Huge thank you to the two lovely Aussie book bloggers who nominated this Yank (isn’t that what you call us Americans?) for this tag: Kirstie @Upside-Down Books (you can read her post here → Upside-Down Books: The Aussie Book Tag) & Casey @adoptabookaus (you can read her post here → adoptabookaus: The Aussie Book Tag)
I had a lot of fun with this tag because there was a lot of research on my part in order for me to complete this tag…
Koala: A Character You Want to Cuddle ALL DAY LONG
» Ove, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
I choose Ove. Why? Because it would be a challenge 🙂
Vegemite: A Book You Love that Everyone Else Hates
I must admit, I’ve never tried Vegemite… I’ve heard of it, but I wasn’t exactly sure what it actually was. You all spread it on toast right? For all those who don’t know, Vegemite is a food paste made from yeast extract, vegetables, and spices… Here is a funny video of Americans trying vegemite and various other Australian foods → Americans Taste Test Australian Food
» Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne
I know there are some very mixed reviews on this one, but I for one adored it.
You can read my review here → Book Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne (J.K. Rowling & John Tiffany)
Socceroos: Favorite Fictional Squad
The Socceroos are Australia’s National Soccer team.
» The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater
The Raven Boys crew for the win! The characters in this series are everything.
Southern Cross: Most Recent 5 Star Read
The Southern Cross is a constellation in the shape of a cross that appears on the Australian flag.
» Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
I literally laughed my ass off for this entire book. Need a pick-me-up? Go read this book. You’re welcome.
You can read my review here → Book Review: Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Patriotism: Favorite Book by an Author from Your Country Australia
» The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Echidna: A Book You Like to Look at, but it Physically Hurts to Read
An echidna is an egg laying mammal. I think they look like a pygmy version of a porcupine…
» Starflight by Melissa Landers
Beautiful on the outside, not so much on the inside…
You can read my review here → Book Review: Starflight (Starflight #1) by Melissa Landers
Ned Kelly: A Book that is Really Grim, but an Iconic Must-Read
Who the hell is Ned Kelly?
I guess Ned Kelly is the Australian version of Billy the Kid.
» Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
I think Wuthering Heights is very misunderstood. If this book isn’t grim, I don’t know what is.
Great Barrier Reef: A Book That Had You Gaping in Awe
» The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel
My favorite book of 2016 (thus far).
You can read my review here → Book Review: The Summer that Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel
Pavlova: A Light and Fluffy Book that You Can’t Help but Love
A pavlova is a merengue dessert topped with fruit.
» The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
I rarely read light and fluffy books… like ever. Ironically, I am reading one right now, but the jury is still out. I have never read a book that centers around food before… it makes me hungry 🙂
Milo: A Genre/Author You Reach for to Get You Out of a Reading Slump
I had never heard of Milo before, however when I watched the video Americans Taste Test Australian Food, I noticed it was the first taste test. Apparently, Milo is a “a delicious chocolate malt energy drink fortified with vitamins and minerals. Packed with Nutrition, NESTLÉ MILO gives the confidence, energy and spirit to succeed in an active life.”
Historical fiction for the win! If I am in a reading funk, this is my go-to genre.
cover2covermom.wordpress.com 
I certainly don’t understand Wuthering Heights! All I remember is that she wanders the moors crying. I read it about a decade ago, though… Is it really worth re-reading? Why do you think this book is so misunderstood?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most people I’ve talked to didn’t care for it and said it was too depressing for them. I think Heathcliff in particular is misunderstood. I have a special place in my heart for him. I think it is often overlooked that he was tormented and degraded for years, which plays a huge role in the man he becomes. I think most people do not like it because it isn’t a “happy” book, but in real life, not everyone gets a happy ending. I think what is s special about this book is that it makes you feel such strong emotions…
LikeLike
You know, that’s a really great point about Heathcliff. Now that I’m an “adult” (whatever that means), and I understand more about societal oppression/stereotypes and personal identity, I wonder if it will mean more to me now? I’m certain I’ll be able to relate to the characters better, at least. Perhaps it will go on my TBR… Perhaps. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha I hope you do give it another shot one day. Don’t get me wrong, he does some horrible things, but I just understand WHY he is the way he is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this tag, may give it a go when I get the chance 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a fun little tag! I had a lot of fun learning more about Australia and Aussie culture 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vegemite is yummy 🙂
I live in Sydney and I have it a lot on toast for breakfast. The trick is to spread it very thinly.
I love koalas but I actually think Wombats are cuter, specially when they are on the move and a little wobbly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhhh there is a trick to vegemite! I am not even sure they sell it here in the U.S.? I need to just come for a visit and experience it for myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha great answers! 🙂
Vegemite goes on toast… it really is an acquired taste lol.
Ned Kelly is an Aussie legend… Also a infamous bush ranger
Milo is amazing mixed with a bit of cold milk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What is a bush ranger?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Um.. Outlaw? Is that what you would call them over there? Lol.
Guys who rode around on horses, stole stuff and were wanted criminals.
We call them bush rangers over here because they generally hid out in the remote bush areas back in the day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhhh yes! Outlaws! Hahaha that makes sense. Obviously I have more to learn about Australia lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that’s the word I was looking for lol.
There’s not too much to learn.
We just like to call things weird names 😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved reading your answers to this! The book Thief is amazing and I loved it! Great pick! Also you must try Milo, I’m not sure what the equivalent over there is but its basically chocolate powder that you don’t fully mix in with your milk and it’s wonderful, kind of like finely crushed chocolate cookies I guess XD
LikeLiked by 2 people
Whooooaaa I just assumed it was a mix to make the milk chocolate, but it doesn’t mix in fully? So it’s like crunchy on top? Interesting….
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can mix it in fully but it doesn’t taste as good 🙂 It’s better as crunchy on top and then you can eat it with a spoon XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
“The Coincidence of Coconut Cake” LOL what a title! I’ve always wanted to visit Australia… some day…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right? I definitely get hungry while reading this book lol
Me too!!! However that million hour plane ride is a bit intimidating lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha Million hour plane ride XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha I loved this! The eternal struggle of trying to work out if Ned Kelly was a good or bad guy *mind explodes*. And GURL, get yourself some milo. It’s like hot chocolate, except you can just eat the powder straight if you’re feeling rebellious.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hahaha I do love myself a good outlaw 🙂 Man every Aussie who has read this tag thus far has commented on the Milo! How do we not have this in the States?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is clearly an absolutely tragedy 😱😱
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I had so much fun reading this! Milo (which is what we use to make hot chocolate) and Vegemite are awesome! The trick with Vegemite is to just use a little bit with a good serve of butter. For optimum enjoyment, spread some smashed avocado on top. Yuuuum! The Ned Kelly thing is interesting. He’s a pretty controversial figure, basically Robin Hood, but with way more murdering. Definitely a bad dude, but people liked him because he stole horses from the rich settlers and mostly killed cops who weren’t so popular among the former convicts and their families. Australia was a pretty grim place in the 1800s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha thanks! I had fun learning more about Australia 🇦🇺 I love avocado, so I would definitely try vegemite with some avocado on top 😋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Breakfast of Champions. Vegemite is really salty and it goes so well with the creaminess of the avocado… Now I’m having a food fantasy. Time for a second breakfast, methinks!
LikeLiked by 1 person