Category: literature

Categories
books films literature TV

Good TV and films

Good things from the ABC and some good upcoming films…..

 

iView Arts channel

Art, fashion, books, film, photography, music….

http://iview.abc.net.au/channel/abcarts

 

iView Arts programs include:

 

Bookish

“A short-form digital complement to The Book Club – where books, reading culture and storytelling collide online”. Videos are 3 to 7 minutes.

http://iview.abc.net.au/collection/bookish-new-from-abc-arts

 

The Word

Poetry from writers and performers from diverse backgrounds. Videos are 3 to 10 minutes.

http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/word/IV1609H012S00

 

Meet the mavericks

Featuring iconic artists, performers, thinkers, cultural leaders and all round troublemakers. It pairs guests from different generations and fields who have aspects of their work in common eg. Tim Minchin and Phillip Adams; Ben Quilty and Warwick Thornton.

http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/meet-the-mavericks/AC1519H001S00

 

The critics

Examines screen culture from feature films to web series and video art. Videos are 10 minutes.

http://iview.abc.net.au/collection/the-critics

 

Anh’s brush with fame

8 part series from Wed 24 Aug on ABC. Comedian and artist Anh Do paints a portrait of a well-known person whilst getting to know them and learning about their life and formative years. The celebrities also share personal photos and videos. First up is Magda Szubanski, followed by Jimmy Barnes, Amanda Keller, Dr Charlie Teo, Kyle Sandilands, Craig McLachlan, Kate Ceberano and Anthony Mundine. Anh was a finalist in the 2014 Archibald Prize.

https://tv.press.abc.net.au/comedian-anh-do-paints-aussie-celebs-in-new-abc-series

 

ABC3 becomes ABC ME on 19 Sept

“The complete digital and broadcast service designed to reflect and celebrate the lives, interests and diversity of young Australians”. The channel is aimed at school-aged children and will have quality short and long form Australian and international content, with a new app that can be personalised. New programs include News to me (weekly pop culture review show); Prisoner zero (sci-fi action animation) and This is me (short documentary series). Returning programs include the acclaimed Nowhere boys, Little lunch and Behind the news. There will also be new strands that will allow children to share their ideas and opinions. ABC ME will be on Channel 23 free to air.

https://tv.press.abc.net.au/strictly-embargoed-media-release-abc3-becomes-abc-me

 

Good shows on the ABC for the remainder of the year…..

Man up – Looks at the disconnectedness of Australian men, mental health problems and suicide.

Jane Caro’s Compass series explores family relationships.

When TV was awesome – Short ABC archival gems get a comedy-mash-up makeover. Satirical, irreverent and shareable.

You can’t ask that – excellent insights into the lives of marginalised Australians who answer anonymous questions.

Looking forward to Upper middle bogan (series 3)….such a good show!

http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/08/abc-upcoming-highlights.html

 

Some good films….

 

Miss Peregrine’s home for peculiar children

Directed by Tim Burton. Based on the  bestselling dark fantasy/horror young adult novel by Ransom Riggs, which was illustrated with unusual vintage photos of children. Following  a family tragedy, 16 year old Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, leading him to an abandoned orphanage on an island, inhabited by a variety of children with unusual traits and powers. Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson. Rated PG. Opens Sept 2016.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1935859/

Book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9460487-miss-peregrine-s-home-for-peculiar-children

 

Pete’s dragon

The adventures of an orphaned boy who is rescued after an accident by a giant green dragon who lives in a forest. Remake of the 1977 film musical. Stars Bryce Dallas Howard , Oakes Fegley and Robert Redford. “The elemental friendship between boy and beast and a lovely affirmation of family, community, and the preciousness of the natural world” (Tobias). Out now.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2788732/

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/petes-dragon-2016

 

Fantastic beasts and where to find them

Prequel to the Harry Potter series, set in New York in 1926; the first in a film trilogy. Based on the book by J.K.Rowling/Newt Scamander (an approved textbook at Hogwarts). Follows the adventures of writer and introverted wizard Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards. When Newt visits New York for a conference, a misplaced magical case leads to the escape of some fantastic beasts and an increase in violence, fear and tension between magical and non magical peoples. Directed by David Yates (who directed Harry Potter 5,6,7,and 8). Stars Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell. Opens 18 November.

