Australia Books

Among the many worlds within our world, surely one of the saddest is that populated by refugees. Forced by war, oppression, famine, flood or hunger to leave their homes and seek refuge elsewhere, they share common miseries of dislocation, disorientation and, often, much worse at the hands of unsympathetic authorities. There are millions of them, and they can be found on every continent. They are welcome nowhere and their harrowing experiences often afflict them with traumas that they are unable to shake for the rest of their lives.
One little-known locus of refugee suffering is Australia. The government there has strict laws designed to discourage illegal immigration, and it makes its point clear by treating illegal arrivals with detention in a series of prison-like compounds scattered around the country.
Most of the refugees in Australia literally wash up on its shores, after boarding boats operated by people-smugglers in Indonesia. Most of them come from Middle Eastern countries where they faced persecution by authoritarian regimes, especially Iraq and Iran.
Heather Tyler was working as a journalist on one of Australia's leading newspapers when she became aware of the refugees, and began to take an interest in their plight. She paid many visits to their camps and, whenever possible, interviewed them about their reasons for being there and their experiences in the camps. She heard one sad story after another, and her book, Asylum, recounts her encounters and gives an overview of the refugee situation in Australia and the impact life in detention has on these unwelcome guests.
Many detainees experience severe depression, and some have resorted to desperate measures to gain sympathetic attention, including stitching their lips together in protest against their conditions and the refusal of the authorities to deal with them in a humanitarian way.
This is a sobering account of the dehumanizing experiences of `illegals' in a supposedly advanced democratic and civilized country. It begs the question: Is this really the best we `developed countries' can do for the less fortunate of this world?

This is a collection of skillfully-written, meticulously researched stories about mostly failed asylum-seekers in Australia and what happens to them during their incarceration. One of the things that most disturbed me about this rather remarkable book, was that Australia, a big country that's oretty much known for its sporting achievements and good-natured people, is painted as a place which locks up innocent children in gulags. Unfortunately it's true. Asylum-seekers come from many, troubled regions, and Australia is not their first port of call. In fact, it's often about the sixth country on the list that asylum-seekers and refugees have tried to seek sanctuary in. For their trouble, they are kept in what is called "mandatory immigration detention" centres. Each one is surrounded by multiple layers of deadly coils of razor wire, and each place is run by guards on a prison-style routine. One of them even has an electric fence of 8000 volts. And if this book is to be believed, most of these centres are in geographically very remote locations, in the middle of the desert, or on off-shore islands in stinking tropical heat. I'm a mother of four, and I still cannot get my head around this: that if I was an asylum-seeker, Australia would lock up me and my children. Most of the stories in this book concern the situations of children and how this regime has traumatised them. This is state-sanctioned damage. The stories are poignant and written in an understated way, but their power is unmistakable. I can only imagine that people in the Middle East, accustomed to gross human rights abuses and mass illegal migration, would find this book informative but puzzling as to why the Australian Government takes such a heavy-handed approach with so few people.

It is hard to believe that Australia, which is a very affluent country with vast amounts of space and only 18 million people, can lock men, women and children up behind coils of deadly razor wire in camps in the desert for years on end. In fact, as I read this book, I found myself almost disbelieving its horror. But this is what Australia does to the handful of asylum-seekers fleeing despotic regimes who had the tenacity to make it to the bottom end of the world to seek refuge. When I say handful, I mean a few thousand, and compared to the millions of asylum-seekers and refugees languishing in other parts of the world, I had to ask: what on earth is Australia's problem? This book contains stories of Afghans, Iranians, Iraqis, a Russian mother, a Sri Lankan, tells how they fled their homelands and why, and what happened to them when they got to Australia. Some arrived by air, others on leaky wooden boats after perilous voyages. What happened to them is all the same - they were locked up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in camps run like prisons, where desperate people tried to commit suicide. Their cases took far too long to be assessed and so many errors occurred in their cases that some took years to resolve. The camps are long distances from ordinary citizens, so much of what was happening to the detainees was out of sight, until extraordinarily brave journalists such as Heather Tyler penetrated the camps and wrote about what was really happening in this system that the Australian Government calls "humane". This is the first book that tells it like it is. If the detention system is so humane, then why did a 10-year-old Aghan girl hang herself inside one of these detention centres? These people did not have voices. No-one wanted to listen to them, and Heather Tyler has given them the opportunity to tell their stories. This is a compelling book, beautifully written and never melodramatic with what is such dramatic material. I couldn't put it down, and I wept many tears at times for the people that my country treated so harshly.

I am a sports physician and I cannot recommend this "Atlas of Nuclear Imaging" enough. Through the use of clinical case studies, this very well set out manual has been of enormous assistance not only in my practice but for the many fellow physicians and sports trainers I have told about it. I have observed and (happily) participated in many dramatic turnarounds in the health of several patients, whose diagnoses might have otherwise escaped me. This is an outstanding book!

I am a sports physician and I cannot recommend this "Atlas of Nuclear Imaging" enough. Through the use of clinical case studies, this very well set out manual has been of enormous assistance not only in my practice but for the many fellow physicians and sports trainers I have told about it. I have observed and (happily) participated in many dramatic turnarounds in the health of several patients, whose diagnoses might have otherwise escaped me. This is an outstanding book!

