Between the Lines by Jason Donovan

A quick rundown…The story (so far) of the life and times of my crush as a 7 year old- Jason Donovan, pop star and actor.

Strengths: It’s honest on multiple fronts – from his relationship with Kylie Minogue to drug use.

Weaknesses: I would have loved to read some more about the making of Ten Good Reasons – all I read was what was in Smash Hits and TV Hits!

Why I read it: I was a fan of his music as a youngster.

Pages: 336

Published: 2008

Publisher: Harper Collins

Rating: 8 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Kylie, Dannii and Jason were all linked in my mind as a youngster, so try Dannii Minogue’s My Story.

 

When I was about 7 or 8, Jason Donovan (along with Kylie Minogue) was all the rage in Australia. Despite being an avid Home and Away watcher, I tuned in to Neighbours to watch their characters, Scott and Charlene marry. I had the Jason: The Official Magazine. I even had his debut album, Ten Good Reasons on LP (that’s a big black CD that you can’t skip or shuffle, kids) and knew all the words to hits such as Too Many Broken Hearts, Nothing Can Divide Us and the duet with Kylie, Especially for You. I played Kylie and Jason games with my friends (I knew they were together!). So what happened?

I grew up. And so did Jason.

Reading this book as an adult was a bit of a trip down Memory Lane (see also my review of Dannii Minogue’s My Story) into all those things that had innocently passed me by in my youth. If 7 year old kids were madly keen on Jason even though they didn’t watch his show, he must have been pretty popular. And he was. Perhaps Jason was the Justin Beiber of my generation?

In this autobiography, Jason talks candidly about his rise to fame from average Aussie household to household name on what became a world-popular soap. How manufactured pop became a sort of symbol for the late 80s/early 90s (Kylie, Jason, Dannii, Craig McLachlan and Check 1-2, Jo Beth Taylor, the Blakeney twins, even Stefan Dennis had a turn so I’m told) and Stock Aitken Waterman became The Hit Factory. Jason knew though that 7 and 8 year olds grow up and discard the idols of their youth (me, I moved on to New Kids on the Block) and it appears that he wasn’t the squeaky clean surfer boy his image suggested. Jason was getting in deeper and deeper with drugs – first marijuana, then cocaine and other drugs.

A significant part of the book is Jason’s case with The Face – suing them for saying he was gay. (He’s not). It appeared that he attributed some of what went on – the fall from grace, the increasing drug use to the toll it took on him personally.

Fortunately, this story has a saving grace in the form of Jason’s partner, Ange and their two children. He describes their relationship as being the pivotal point for his becoming clean and return to acting (for example, in the Australian drama MDA).

There are some interesting titbits in this book – Kylie comes across as the sweetest girl out there and Jason turned down a role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. It would be interesting to think how things would be different (if at all) if he had taken that role!

The book is a very easy read, blunt and honest. It did contain one extra that my 7 year old self is rather proud of…

Yes, it’s signed ‘love Jason’. At last.

Burqalicious by Becky Wicks

A quick rundown…The story of the expat lifestyle in Dubai if you’re young and single – all the glitter and all the dust.

Strengths: Lovely familiar writing style (just like one of your best mates is writing you an email)

Weaknesses: More about the social life than any in-depth cultural analysis (but that’s probably not why you’re reading this book)

Why I read it: Cheap, interesting-looking ebook.

Pages: 320

Published: 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins

Setting: Dubai (with a few international holidays)

Rating: 8 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Sophie Kinsella’s fiction, such as Twenties Girl.

 

I still haven’t been to Dubai. Reading this book, I’m not entirely sure about how much I want to go. The book describes incredible awe-inspiring feats of architecture, great shopping malls and fun parties but also gives the reader something to ponder about: expats get lonely.

Burqalicious is the true story of Becky who decides to try her luck in Dubai. It seems that she arrives at the heart of the boom (remember those days?) where mega skyscrapers are built overnight, parties are outlandish, all you can eat buffets last hours and there’s always something fun to do. Besides this luxurious life, where simply everyone has a maid (at least when they’re not living on a landing under a Twister towel), Becky tells of the never-ending heat, the sand, lack of public transport and shops that don’t seem to sell necessities such as tampons.

