It’s always good to reflect on reasons why I like my job. Here are another couple of reasons: two short book reviews I wrote and recorded as part of our summer podcast series. Remember I was dissing pondering book groups and pondering the Patrick White online reading group? I did actually end up reading the group’s chosen book, The Vivisector, and when the opportunity came to record a book review podcast, I thought I’d do one on that book. Not sure how wise a choice that was, as it proved to be very difficult to say anything meaningful about the book in five minutes or less.
Podcast review of The Vivisector by Patrick White.
I don’t think I did a very good job, as I’m still pondering the book – maybe I’ll write a longer review sometime.
The second review was far easier to write. Initially I thought I’d have problems writing a review about a book of photos (minimal text!), but because I enjoyed it, I didn’t have any trouble at all. I had to remind myself I couldn’t go on and on (that five minute limit is A Good Thing I’m sure).
Podcast review of The Shearers by Andrew Chapman. (You can see some of the book at the author’s gallery.)
And to think I always told myself I’d never do podcasting!
5 Comments
Never say never. I think it’s a natural progression since you have been embracing all kinds of new media tech.
And the podcast was well done – nice touch with the background music. It sounded Triple-J-ish to me too. 🙂
The podcasts have a very relaxing, summer reading mood.
Nice initiative. Academic libraries should be doing more to create pleasure for their clients, not just meet their research needs. Nice way of connecting with the community.
You sounded very credible, too. Doesn’t make me want to rush out and re-read my Patrick White, however. I wouldn’t mind having his books read to me, though….might look up some talking books at my local library.
Like the reviews and your voice sounds great when you’re reading the extract from The Vivisector – maybe a sideline in narrating audiobooks awaits?
I found the background music distracting – a little too loud. My hearing isn’t 100%, maybe that makes a difference.
Thanks, Marcus. And yes, I agree, never say never 🙂
Cheers Kathryn, that’s what we were trying to do (have a relaxing feel to them). We also wanted to make sure our podcast subscribers – there are millions of them out there after all (jk 😉 – had something to listen to over the summer break.
Thanks for the feedback Tom, I’ll pass it on to my colleagues. We’re constantly tweaking the podcasts and can always make the music softer for future recordings! As for a new career, well, I dunno.. 🙂
It was interesting to hear your voice, you have a nice one!
I’ve never read Patrick White either, I think I was supposed to read Tree of Man in high school but somehow managed not to. You’ve almost persuaded me to make the effort.