For the November Read3r’z Re-Vue event at Dymocks, I took along three of well-worn books from home to illustrate the theme of infatuation. When I revealed that I read the first one in 1986 there was an audible gasp, followed by a ‘I wasn’t even born then’. Yup, I’m officially vintage. As it turns out, each of my books came from a different decade and although I may have changed over the years, these three remain excellent reads.

img_6115

When I was eleven: Playing Beatie Bow

Every time I venture down to The Rocks in Sydney, I still think of Abigail Kirk chasing the little ‘furry girl’ into Sydney’s late 1800’s. Ruth Park’s award-winning Playing Beatie Bow tells the magnificent tale of fourteen year old Abigail, as she grapples with family, friendships and first romance in the midst of a thrilling time travel adventure story. Watch the 1986 movie by all means (a very young Peter Phelps playing Judah Bow is well worth the price of admission) but read the book first!

When I was twenty-one: Obernewtyn

I’ve followed the story of Elspeth Gordie and the misfits through the incredible post apocalyptic landscape created by Isobelle Carmody for most of my adult life. Judging from the active online fan base I’m not the only one!  If you haven’t discovered the series, or Isobelle’s other excellent books just pick one, any one, there are plenty to choose from just see this list.

When I was thirty-one: Bridget Jones’s Diary

I remember how much I loved following Bridget Jones on her misadventures. I couldn’t get enough of Helen Fielding’s novels and inhaled Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Edge of Reason in quick succession. The recent release of Bridget Jones’ Baby must have brought her to mind but since I have a metre high stack of books waiting on my bedside table, Bridget’s adventures will have to wait to 2017.

Happy reading!