SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER - Charity Norman

People are fascinated by cults and I am one of those so this book took my eye at the library. But it was more than this. The front cover drew me in. A photo of a young lady walking along a jetty towards rippling blue water and beautifully framed by mountains in the distance.

The book presented with a casual style but I was quickly drawn into the word of Cassie, a young lady who departs with her boyfriend on the adventure of a lifetime. Relations between them are not and a disagreement sees them separated once they arrive in New Zealand. It was easy for Cassie to accept the offer of a lift from a group of smiling individuals in a beat up old van.

I have always found it difficult to believe that people get sucked into a cult but this book gave me the realization that it could and does happen. The cult members treated her very well while at the same time ensuring that the outside world appears hostile and that individuality is not required or accepted.

The feelings of despair and determination that her parents must have been feeling are palpable and ultimately it is her father’s pending early death that opens a window wide enough for Cassie to squeeze through and go back to her family.

This is a story about belief in family, faith and loss. They are on every page. It is a book that is difficult to put down.

I borrowed image of the book cover from www.goodreads.com where the book currently has a star rating of 3.7/5. Check out the site.
The other beautiful photos have been labelled as free for reuse on google. 

BLOSSUMS and SHADOWS - Lian Hearn

My first foray into Lian Hearn's writing was the Tales of the Otori which is a series of historical novels based in Feudal Japan. 
I struggled with the characters' names but became totally engrossed in the stories once I remembered who was who. 

Blossums and Shadows is a very different book. It is based on historical events in Japan in the mid 19th Century but is narrated by the fictional character Tsuro. It was a period of internal division and rivalries between the hundreds of domains at a time when the semi-feudal government of the Shogun was beginning to crumble. Coupled with external threats of foreigners who arrived with guns and modern warfare ideas, Japan was in a very volatile state.

Tsuro is the daughter of a local doctor. Being a female, she cannot be a doctor so she works in the pharmacy. Her older sister has been married off and moved away so Tsuro is isolated. Tradition dictates that she too will marry someone of her father's choosing but he is broadminded and allows her some leeway. Eventually Tsuro marries a young doctor but life and love are complicated, particularly when children are not forthcoming and the country is on the brink of war. 

This book has a huge cast; of course with names unfamiliar to me so I am unable to distinguish between christian and surname which seem to be used interchangeably. To make it more difficult, changing one's name on a whim seems to be quite commonplace. It took me days to read the first few pages of the book as I repeatedly had to refer to the character list. The story includes both fictional and real historical people which added to my confusion. 

Perhaps it was my difficulty with the character names or the historical content but I found the book lacked flow at times. I never really understood who Tsuro was despite the difficult and unconventional life she led. The story includes a heady mix of politics, love, war, gender identity issues and male domination, all of which Tsuro tries to describe. I feel it was all a bit much for one character in one story to cover.  



I have had a fascination with Japan since a visit in my early twenties so I have posted some beautiful photos that I found free for public use on the internet. The links are below if you wish to explore more. 

• Cherry Blossum
• Ancient Japanese Tombs
• Chofu, Yamaguchi-Prefecture, Japan

NOT ANOTHER GREEK SALAD- Ann Rickard

        Photo courtesy of Nick. Scopelos

Ann Rickard is a Noosa based writer with six travel books under her belt. All have quirky names: "Three in a Bed in the Med;" "Flash and Brash with Fries on the Side" and "The Last Book about Italy." She has won the Australian Society of Travel Writers Australian Travel Writer of the Year (2005,) Travel Book of the Year (2007) and is the life editor of the Noosa News. 

Ann sets off to Greece with her life partner Geoffrey in search of wine, adventure, inspiration and lesbians. The lesbians are found on the island of Lesbos, chosen to visit not only because of the remarks heard about gay women visiting there but also because it appeared to be one of the least commercial of the Greek islands with petrified forest, ancient ruins, a thriving agricultural industry, unspoilt culturally enlightening museums, etc. etc. 

This was not the first time Ann and Geoffrey had visited Greece so they wanted check out some sights to see if they had changed at all. Naturally they had and this met with some disappointment. But they also take on new adventures. Ann casually describes the hike up the mountain to the Agios Simeon monastery by way of a goat track recommended by Stavros (of course.) 

