When We Think About Melbourne When We Think About Melbourne

Whenever I'm asked what is my favourite book about Melbourne, the answer is easy: When We Think About Melbourne by Jenny Sinclair.
Mr Melbourne - MelB

When We Think About Melbourne

The imagination of a city
Jenny Sinclair

My friends reckon my interest in Melbourne borders on an obsession more than a passion but at the same time, they then go on to tell me all about "their Melbourne".

Yes, I know.. I'm a bit of a nutcase (a Melburnut) with a rather large collection of anything and everything Melbourne including books, magazines, films, photograghs, post cards, memorabillia, the list goes on.

Here I was thinking I was the only person on the planet that thought this way about "my marvellous Melbourne" until I read this fabulous book by Jenny Sinclair.. When We Think About Melbourne.

I don't ever remember reading a book from cover to cover but I devoured all 221 pages. I kept thinking as I was reading that I would have written exactly the same thing. It was me, my thoughts, my experiences, my Melbourne.. she seemed to be inside my head.

When I read this line.. "Maybe that's why I can't get enough of Melbourne and Melbourne art, trams, books and bike rides. Because I love the place, and you can't get enough of something you love" on a page titled "The City Inside Our Heads", I had to choke back tears of happiness.

It dawned on me a few days later that she had answered a question about this web site (OnlyMelbourne) that I had never been able to answer, and that is "why OnlyMelbourne"? I had never really known why I started the OnlyMelbourne web site but now I do.. it gives me a vehicle to tell people about my marvellous city... just as Jenny does in her book.

So, for anyone who doesn't understand, why Melbourne, or why Melburnians love Melbourne, or just don't get it then read this book!

Here is a review of the book found on readings.com.au..

Considering most Melburnians remain as steadfastly loyal to their city as they do their chosen AFL team, Jenny Sinclair is not alone in her love of Melbourne. When We Think About Melbourne charts the geography of Melbourne by exploring the historical and cultural significance of its landmarks and suburbs. Each section is accompanied with images and maps, which make for an interactive reading experience.

Sinclair's interest lies in the way people make sense of their surroundings and come to call a particular area home. She does this through analysing the importance of maps, whether they are grand-scale drawings, something found on Google, or lines scrawled on notepaper. She also explores the potent effects of Melbourne on its artists - from Paul Kelly to Helen Garner - and how their works shape our own view of this ever-evolving city.

Sinclair's book should resonate strongly with anyone who has ever spent time in the windy city, or needs reminding why Melbourne truly is marvellous.

Jenny Sinclair

Jenny Sinclair is a Melbourne writer. She has been on the staff of The Age and The Melbourne Times. She now studies and teaches at the University of Melbourne.

BUY NOW

We used to link to a book seller but sadly, it is no longer on sale (not even Amazon). It occassionally pops up on eBay, and can be found in many local libraries.



And finally, no, I could never have written this book.

If you're interested in understanding Melbourne, Melburnians and "what's it all about".. this is the book to read!

Red Helmet

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ When We Think About Melbourne 

➼ www.griffithreview.com

➼ Review @ www.readings.com.au

❊ Also See... ❊

➼ Much Ado About Melbourne



Tweets by Jenny Sinclair




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