ‘themes of inequality’ square and I must say not a fan of that book, well, his writing is terrific but the storyline was too disturbing and creepy, but at least that square is ticked off, phew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked Of Mice and Men. A lot of themes contained in that little novel. But I can understand why it’s not to everyone’s taste. Good job on marking off another category!
LikeLike
I’m sorry I missed leaving a comment on book bingo day. It was a busy one. I love your choice for this category so much. I adore Mr Brandi and The Rip stands out as one of my favourite books of the year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is it? I didn’t know you loved it that much.
LikeLiked by 1 person