My name is Emmet. I was born in Dublin, Ireland and am currently living in the seaside village of Bulli, just south of Sydney, Australia. For the last few years I have been writing articles for ablog. I would write whenever the mood took me, about books, films, comics, politics – random subjects really. There was no theme, no agenda running through this collection of thoughts, beyond my personal interest that is.
Before our move to Australia my wife, Stephanie (who keeps her own blog – Mental Dexterity) issued me with a challenge – to write a blog for the duration of my visa application to stay in this wonderful country! You see, while I am waiting I am not allowed to take on any paid employment. In issuing the challenge, Stephanie has devised a cunning way to keep me busy while I wait! She went on to set the terms of the challenge.
First, one book review per day. Second, she will take on the role of editor to make sure all of you out there in cyberspace get something legible. And finally, so as not to bore you to death, each review can be a maximum 750 words.
And so here we are – a book a day ’till i can stay – where the plan is to have a new review posted each evening until I’m granted temporary residence and work rights in Australia. Enjoy, comment, and read! Also, your suggested works for review are welcome and appreciated so pass them on!
For those of you in the Twitter-sphere, please follow my account @TalesAndYarns. I can also be reached via Emmet Dot Ocuana At Gmail Dot Com.
UPDATE: As of April 21 I have been granted a temporary residential visa. So is this it folks? No more book reviews? Well no, I love this site and I love what I have accomplished with the help of everyone who has supported me.
So here is the new mission statement, I will continue to post reviews – just not as often. Enjoy folks.
4/06/11 – new portfolio website is online, go have a look!
18 comments
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July 15, 2010 at 5:48 am
intlxpatr
Mary Doria Russel: The Swallow and Children of God (2 separate books, also sci-fi but holy smokes!
Good luck getting your residence.
July 24, 2010 at 1:11 am
Jill
What a splendid idea! Slainte!:)
Just read your Rumpole review – as an AVID past reader of alll things Rumpole I can assure you that Hilda (She Who Must Be Obeyed) is certainly not invisible in the books, whatever terrible status they gave her in the TV series, of which I’ve seen a mere one or two.
Reading the Rumpoles has always been a joyous experience for the richness of the prose – I never really got the same experience from the TV shows, though they were quite fun.
You’re an excellent writer, with some terrific background knowledge. cheers.
Jill
July 25, 2010 at 11:19 am
Emmet
Cheers Jill. I’m definitely going to chase up more of John Mortimer’s books once I get the chance.
Go raibh míle maith agat!
September 22, 2010 at 12:51 am
ReadersHeaven
Hi, nice to meet you !
September 25, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Ryan
Some notable Australian authors include Terry Dowling, Tim Winton (Cloustreet was a big one but it bored me to tears, although I was in grade 9 at the time), John Marsden and for the more mainstream Matthew Reilly. I loved Ice Station by Reilly. It may not be The Power of One but it was a bloody fun ride.
September 25, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Emmet
I sent a care package of Australian novels back to my father, including Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet. He seemed non-plussed when I spoke to him about it, but since I haven’t read Winton myself, I reckon I will give him a try.
It’s probably a good idea for me to read more Australian authors all things considered.
Cheers for the suggestions Ryan!
October 20, 2010 at 12:22 am
Rebecca Bloomer
Thank you Emmet, for you beautiful review of my ‘Foley’. While it’s true that most positive reviews will bring a tear or two to my eye, yours was extra special. Why? Because you noticed the parents! I love that you saw them and I’m glad you found the book to be worthy of comment.
October 20, 2010 at 8:51 am
Emmet
And thank you Rebecca for writing such a lovely book! It was a pleasure to read and I am only sorry I noticed the typos in my article this morning.
I look forward to reading more of your work.
November 14, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Lory Manrique-Hyland
I’m just curious – are you reading one book a day, and writing it the review in the evening? These books muct not be long — how do you keep this schedule up? I’m fascinated. This note is posted to you by an American livingin Ireland — Later, Lory
November 14, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Emmet
I do read and review a book every day. It helps if I’m interested in the material. Check out my Starship Troopers review. That was quite a short book, but took me a full day to read as I found it painful. I just barely made my deadline on that review.
Happily not being able to work in Australia means I can dedicate my days to something I am passionate about – reading great books.
November 14, 2010 at 7:53 pm
steviemonkey
One day, one book. That’s the challenge! Long books, short books, comic books, poetry, fiction, fantasy…with so many books to read you’ve got to mix it up, to avoid boredom at the very least.
I have to say, many people question how Emmet does it, but he does. Not only does he read them, he digests them, thinks about them and discusses them before even getting to the review. He also manages to run errands and cook dinner on occasion too, and I’m now sure I know more about books I’ve never read than those I have!! It’s not been an easy challenge, but it has been enjoyable for the most part.
=)
February 25, 2011 at 9:29 am
Ali
Richard Flanagan’s “Sound of One Hand Clapping” – my favourite Australian book
Janet Turner Hospital’s “Orpheus Lost” – another excellent Australian writer’s book
March 8, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Emmet
Cheers Ali, I’ll have to check those out.
To the Library!
March 16, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Anita
Fantastic idea! I meet a lot of couples who have to wait a long time for immigration. I’m glad you’re making great use of your time!
Anita
March 17, 2011 at 11:55 am
Emmet
Thanks, although in the future I’ll be a little more careful before I accept such a crazy wager!
March 23, 2011 at 2:51 am
Cardinal
Good luck with your reading adventures! Wow, this is very exciting. Some people can only dream of such an opportunity.
Blue skies!
Cardinal
March 25, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Emmet
Thanks for the support!
February 27, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Elton Loud
Hi Emmet,
I have adored your site for some time. I am writing to submit my new book, Little Girls: A Short Story Novella, for your review. The quality of your writing has attracted me to you as a reviewer.
My book Little Girls could best be described as having the honesty of collections such as Say You’re One of Them, and the broad literary scope of works like Junot Diaz, Oscar Wao.
Part YA, part Adult Fiction–each story, though different, takes an honest look at love, commitment and sacrifice (though it is like nothing that you can imagine).
A more detailed description is provided below.
In return for your time, I would be willing to do an interview, a product give-a-way and/or promote your site.
I thank you in advance for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Elton Loud
Little Girls: A Short Story Novella
Little Girls: A Short Story Novella
http://www.littlegirlsnovel.com
————-
“It had been a little over two days since fifteen-year-old Shanice had seen real sunlight, or another person. Despondent, she sat silent on the basement floor, her jeans soiled with the red sediment from the brick walls that lined the damp basement.”
The place is Oakland, CA. The year is 2004.
Little Girls: A Short Story Novella is a collection of linked short stories that focus on a group of characters whose connection to each other is the sex trade in the Oakland Bay Area.
More than a collection about prostitutes or prostitution, Little Girls examines the complexities of the human condition, cutting across generations of family to reveal the people, places and history that have formed their identities, and motivations. Mistakes will be made. Lessons will be ignored. Consequences will be deserved.
Each story is unique, and will grab and hold the reader from the first line.
————-