http://moviepilot.com/p/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them-news-rumors-all-you-need-to-know/4076907

http://www.fantasticbeasts.com/

https://www.pottermore.com/fantastic-beasts

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/

 

A monster calls

Based on the acclaimed book by Patrick Ness (a very moving, sad but wonderful story). An ancient yew tree helps a boy cope with his mother’s terminal illness and face the truth about an incident in his past. Stars Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver and Liam Neeson as the voice of the monster. The trailer looks excellent. Opens Jan 2017.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMgm20Di9Wg

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3416532/

Categories
books literature popular culture science fiction

Happy Book Week!

Literature quizzes

25 fun bookish quizzes: http://bookriot.com/2013/04/10/25-fun-bookish-quizzes/

http://www.triviaplaza.com/literature-general-quizzes/

http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/literature/

Great opening lines: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/30-great-opening-lines-in-literature/

53 best opening sentences: https://www.buzzfeed.com/sarahgalo/it-was-a-queer-sultry-summer?utm_term=.drxY61B0Y#.ldmRaDLjR

100 best closing lines: http://www.stylist.co.uk/books/the-best-100-closing-lines-from-books

 

Better Reading

Australia’s largest annual celebration  of books and reading, encouraging everyone to pick up a book and read.

The first Top 100 list was launched in 2015:

http://www.betterreading.com.au/book_list/better-reading-presents-australias-top-100-books/

Vote for your favourite book in 2016  and go in the draw to win Australia’s top 100 books. Entries close 31 Aug; top 100 announced 9 Sept. Titles can be fiction or non fiction from around the world.

Top 50 kids’ books: http://www.betterreading.com.au/book_list/better-reading-presents-australias-top-50-kids-books/

 

Dymocks Top 101 2016

  1. The book thief 2. To kill a mockingbird 3. Pride and prejudice

https://www.dymocks.com.au/top-101?gclid=CP2-s6XO3M4CFQwnvQodv8gNiA

 

Miles Franklin Award announced 26 Aug

Australia’s most prestigious literary prize is awarded to “a novel which is of the highest literary merit and presents Australian life in any of its phases”.

http://theconversation.cmail2.com/t/ViewEmail/r/8D3A20714D85AF372540EF23F30FEDED/E047E5910EF91B07D8E2A916412CAE5B

Book lists and awards

Literary awards around the world – there are lots!: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_literary_awards

Reading suggestions and awards: http://www.betterreading.com.au/book_list/

 

Goodreads

The world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations (owned by Amazon). Lists, quizzes, trivia, quotes…

https://www.goodreads.com/

Goodreads Choice Awards: https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2015

 

New York Times Bestsellers

Truly madly deeply by Liane Moriarty at #4.

http://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/

 

After something new to read? Try these…

 

All these perfect strangers by Aoife Clifford

Psychological thriller (Aust. author) with an unreliable narrator. Within 6 months of Pen starting university, three of her friends are dead and only Pen knows the reason why. “A novel of disquieting intimacy and controlled suspense” – Gary Disher.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27838280-all-these-perfect-strangers

 

Ancillary justice by Ann Leckie

Award-winning sci-fi novel, the first in a space opera trilogy. The only novel to win the Hugo, Nebula and Arthur C. Clarke Awards. Breq is the sole survivor of a starship destroyed by treachery. As the artificial consciousness of the starship, she seeks revenge on the ruler of her civilisation.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333324-ancillary-justice

 

The trap by Melanie Raabe

Psychological thriller. “I know who killed my sister. I wrote this book for him”. Twelve years after the murder, Linda sees her sister’s killer on TV as a well-known journalist. She sets a trap for him by writing a thriller about an unsolved murder of a young woman.

https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/the-trap

Go books and reading!

 

 

Categories
films human rights literature science fiction

More good films

Some more good films…..sci-fi, fantasy, human rights, environment, history, animated…..

