Hello!

Well here I am, after seven years behind the scenes in my role as publisher, now sitting in the editor’s chair. I’m certainly stepping into some very big shoes; Caroline Baum, Kathy Mossop and most recently Alison Pressley, three very dedicated and clever women. So it is with a certain sense of trepidation that I have taken the helm! But I have never been more excited and passionate about helping you find a good book as well as providing you with a magazine that is full of useful information and an interesting read!
 We’ve been sneaking up on unsuspecting readers at airports, camping sites, and on public transport for many years now, but I’ve decided that now it’s your turn. I want to hear what you’re reading! So send me your name, suburb and state, the name and author of the book you’re reading, a bit about it and your verdict. We’ll publish a selection each month.
 I’ve had my nose buried in books since the New Year. It all began with The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, which after admiring a lovely hardback edition in a bookstore I was lucky enough to find under the Christmas tree. And what a great way to start the year! I have bought many copies as gifts since then just so I can talk to someone about it! After a flurry of reading I’ve now just finished Hosseini’s second book A Thousand Splendid Suns. I’m not sure if I enjoyed this one as much as The Kite Runner, maybe it was just too sad. I didn’t seem to have the same connection with it as I had with The Kite Runner. Have you read them both? I’d like to hear what you think if you have.
 I rose out of bed (albeit slowly) on New Year’s Day and decided this is the year I’m going to read all those books I should have read and haven’t got around to. I know, I know, you’ve probably heard this before, but this time I really am going to do it! So I’m starting with To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Am I the only person who hasn’t read this book? Looking through the back issues of gr, this book is one of the most mentioned titles, another being War and Peace (although I’m not sure I’m ready for that one just yet!). Maybe you could help me with some suggestions to add to my list?

I really hope you’ll join in sharing the books you’ve loved with me and fellow gr readers. That must-read list can never be too long!

Happy reading!

Rowena

If you are looking for memorable reads, here are a few that I have enjoyed in recent times: A Fine Balance - by Rohinton Mistry, City of the Beasts - by Isabel Allende (this is the first in a 'young adult' trilogy which I have not yet completed, but LOVED), The Fountainhead - by Ayn Rand, Janet Evanovich's entire Stephanie Plum series when you want something easy and entertaining or Cloud Atlas - by David Mitchell, if you are feeling adventurous and up for a challenging but engaging read. Hope this list strikes a chord ... and I look forward to seeing what other suggestions gr lovers come up with!

Rowena,
I start every year with a list of books I also think I should read, so good luck with your aim. I stayed up really late last night to read the first truly awesome book i have read in a long time it was Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I really do reccomend reading this, it was un-put-down-able and I am suffering from lack of sleep today at work.
Megs

Rowena,
As an avid list maker myself, can totally understand. If I may suggest adding "Blood of Dreams" by Susan Parisi, to your list. A deeply seductive and well crafted story set in 17th century Venice during Carinvale. Unputdownable (if there is such a word). Good luck with your list. elle-j

Hi Rowena,

The most outstanding book I've read this year is David Malouf's The Great World. Unless I get around to finishing The Magic Mountain (Thomas Mann) it could well prove to be the best book I read all year. And it's only April! Enjoy making that list, just don't feel stuck with it if something enticing comes across your path. Often the best reads are the ones we come upon unexpectedly.

Hi Rowena
Just wanted to say hello and thankyou for the magazine. I have been a subscriber since the second issue and the anticipation I feel when I find a new issue is all thanks to you and the team.
Re Birdsong by Faulks you are in for a great and worthwhile read. Its a compelling love affair amongst the tragedy and futility of war and his descriptions of the bloody battlefields are integrated so well into the story.
I have a couple of books to recommend that I have recently enjoyed. Another by Faulks and his most recent book 'Engelby' which is brilliant as well as 'The Testament of Gideon Mack' by James Robertson. When I come across books like these two I truly understand why it is that I love to read.
Happy reading
Jenny

Hi Rowena.
It's always a struggle for me choosing that next book. I Find that ultimately my decision is influenced by the book i have just finished. After Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road' for instance, i just wanted something light to bring me back to an even keel. In saying that, Anything by Jeanette Winterson or Kate Grenville always goes down well. Re visiting Doris Lessing or Elizabeth Jolly is also always a joy. have fun!