                                                           Agios Simeon Monastery

They take off at one o'clock - the hottest part of the day when everyone is thinking about closed blinds and cool siestas. There is no sign of cars but plenty of donkey droppings and the air becomes still and hotter as they climb. "It's pleasant, despite the heat," but even horses think they are nuts.

Ann's book is filled with anecdotes such as these and is easy reading. It is also dotted with a bit of whining about lack of money and villages that have too many tourists (just like them.)

Is it a book that you could use to plan out your once in a lifetime trip to Greece? Not really. There are some useful facts but I feel it is more a memoir of ramblings through life and relationships. There are a few spelling and grammar mistakes that are distracting but don't let that put you off. It is entertaining and light-hearted; something that often missed in a 'real' travel book. 

Fortress of Mytilini, Lesvos

  

      

SUNDOWN CROSSING- Lynne Wilding

I was given this book by my sister last Christmas. As I opened it, she said, "I thought it would be an easy, relaxing book for the New Year." She was correct. It has a naturally flowing plot with a few twists and turns to keep the pages turning.

The story is based in a vineyard in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, well known as one of the world's greatest wine regions. First settled in the mid 1800s by English and German immigrants, the valley is a mere 25km long but with its hot, dry summers and cool, moderate winters, it manages to produce 21% of Australia's wine. 

Carla, who was born and still lives in New Zealand inherits her father's vineyard when he suddenly dies. Estranged from his wealthy wine making family in the Barossa Valley, her father had left the country and never returned so Carla had no idea that he owned the vineyard.

Carla, her young son and Angie, partner of her father and vigneron make the difficult decision to bring the vineyard back to life and make it profitable.

This is not easy because of the ruinous state of the vineyard and the vendetta that is mounted by her estranged relatives in an attempt to cause it to fail. The family want her to sell the land to them and will stop at little to achieve this. 

Of course, true grit, hard work and love win over and we have a "happily ever after" story. The large wealthy family grow to love Carla after realising that she had nothing to do with events that occurred before she was born. The aunt who believes that murder is the best option is safely relocated to Spain to avoid arrest and Carla gets married to a lovely gentleman after a few dinners and some architecture advise. 

This is an easy read and is difficult to put down at times. 
What have I learnt from it? Time can heal wounds and persistence can pay off. 

Lynne Wilding, born and bred in Sydney, Australia is the author of several novels and the inaugural president of Romance Writers of Australia inc. 

   
Photo courtesy of The Book Depository.

FOXEYS HANGOUT. THE STORY OF ONE FAMILY'S VINEYARD DREAM- Cathy Gowdie

I have never been to the Mornington Peninsula. After reading this book it is firmly planted on my 'must visit' list. 

Located an hour's drive south-east of Melbourne, it is known for its agriculture, alfresco lifestyle, galleries, spas, cafes and boutique wineries. A quick search on the internet brings up gorgeous photos of neat rows of vineyards, quaint country streets and rugged coastline. 

This book caught my eye because of it's unusual title and also because I thought there should be an apostrophe in 'Foxeys' because I assumed someone named Foxey owned a hangout. Make sense?




Author Cathy Gowdie explains the historical tradition of an old tree where trappers hung their fox corpses with resulting odour and gory display. Fortunately, this tradition has passed and wooden and metal foxes now hang from the tree.  

   
Buy this book online with free postage

Cathy, her husband and two children moved to the Mornington Pensinsula to start a vineyard and a new life. At the time she was a senior editor with The Age in Melbourne having worked her way up from a cadetship.

The story is personal. Cathy chronicles their journey in a very practical, heartfelt manner providing insights into the intense hard work, difficulties faced and then overcome with the support of the wine community who are renowned for their spirit of cooperation.  
"Tony and I surveyed the wreckage of our rural ambitions. Tony was calm and focused. I was less purposeful. I was tired of hanging on, unable to summon the stamina of the seagoing bride I'd been." The vineyard has become a success. The wine can be enjoyed and celebrated at their eatery with a menu of simple food to allow the wine to express itself. 