The book follows Becky through her love affair with Dubai that eventually comes to an end with the GFC and her rocky relationship with M&M (standing for ‘Married and Muslim’). The affair wasn’t the focus of the book, more of a sideline (with some great holidays thrown in). Becky also reveals that an expat’s life is full of ever-changing acquaintances as people fly in and fly out and that it can be lonely. There’s also some cultural differences (including what Becky can and can’t put on her gossip website).

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read for my commute, plus Becky Wicks has a great ‘voice’ for her readers. I could easily relate her tale of fun, sand, heat and parties in Dubai to a friend chatting. She doesn’t sugar-coat things (we all learn early on in the piece that M&M is married and she doesn’t shy away from changing jobs). It was fun and interesting, like a big blog by a good friend – I’d happily read more of her works.

The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes

A quick rundown… The companion guide to Series One and Two of the English drama, set in prior and during WWI.

Strengths: Beautiful photographs and a deep insight into the life and times of the Edwardian era.

Weaknesses: May give away a couple of plot points (e.g. a new character) – but spoilers are kept to a minimum

Why I read it: Loved the TV programme

Pages: 304

Published: 2011

Publisher: St Martin’s Press

Setting: Downton Abbey, England

Rating: 9 out of 10

If you liked this, try: watching the TV show!

 

The World of Downton Abbey is a relatively rare find in the plethora of books about television programmes. Not only does this book inform you about the characters from the show, it also gives an insight into life during pre and during World War I England.

Generally books like this are set into chapters about setting, characters, plot etc. Not so here. Jessica Fellowes has taken an innovative approach with the text and coupled it with beautifully detailed photographs from the world of Downton Abbey and the historical period. The forward is written by the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes (I believe Jessica is his niece, but there is definitely no nepotism at work – Jessica has created a wonderful book in her own right). Subsequent chapters then follow on family life, society, change (i.e. during the war), life in service, style, house and estate, romance, war and behind the scenes. Each chapter reveals to the reader what the topic would have been like during that period using both real life examples and Downton examples (e.g. a day in the life of Daisy, as well as real life anecdotes of life in service). Photographs used are relevant to the chapter and the book is beautifully styled.

I also liked that the book didn’t give away too many ‘spoilers’ for the second series, which hasn’t yet aired in Australia. I feel I can be pleasantly surprised by the events of season two – those that aren’t already shaped by history of course!

For those who enjoyed the factual and historical parts of the book, there is an extensive reading list at the back. Fans as well as more casual watchers of the show will enjoy this book, as it goes far beyond the usual ‘book to accompany the TV series’ to actively inform the reader.

Definitely worth the read!

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

A quick rundown… A man crosses Europe and Asia by train in the 1970s.

Strengths: Looking back at the way travelling was then (no iAnything to entertain you)

Weaknesses: The author gets grumpy in places; more about the journey than the countries

Why I read it: Another Popular Penguin

Pages: 372

Published: 2011 (first published 1975)

Publisher: Penguin Australia

Setting: Europe and Asia

Rating: 7 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Around the World in 80 Days by Michael Palin

 

The Popular Penguin series means that I’m always finding a new genre or author to try. This book is no exception – a railway journey from London to Asia and back through the USSR in the 1970s appealed to my love of Michael Palin’s travel books. Unlike Palin though, Theroux has no camera crew, just him and leaves his family for a solo tour. He does fly some of the time when there’s no other option, but the majority of the travel is taken on a variety of railway cars – from the old and dilapidated to the new and spartan.

The book takes you back to a time when there was no such thing as a mobile phone, iPod or iPad. All Theroux has to entertain him are some books, a journal to write in and the passengers. He brings to life some of the more quirky passengers (from the passenger who says nothing but eats and eats to the passenger left forgotten at a station), but not so much the destinations. This book is about the journey – descriptions of the berths, compartments and carriages married with vignettes of the passengers making the journey. Plus the food! The food was very varied in both flavour and quality throughout the different railways.

If you’re hoping for in-depth discussion and description of the countries Theroux visits, you’ll be disappointed. Some places warrant more text (India for example) but there was very little on others. Singapore is described in not so hopeful terms and is ridiculed for the government’s wish to deliver information wirelessly to everyone, such as through a fax. Well, we have that now and I’ve used it in Singapore, and it’s really very good! As a modern reader, I laughed at this discarding of technology.

Theroux seems particularly grumpy on the return journey across the USSR and it shows in the narrative. It felt rushed and bleak, as does the ending.

