1Q84 (1Q84, #1-3) written by Haruki Murakami
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed being enthralled in this quirky, suspenseful story of a bizarre journey between the year 1984 and 1Q84. All the characters are totally unique, and constantly in danger of meeting or in danger of not meeting. It left me wondering what if, and what about… So it was great value all round.
The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century written by Steven Pinker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Not what I expected
Due to its sole purpose, this is obviously a well-written book. I didn’t realise it would go so deep into the mechanics and rules of writing. I did gloss over parts, tho I still happily persevered and learned quite a lot. And I finished with a warm feeling that, I’m not so pedantic over grammar, punctuation and spelling as I first thought.
Cultural Amnesia: Necessary Memories from History and the Arts written by Clive James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a wonderful, entertaining collection of descriptions of a collection. I didn’t know all the people described. Along the way I enjoyed learning a hell of a lot even about the ones I thought I did know. Clive James is the master narrator. He connects stories, intertwines histories and has an amazing insight into the abundance of literary styles and influences.
Pushing the Limits: Life, Marathons & Kokoda written by Kurt Fearnley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Two weeks ago Champion Australian wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley won his fifth New York Marathon. This book is a touching reflection on his life, his trying sport, and the immense challenge that anybody would face completing Kokoda – let alone from someone moving without the assistance of their legs. It’s quite a talent that in a book I could relate so much with Kurt, yet find so much inspiration from his amazing efforts. It touches you, informs you, and leaves you warm with satisfaction that the world is a better place for hearing from this Aussie character achieving his dreams.
Future Perfect: The Case for Progress in a Networked Age written by Steven Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Despite Johnson never using the term ‘New World Order’, he highlights very well some of the scenarios where networking and social technologies have revolutionised how society has now learned to organise in the face of new challenges. He also sketches out an interesting future we could enter if we continue to embrace some of the best organising principles that he brings from fascinating success stories. ‘Future Perfect’ successfully shows that there is a large current of change possible if we embrace the benefits that could come from seeing and living a new world order. I’m in!
I’m drinking another bottle of VB (Victoria Bitter) beer. It’s a beer I’ve always disliked, though I drink it every year on this day.
It means another year has passed since my good mate JPS passed away. A guy that was full of life, and a fridge often filled with VB.
This day is devoted to reflecting on the guy, and the great times we had together. The fact I drink VB is to give him something up there to laugh at.
Just thinking back to the day of the funeral makes my eyes water remembering the tributes, including the touching words and song from Tim Freedman of The Whitlams fame – an Australian celebrity who became a good friend of John’s.
I had the daunting honour of giving the eulogy on behalf of his friends and colleagues.
For some reason I thought I’d post the eulogy here today for posterity, without some of the more personal points.
17 November 2006
“JPS began working working with us on the 20th of March, 1989 as a Cadet Draftsman in Engineering. Within a year he had his first stint as a Forms Analyst.
In 1997 he moved permanently into the Forms Unit; gaining promotion to Senior Forms Analyst in November 2002. It was there he remained until he left the department on 18th of May last year due to his deteriorating health.
John took great pride in the work he produced, and enjoyed mentoring young employees joining his area. His no-nonsense approach when dealing with superiors earned his team’s respect. But I think overall, John will be remembered in the work environment for the nonsense he would start at any opportunity.
I had a ball working in the same section as John. A lot of people did. His practical jokes and clowning around were memorable, to say the least. Sometimes the audience wasn’t in full support, but that usually didn’t stop him.
Virtually no one on our floor could get a haircut without getting the third degree from John; about the hairdresser being an apprentice, or hoping we kept the receipt for a refund.
It got to the point that if you got a haircut, you’d just automatically visit John to get the ribbing out of the way.
John loved writing, he really should have authored a book. His imagination and creativity shone through in the amazing email messages he sent to huge audiences almost every day to get a laugh. It was easy to forget that behind the great lengths and vivid descriptions of his hilarious yarns, was the fact that he was sitting there typing away at a snail’s pace with his only functioning hand. But it was well-known he would go to any lengths to get a laugh.
While I had a ball working in JP’s section, I felt that I failed when trying to do his job.
I couldn’t sustain nearly as many groups of people that called on JP at anytime for a laugh.
Only JP could find enough time for that many people. And only he had the jovial character to leave an impression with anyone he met; along with the charisma to draw such large crowds into his circle.
My feelings turned to frustration when I was John’s manager for a short period. I learned what a long line of managers before me had learned. He wasn’t meant to be managed.
It really made me question myself. Why was I trying to set the rules, when John was having so much fun breaking them. Yes, John was the perfect antidote for anyone taking themselves too seriously.
I doubt we will ever find someone who loved life as much as JPS.
Regardless of the difficulties he faced, John never resigned from the things he enjoyed:
We can all learn a lot from JP’s enduring love of life, and his ability to stay positive throughout all his challenges.
I’ve learned, a long life should never be taken for granted, but having happiness right to the end can be – when you have the right attitude.
John, thank you for letting my family and I into your life. Thank you from all of your colleagues that enjoyed your company, humour, kindness, and lasting friendship.
We are sad to lose a friend, and to see an end to the good times spent with you. But we’re relieved you will go through no more pain.
We lost John many years too early. But we can all make sure that the memories of good times remain.
”
Thank you JPS.
:’-)
The Light Between Oceans written by M.L. Stedman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a touching tale. Such beauty. Such poise. Such a curious journey. I found myself so drawn to the characters, that, with each new circumstance, I reflected if I’d have done the same. I enjoyed this novel immensely.
War Horse (War Horse, #1) written by Michael Morpurgo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this with the kids. Such a wonderful, beautiful story. We were enthralled from start to end, and felt each twist and turn very personally.
Do the Work written by Steven Pressfield
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
There were some great messages, and it was well-structured advice from start to end. Tho once finished I can’t help but wonder, Is that it!? Seems more of a high level presentation than an informative guide.
Joyland written by Stephen King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’ve always considered Stephen King a master of stories featuring surprising characters and gripping events. Joyland took me completely back in time into the interesting world of carnies. It was enjoyable from cover to cover, with the right amount of suspense and soul.