The book is peppered with beautiful photos of their property, family and delicious food. Each chapter closes with a simple recipe that celebrates great produce.  It is a delightful yet gentle story that will inspire others to follow their dreams of a different life. 

In the midst of reading this book, I found a blog titled "Sarah Cooks," created by Sarah, a Malaysian-Chinese-Australian food lover. Her blog posts are lovely stories about her adventures, all containing food. In June 2016, she spent a weekend on the Mornington Pensinsula. Check out her photos. You will have this glorious part of the world on your 'must visit' list also. 

Here is the link to Sarah' blog:

A weekend away on the Mornington Peninsula

Australian National Anthem Competition

A.B. “Banjo” Patterson

One of my recent book finds is a book of writings by Banjo Patterson so I had a quick read and it renewed by interest in Australian literature.

Banjo Patterson was born in rural New South Wales in 1864. At the age of 31, he achieved two milestones in Australian writing. He composed his now famous ballad “Waltzing Matilda” and his first book, “The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses,” was published.

Every Australian claims ownership of Banjo. So much so that “Waltzing Matilda” was once even consider for the Australian National Anthem. For those of you who have never read the poem, here is a short sample.

Oh! there once was a swagman camped in the Billabong,
Under the shade of a Coolabah tree;
And he sang as he looked at his old billy boiling,
"Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me."

Down came a jumbuck to drink at the water-hole,
Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him in glee;
And he sang as he put him away in his tucker-bag,
"You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!"

Here it is put to music at the magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Okay, now for the translation. A swagman is an old fashioned term for an unskilled itinerant worker who carried his few belongings rolled up in a sleeping bag on his back and a jumbuck is a sheep. Billabong is another term for a waterhole. The song is about a thief!

   

Once Australia had decided it was grown up enough to have an “Australian” national anthem, the hunt was on for something to replace “God Save the Queen.”

“Waltzing Matilda” was a popular choice. We all know the words and have sung it enthusiastically at every school across the country, at the cricket, football or around the barbecue after a few drinks.

In the end, common sense prevailed. National anthems should be patriotic. About growth and the future. We could hardly have a song about a sheep stealer who in the end, jumped into the billabong and killed himself when pursued by the law.

I think Australians rest comfortably with “Advance Australia Fair” as our national anthem despite the fact that it was written in 1878 by a Scottish born composer by the name of Peter Dodds McCormick. 

In my belief, Banjo should not feel discarded for not having made it to the national anthem. He resides on the $10 note, which will still buy you a burger and a drink for lunch, a ticket to the movies on “cheap Tuesday” and a cheap t-shirt with a slightly ugly picture on the front.

      

It is probably not proper for me to finish this little insight into one of Australia's legends without providing a link to the song that pipped "Waltzing Matilda" at the post. 

Here is a rendition of our national anthem sung by a choir of young voices. I can't resist the sound of a children's' choir. Have a listen.


Which one would you have voted for?

  

A STORY OF SEVEN SUMMERS - Hilary Burden

The cover of this book caught my eye at the bookshop. Alongside a very handsome rooster is a photo of an elegant pair of red stilettos- an unlikely combination.

“A Story of Seven Summers” tells the story of Hilary Burden who was living a glamorous life as a busy, high-flying, globetrotting magazine journalist based in London who decided that she wanted to make her own life and didn’t know quite what it was. As she states in the book, “While dating the exciting kind of men you meet in big cities, I fantasized about a partner who could also throw a dog on the back of a ute.” 

Hilary returns to Tasmania after leaving in her early twenties, having never imagined that she would return. The run down house that she purchased and called “The Nun’s House” provides a vehicle for her to meet the locals and settle into country life within a small community. There was no particular plan, but things just worked out. The book is written in a casual manner that has an infectious quality about it. Each page eloquently describes some beauty of nature, a challenge of life or an encounter with a kindred spirit.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It must have taken guts to leave a lifestyle and income on the other side of the plan. There is no pretense in describing her cash flow problems or hiccups in her love life. The story is so “normal.” She took it on the chin when things in the garden didn’t work out or when projects she was hoping to work on failed.