This copy came with the first chapter of a new book the author has written, making the same journey in the 2000s. Will I read it? I skimmed the first chapter and decided I’d be better off watching Michael Palin or reading Bill Bryson. It’s good writing, but I catch trains regularly and know about carriages and engines. What I want to know is more about different countries – food, culture and people.

The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook by Fred Bronson

A quick rundown… The story of filming The Sound of Music, from the point of view of the seven young actors.

Strengths: Great pictures, facsimiles of tickets, scripts, diaries and a DVD.

Weaknesses: Several typos – for example, ‘Julia’ Andrews.

Why I read it: I love The Sound of Music.

Pages: 96

Published: 2011

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Rating: 9 out of 10

If you liked this, try: watching the movie!

 

Now you know my secret – I am a long time, hard core fan of The Sound of Music. I own the LP and CD; DVDs in three languages (do check out the Japanese version – ‘delicious noodles’ are one of the favourite things) and have seen several stage versions. Nothing can compare to the original movie though. Because it was filmed pre-DVD extras (goodness, even before DVD and video invention), there has not been that much ‘extra’ information out there, although the most recent DVD release is very, very good. That is why we need this book – written by the seven actors who played the von Trapp children. The book focuses on the children’s experience – so you will find little from Julie Andrews or Christophe Plummer.

The book contains many photographs that I’ve never seen before – behind the scenes shots and photos lovingly taken by the parents who accompanied them to Austria (except for Charmian Carr, who played Liesl – she was 21 at the time). Considering this was pre-digital cameras and pre-mobile phone cameras, there’s a lot of material. Each of the ‘children’ (naturally all adults now, doing a range of things – not all involving acting) has a section of their own, explaining their lives pre and post The Sound of Music. It’s fascinating to think that little Kym Karath (Gretl) is now all grown up and that Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich) now calls Australia home! There are also sections on how certain scenes were filmed (e.g. The ‘Do-Re-Mi’ montage) and the premiere. Did you know Charmian Carr got to travel the world for 2 years promoting the movie? Now I know definitely that I would like to be Liesl!

But wait – there’s even more for fans. There are several sections containing facsimiles of items to do with the movie – from Angela Cartwright (Brigitta) and Heather Menzies’ (Louisa) secret club rulebook, Nicholas Hammond’s (partial) script and premiere tickets. There’s also a DVD of home movies taken in Austria and beyond – but please remember that camcorder technology wasn’t as developed in the 1960s. While interesting, there’s a buzzing sound which is kind of annoying (I suggest you turn the sound down) and some blurred footage. It’s still a lot of fun though, from the beautiful landscapes to the gorgeous 60′s wardrobes.

There are several typos in the book – the last page has a caption for ‘Julia’ Andrews for example and there’s a few full stops missing. That shouldn’t detract you away from this gorgeous book though. It’s definitely something to treasure for fans.

The Doctor Will See You Now by Max Pemberton

A quick rundown… Max is now in his third year of a doctor, and not quite so junior. Working in a geriatric ward has new challenges though!

Strengths: Max demonstrates the problems with today’s health care brilliantly, using real examples with emotion.

Weaknesses: Too short!

Why I read it: I really enjoy Max’s books.

Pages: 322

Published: 2011

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Setting: The NHS, UK

Rating: 9 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Max’s other books, Trust Me, I’m a Junior Doctor and Where Does it Hurt?

Max is back for another adventure as a not-so-junior doctor. This year, he’s back at the same hospital he spent his first year at. Only this time, he’s got a rotation closer to his final specialty (geriatrics, with some psychogeriatrics and some general medicine). There is still plenty of room for odd presentations to the ED (one for example, involves a circular device being used a little too long, nudge nudge wink wink) and funny things that patients say and do. Max’s experiences are also tinged with sadness at times- at the end of life care for older people as well as the state of the NHS (National Health Service, that’s the public health service in the UK. You can easily apply the issues anywhere though).

The great thing about Max’s writing is that he has a fantastic ability to explain things, whether it be disease, treatment or bureaucracy, in easily understood terms. Even though I’m not in the UK, I was able to understand the cost-saving measures put in place for the building of hospitals and services offered. Max also wrote the clearest explanation of what a prion is and its effects on the human brain – not an easy task. This ability to put into plain words limitations of today’s healthcare (such as chemical sedation for demented patients, locking of ward pantries to restrict food after hours, shutting emergency departments) strengthens his argument – what about the patient? Isn’t the aim of healthcare profession to do what’s best for them?

