Kindergarten at 60 by Dian Seidel

A great book, describing Seidel’s experience teaching English to students in Thailand – in a kindergarten! Cultural, frank and real.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan

A magnificent book of war and love and courage and weakness – a tour through the human experience: its emotions, its hesitancies, its losses

The Echo Chamber by John Boyne

Truly a tale for our social media dominated times, this book is full of satire and humour with a strong end message

Deadly Intents by Laraine Stephens

Early twentieth century Melbourne is a city of dark corners but Reggie da Costa is there to shine an investigative light in this lively book

Sweet Caress by William Boyd

William Boyd delivers again – great story, vividly told, with an engaging and strong female narrator enhanced by “lost” photos

A Gilded Death by Cecelia Tichi

The first book in the series about Val and Roddy DeVere is a great opener, establishing the characters and atmosphere of the Gilded Age

Poems for People who Care by Patrick McTaggart

Poems of sincerity and support, written from the heart of experience, which guide, reveal to and warm the reader