August 1, Byron Shire EchoArticlesThe rules of readingJohn Campbell I had a close call last week. I was down at Bruns, polishing off a bottle of Dubonnet with Faerie Queene. All of a sudden she started babbling about a book that I simply must read. She disappeared into her bedroom and my worst fears were conrmed when she re-emerged with it. Shantaram. I immediately began contriving ways that I might leave it behind. The only sure thing that you can say about a book or movie is that some people will like it and others wont and, with the gzillions of titles currently being published, youve ultimately got to rely on your own instincts. In Shantarams case, I would be breaking my three golden rules by opening it up. Rule 1 never read a book when somebody insists that youll really love it. You rarely do. I learnt this the hard way with Eucalyptus. Rule 2 never read a book that is praised by somebody who wants to tell you in mind-numbing detail all that happens in it. You know the type, and so after that he More often than not they are sci- buffs. Rule 3 and most important never read a book that is recommended by somebody who doesnt read books. Ordinarily, Faerie Queenes most challenging literary exercise is her daily Vargas Llosas naked Indian in the warehouse, or Richard Fords bear on re in the pine tree I could see them all but did a dog really fall out of the sky in Eyeless In Gaza So, allowing one Tolstoy to sufce, in bookshops now I shun the literature shelves and go straight to the less haughty ction. The former is clearly considered to be superior and I can only imagine the angst that those authors whose work is relegated to the rows of the cerebral also-rans must feel about being so slighted. Lingering amongst these, the novelists of the second eleven, like a sleazy curb crawler looking for rough trade, I bump into Cat Carer. What did you think of Tom Jones I politely ask. It sucks, Old Man. Just as I was about to direct her to the luminous Huckleberry Finn, too. Neither of us likes Shantarams cover, either, Cat Carer agreeing that its from the school of painted hippy Kombis. Drawn to something much more tasteful, she chooses a glossy best seller by a celebrity chef. Hes on at the Writers Festival. He makes, like , she consults the blurb, superb and achingly beautiful proteroles.SCU seeks young writersBudding writers will have the chance to win a day-long boat trip with
southern cross
Universitys Whale Research Centre by entering the Migaloo Writing Contest at the Byron Bay Writers Festival. The writing contest is one of a number of activities, ranging from word games to massage, being held at the southern cross university
booth throughout the festival, which opens on August 3. The writing contest will be open to any Year , and students who visit the University booth. Entrants are required to write a onepage ction or non-ction short story up to words with Migaloo, the worlds only known white humpback whale, pictured below, as the central character. The rst prize will be a trip on board the Universitys research vessel Seahorse to see rst-hand the work done by the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre. The trip, to be taken during September, will coincide with the southern migration of the humpback whale population. Three runners-up will each receive a copy of the book A Whales Song, written by Timothy Goodson Harris. For those looking for a bit of quiet relief during the festival, Southern Cross University will be providing free massages at its booth. Students from the School of Natural and Complementary Medicines Natural Medicine Clinic will be offering head and neck massages and wellness checks throughout the festival. And, while youre there, try your hand at the daily Wordwise and Haiku challenges, with great book prizes offered by Southern Cross University Press up for grabs each day. Southern Cross University will also host a series of writers-in-residence sessions featuring high calibre authors who teach or are closely associated with the Universitys writing programs. The Southern Cross University booth, to be manned by Student Ambassadors, will be located near the Southern Cross University marquee. Information about the Writers Festival is available at study of the horoscope. Shantarams size is also a worry, for I am gun-shy of excessive length. I devoured The Alexandria Quartet, but Vikram Seth broke my spirit well before the halfway mark of his 1, pages. Not suitable for you, Old Man Cat Carer need not be so smug. Trusting my word, she took twelve months to finish one of my all-time faves, Henry Fieldings Tom Jones. At least she wont forget rule 1 in a hurry. The last doorstop that I nished was Anna Karenin, sticking it out to the end only because I knew what was going to happen. By the time Anna found her mournful way to that station I was barracking for the train big time. To give Tolstoy his due though, it was quite a moment, the sort of image that gets hooked in your brain. Like Donna Tartts houseful of snakes, or MarioInteractive art at the ExpoOcean Shores artist Ri Fraser says, Lets create a community masterpiece at the Lions Ocean Shores Expo All weekend, August -, visitors to the Expo will be able to add to the community painting. All necessary materials will be available. Aspiring artist Orion Murphy age 3 of Ocean Shores is pictured practising his painting skills with help from Ri and Expo committee member Peter Hansen. We hope that all who visit will contribute to the community masterpiece, says Peter. As well as this activity, both historian Frank Mills and Ri Fraser will be making presentations in their own areas of expertise. Would-be artists will want to be present at Ris workshops, to be held on both Saturday am, 2-pm and Sunday noon. Frank Mills will again be presenting aspects of history of the Brunswick Valley. This year Frank will be highlighting the contributions of the very many Chinese farmers in the area in the early s. With the assistance of a variety of artefacts as well as a powerpoint photographicLions celebrate changeoverSeventy people attended the recent Annual Changeover Dinner of the Lions Club of Brunswick Mullumbimby. Chairperson Cheryl Froud skilfully hosted a evening when the years achievements were noted and the incoming ofcers were inducted. Lion stalwart John Gabriel received the Lions Star Award which was presented by outgoing president Ray Linabury see photo. Club members elected to provide this high award to recognise John Gabriels contributions to the club and to the community. Stimulating entertainment was provided by View Club members. Retiring President Ray Linabury congratulated Lions members for their efforts of the last year and noted the many contributions made to both the local community and to the wider world community. Incoming President Terry Newling thanked members for the opportunity to lead the club. Also recognised on the evening were four Lions who received the highest awardpresentation, Frank will reveal many little known facts about the Brunswick Valley. The Expo will be held at the Ocean Shores Commu-nity Centre. Tickets to the opening night on Friday August can be obtained from registrar Maggie Golightly on .Hospital visits universityWorld renowned Australianborn novelist and academic, Janette Turner Hospital, will visit Southern Cross Universitys Lismore campus for a book reading as part of the Byron Bay Writers Festival. Staff and students from all campuses as well as members of the public are invited to attend the reading at the Co-Op Bookshop in Goodman Plaza, on Wednesday, August 2, from 3pm to 5pm. Hospital has won a number of prizes for her seven novels and three short story collections.provided by Lions International Recipients of Melvin Jones Fellowships for dedicated humanitarian services were Don Armstrong, AlexFenwick, Louise Van Angeren and Colin Tarbox. Alex Fenwick was in hospital and his wife Lola received the award on his behalf.
