Defying the Enemy Within written by Joe Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fantastic read. Clearly I was aware of only some of Joe’s journey. To excel and struggle, before working things out and become a marvellous role model and advocate for mental health is something to behold. An inspiring story I wish all kids would read.
Here are some far better meanings for the NSN acronym, that surely outshine the racist National Socialist Network.
In opposition to their hatred:
Questioning their capabilities:
And surely there are better things to spend your time on:
Thanks ChatGPT. This activity helped me, after seeing the worrying Four Corners report, Families fighting to keep loved ones out of extremist groups struggle to find intervention programs – ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-17/neo-nazi-extremist-intervention-radicalisation-four-corners/104930828
Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella written by Jack Charles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Uncle Charles as a born-again Blakfella, has inspired many generations . A victim of the Stolen Generations, and thrown into an abusive system, it’s a wonder he kept reverberating back to the heights of stage and screen, and become a respected, upstanding member of society. Well, when he wasn’t pursuing his other passion for being a cat burglar, nor fighting severe drug addictions. His memoir covers so much ground in a series of enthralling stories, it was a lovely read, reflective of a lovely Victorian elder.
The Arrival written by Shaun Tan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fascinating, evocative, beautiful book. It’s been on my To Read list for quite some time. And today it was on display at the library during a chance visit. With no words, the storyline is artfully obvious. Each page takes the reader on a stunning, positive step forward.
Fair Game: Lessons from Sport for a Fairer Society & a Stronger Economy (In the National Interest) written by Andrew Leigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Andrew Leigh has done a commendable job presenting the case for Australia to leverage our wonderful sporting pedigree to do better in politics and business and society. As a nation we famously punch well above our weight, but we don’t see the same level of accolades when it comes to other parts of our everyday life. Andrew’s an impressive individual, combining expert academic credentials with a super impressive set of running accomplishments. We both support the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, so he’s clearly one of the good guys I’d love more people to follow.
Tell Me Again written by Amy Thunig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dr Amy felt like a sister when I came across her for the first time, on Twitter of all places. That was maybe a decade ago. Staunch and unwavering, socially conscientious; yet deadly clear, and academically wise. I remember that stood out on ‘Blaktwitter’ at its height.
I learned A LOT more from Amy’s amazing memoir, Tell Me Again! What a struggle, what strength. It enthralled me from start to finish. It’s equal parts upsetting and uplifting. At times I had to put the book down and just feel the feels. It’s important for everyone to read, to understand the unlimited positivity that’s possible – in seemingly impossible circumstances.
The Secret Life Of Cows written by Rosamund Young
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Secret Life Of Cows came to me in an unusual way. I ChatGPT’d a couple of authors I like, to find a similar new author. None of them were at the library. But one of the names – Alan Bennett – happened to write the thoughtful forward to this book, which was available.
It was a different and interesting book, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Some of it was very relatable. Some of it made me think hard, and even see cows differently since I picked up the book. Some of it made me wonder if the author may have also farmed psychedelics.
The world would be a better place if everyone grew to appreciate cows like Rosamund does. And I think everyone who reads her charming book would be better for it.
Happy-Go-Lucky written by David Sedaris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The second book by Sedaris I’ve read, and again I enjoyed his perspective throughout. This book – loosely arranged around events culminating with his father’s death, gave a clearer visual of his family’s dynamics. It obviously helped make him the interesting character he is, with so many entertaining takes. But you should probably look up his sister Amy, I hear she’s even more so. 😛
ADDENDUM: I saw the library also had a copy of “Pretty Ugly” (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/165940550-pretty-ugly), the first children’s book David Sedaris has authored, which was illustrated by Ian Falconer shortly before he passed away.
I saw Sedaris spruik it on an American late night show, although not very convincingly. He claimed it took a few minutes to write, which did NOT fill me with confidence.
While I can tell it probably took longer than that, it was not a book I’d proudly gift a friend’s kid. Which strangely might be my new measure of children’s book quality. But I thought the book was kind of fun, with an obvious message coming through after all.
A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son written by Michael Ian Black
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
It’s hard for me to give a low rating for a passion project from another father to his son. I just had something very different in mind with this title. I struggled to accept the extent of the proselytising. It all came from a good place and mostly sound arguments, it just loses some of the message with such a flurry of awkward conversations combined with an untamed word count. Maybe the secret to sharing how to be a better man is to cut the sanctimony, and just highlight the many conflicting questions we encounter, which keep all us men from being the best we can be.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less written by Greg McKeown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nice and clear book, exceeded my expectations. I’m surprised how many suggestions I had already adopted.