There are some lovely recipes in the book, borrowed from those who are close to her.  The photos are all black and white, that, being a photo enthusiast, I found a little disappointing but it did emphasize that life can be lived simply and very happily. After all, there are other ways to explore the beautiful island of Tasmania with photographs in this modern world.     

Follow the link for some beautiful photos:

The beautiful island state of Tasmania, Australia

WARRIOR PRINCESS - Mindy Budgor

Warrior Princess

The cover of this book caught my eye in the bookshop because of the bold terracotta colour and the bright red nail polish. The two didn’t seem to quite belong in the same landscape.

The back cover reads, “Warrior Princess in the funny and inspirational memoir of Mindy Budgor….” That got me in. I am into inspirational stuff and I am always fascinated by others’ lives, their struggles and achievements.

The book chronicles the journey of Mindy, who travels to Africa to undertake volunteer work building schools and hospitals in the Maasai Mara. She asks a chief why there are no women warriors, to which he replies, “Women are not strong enough or brave enough.” Mindy, who I get the feeling, believes that she can do anything, decides to take on the challenge to become the first female Maasai warrior. 
    

This book is written in a very casual, conversational style. It reads more like a novel, complete with a few swear words. The story is easy to follow and you get some glimpses of Maasai life.

I found some parts of the book a little disappointing. Mindy’s friend Becca also took the same journey and became a Maasai warrior, but there are no pictures of her in the book. She was there with Mindy every step of the way. She seems to be an elusive character. Can’t find her on Google either.

A few more photos of the forest, plains and village life would have been interesting as well. Mindy does, however, vividly describe these with her words so you get an idea of the atmosphere she portrays. The epilogue is well worth reading as it gives an insight into her life after leaving Kenya.

The inspiration for me is the fact that through the actions of two women, the Maasai in Loita, Kenya are working to change tribal law and allow women the right to become Maasai warriors. There is no suggestion that they have to do so, but to be given the opportunity if they wish.

An easy read, written in a light hearted way. This book does, however, deliver an important message about making a difference.

I found a short interview that Mindy recorded for the BBC. Take a listen.
Meet the Author - Mindy Bugnor

One woman's career journey to Antarctica

Leading on the Edge, written in 2013  is the work of Rachael Robertson, a Australian, who, after graduating from university and getting her first job in PR realized that she didn’t really like PR at all, but in her words, “Very few decisions in life are irreversible, so make some!”

Rachael’s career progressed and in 2005, she was seconded to the Australian Antarctic Division from her job as a senior manager at Parks Victor to become the leader of the 58^th Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition to Davis Station. She is only the second female to ever lead a team at the station.  Since returning to Australia from the 12 month expedition, Rachael has completed her MBA and is now working in the field of leadership management.  

In this book, Rachael shares the lessons she learned as leader in the wilds of Antarctica. Leading eighteen strangers around the clock for a full year—through months of darkness and with no escape from the frigid cold, howling winds, and each other, she learned powerful lessons about what real, authentic leadership is. Here, she offers a deeply honest and humorous account of what it takes to survive and lead in the harshest environment on Earth. What emerges from her graphic account of what it is like to take charge when you have no place to hide is a series of powerful and practical lessons for business leaders and managers everywhere.

There is a myriad of lessons that the reader can take away from this book. A few examples:

• ·         Positive change comes from the ground up.
• ·         Empathy goes a long way.
• ·         Leadership is a lifelong journey. There is always room to grow.  

This book is written in a conversational style that gives the reader the choice to either take it as a story or use it as a management primer. There are excerpts from her diary that provide added insight but at times create repetition. 

So what can I use from this book that will help ease my way over the difficult times ahead? I am continually amazed by the generosity of others to help, however, It is my responsibility to make my own way. Small changes everyday to make life easier make room to enjoy the ordinary and the ordinary is what life is all about. I want to be ordinary and not treated as special, but I know that there are people waiting to help. I only have to ask.  

It is well worth reading and not an arduous task. Give it a go.

Book cover photo with thanks from 

The Book Depository  

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=fiftyfabulousstories