Something to Believe In written by Andrew Stafford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed Something To Believe In, and read it in record time – for me. I’m less passionate about music, but was kept interested through the great honesty Staffo showed in weaving life’s struggles through a life of music.
Epochalypse written by Jonathan Hennessey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first time I’ve read a graphic novel. A bit of fun. Could enjoy a few more in future.
Dark Emu written by Bruce Pascoe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think everyone should read this amazing book. Dark Emu is filled with fascinating well-referenced revelations, to shed light on a contrary view of pre-colonised Australia. Our Aboriginal ancestors may have been more than primitive nomadic hunter-gatherers to have survived so well for 10,000s of years. Sadly that logic and the accounts from original white settlers has proven too much of a shock to some.
It’s quite a poignant time to complete Pascoe’s book. I read it amid the Australian Federal Police’s enquiry and rejection to a (Federal MP endorsed) claim that Bruce is a fraud and no true Aboriginal. We’re also in a time of unprecedented bush fires, where Bruce has been volunteering on the front-line to save his community.
Tomorrow is Australia Day, or Invasion Day depending on your viewpoint. My wish is that the detractors, who aim to quash an Australia or history which doesn’t align with their comfortable narrative, could open their eyes and read a book like Dark Emu.
No Friend But the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison written by Behrouz Boochani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m glad I read this challenging book. Boochani has shed important light on an ugly Australian chapter. It’s an eye-opening account through his observation and poetry.
Don’t Blink written by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
“Don’t Blink” was a perfect book title given the non-stop action. I enjoyed the pace and writing, even with unsurprising cliche after cliche.
Fight Club written by Chuck Palahniuk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a brilliant ride. I wish I hadn’t seen the movie first, and uncovered the tale in sequence. Still a great book I couldn’t put down for long.
Breath written by Tim Winton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the boys’ growing love of ocean translated into words. It all seemed very familiar. The reflecting in the final chapters changed the pace an awful lot, I wondered if I had missed something. And in real life that might be precisely how it feels.
I'm Not Racist, but …: A Collection of Social Observations (Salt Modern Poets Series) written by Anita Heiss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Anita’s clear poetry describes her position on a large number of challenges Australia still has, though may not realise. The book’s title is a perfect summary of what we face.
Deadly Kerfuffle written by Tony Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very Aussie comedic thriller tackling the contemporary merging of racism and terrorism. An unsuspecting cast of familiar-sounding characters encounter some unpleasantness in their leafy Melbourne suburb – quite helpful for the radio talkback.
Probably as expected, more giggling than suspense.
Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia edited by Dr Anita Heiss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderful book Growing Up Aboriginal Australia is.
Full disclosure, my amazing Mum wrote one of the stories featured.
It’s a touch sad to finally complete it. I’ve enjoyed flicking through and reading one or two of the stories from time to time at random.
This is apparently a sign of a good book.
Some of the accounts brought joy, truly brightening my day with appreciation. Others shared a more solemn account worthy of reflection.
I acknowledge the strength of all the authors putting their very personal stories to paper.
It made me think deeply about my own view of growing up Aboriginal in Australia.
For that I am grateful.