Reader's Feast - Biography

The Reading Promise
Price: AUD 27.99 Author: Alice Ozma & Kathy Brozina

Alice's father's promise to read to her every night for 100 nights turned into a 'reading streak', as they came to dub it, that lasted for 3,218 nights. Let Alice tell you about the books they read and the joy they found in their pursuit.

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Bossypants
Price: AUD 32.99 Author: Tina Fey

A person can work for years at their chosen profession and achieve a certain level of success but it is often singular events that catapult that success into fame. This singular event for Tina Fey was her parody of politican Sarah Palin during the last American presidential race. Suddenly we were all aware of, and most amused by, this woman. Her autobiography gives us the full story of her career, her achievements, her hopes for future endeavours and her take on that Palin parody.

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Goodbye Sarajevo
Price: AUD 29.99 Author: Atka Reid & Hana Schofield

Two sisters now residing in New Zealand share a history of love and family closeness torn apart by war. This is their story of the journey from the horror of the Bosnian conflict to the lives they lead today. It is a story of sadness, tenacity, bravery and recovery.

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Until Tuesday
Price: AUD 32.99 Author: Luis Carlos Montalván

Not to be dismissed as merely a "heartwarming" tale of man and dog, this is as much a story of the reality of modern warfare as it is of the bond between Montalván and the service dog, Tuesday, during their time in Iraq.

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Blood Brotherhoods
Price: AUD 32.99 Author: John Dickie

This is a parallel history of three key mafia sectors in Italy, drawing on recent findings that alter the historical perception of who and what these organisations are and how they work.

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Jeannie out of the Bottle
Price: AUD 35.00 Author: Barbara Eden

It's hard to believe that once upon a time Barbara Eden was a gawky misfit. Loved throughout the world for her starring role in the 1960's US sit-com I Dream of Jeannie, Eden has been in showbiz for over 50 years and has worked with a who's who of stars including Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley, Paul Newman and of course, Larry Hagman. This biography covers the highs and lows of her public and private life, including some deeply personal tragedies and reveals a strong instinct for survival combined with a great sense of humour. Barbara Eden's fans will love this delightful book. - Reviewed by Nigel

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I'm Over All That
Price: AUD 29.99 Author: Shirley MacLaine

At 77, Shirley MacLaine is 'over' a lot of things but she is also 'into' a lot of things and retains her independent mind and fearless individuality. For someone who has lived the Hollywood life, she defies the one dimensional characterisation of herself as a movie star.

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The Address Book
Price: AUD 32.95 Author: Jane Clifton

Jane Clifton became a household name playing Margo Gaffney in the cult drama series Prisoner, but as she says in this memoir, she only spent two years with the show and has spent the next 30 years answering questions about it. So, if you're a fan of Prisoner don't expect to read all about the behind-the-scenes shenanigans at Wentworth Detention Centre because that's not what this book is about. Clifton's life hasn't always been easy, but it has been eventful and she's crammed a lot in. As well as being an accomplished actress, Clifton is also a singer, author, broadcaster and celebrant. Weaving the stories of her life around the various addresses she's had, she writes with candour about family, relationships and striving for a successful career. - Reviewed by Nigel

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Beautiful Thing
Price: AUD 29.95 Author: Sonia Faleiro

Unrelentingly honest, this is the story of bar dancers in Bombay and, in particular, the story of Leela who will become embroiled in the sex industry when the bar she dances in is closed down by a local politician. Sonia Faleiro insists on calling her city Bombay rather than Mumbai, for philosophical reasons, and is intent on describing this aspect of Indian life for some women.

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Good Living Street
Price: AUD 35.00 Author: Tim Bonyhady

Historian, lawyer and writer, Tim Bonyhady turns his attention to his Viennese forebears. Tracing their story over three generations, he tells of a family who, prior to the war, were at the centre of the Viennese art community but who then fled to Australia in 1938.

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Possessed: The Life of Joan Crawford
Price: AUD 45.00 Author: Donald Spoto

Donald Spoto is the ultimate biographer of movie stars and his new book on the glamorous Joan Crawford is a candid portrait of an often misunderstood star. From her humble beginnings in Texas, to movie star, to corporate maverick for Pepsi-Cola, Joan did everything with perfection and was never out of the spotlight. A fascinating read for lovers of old Hollywood.

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The Memory Chalet
Price: AUD 45.00 Author: Tony Judt

Tony Judt's memoir is set out as a series of essays about his experiences and remembrances of his life. It is also a commentary on his generation. Born in 1948, he was a distinguished historian and professor who invariably created debate whenever he published books and articles on his area of expertise, namely European history.

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The Imago
Price: AUD 49.95 Author: Suzanne Falkiner

When Cambridge biology student Grant Watson came to Australia in 1910 it was a life changing experience. Here to study indigenous marriage customs, he fell in love with both a woman and the landscape. Returning to England, he became a prolific writer whose secret, lifelong love for a woman he could not marry ran as subtext through all his novels. This in-depth account also contains intriguing archival photographs.

