" RACHEL " Jeff McGill

 

RACHEL      Jeff McGill

“Brumby hunter, medicine woman, bushranger’s ally and troublemaker for good”…the remarkable pioneering life of RACHEL KENNEDY..

The summation above still doesn’t quite do her justice. I loved this book ..and I’m sure I would have loved and admired this lady. Nothing fazed her, nor stopped her in doing what she felt was the right thing. Whenever she was told ‘no’ re something that she considered she could do, she proved them wrong. She spent her life making other’s lives better and disputing the arrogance and greed of those who tried to claim all and push her people out. Whether it be as teacher, nurse, advocate, friend, or warrior, Rachel was the one they turned to. She loved the Warrumbungle mountains and it’s people with a passion.

She proved that she could catch brumbies as well as any man, (riding with a man’s saddle) opposed those who tried to push her family and people out of their own land.. fed the starving, helped all who needed care, medical or otherwise and lived a long and busy life. Caring for family and her home land were her missions in life. Despite some major battles with the greed of some, she eventually earned the respect of most. Rachel was a woman to be admired as “Australia’s greatest woman pioneer of all time” quoting Duke Tritton of The Bulletin.

Her great great grandson, Jeff McGill, has shared his pride in his ancestor in a ‘must read’, ‘never to be forgotten’  gift to Australian historians and all who love a good read.

My thanks to Traces Magazine who awarded me this much appreciated prize.

"AN ABSENCE OF UNCERTAINTY A Memoir" …. Greg Cary

 

 

AN ABSENCE OF UNCERTAINTY A Memoir …. Greg Cary

This book is far more than a memoir. While reading it, I was transported back to the years that I worked with Greg at 4BC.. At first, I admit to being a little overwhelmed, being new to radio, though not promotion. Greg was so friendly, so helpful and so calming..even if I did my best to not show that coming from fashion to radio was quite a change. 

I will always be grateful for his friendship and his advice.
He was more than a broadcaster, he was a friend to all.. His natural unassuming style came across with each and every interview. Listeners and guests were made to feel at ease… everyone he meets is a potential friend. 

Whatever the subject, Greg could hold the audience and the guests totally absorbed. As if he wasn’t busy enough.. he has now written a book which tells his life story.. so far..a wonderful gift to his daughter and family.

The best part is that we can all share his remarkable experiences ..so far, while looking forward to more to come.

You can read more re Greg at https://gregcary.com

"ESTELLA" Kathy George

 

“ESTELLA” Kathy George

Every now and then you come across a book that is sure to stay with you always…”Estella” is one of those treasures.  

Having read and enjoyed “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens many years ago, I was led by curiosity when I was given the opportunity to review  a new outlook on a well known story. 

From the very beginning, Ms George had me intrigued… slightly different portrayals of the main characters and the detailed background to the story, had me turning pages searching for the next twist and turn.

It was Estella’s longing for a family of her own, despite the affection she had for Miss Havisham, that made such a difference. She understood how her adopted mother had withdrawn from others, but playing with Pip as a youngster, wasn’t enough. Estella longs for a ‘normal’ life and in doing so, puts Pip to the side, at least for awhile.

Without revealing the whole story, it was easy to read, lots of twists and turns as we get to know the adult Estelle, without losing any of the intrigue and drama of the original.

Many thanks to Better Reading and publishers, Harper Collins, for providing a copy of the book to review.