 

Cleverman

Directed by Wayne Blair and Leah Purcell. Created by Ryan Griffen. Stars Hunter Page-Lochard , Rob Collins, Deborah Mailman, Jack Charles, Robyn Nevin. This Australian 6 part sci-fi drama looks excellent. In the near future, creatures from ancient mythology – the Hairypeople – live amongst humans in a world that wants to silence, exploit and destroy  them. Their only refuge is to live in The Zone. The Hairies live for more than 200 years and have a knowledge of land, culture and the past. Two estranged indigenous brothers know that there is one chosen being – the Cleverman – who has the power to bring the worlds of humans and Hairypeople back together before everything is destroyed.

 

In indigenous culture, the Cleverman is a conduit between The Dreaming and this world. The Hairypeople were inspired by identities in many stories across the country and creator Griffen consulted with elders from many communities. They were designed by Jake Nash, production designer for Bangarra dance company, and built by Weta Workshop (Lord of the rings) in New Zealand. Screens ABC1 and iview on 2 June.

 

“Cleverman is a thrilling and sophisticated drama filled with conflict, unrest and smart storytelling. The show presents an allegorical view of some of the timeliest and urgent discussions going on our world right now — our collective treatment of minority groups and what common values we share that make us a society.” – Joel Stillerman.

“Cleverman marks a new era for Australia’s production sector, inviting audiences to experience a bold new story-world where Aboriginal storytelling meets high concept genre drama. With an 80% Indigenous cast, Cleverman sets the benchmark for diversity on Australian television and its contemporary themes set in the near future will resonate widely amongst diverse audiences” – Sally Riley, Head of Indigenous, ABC TV.

https://studentedge.com.au/article/why-abc-cleverman-is-2016-most-exciting-new-show

http://thescreenblog.com/2016/02/10/a-new-kind-of-tv-cleverman/

http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/feb/18/with-80-indigenous-cast-cleverman-becomes-first-australian-show-at-berlinale

 

Midnight special

Science fiction-drama. Directed by Jeff Nichols. Stars Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton and Kirsten Dunst. A father and son flee a religious cult in Texas, pursued by the government and a cult drawn to the child’s special otherworldly powers. “Jangling, darkly addictive and super-mysterious…” -Tim Robey. Sounds intriguing! Rated M. Out now.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2649554/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/midnight-special/review/

 

Free state of Jones

Directed by Gary Ross. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Brendan Gleeson. Based on the life of Southern farmer Newton Knight, who, after surviving an American Civil War battle, led a group of farmers and slaves in an armed rebellion against the Confederacy in Mississippi. He later married a former slave and established a unique mixed community in the south which seceded from the Confederacy – the Free State of Jones. Opens June.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124037/

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-free-state-jones-180958111/?no-ist

 

Alice through the looking glass

Directed by James Bobin and produced by Tim Burton; sequel to 2010’s Alice in Wonderland. Stars Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, the voices of Alan Rickman and Stephen Fry, and Sacha Baron Cohen as Time (a part human, part clock creature). After travelling for 3 years, Alice returns to Underland via a magical looking glass and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. Rated PG. Opens May.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2567026/

 

The BFG

Fantasy adventure directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the book by Roald Dahl. Stars Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Rafe Spall. Sophie befriends the Big Friendly Giant who is treated as an outcast by other giants because he refuses to eat children. Trailer looks amazing! Opens July.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3691740/

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/steven-spielberg-shows-off-giant-country-in-full-trailer-for-the-bfg-20160406-gnzm98.html

 

Finding Dory

Sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo. Written and directed again by Andrew Stanton. Stars Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brookes. After suddenly recalling her childhood memories, Dory sets out with Nemo and Marlin to find her family in the ocean near California. The film’s ending was revised after executives viewed Blackfish (orcas in captivity) and characters now have an option to leave a marine park. Nemo is now voiced by a younger actor than the original. Opens June.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2277860/

 

The legend of Tarzan

Directed by David Yates. Stars Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson. After living in London, Tarzan returns to his jungle home to investigate activities at a mining camp. Rated PG-13. Opens July.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0918940/

 

Kubo and the two strings

Animated fantasy action-comedy. Directed by Travis Knight. Stars Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Rooney Mara. In ancient Japan, a spirit from the past ignites an old vendetta. Gods and monsters chase young Kubo, who must locate a magical suit of armour once worn by his legendary Samurai father. Opens August.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4302938/

http://www.theverge.com/2016/3/10/11195104/kubo-and-the-two-strings-trailer-watch-laika

