Book review: Something to Say by Frankie Magazine

Monday, November 7, 2016 Permalink

I was unwell yesterday. God only knows what ailment bested me and required me to spend most of the day in bed feeling sorry for myself resting, but it meant I had an opportunity to do something I rarely do. Read. In bed, that is.

Regular visitors to my site know I really only read in bath. In the evening. I’m a bit weird like that. I have a no-daytime reading rule (also incidentally a no daytime-television-watching rule) but my malady was such that I decided reading was permitted. And this new release – the first ever book of its kind by Frankie Magazine was the perfect choice.

Book review: Something to Say by Frankie Magazineby Frankie Magazine
Published by Frankie Magazine
on November 7th 2016
Source: Frankie Magazine
ISBN: 9780646958590
Pages: 240
four-stars
Goodreads

This novel-sized book is a whopping 240-page collection of funny, rude, clever, cute (and sometimes sad and sweary) stories from the first 12 years of frankie magazine.

Inside you'll find witty words from some of our favourite frankie writers, including benjamin law, helen razer, marieke hardy, eleanor robertson, rowena grant-frost and mia timpano. oh, and there are some pretty illustrations in there, too.

The book comprises a collection of stories from 12yrs of Frankie Magazine. They are by a range of contributors – including Eleanor Robertson, Helen Razer, Benjamin Law and Mia Timpano; and traverse a range of subjects – everything from cats, coupledom, communal fridges, to surgery and singledom. Oh, and there are some essays about periods.

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They are of varying length and emotional engagement. I snorted a few times and *may* have become a little teary on a couple of occasions. On the whole the pieces are well-written and really clever.

I’m not sure that I ever really admit this here but my dream job would be a regular columnist for a website / print magazine or similar. I know I should aspire to be a heavy-drinking hermit-like novelist, but I rarely have the ideas I’d need to feed a lengthy book. Instead I enjoy getting my rant on, or pondering the important stuff in life. Like feature walls and early mornings.

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Sadly for me, I’m all-talk when it comes to pitching stuff to magazines; but happily for you (dear readers) I blog (here) about my innermost thoughts instead. #yourewelcome

As a result of all of that, I can very much appreciate the sass, wit and painstaking effort that goes into these pieces. I’m not usually a fan of non-fiction. Indeed, I’d usually prefer to poke my eye out with a fork, but I loved this book for the same reason I read blogs and certain websites. It’s entertaining, interesting and makes me think about stuff outside my own little world. For a while.

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This book has been beautifully illustrated by Ashley Ronning. It’s quirky and its ‘finish’ is a little different. I notice there’s a comment on the magazine website about the book’s smell and it’s true. Its pages are thick ‘nostalgic’ stock. Apparently.

With Christmas (and the birthdays of the population’s elite) coming up, I hafta say, it’d make the perfect gift.

Something to Say by Frankie Magazine is now available.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes.

Are you in the market for some Christmas presents? Or perhaps a fan of the witty repartee of some of Australia’s finest writers? 

four-stars
22 Comments
  • Kate W
    November 7, 2016

    I LOVE Frankie magazine – perfect balance of all the good things in life. And it doesn’t take itself too seriously (because yes, sometimes it’s okay to get really excited over cute erasers…). I’ll be on the lookout for this book.

    • Debbish
      November 7, 2016

      Yes, it’s clever without trying too hard!

  • Kate W
    November 7, 2016

    Also: why no reading during the day? Because you’d get so engrossed that you’d never get anything done? (I amass about an hour’s reading in 5-minute snatches during the day).

    • Debbish
      November 7, 2016

      It’s a rule I implemented when I stopped working full-time. When I worked full time I sometimes read or watched TV / DVDs on weekends during the day, but I’m not officially retired and still working so have this weird thing about doing anything too frivolous during the day!

      • Kate W
        November 7, 2016

        I get it regarding watching tele but at least reading requires brain cells 😉

  • Kat @anaussieinsf
    November 8, 2016

    Frankie is 12 years old!?! Woah, I feel really damn old now. I just got my last copy in the mail… *sad face* I’m not sure I can afford to renew the subscription. This book might be in order.

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2016

      Oh yes, it’s a great read… and 12 years… I know! Mind you I just heard The Simpsons has been going for 30 years which doesn’t seem possible!

  • Mystery Case
    November 8, 2016

    Confession time, I’ve never actually picked up a copy of Frankie magazine. This does sound like something I could pick up for Christmas gifts though. Sorry to hear you were unwell yesterday. I had most of the day in bed myself.

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2016

      Definitely a great Christmas pressie Raych and sorry to hear you were unwell as well!

  • Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
    November 8, 2016

    Confession time: Never heard of Frankie magazine!!!
    But I am attracted the colours and patterns on this book. Sounds like a good read.
    You’ve changed your hair colour on your blog and profile! LOVE IT

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2016

      Yes, I thought I needed to change my hair to its new length! I’ve followed a few writers who contribute to Frankie but not been a regular reader myself!

  • hugzillablog
    November 8, 2016

    Holy shit, that is one kick-ass line up right there!! I love the idea of a book that is kind of like a printed blog post compilation. And yes I noticed the logo change too! LOL.

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2016

      Oh yes it’s a very impressive line-up of writers. I must admit I actually preferred some of the pieces by writers I’d NOT heard of over the known writers, but I’m always loath to single out any in particular in these sorts of collections.

  • Our Parallel Connection
    November 8, 2016

    I am not normally a fan of books like this but you make it sound interesting and a great gift idea (god knows I need gift ideas for Christmas) . May have to check this one out. #teamIBOT

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2016

      I’m the same Nat – not a fan of non-fiction – but I can appreciate that short pieces are handy for those who are time-strapped as you can read a piece when you have time without getting too addicted or forgetting where you were up to!

  • nicolethebuilderswife
    November 8, 2016

    Ummm, Frankie is 12, already!! Looking forward to reading this one. x

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2016

      I hope you do and hope you enjoy it Nicole!

  • sarahjbowen1983
    November 10, 2016

    This sounds like a great read!

  • Janet Camilleri (@middleagedmama1)
    November 25, 2016

    I enjoy Frankie (though I haven’t read a copy in ages) and it’s interesting in-depth stories. However I find the font really small and hard to read even WITH glasses, and there are so many bright young things profiled I can’t help feeling slightly old. Or maybe that’s just me!

    • Debbish
      November 25, 2016

      Ha, well these short stories will exercise your mind and keep the Alzheimer’s at bay Janet!

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