Please don’t let the above paragraph detract you into thinking the book has a preaching tone. It doesn’t. There are laughs, sadness and frustration aplenty. We also see the return of Flora, Ruby and Lewis, who each have stronger storylines in this book. There is also the return of the Three Marys (secretaries) and Trudy, supplier of cakes and knowledge, along with some new characters. Max and his friends also get time off to go on holiday and attend a wedding, even if everything doesn’t turn out as planned…

I’ll be interested to see what Max does next. He is an excellent writer who always makes reading about medicine a fascinating subject. If only he could rewrite some of my textbooks!

An Idiot Abroad by Karl Pilkington

A quick rundown… The book to accompany the TV series – Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send Karl, who thrives on familiar surroundings (and food) to the Seven Wonders of the World.

Strengths: Karl’s facts at the end of each section are good, as well as the parts that weren’t shown in the series.

Weaknesses: Pictures are hard to see at times on the ebook version.

Why I read it: I loved the TV series.

Pages: 144 (ebook)

Published: 2010

Publisher: Canongate Books

Setting: India, Brazil, China, Egypt, Mexico, Jordan, Israel, Peru

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

If you liked this, try: watch the TV show! Or try Long Way Round by Ewan McGregor (yes, that one) and Charley Boorman

I didn’t realise there was a book in addition to the TV series until I saw it on Kobo (although I should have expected it, considering that nearly every TV series has accompanying merchandise these days). The TV series played in Australia on a low key digital channel and gradually increased in hype through word of mouth. Yes, this series is good. It appears to be the brainwave of Ricky Gervais (of The Office) and Stephen Merchant, who decided that it would be incredibly funny to send their friend, fellow comedian Karl Pilkington around the world. Why is that so funny? You see, Karl is a homebody. He likes the familiar – language he can understand, food that he can identify and a ready supply of Monster Munch (some kind of flavoured corn chips according to Wikipedia). Karl does not like surprise, nor does he want to adventure into the unknown.

The book features regular dialogue between Karl, Ricky and Stephen – usually the latter two teasing Karl and getting him to perform something he would have never considered on his own – Mexican wrestling or eating bugs are just two examples. Karl usually does what they tell him, but not without having a whinge about how he’d rather be watching telly at home (probably with some Monster Munch). The book covers what is seen in the TV series and much more. Here, we get to reflect on Karl’s feelings and he really comes across as much more intelligent than portrayed in the show. Sure he’s blunt, but Karl is also very funny with a dry sense of humour. While Karl is no Michael Palin (and he makes several references to this), there are interesting facts at the end of each section of each country. It’s not a comprehensive travel guide, but a unique glimpse at life on the road – both good and bad. Karl does include commentary on the different toilets and bathrooms he encounters in addition to unique foods. A word of warning that some may find his bluntness offensive at times, but this book shines through Karl’s reactions to his experiences.

This is by no means award winning prose, but it’s a fun book that will have you laughing. I read it while on holiday and suggest you do the same.

Superfreakonomics by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner

A quick rundown… the Freakonomics guys are back to tell you all sorts of interesting things you didn’t think you needed to know with pictures in this illustrated edition.

Strengths: Cool pictures, graphs and interesting facts for parties.

Weaknesses: The last main chapter on climate change is very dry.

Why I read it: Discounted pre-Christmas sale.

Pages: 304

Published: 2010

Publisher: Allen Lane

Rating: 8 out of 10

If you liked this, try: the original Freakonomics.

The claim to fame of these two is that they can make economics interesting to the lay person and boy, do they succeed. Following on the success of Freakonomics (which looked at why your average drug dealer lives at home with his mum amongst other things), the pair are back with Superfreakonomics. But wait there’s more! The edition I read was the illustrated version, which is filled with colour pictures, graphs, extended chapters and more. (How it compares to the original book I’m not certain, as I didn’t check between them in store – this hardcover version was on sale). Having the illustrations really helped to grasp the knowledge – not just economical knowledge, but general knowledge as well.

