Unpopular Essays
I first discovered Russell when my close friend, Sarah, and I were living in a farm that had belonged to a recluse who worked for the CSIRO and bequeathed his property to the RSPCA the year the CSIRO commenced testing on animals. His farm was filled with amazing literature, everything from Russell to a little known Plant Hunters of Tibetwhile his musical taste ranged from Vaughan Williams to Japanese Water Music. Russell is similarly expansive in his writing in this classic book of provocative essays. Then read all else he has written.
Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino
I’m hoping to walk the Camino in the next couple of years and this book is an eloquent introduction to the journey.
An Ordinary Person’s Guide to Empire
was my natural introduction to Roy and I’ve followed her courageous journey in advocating for those without a voice, who are dispossessed and persecuted. Fiery and necessary reading.
Christina Stead: A Biography
I was at the launch of Rowley’s first biography on Christina Stead and I’ve read all of her books through to her most recent, Franklin and Eleanor: An Extraordinary Marriage until Rowley’s untimely death in 2010. Rowley is one of the best biographers of her generation and her legacy lives on through her books and a fellowship in support of other biographers.
Imagine Inventing Yellow
I discovered Richard’s writing when I was clay making with my teacher, Freya Povey. Imagining Yellow is as uplifting as the title implies while Centering takes the reader into the heart of creating.
The Dream of a Common Language: Poems 1974-1977
This is my favorite of Rich’s many books of poetry and prose.