 

And there’s also Captain America: Civil war and X-Men: Apocalypse. And that means battle scenes. Lots of them. Early reviews of X-Men say that it has reverted to too much CGI destruction and loss of life, rather than developing the humanity of the superheroes. Disappointing, as there is a great cast – James McEvoy, Michael Fassbender, Oscar Isaac and Jennifer Lawrence. Captain America: Civil War has received great reviews, as the superheroes question their powers and the collateral damage they have caused. And if you haven’t seen Deadpool….you must…hilarious…but forget about Batman vs Superman.

http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/11/11653190/x-men-apocalypse-review-marvel-fox

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/05/captain-america-civil-war-is-marvel-at-its-best/481539/

Categories
films geography and global resources human rights literature maths resources music

Good films

 

Some good films….useful for biography, global studies, music….

 

The man who knew infinity

Biographical drama based on the book by Robert Kanigel. Directed by Matthew Brown. Stars Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons. Srinovasa Ramanujan, a young man from Madras with almost no formal mathematical training, earns attendance at Cambridge University during WW1, where he becomes a pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his professor. “Mathematics plays a key role in the story, but in a way that is entirely accessible, allowing the viewer to comprehend the advances that Ramanujan made and why his legacy remains so important almost a century after his death.” (Allan Hunter). In cinemas now.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srinivasa_Ramanujan

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/the-man-who-knew-infinity/review/

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-man-who-knew-infinity-review-melodrama-doesnt-do-justice-to-mathematicians-life-story-20160504-golpxn.html

 

Eddie the Eagle

Stars Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman. The story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards, a British ski jumper who represented Britain at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Although he finished last in his events, he became famous for his perseverance and as an “heroic failure”. He was also totally self-funded and needed to wear thick glasses under his goggles. Hugh Jackman plays his fictional coach. Eddie the Eagle was actually a good downhill skier, narrowly missing selection for the 1984 Games – he changed to ski jumping to better his chances at selection in 1988. Rated PG – a great feel-good movie. In cinemas now.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1083452/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_%22The_Eagle%22_Edwards

 

Where to invade next

Documentary by Michael Moore, who explores  how countries such as Finland, Tunisia, Italy, France and Portugal deal with social and economic challenges – usually very differently to and more successfully than the US. Moore plans to “steal” these good ideas and bring them back to the US. In cinemas now.

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/where-to-invade-next-20160211

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/where-to-invade-next-2015

 

Wide open sky

Directed by Lisa Nicol. The inspiring story of a group of children in the remote outback of NSW who follow their dream to sing in the Moorambilla Voices choir under the leadership of Michelle, a choir director with high expectations. Set in a beautiful landscape, the film explores how the children learn about themselves and their talents and also shows the exceptional teaching of Michelle. Winner Audience Award Best Documentary, Sydney Film Festival. Out now.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4085484/

http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=21586&s=Reviews

 

The jungle book

Live-action CGI film directed by Jon Favreau, inspired by Disney’s animated film based on Kipling’s stories. Mowgli sets out on a  journey of self-discovery while evading the tiger Shere Khan. Features the voices of Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o and Christopher Walken. The story is a balance between the Disney version and Kipling’s works. The film is not a musical but includes several songs from Disney eg. The bare necessities. Critics’ consensus at Rotten Tomatoes: “As lovely to behold as it is engrossing to watch…it is the rare remake that actually improves its predecessors”.

