Melina Marchetta’s Books

I have recently consumed ‘On the Jellicoe Road’ by Melina Marchetta. It was like a puzzle I had to patiently pursue as the pieces came together. There were times I felt I had no clue what was going on and I had to reread parts as I knew I’d missed something important. It was worth it though. I felt I had been on a real reading journey when I finished and I found the resolutions satisfying. After finishing it, I am unsure why it wasn’t predictable but I know I didn’t realise the obvious because of the crafty way the author revealed the character’s.
I loved her first book. This was different from Looking for Alibrandi, which was a more straightforward read. Her characters were realistic and rich, and I enjoyed them. I haven’t read Saving Francesca (Bccb Blue Ribbon Fiction Books (Awards)). I am not sure why, but I know after enjoying the latest book so much I will make a point of borrowing it and reading it this summer.

Internet Matchmaker

I am enjoying watching one of my closest friends have her first experience of using online dating websites. It is an exciting time and full of promise. I recommended this to her because I have found it to be the best and most enjoyable way to find a partner. It has a bit of cringe factor for some people still. I guess if you have not wanted to meet a partner in the last 10+ years, you would have no need, therefore see fit to criticise it or find it ‘wierd’. The other people who are not into it are people who will never read this blog because they haven’t yet learnt to use a computer. Needless to say, they are never gonna do it.
I found it a great way to meet my partner. I loved the time when we were getting to know each other via email. It was sweet and gentle and romantic. The first telephone conversation, our first meeting and so on, was all gradual and made the process delightful and lasting.
Perhaps I was very lucky. I only met one other person I communicated with online, and at that first meeting, knew instantly there was no real attraction. It was challenging to have to say that, but no worse than saying no to someone you have met anywhere.
This leads me to a point I want to make, meeting and relating to someone online is the same as any other way. If you find it difficult to trust, it will be the same in real life as it is online. If you are desperate, gullible, if you fantasize, if you are afraid of commitment, intimacy, success, whatever, the internet will not magically transform or hide that. If you are going to have problems in relationships, they will still be there. It is just a convenient way to meet, minus the scene you don’t want to be in(insert club,pub,mother’s/friends blind date whatever applies) but for wanting to find a partner.
This weekend another friend I recommended online dating to, is getting married. She is 60ish and hadn’t had someone special in her life for the 5+ years I had known her. She is very happy. This is why I recommend it and enjoy sharing my positive experience with others. It’s great to see people happy and in love.