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Thursday, January 29, 2015

Books...

Before I launch into this post about my 'pin up boy', William McInnes, I thought I'd better check if we have some visitors to the blog looking for that 'Grow Your Own Blog Party'...you'll find that post here...Don't forget to leave a comment on that post so you can be in the Giveaway Draw. 

In November 2013, DH and I went to a book launch of one of our favourite Australian actors and writer, William McInnes. I wrote about this hilarious night here.
And so it was in early December 2014, that William had yet another book launch in Brisbane with his latest offering, 'Holidays'. But DH and I couldn't attend that, because we were already committed (and paid for) for a fundraising book launch for the Royal Queensland Historical Society.
My brother and DH had their photo taken at that event with one of the authors of the book when they lined up to get our copies signed. A friend found this photo on the RQHS Facebook page! lol



If we had have attended the William McInnes evening, I would have bought Bill's book, but as we didn't, we waited until it was available from the library(big waiting list!). DH read it first, then it was my turn...


In the early chapters of the book, I found myself laughing out loud (and almost uncontrollably) at William's descriptions of his childhood holidays. He grew up in Redcliffe, just north of Brisbane, and our family holidays were spent at nearby Scarborough, so I knew a lot of the places he described about his years growing up in that area. 
The book went on to describe holidays (and general mischief he got up to) that he went on with uni friends as a young adult, through to holidays with his family, through to holidays he now takes with his children only, as sadly his wife Sarah died a few years ago. 
I enjoyed the book, but to be honest, it is not his best. But that's only my opinion. Aussie readers though would enjoy the familiarity of his experiences, comparing them with their own family stories and anecdotes, especially those driving holidays! Lol

8 comments:

Anthea said...

Maria I've not read any of his books but boy I loved McInnes as Sandy on Kath & Kim a few years back... glad Eduardo is back safely... that bully cat should be kept inside his own house!!

It never fails to touch my curiosity that cat owners are happy to let theirs just wander wherever they please around the neighbourhood, but those same people don't think same about dogs...

Vireya said...

I just read "Holidays". I also laughed out loud in a few places, although I didn't think it was a great book. It was entertaining, but seemed a bit unfocused to me.

Susan said...

must give it a try - and his others - always on the lookout for something a bit different.

Dorothy said...

I'll have to see if my library has a copy of that book - your description makes it sound like a good read. On Wednesday I picked up a copy of My Story by Julia Gillard (thinking it might be an interesting autobiography) but its just full of political clap-trap so it will be going back next time I'm near the library. Can't waste good time reading a very thick and boring book like that. Have a good weekend Maria. xox

Dorothy said...

PS .. Have just requested "A Man's Got to Have a Hobby" from my library.

Cozy Expressions said...

Blog hopping with “Grow Your Blog”. Its so great to meet you. Wishing you the best!!

Anonymous said...

I am a huge fan of William McInnes as both a writer and an actor.

I know what you mean about laughing out loud whilst reading his books about his loving family growing up in Redcliffe. He has a lovely way with words.

I've managed to read all of his books so far so I'm looking forward to getting my hands on his latest one.

Sue (this n that) said...

Thanks Maria, appreciate your review. Will get it when next at our library. I, like Anthea above, also enjoyed him on Kath & Kim !