February 10, 2009

Tales From Outer Suburbia - Shaun Tan


In my quest to read The Best Australian Reads of 2008 I have finished Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.

I have been a big fan of Tan's work for a while now, The Red Tree being a particular favourite, so picking up another one of his books was not a chore for me at all.

Tales From Outer Suburbia is a collection of short stories and tales accompanied by gorgeous illustrations which only add to the magic and imagination of the world Tan creates.

I think it is hard to give much detail or explanation of the stories contained in the book - I think each person would interpret them differently and take from them what they wanted. I would recommend visiting Shaun Tan's excellent website to hear him speak about his writing and illustrating - very inspirational!

I found this book beautiful and thought-provoking - just what I expected really.

16 comments:

Eva said...

I'm already on the waiting list for this one at the library; can't wait for it to become available! And thanks for that link to Australian books. :)

Karen said...

Hi Eva - no worries! I hope you enjoy the Aussie reads!

megan said...

Oh, I love Shaun Tan. I worked in a bookshop in high school and when I was at uni and we used to spend entire shifts going through his books. I'd always recommend them to people.

Have you read John Marsden's "The Rabbits" that Shaun Tan illustrated? Fabulous.

Karen said...

Hi Megan - I haven't read The Rabbits - I will have to look out for it. Thanks!

Marg said...

I loved The Arrival. I must remember to look for this one next time I am out and about.

Karen said...

Hi Marg - I haven't read The Arrival fully as yet - I just keep going back to The Red Tree. I need to branch out I think!

Marg said...

The Arrival was my favourite book that I read in 2007, so I would highly recommend that you take a look at it!

It was a bit strange to pick a book that had no words for the best read, but it was so good!

joanna said...

Hi Karen - I can't find your wrap-up post for the New Classics Challenge - if you finished and you leave me a link to your wrap up post where you vote for your favorite, I'll enter you in the contest!

Joanna at http://lostinagoodstory.blogspot.com

nutmeg said...

I purchased this book with a Border's 40% off voucher and was very pleased to do so. I sat for quite some time just looking at the illustrations but I have yet to read the words yet!

Karen said...

Hi Joanna - I actually didn't quite finish the challenge so I haven't done a wrap up post. Sorry!

Hi Nutmeg - I think that is one of the joys of Tan's books - you don't really need the words.

Tamara said...

Hi Karen, Good weather for Ducks hey! and reading. I'm going to follow your leads to Tan's website, sounds really interesting. I loved the Arrival, so I'd be keen to find some time for others like that. I'll also follow your link to the best reads of 2008, sounds like a good list to refer to.

Karen said...

Hi Tamara - it is only weather for reading I think! And unfortunately studying today.

bloglily said...

We have The Arrival, which is a favorite among everyone in my family -- adult and child alike. Tales from Outer Suburbia sounds really, really good -- thank you so much for mentioning it.

Karen said...

Hi bloglily - I'm definitely going to have to read The Arrival next - everyone is mentioning how great it is.

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