The book covers a wide range of topics – from medical (how you should rate doctors, hand hygiene, how to build the most efficient emergency department) to social (sizes of condoms in India and why people watched as a woman was murdered). Somehow, through many, many links, there is a link established on why suicide bombers should buy life insurance (it involves probability and algorithms – explained in an easy fashion). It is amusing, witty and thought-provoking. In general, each chapter contains a wide range of topics that lead to the eventual question being or demonstrating the main topic in different fashions. The last chapter on climate change was a bit dry for my tastes. It wasn’t so much the science, which was easy to understand, but the lack of changes in topic and zany linkages. It was, quite serious and not quite in the same tone as the rest of the book. It was also interesting to see the backtracking as the authors proved that child restraints weren’t safer in a crash, but told you to use them anyway (think of the lawsuits!) This book doesn’t pretend to be the voice of truth, nor should it be viewed as such.

Fun, pop culture. It won’t help you pass an economics course (believe me, I tried), but it’s interesting reading, if only for the general knowledge and random facts.

 

2:46 : Aftershocks : Stories from the Japan Earthquake by Various

A quick rundown… Short vignettes from those affected by 2011′s Japan earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant meltdown.

Strengths: The raw emotion.

Weaknesses: I would have liked to hear more, but I understand this was a difficult time.

Why I read it: I love Japan and its people.

Pages: 86 (ebook)

Published: 2009

Publisher: Quakebook

Setting: Japan

Rating: N/A

If you liked this, try: after the quake by Haruki Murakami

The story of this book is amazing: a group of people united through Twitter to create a book about the terrible earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan early this year – all in a week. The number of people involved is amazing too: Yoko Ono, journalists from around the world, the people of Japan and others from around the world. Not everyone had a direct link with Japan, but they all cared and worried about the thousands affected. Simply, this book is an example of the caring side of the human spirit.

Why did I read this? I am a Japan-ophile myself, having visited the country on a prolonged visit and fallen in love with the people, the scenery, the culture in addition to studying Japanese for six years. I found the people incredibly kind – from the gentleman who showed me back to my hotel when I was lost (which was the completely opposite way to where he was going) and the schoolchildren at Genbaku Domu in Hiroshima. I wanted to support the Japanese Red Cross (from which the cost of the book went to).

This book conveys so many emotions – from terror, loss and shock to the happiness of being reunited with family and then again to some strangely funny moments. It really does cover the entire spectrum. It’s also put together really well – one moment you’ll be wiping away tears and the next you’ll be smiling through them. It also goes to show that this quake affected many people and the great way people joined together to help others. (I was in Singapore post-quake and the generosity demonstrated by store, school children and the community was impressive).

This book is a must read for those who love Japan and want to help. Well done to those involved, you’ve got a great record of reactions to the quake.

Dannii: My Story by Dannii Minogue

A quick rundown… The life and times of Dannii Minogue from Young Talent Time to her first child.

Strengths: This is just the thing for those of us who grew up in the Dannii/Kylie/Jason era.

Weaknesses: Perhaps not enough of the juicy stuff – Dannii keeps her dignity.

Why I read it: Another $5 pile.

Pages: 368

Published: 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Setting: All over the world – but mainly Australia and England

Rating: 8 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Between the Lines by Jason Donovan

Like most Aussie kids growing up in the 80′s, we all knew Dannii and her big sister, Kylie. Kylie was Charlene on Neighbours and Dannii was on Young Talent Time and Home and Away. We all wanted to be one of them, singing into our hairbrushes. So naturally I was drawn to read Dannii’s biography when I was browsing a book sale to catch up with what she’s been doing while I was busy growing up.

This book starts with Dannii as a child and ends with the birth of her child Ethan (I read the hardcover version; a softcover version I saw yesterday has the additional tagline ‘fully updated’ on it). It covers her time with Young Talent Time and Home and Away, then moves on to her pop career (some of it, such as the initial trip to New York sounded downright dodgy!) and its rises and falls. I didn’t realise how much of a hit Dannii was on the dance scene. It also covers personal times, such as her marriage to Julian McMahon (again, I didn’t realise how young she was!) and its demise. Dannii is remarkably restrained when it comes to rumoured spats with Lady Sonia McMahon and later Sharon Osborne; it’s a credit to her that she handles them in a dignified manner. For Kylie fans, there’s not a great deal about her (it is Dannii’s book after all).

This was a very fun and easy read, a sort of adult extended version of the Dannii magazine I had as a child. Dannii talks about her friendships, personal trials (she’s had a few of them for someone so young) and achievements – again substantial. You are someone to be admired Dannii!

So if you were someone who grew up with Dannii on the screen and radio, I’d recommend this to you to reminisce. If you’re a newer fan, read this to find out where it all started.