“An unusual blend of lifelike imagery and otherworldly animal action. The visuals are compelling, as is the story. Kudos to director Jon Favreau (Iron Man)” (R. Roten). In cinemas now.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_jungle_book_2016/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jungle_Book_(2016_film)

 

Snowden

Biographical political thriller directed by Oliver Stone, based on the books The Snowden files by Luke Harding and Time of the octopus by Anatoly Kucherena (Snowden’s Russian lawyer). Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley. Follows the life of Edward Snowden, who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency in 2013, revealing numerous global surveillance programs and invasion of privacy. Some see Snowden as a hero, others as a traitor. Stone met with Snowden multiple times in Moscow and made the film outside of the US. Opens late 2016.

http://www.indiewire.com/article/snowden-trailer-joseph-gordon-levitt-oliver-stone-20160427

 

The happiest refugee

The bestselling autobiography by Anh Do will be made into a film to be directed by Russell Crowe. Crowe is a big fan of the book, which tells the story of Do’s family coming to Australia as Vietnamese refugees.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/russell-crowe-to-turn-anh-dos-book-the-happiest-refugee-into-a-film/news-story/ce826e28e0ff6a0d8fa0dd64ba30f38b

Categories
books literature popular culture

New Harry Potter book, Leigh Hobbs and bestsellers

Leigh Hobbs: Australian children’s laureate for 2016-2017

Leigh Hobbs, our new Australian children’s laureate for 2016-2017, provides some great illustrations from Australian children’s literature that depict the concept of place. “What links all of the books selected for this gallery of Australian illustrators is a love and feel for place and, no matter where it is, it becomes the illustrators’ place through the telling of the story – coming from the heart and from memory”. Illustrators include Shaun Tan, Bronwyn Bancroft, Alison Lester, Bob Graham, Freya Blackwood, Armin Greder. There are some great titles here to add to our collections and to encourage students to consider the concept of place in books that they read.

http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2016/feb/09/australian-illustrated-childrens-books

 

A new Harry Potter book: Harry Potter and the cursed child

Announced 10 Feb – based on the play which opens in London 30 July 2016, from an original idea by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. Set 19 years after the last book, Harry is an overworked employee at the Ministry of Magic and a father of 3. Harry and his youngest son Albus learn that sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.

http://blog.booktopia.com.au/2016/02/11/breaking-news-new-harry-potter-book-to-be-released/

 

Australia’s bestselling book 2015: The 65-storey treehouse

The book by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, was Australia’s bestselling book in 2015, with other titles in the series taking the top 5 spots by Australian authors. The 78-storey treehouse is due in August. Old school: diary of a wimpy kid took second place. Adult colouring books took 4 spots in the top 10.

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/andy-griffiths-65storey-treehouse-tops-the-bestseller-lists-for-2015-20160107-gm177u.html

 

Nielsen BookScan Australia

Analyses sales from more than 1000 outlets, including online. See this month’s top 10 Fiction, Non Fiction, Children’s and the Hot 10.

The dressmaker by Rosalie Ham – number 1 Fiction title.

Harry Potter: the official adult colouring book – number 7 Non fiction title. Colouring books by Millie Marotta hold places 3 and 4.

Old school: diary of a wimpy kid by Jeff Kinney – number 1 Children’s, followed by The 65-storey treehouse by Andy Griffiths. The 13-storey treehouse and The 26-storey treehouse hold places 6 and 10. Very popular series!

http://www.nielsenbookscan.com.au/controller.php?page=108

 

Categories
books ebooks Facebook films literature science fiction sociology

Station 11, Wolf by wolf and other good books

 

Good books abound…..

 

Station 11

What a great book by Emily St John Mandel – dystopian but different – winner of the 2015 Arthur C. Clarke Award and listed on many ‘best book’ lists. The novel follows the players in the Travelling Symphony, as they perform music and Shakespeare’s works in a world devastated by a flu virus, with few survivors. Their motto: “Survival is insufficient”. This haunting and compelling novel makes you appreciate what we have in our society and how beauty and art are vital for human existence. The backstories of the characters are intriguing and add to the emotional depth of this novel as their lives intertwine and play out.

 

“Visually stunning, dreamily atmospheric and impressively gripping….Station 11 is not so much about apocalypse as about memory and loss, nostalgia and yearning; the effort of art to deepen our fleeting impressions of the world and bolster our solitude.” – Guardian.

“Mandel’s message is that civilisation – and just as importantly, art – will endure as long as there is life. She tells us that when humanity’s back is against the wall, decency will emerge.” Independent.

“At once terrible and tender, dark and hopeful, Station Eleven is a tragically beautiful novel that both mourns and mocks the things we cherish.” –Neal Thompson.

