I'm not sure when the word "nerd" became a badge of honor, but between my childhood and now, somehow it has evolved. When I was a kid, no one wanted to be a nerd. Now, it's a term of endearment, often used self-reflexively, and everyone wants to be one. One of my sons is a gaming nerd, the other son is a Star Wars nerd, and my daughter is ... well, she's still an adolescent and unpredictable, so I won't call her a nerd, just in case she's not in the mood to see it as a positive thing.It goes without saying that I am a book nerd. This is an actual thing, as evidenced by Barnes and Noble's recent survey that allows you to quiz yourself and see how nerdy you actually are. Go ahead, take it and see what you get!
So, out of 50 possible points, I got 46. I lost points for not actually reading a book while I was taking the nerd quiz; not bugging people about books after I've recommended them (point of pride for me, because it takes a lot of self control), not having a pet with a literary name (but I vow that my next pet will!), and not owning a first-edition book.
You may be wondering where the Australia book is and why I'm wasting time on book surveys instead of reading Down Under. I've had a hard time settling on an Australia book because, unlike the little countries like Armenia and Albania where there are too few options, the Aussies have way too many to choose from. I've already read some good ones and am enjoying the search for the Australia book that wants to call out my name for the blog. So far I haven't found it but have enjoyed a few other novels. Here's what I've been spending time on, in case you need a recommendation:
Remember Me Like This, by Bret Anthony Johnston - Really enjoyed this low-key psychological thriller about a family whose abducted son returns home after four years.
Year of No Sugar, by Eve O. Schaub - This was an okay-but-not-my-favorite memoir about a family that (sort of) gives up sugar for a year.
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin - A novel about books! This was a lovely story about family and the importance of learning to trust. It was a nice, light read ... perfect for a cold day, wrapped up in a blanket, with nothing to do but immerse yourself in the story.
The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins - Sometimes I just like to read the bestsellers so I can partake in casual book discussions.
P.S. I'm still taking suggestions for Australia books! You can leave a comment here or email me at theworldbybook@gmail.com. Thanks!
