Comments for Bite The Book - Book Reviews and Industry Views

Comment on Reviving the Australian classic by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:16:43 +0000

Thanks for the heads up regarding this release. We just bought the entire set for school. A couple may need to be culled from the shelves for the sake of innocent teenagers, but there are many that I am looking forward to reading.

Comment on George Pelecanos’s THE CUT by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:12:45 +0000

While “The Cut” wasn’t my favourite Pelecanos release (that goes to “The Night Gardener” so far), it is yet another example of how seamless his writing is. The man sounds like he is as smooth as his leading characters.

Comment on Treme by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:10:20 +0000

It’s feels redundant to say, but “Treme” is the best thing since “The Wire”, hands down.

Comment on All Things Peter Temple by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:08:28 +0000

Peter Temple is my favourite author. I broke in with “The Broken Shore” and am now reading his back catalogue one book at a time but I am afraid that I have nearly finished them all. Can’t wait for the Jack Irish series – the director is a friend of mine; no bias – and can’t wait for a new Temple novel.

Comment on John Birmingham’s ANGELS OF VENGEANCE by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:04:22 +0000

John Birmingham is one of my favourite authors, however, across his last six books this feels the weakest because the epic-ness is parred back. I liked it, but didn’t love it like those previous.

Comment on George R. R. Martin’s A STORM OF SWORDS by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:00:30 +0000

I had the exact same experience after reading “Game of Thrones” and “A Clash of Kings” back-to-back, so it was nice to have a rest before diving back in. I finished this about a week ago and was again amazed at how compelling it is as a series. The hardest thing to accept is George R.R. Martin’s sadisitc streak which is equally the most horrifying and captivating element of the series. “Game of Thrones” would not be original without it.

Comment on Tony Cavanaugh’s PROMISE by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:55:29 +0000

I could never recommend this book to anyone; I almost feel guilty for ever having read it. That having been said, my reason for reading it and what kept me going was the excellent detail of the Noosa region, a place I know very well. A few exaggerated comments about Gympie, my hometown, aside, the landscape was realised in great detail and makes me want to read even more locally-set (Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast) books, though it appears they are few and far between. I did read “Last Drinks” though and that, too, was quite good.

Comment on Chris Womersley’s BEREFT by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:52:03 +0000

The Australian gothic angle was fascinating, but I was hoping for more historical detail on a grander scale regarding the era. My expecations were focused in the wrong place.

Comment on Chad Harbach’s THE ART OF FIELDING by Ystyn Francis

Ystyn Francis — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:49:06 +0000

My favourite aspect to “The Art of Fielding” was it’s recreation of American college life. It’s fascinating that elements of that environment would make the Australian university experience far more enriching, while it is so good that others are totally absent. In particular, I love the pride that Americans have in their schools (which really doesn’t happen in Australian culture) but I hate the pressures that seem to be heaped upon the shoulders of such young people. This is one of the best reads of the year thus far.

Comment on Ben Fountain’s BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK by Jon Page

Jon Page — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:02:09 +0000

Wow! Thank you so much for your comments. Will continue to add to you ‘to read’ pile!