 

Loved it – and fascinating to follow the development of the graphic novel “Station 11” within the novel. A film adaptation is in development. Recommended for Year 10 onwards.

http://www.emilymandel.com/stationeleven.html

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20170404-station-eleven

http://www.wordandfilm.com/2014/09/station-eleven-entertainment-time-crisis/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-pauline-lowry/you-should-read-station-e_b_5686596.html?ir=Australia

 

Wolf by wolf

YA novel by Ryan Graudin (female author). The novel has been compared to The book thief as well as The Hunger Games and is based on the premise: What if Germany had won World War 2? Set in an alternate Germany of 1956, it is the story of a young woman on a dangerous mission to kill Hitler. Experimented on at Auschwitz, Yael can now change her appearance at will – although she always leaves the 5 wolves tattooed on her arm to remind her of lost loved ones. Using her abilities, she transforms into Adele Wolfe, a famous long-distance motorbike rider.

Themes include history, love, loss, courage, heroism, hope, race, identity, community, human monstrosity and vengeance.

‘Ryan Graudin opens one of the darkest chapters in history and spins a what if
into an incredible tale of survival, identity, and purpose.’ – Victoria Schwab.

http://bit.ly/1MBJnmc

 

Amazon opens real bookstore

Amazon’s first brick-and-mortar bookstore has recently opened in Seattle (Amazon’s hometown). The store “integrates the benefits of offline and online book shopping.” (Offline indeed – what a term!). Amazon will use real people and also data from its website to decide which books to stock eg. customer ratings, sales, Goodreads ratings. All books will be presented face out with a sign for each with its Amazon rating and a customer review. The store will also sell Kindles. Amazon commands a market share of 30% of books sold in the US, however, the largest US chain, Barnes and Noble, has reported recent increases in core book sales. In 2015, ebook sales have fallen dramatically in the US. There are now more bookstores and some publishers are expanding their warehouses.

http://fortune.com/2015/11/03/amazon-bookstore/

http://fortune.com/2015/09/23/e-books-digital-publishing/

 

What would Mark Zuckerberg read?

This year the Facebook CEO decided he would read a book every 2 weeks……hmm maybe he’s not as addicted to Facebook as we thought he was 🙂 He believes that “books allow you to fully explore a topic and immerse yourself in a deeper way than most media today. I’m looking forward to shifting more of my media diet towards reading books.” He started A Year of Books book club in Facebook, where he discusses the books with other Facebookers. His selections focused on different cultures, beliefs, histories and technologies. The 20 books include: The three-body problem – by Cixin Liu (Chinese sci-fi novel– winner of the 2015 Hugo Award); The Muqaddimah – by Ibn Khaldun (Islamic history of the world from 1377); Sapiens – by Yuval Harari (history of humankind); The better angels of our nature – by Steven Pinker (why violence has declined).

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/mark-zuckerberg-book-recommendations-2015-10?r=US&IR=T#/#why-nations-fail-by-daren-acemolu-and-james-robinson-1

https://www.facebook.com/ayearofbooks/

 

Yes Zuckerberg is super rich but Bill Gates is still the richest person in the world ($84.7billion). Mark is number 16 ($47 billion), with Google guys Brin and Page at 17 and 18. Philanthropy is a high priority with Gates (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) and also Zuckerberg. In 2014, Zuckerberg and wife Dr Priscilla Chan made a $120 million donation to improve education in the San Francisco Bay area, particularly for low-income students. In 2010 he donated $100 million to schools in Newark.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3325404/Mark-Zuckerberg-s-fortune-climbs-nearly-50bn-Facebook-founder-tops-list-richest-entrepreneurs-40-four-times-richer-nearest-challenger.html#ixzz3sTlFQGJ7

Victor Frankenstein

Science fiction horror film. Directed by Paul McGuigan. Stars James McEvoy as Victor Frankenstein and Daniel Radcliffe as his assistant Igor Strausman. The story is told from Igor’s perspective and shows his dark origins and his redemptive friendship with medical student Victor von Frankenstein. Working together on experiments to resurrect the dead, Igor witnesses Frankenstein’s journey to legendary status. Rated PG. Opens March 2016.

http://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/exclusive-interview-daniel-radcliffe-taks-busting-igors-hump-victor-frankenstein/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1976009/

http://www.slashfilm.com/daniel-radcliffe-victor-frankenstein-interview/

Categories
books films libraries literature popular culture

Happy Book Week 22-28 August!

