At our meeting this month we discussed biographies or autobiographies we had read recently. The following are a selection of comments
Sheila "A Fence around the Cuckoo" by Ruth Park
the story of her early life in NZ.....grew up during the Depression, experiencing poverty and sexism
taught herself to write......went on to write numerous books for both children and adults......acknowledges those who helped her
Ann "Romulus my Father" by Raimond Gaita
outlines the life of his father....determination to educate his son who became a well know philosopher
beautifully written, more of a personal tribute than a biography
Jo "Life without Limits: How to have a Ridiculously Good Life" by Nick Vujicic
born without arms and legs....overcomes incredible handicaps.....most inspirational book
2 degrees, now a motivational speaker living in the USA
Virginia (Ginny) "In the Frame" by Helen Mirrem
lived an interesting and bohemian lifestyle.....early part of career spent in the West End and Shakespearean theatre .....TV career only began in the 1990s.....many beautiful photos
Maree "Parcel arrived safely tied with string" by Michael Crawford
stories from his childhood.....lots of funny incidents in his early career.....often seen as a gawky character then appeared in Phantom with this glorious voice
good person, liked people and loved by everyone
Judy "The Happiest Refugee" by Ahn Do
his arrival as a refugee with his family.....growing up in the Western Suburbs.....graduates with Law degree but becomes comedian....younger brother became Young Australian of the Year 2005
you laugh and cry as you read of their struggles and successes
Di "Precious Bodily Fluid, A Larrikin's Memoir" by Charles Waterstreet
thought to be the model for 'Rake'.....more off beat though.....stories of his early life but difficult to believe some of these ....just jaw-dropping.....mad streak in him.....
lives the extreme life but you just have to like him
Connie "Bunyan of Elstow" by Judith Gunn
the facts of the life of author of Pilgrim's Progress.....preached against the Catholic faith and king being all powerful.....supported himself in jail by making shoelaces.....driven with his religion and neglected his family.....became famous due to his preaching.....a celebrity
Ann "Taken on Trust" by Terry Waite
held hostage for 4 years in Beirut 1987-19991....solitary confinement, blind folded, chained to floor....had gone to negotiate release of other prisoners but taken himself....survived by retreating into his memory
"Body and Soul" by Anita Roddick with Russell Miller
founder of Body Shop.....dynamic woman.....pain in the butt to some people
promoted her shops with the philosophy 'Trade nor Aid'
Julia "Journey From Venice" by Ruth Cracknell
memoir of time in Venice.....last 3 months with her dying husband who she loved and adored
her humour still comes through
"Bravemouth" by Pam Stephenson
hilarious.....story about both of their lives ( husband Billy Connolly)
Wendy "High Spirits" by Joan Sims
comedian.....like many she was shy, lacked confidence.....gained confidence through her work
never made lots of money.....no royalties from her work.....a good read.....a good actress
Joan "Takeover Target: the best $1375 Joe Janiak ever spent" by Joe Janiak
story of the horse and the trainer.....buys this cranky horse for $1375.....ends up winning over $6 million, racing overseas including Ascot.....Aussie battler invited into Queen's box
Kate "Mary Poppins She Wrote: the life of P L Travers" by Valerie Lawson
life of Travers.....moved in 'arty' world....always going through life looking for something.....lived in her own world.....her Mary Poppins very different from Walt Disney version
