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BIGGEST EVER BOOKS ALIVE KICKS OFF

Arts Minister Peter Garrett today announced the start of Australia’s largest ever Books Alive campaign.

Arts Minister Peter Garrett today announced the start of Australia’s largest ever Books Alive campaign. Now in its eighth year, Books Alive aims to promote the pleasures of reading with some great Australian titles.

 

Mr Garrett said the campaign this year includes a guide to 50 Books You Can’t Put Down and two give-away titles, including a children’s book.

“Books Alive 2009 is a perfect way to get Australians young and old reading. With this great guide readers can find a title thatís right for them and enjoy the talents of some of Australia’s best writers,” Minister Garrett said.

“Reading to children is such an important way to grow their skills and imaginations, so this year we’re really excited to announce the inclusion of popular children’s book series Grug in the campaign.”

“Anyone who buys one of the titles listed in 50 Books You Can’t Put Down between August 26 and September 30 will receive a choice of free book – either Grug Learns to Read, a new title in series, or a great collection of stories by some of Australia’s best writers, 10 Short Stories You Must Read This Year.”

Sandra Yates, Chair of Books Alive, added that with the give-away adult book being a collection of stories, there really is something for everyone.

“Whether you like humour, young adult, or just a great read, 10 Short Stories You Must Read This Year contains stories by both award-winning authors and writers with bright futures.”

Authors included in 10 Short Stories You Must Read This Year are Robert Drewe, Anita Heiss, Toni Jordan, Tom Keneally, Kathy Lette, Monica McInerney, William McInnes, Melina Marchetta, Jack Marx and Peter Temple.

Throughout the month-long campaign, 1.2 million copies of the guide, 50 Books You Can’t Put Down, will be available through book retailers and libraries right across Australia.

Books Alive is an Australian Government initiative developed via the Australia Council for the Arts. The campaign, which this year features celebrities endorsing the joy of reading, has directly resulted in the sale of an extra 1.4 million books in Australia, with a value of more than $12 million to the Australian economy.

For more information on Books Alive, reading group notes on the featured books and details of author events across Australia, visit www.booksalive.com.au.

Australia Council media contact: Director of Marketing and Communication, Martin Portus: m.portus@creative.gov.au or 0403 090 022

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