Theme: Books Light Up Our World

Book Week winners (includes Older Readers category):  http://cbca.org.au/winners-2015.htm

Shortlist and notables: http://cbca.org.au/awards.htm

Here at Dickson College Library we are celebrating with trivia questions each day with prizes for the first correct answers – literature, films, quotes, science, geography, history, music etc. To tie in with the theme Books light up our world, students can also identify literature quotes from books and write the titles of their favourite and least favourite books – the “light” and “dark” side of reading.

 

CharacTOUR: find characters you love

Launched 4 August, this fun online database is devoted to fictional characters from movies, TV shows, books and video games. CharacTOUR helps people make reading and viewing choices based on characters, rather than just titles and genres. Each character gets their own profile page – currently there are 4 500 spoiler-free profiles about characters’ origins, interests, skills and journeys. Viewers can take personalised match quizzes; create character mash-ups; browse by genre, plot, era, quotes etc;  find similar characters (If you like ….you may like ….) and vote for favourites. Interesting for classes – more for high school. The content is well written and informative but there is space for user comments….and we all know how that can end up.

https://boingboing.net/2015/08/05/new-website-charactour-is-an-e.html

 

Dymocks Top 101 2015

As voted by readers. 1. The book thief 2. Pride and prejudice 3. To kill a mockingbird 4. Magician 5. Lord of the rings 6. The fault in our stars 7. The hobbit 8. Jane Eyre 9. Alice’s adventures in Wonderland 10. Harry Potter series. Lots of other good reading suggestions.

https://www.dymocks.com.au/top101

 

Little Free Library

“Take a book. Leave a book”. Free books housed in small containers in local communities – over 15 000 worldwide in 40 countries. Also known as pop-up libraries and community book exchanges.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Free_Library

In Canberra: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-03/little-free-library/6277200

 

Books on screen

An interesting list of over 100 titles…and the book is always better than the movie J

http://www.bookdepository.com/dealsAndOffers/promo/id/1273

These books would make great movies: http://www.bookdepository.com/books-that-would-make-a-great-movie

 

50 literary quotes

“Not all those who wander are lost” – Tolkien. “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow up to be” – J.K.Rowling.

http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/books/50-literary-quotes-to-start-your-day-with#

 

50 most inspiring quotes about books and reading

“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand” – Neil Gaiman. “There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book” – Josh Jameson.

http://ebookfriendly.com/best-quotes-books-reading/

 

50 coolest book covers

http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/the-50-coolest-book-covers#

 

“Weapons of Mass Instruction”

Argentinian artist Raul Lemesoff drives around cities and rural areas in a car/tank armed with 900 books, giving away free books to liberate people from illiteracy.

http://www.lostateminor.com/2015/03/10/artist-turns-car-into-a-tank-armed-with-900-books-to-be-given-away-for-free/

 

Why are children reading books?

Sales of children’s books are increasing – printed books are special.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sable/why-are-children-reading-books-dont-they-know-its-digital-first_b_7313188.html?ir=Australia

Categories
Apple books coding ed tech Facebook films future Games and gaming Google internet iPads literature Maker movement mobile phones popular culture sociology virtual reality

What’s new in ICT, education and popular culture?

Here is the link to my Moderation Day presentation on 13 August to Year 11 and 12 teacher librarians in Canberra, ACT.

What’s new in ICT, education and popular culture?

http://dckclib.wikispaces.com/Technology%2C+media+%26+popular+culture+updates

Categories
books films literature science fiction

Good novels for high school: Choices for English

Helen Sykes and Deb McPherson present regularly at conferences and are the authors of the popular book Choices for English: books, films and other texts that work (Cengage, 2009). An English teacher friend attended their presentation last November at the English Teachers Association of NSW Conference. They provided an excellent list of books for high school English classes – including plays, narrative apps, Shakespeare, picture books, graphic novels, poetry, historical fiction, alternative futures, thriller and fantasy, cross-curricular perspectives and stories of WW1.

