Brian Nankervis
Which character from a book would you most like to meet or to be?
My family are mad about the Harry Potter books and we are re-reading them in preparation for the final instalment. I am particularly fond of Professor Dumbledore. I'd certainly like to spend a few hours in his office talking, eating scrumptious afternoon tea and perhaps revisiting some key events in my past life.
Where is the best place to read a book?
I have a range of favourite reading locations. In bed, at the kitchen table while eating, at my desk when I am supposed to be answering questions about the best place to read a book. One of my secret pleasures is finding a quiet hour or two to read in a café or a restaurant. I can remember reading Jeeves and the Hard Boiled Egg by P.G. Wodehouse in a Chinese restaurant in Merimbula, The Agony and The Ecstasy by Irving Stone in a tiny pizza bar in Florence, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in a pancake parlour on Dandenong Road and last week I finished the latest Peter Carey book, Theft, A Love Story in The Galleon Café in St Kilda.
When I was young I could read in the car. My mother is a Brisbane girl and we used to drive to Queensland every Christmas and I vividly remember sitting in the back seat reading books and music magazines while towns like Parkes, Forbes and Dubbo rushed by outside my window.
I was a Melbourne boy, a typical city kid and there was something slightly intimidating about those big country towns... Losing myself in a book made me feel safe and secure.
What were you like at school?
I was quite quiet, well behaved, a little bit sporty and academically fairly average at school. At the beginning of Year 12 I fell in with a whole other group of boys who were much cooler than my mates. Looking back, they were much more into girls and sport than my mob who were probably a little more interested in books, music and comedy on television. We were huge Monty Python fans and would sit in the tuck shop quoting routines and practising our silly walks... I shudder to think about it now. Anyway, this new group of friends thought I was extremely funny and laughed at all my jokes. I enjoyed their laughter and decided that I could be funny! The next year I went to Burwood Teacher's College and happily maintained my new found confidence!
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies include listening to music, body surfing, gardening, kicking the football twice a week with an ever expanding group of blokes and of course reading!
Do you have any pets or kids?
No pets at the moment, but three beautiful children who, I am happy to say, are all excited by books.
What is your most treasured possession?
My children, my wife.
What book would you take to a deserted island?
Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
Your words of wisdom to students completing the Premiers' Reading Challenge?
Keep your eyes wide open
Always thank the cook
If life gets too much...
Relax with a book
Have you read this?
Moving Day