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Rare: A Life Among Antiquarian Books
Price: AUD 65.00 Author: Stuart Kells

It is only a few years ago that I met Kay Craddock for the first time. I had, of course, always been aware of her business, Kay Craddock - Antiquarian Bookseller, and had visited her store, but we had not formally met. I feel privileged now to be able to count her among my book world colleagues and friends. With her mother, Muriel, (and inspired by her late father, Les) Kay has gained international recognition in the field of antiquarian bookselling and been a significant contributor to the cultural heart of Melbourne. This story, Rare, of the business Kay and Muriel have created is wonderful. Stuart Kells brings a keen eye and polished writing style to his work, making the world of antiquarian bookselling accessible and fascinating for the reader. At the same time, Stuart chronicles Kay's life with, as its backdrop, Melbourne at its most sophisticated and attractive. Beginning over forty years ago, Kay and Muriel entered a world of men engaged in a rarefied pursuit and the tales of some of their early forays into this world are amusing as well as illuminating of the struggle to gain acceptance. The fact that Kay was elected President of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers in 2000 is testament to her meeting this challenge and conquering that male dominated world. To read this book is to glimpse Melbourne as it shed its parochial focus and took its place as a cosmopolitan city of the world. In a time where everything seems transitory and shallow, Kay's contribution to our society and to our enjoyment of the written word is both enormous and unmatched. I urge anyone who loves books to read Stuart's exemplary work and visit Kay Craddock - Antiquarian Bookseller on Collins Street where I can attest you will be made welcome. - Mary Dalmau

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My Favourite Teacher
Price: AUD 32.95 Author: Robert Macklin (ed)

This is a book to remind you of the wide-ranging inspiration that teachers can provide. Robert Macklin brings together known and unknown Australians to share the memories of their favourite teachers. It is not a book designed to be read from cover to cover, but I'm really glad I did. I would be loath to have missed out on stories like MP Richard Marles' Mr Dick Johnson, who helped pave the way for a life in politics and public speaking through musical theatre. Or the principal at Kingsgrove Primary who understood the excitement and importance of fun and make-believe for a child like Geoffrey Atherden (screenwriter & producer). These sincere recollections had me recalling my own favourite teachers and I'm sure there will be many stories from readers that are as fascinating as those in the book itself. The best thing about this book though is that it reminds us, as a country and individuals, of the inimitable value of a good teacher.

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Mennonite in a Little Black Dress
Price: AUD 29.99 Author: Rhoda Janzen

Rhoda Janzen had reached a crossroads in her life - she had turned 40; her husband of 15 years ran off with a man; and she was in a horrible car accident. All in the same week! Her choices were few so she set off home to her Mennonite family who welcomed her return with wisdom of the ilk of "Why not date your first cousin? He owns a tractor." This is an honest, frank and humorous look at choices and their consequences.

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Letters from London and Europe
Price: AUD 24.95 Author: Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

Many students of literature would remember reading The Leopard. The author would not live to know of its success but would die with his works largely unpublished. This selection of letters depicting his travels through Europe between 1925 and 1930 are a unique opportunity to be immersed in the observations and musings of this gifted Italian writer.

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Endgame
Price: AUD 34.99 Author: Frank Brady

Frank Brady is the greatest authority on enigmatic chess genius, Bobby Fischer. Having met Fischer as a boy, Brady has insights into his early childhood and into his troubled later life. With access to family archives and FBI files, this is a comprehensive, compelling biography of a complex man.

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Anton Chekhov
Price: AUD 38.00 Author: Mikhail Chekhov

Originally published in the Soviet Union in 1933, this is the first English translation. As a writer himself, Mikhail Chekhov often found it hard to be the "brother of his brother" but has left us with a warm-hearted account of Anton's fascinating life. The timeless resonance of Anton Chekhov's plays ensure an ongoing interest in his life and work.

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Listening to Country
Price: AUD 32.99 Author: Ros Moriarty

As I write this review, I am yet to finish Listening to Country. I could have finished it by this time but I am savouring the experience of 'listening' to this book. It is perhaps the most lyrical and evocative book I have read in years. Ros Moriarty is married to John, an Aboriginal man, and they have three children. From the earliest years of their marriage, they have travelled home to John's country and family, a journey that, each time, holds special meaning for everyone as John was taken from his mother when a young boy. With her children now young adults, Ros undertakes an extraordinary journey with John's female relatives. She travels to the Northern Territory's Tanami Desert with these remarkable women to perform ceremony. Ros Moriarty, in sharing her experiences with us, has created a beautiful rendering of the wonder that results when one human being connects with another. She has provided a lovely portrait of the natural grace and humility of good women. And, she has offered her readers the chance to just be still and listen to this land, its people, and our own hearts.

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