 

Friend’s recommendations:

Man made boy by Jon Skovron – inventive and original offbeat romance and coming-of-age story about Boy, the child of Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride, who lives with his parents in a secret enclave in New York populated by other well-known monsters and freaks who perform for the public. Boy is also a hacker extraordinaire who lets loose his own monster. Exciting and humorous with many intertextual references. This book has great reviews – I want to read it!

 

We were liars by E. Lockhart – Yr 10+; unreliable teenage narrator; set in the wealthy US summer playground of Martha’s Vineyard. High interest for Yrs 9-10 with a clever plot and shock ending.

 

Shellshock by Justin Fleming – a play involving a turtle smuggled from Gallipoli that lives for 100 years. Good for Yrs 7-10.

 

Patient 12 by Kevin Summers –  comatose WW1 patient; a powerful examination of war and its effects on people (only 36 p.)

 

Book by John Agard – the history of written communications in autobiographical form, told by a book. Good as a Biography/Autobiography text.

 

Recommended class sets

The First Voyage by Allan Baillie. Penguin, 2014.

Joyous and Moonbeam by Richard Yaxley. Omnibus Books, 2013.

Loyal Creatures by Morris Gleitzman. Viking, 2014.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Headline, 2014. (I really enjoyed this; great for Year 9+).

Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier. Allen & Unwin, 2014.

Refuge by Jackie French. HarperCollins, 2013.

The Ship Kings series by Andrew McGahan. Allen & Unwin.

The Wall: A Modern Fable by William Sutcliffe. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Allen & Unwin, 2014.

Wildlife by Fiona Wood. Pan Macmillan, 2013.

 

All the recommendations with detailed reviews:

 

Choices for English – Part 1:

http://helensykesreader.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/choices-for-english-etansw-conference.html

 

Choices for English – Part 2:

http://helensykesreader.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/choices-for-english-etansw-conference_9.html

 

NSW HSC Area of Study: Discovery – some related texts:

http://helensykesreader.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/nsw-hsc-area-of-study-discovery-some.html

Categories
books films literature popular culture

Best books and films of 2014

Definitely the time of year for the best of everything…..

 

Goodreads Choice Awards

Announced today – over 3 million votes by readers. 20 categories – fiction; non fiction; science fiction; fantasy; mystery and thriller; graphic novels; young adult fiction; YA fantasy; middle grade and children’s; picture books.

https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2014

 

ABC TV First Tuesday Book Club

Links include: Jennifer Byrne presents – interviews with authors and others; The writer’s room – author interviews; videos of featured book reviews; What we’re reading + archives.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/firsttuesday/

 

10 classic beach books ( ABC Book Club 2 Dec)

1. Thornbirds (!) 2. The girl with the dragon tattoo 3. Gone girl 4. My family and other animals 5. The secret history 6. The world according to Garp 7. The shipping news 8. The beach 9. The kite runner 10. Death on the Nile.

All 30 titles: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/firsttuesday/classicholidayreads/

Watch the entertaining episode – reviewers include Kitty Flanagan and Graeme Simsion (Rosie Project):  http://www.abc.net.au/tv/firsttuesday/s4140456.htm

 

Most popular feature films released in 2014

Includes Hunger Games 3; Interstellar; Guardians of the galaxy; Horrible bosses 2; The maze runner; Fury; Predestination.

http://www.imdb.com/search/title?year=2014,2014&title_type=feature&sort=moviemeter,asc

 

The 50 best films of 2014

From Empire magazine. 1. Boyhood 2. Nightcrawler 3. The wolf of Wall Street 4. Inside Llewyn Davis 5. Guardians of the galaxy.

http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-best-films-2014/

 

Top 100 movies of 2014

Based on ranking of approval score. Includes: Boyhood; LEGO movie; X-Men; Grand Budapest Hotel; Snowpiercer; Captain America.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/?year=2014

 

25 best films of 2014

Not all well-known films, but an excellent montage by David Ehrlich. Film list includes: Gone girl; Lucy; Grand Budapest Hotel; Godzilla.

http://www.avclub.com/article/watch-beautiful-montage-25-best-films-2014-212494