Books

"Musings at Death's Door: an ancient bicultural Asian-Australian ponders about Australian society" by Raja Arasa Ratnam

This book is a hard-hitting, critically analytical, yet favourable, presentation of the author’s adopted nation, reflecting more than six decades of a highly interactive and contributory life, including holding leadership positions in civil society, in a fast-evolving nation. The following endorsement says it all.

Raja Ratnam has lived a full life and made significant contributions to Australian life over six decades.His experience as an Asian in Australia from the time of White Australia to that of multiculturalism is unique.This book is a final distillation of the wisdom he has gained over that time. He provides insight into a wide range of areas from society and culture to religion.And even better, his insights reflect his unique experience.There is wisdom and here and, like all of his work, this book is rich, intelligent and provocative. A major contribution to Australian culture.
---Prof. Greg Melleuish, History & Politics, Wollongong University

"Dreamkeeper - it's time to face your fears by Diane Fordham

A Supernatural Thriller novel. The dream travellers' desires to fulfil what is missing in their waking world imprison them in their dreams. Dream Keeper is building his kingdom; The Dream Tunnels. People are falling asleep and not waking up. How was Senior Investigator Macarthur T Egan supposed to apprehend and arrest someone who popped in and out of dreams? Dream Keeper is about our desires and the consequences. It is also about facing our fears! ISBN 9781612040769. 

"The Years that the locust hath eaten" by Marjorie Quinn

Majorie Quinn was the founding honorary secretary of the Fellowship of Australian Writers. In the 1960s she wrote her memoirs a veritable who's who of the literati of Sydney in the years before and after the war. She travelled with her father in his Australian government role and so the book also opens up a world that is of great interest to historians.

“Legends, Lies & Larrikins” by Bob Bush’s

This is Bob Bush’s third book of rhyming poetry. All poems are based on his experiences and observations, (both real and imagined), of the hardships and humour that affect all who choose to live, work or play in Australia.  The book contains thirty one new poems plus three of the favourites that were featured in his second book.  As the book title indicates, the topics and themes are varied and he hopes that you can identify and relate to the Legends, the Lies and the Larrikins.

"Kicker" by Christina Batey.

Troy Berrier has the world at his feet. He is about to take the freestyle motorcross world by storm when he wins the world MX-Stream game finals. He's invited to all the cool parties. He has no trouble scoring chicks and has plenty of mates, including his best friends, Ty, from his moto club, and Shelley, who Troy has known since they were little kids. But Troy's definition of the word, “life”, is about to be shifted. The ensuing struggle will test his friendships and his faith in himself. 

"Casting Shadows" by David Terelinck

To read "Casting Shadows" is to shed light on the loves, losses, secrets and sorrows of the examined life, much as Jung spoke of 'finding the gold in shadows". Through eulogy and introspection, David Terelinck honors the complexities of relationships to reveal 'so many endings in this new beginning'. Compassionate and lyrical, these tanka speak of the pivotal moments that shape life on personal and universal levels. With skill and sensitivity Terelinck brings the past into the present with clear-sighted poems that engage the reader as both witness and participant. 
Carole MacRury  Secretary/Treasurer:  Tanka Society of America (2006-2010)

"Totally Twins - Musical Mayhem" by Aleesah Darlison

"Shadow Play" by Gavin Austin

"I sat down to read a few poems from Shadow Play today and was half way through the book before I knew it. They're exquisite. The language is so very simple yet the images captivating. And each one is a story about people caught in a moment of pain or delight."  

(reviewer Kate Walker)