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Hear from some great authors who are sharing their books with us, as well as telling us about their favourites by other authors.
Hugh Mackay talks about his book, 'The Kindness Revolution', in conversation with Ailsa Piper from Double Bay Library with the support of NSW Public Libraries Association.
Absorbing, wise and inspiring, The Kindness Revolution captures the essence of Mackay's life's work as social psychologist and researcher. Written for our times, this truly remarkable book shows how crises and catastrophes often turn out to be the making of us and explains why radical kindness is the key to healing. To quote from the book's opening chapter: "To be kind – always and to everyone – is to be fully, gloriously human, and every act of kindness is one more step towards a better society."
Samuel Johnson OAM is a much-loved Australian actor, breast cancer advocate and determined unicyclist. He won a Gold Logie in 2017 and was named the 2018 Victorian of the Year. So far the charity he set up with his sister Connie, Love Your Sister, has raised over $13M for medical research.
Samuel speaks about a new book he has edited called 'Dear Mum'. It's an honest, moving, emotionally memorable collection of letters to their mothers from some of Australia's most notable notables. Samuel Johnson is in conversation with Melanie Mutch from Hornsby Shire Libraries with the support of NSW Public Libraries Association.
To support Love Your Sister, visit https://www.loveyoursister.org/
Meredith Burgmann and Nadia Wheatley talk about their book, 'Radicals: Remembering the Sixties', in conversation with Melinda McNaughton from Wollondilly Library with the support of NSW Public Libraries Association.
The Sixties – an era of protest, free love, civil disobedience, duffel coats, flower power, giant afros and desert boots, all recorded on grainy black and white film footage – marked a turning point for change. Radicals found their voices and used them. While the initial trigger for protest was opposition to the Vietnam War, this anger quickly escalated to include Aboriginal Land Rights, Women’s Liberation, Gay Liberation, Apartheid, Student Power and ‘workers control’. In 'Radicals', some of the people doing the changing – including David Marr, Margret RoadKnight, Gary Foley, Jozefa Sobski and Geoffrey Robertson – reflect on how the decade changed them and Australian society forever.
Mary Li is an international ballet star and a mother like no other. She became a household name when her husband Li Cunxin published his bestselling memoir, 'Mao’s Last Dancer' – but that book told only half the story. 'Mary’s Last Dance' is a powerful and uplifting memoir about chasing an impossible dream, and sacrificing one’s own ambition for the love of a child. It is a moving and unforgettable story of passion, dedication and devotion. Mary Li is in conversation with Therese Scott from Mosman Library with the support of NSW Public Libraries Association.
Every town used to have a milk bar or café. What are your memories of milk bars? The ice creams, the milkshakes, the lollies? Leonard Janiszewski, historian and co-author of the book Greek Cafes and Milk Bars of Australia, will take us on a fascinating trip down memory lane sharing stories of the milk bar culture. This event was facilitated by Victoria Murray from Bathurst Library. Proudly supported by NSW Public Libraries Association. This event was part of #nswreads events February 2020.
General Sir Peter Cosgrove discusses his memoir, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE JOINED, in conversation with Richard Glover for NSW Public Libraries. Very interesting insights of a much admired public figure and soldier and leader in Australian military history in war and peacetime activities.
Craig Reucassel discusses his book based on the ABC series, Fight for Planet A, in conversation with Melanie Mutch, Hornsby Library Service
Based on the ABC TV Series, the climate challenge and what we can do when there is no Plan B.
Garth Nix presents his new book, THE LEFT-HANDED BOOKSELLERS OF LONDON, in conversation with Yasmin Greenhalgh, Stanton LibraryFrom the bestselling author of ANGEL MAGE, this new fantasy adventure, set in 1980s London, follows one girl's quest to find her father, leading her to a secret society of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical Old World when it disastrously intrudes into the modern world.
Lauren Chater presents GULLIVER'S WIFE, in conversation with Meg Keneally, author of The Wreck and FledBirth. Death. Wonder … One woman's journey to the edge of love and loyalty from the bestselling author of THE LACE WEAVER.
London, 1702. When her husband is lost at sea, Mary Burton Gulliver, midwife and herbalist, is forced to rebuild her life without him. But three years later when Lemuel Gulliver is brought home, fevered and communicating only in riddles, her ordered world is turned upside down.
Chris Hammer presents his new book, TRUST.
Martin Scarsden and Mandalay Blonde think they’ve found peace at last – but the past is coming to sweep them away. A piercing scream, an abduction, an unconscious cop – and that’s just the first chapter. Then the killing starts.
Hear Chris Hammer talking to Public Libraries NSW.