I am a sports physician and I cannot recommend this "Atlas of Nuclear Imaging" enough. Through the use of clinical case studies, this very well set out manual has been of enormous assistance not only in my practice but for the many fellow physicians and sports trainers I have told about it. I have observed and (happily) participated in many dramatic turnarounds in the health of several patients, whose diagnoses might have otherwise escaped me. This is an outstanding book!

Mr. Shine has written an excellent natural history of Australian snakes that will be appreciated and enjoyed by those who are knowledgeable of this aspect of Australian fauna as well as by those who experience this volume as a first introduction to this subject. In fact, it is an excellent introduction to snakes, in general, except for its omission of the viper family(i.e., rattlesnakes, copperheads, etc.) which are not found in Australia. This large, softcover volume contains beautiful photographs illustrating just about all the snake species.For those who have never been exposed to the subject, it will spark an interest which will lead to further study.

This book is a must for anybody interested in Australian snakes. It covers in detail the feeding habits, sex lives, habitats and natures of all sorts of snakes. It is also full of all kinds of useful information and facts, and covers evolutionary adaptaions from a very logical and scientific view point. It contains many spectacular photographs and fascinating anecdotes which make it a very enjoyable book to read. Useful for anyone with a budding interest through to those with a full blown passion. This book is much more than just a field guide and I strongly recommend it.

As a recent recreational licenced holder for reptiles this book gave the information in detail on every aspect regarding Australian snakes.It has a fresh, relevant approach to understanding our native reptiles. I found it very easy reading. It will be a wonderful reference guide and Im sure will be used regulary not only by myself but the whole family. It kept the interest of this household from a five year old to mid 40's, including changing the attutude of my wife who always had a fear of snakes. She read the book.The book starts with the Anatomy of snakes through to their habitat, behaviour, eating ,breeding and relationship both past and present with humans. Each page contains beautiful photographs on equal standing with any other publication.Sensational. Good enough to purchase two books. One for constant use, another to keep on the shelf. From a subject that is difficult to find much written about in this detail (Australian Snakes), this book covers most information without adding in other countries that for Australian purposes would not be of much use.

BRUTAL HONEST FRIGHTNING . HUGH COLLINS ACCOUNT OF LIFE AS A GLASGOW HARDMAN AND PRISONER IN SCOTTISH PRISONS IS TERRIFYING AND TOUCHING AT THE SAME TIME.THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN TEN YEARS.I AM HOPING FOR SEQUEL.THIS MAN IS A LITERARY TREASURE.

NO HOLDS BARRED ACCOUNT OF HUGH COLLINS TURBULENT LIFE IN AND OUT OF SCOTTISH PRISONS.A TRULY REMARKABLE STORY OF ONE MANS BATTLE TO RECOGNISE AND OVERCOME THE DEMONS WITHIN.COLLINS IS A GIFTED WRITER WITH A GREAT TALE TO TELL.

BRUTAL HONEST FRIGHTNING . HUGH COLLINS ACCOUNT OF LIFE AS A GLASGOW HARDMAN AND PRISONER IN SCOTTISH PRISONS IS TERRIFYING AND TOUCHING AT THE SAME TIME.THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN TEN YEARS.I AM HOPING FOR SEQUEL.THIS MAN IS A LITERARY TREASURE.

This was my first introduction to Kerry Greenwood's Phryne (fry-knee) Fisher. It was such fun I've managed to buy more of her books and have read all but one of them--saving it for the ultimate treat. It's light fare with a heroine who lives with inherited wealth now (she was impoverished), but with an unselfish spirit. She is generous as well as naughty but nice, which makes her fun to be around. I highly recommend Kerry Greenwood's books.

If you haven't yet met Phryne Fischer, what are you waiting for? This is a fun series with an independent, unique heroin. Check them out!

_away with the fairies_ is part of one of the most consistently well-written mystery series i know, and i've been reading mysteries for many many years.

the historical facts are always fascinating, the characters are well-drawn individuals, the writing is always first rate, and the mystery here, as in the other titles, won't be solved by the third chapter. the description of the meals phyrne's cook produces are enough to cause weight gain. and the humor can produce anything from a slight smile to a loud guffaw.

i'm thrilled to see that greenwood's current publisher has brought the series back to the states--the first three were published here in paperback in the early 90s. i enjoy them so much i finally ordered all the other ten titles in paperback from australia--in spite of the extortionate postage. now that i can buy hardback editions from amazon, i'm a very happy reader. i think other mystery readers will be equally happy once they try this wonderful series.

When Marcella Lavender dies, a guilty Detective Inspector Jack Robinson asks private detective Phyrne Fisher to determine whether she died of natural causes or was murdered. Marcella came to him a few weeks ago, showing him threatening letters she received and he told her not to worry because poison pen letter writers usually don't do anything violent. Now he is second guessing himself and wants a second opinion and there is no one he respects more for getting to the bottom of things than Phyrne.

Miss Lavender was a writer who produced many books about fairies and was the advice columnist at a progressive woman's magazine Women's Choice. She also has an unexplained monthly income from the Marshall & Company. Nosing around Ms. Lavender's work place and apartment complex, Phyrne learns that she was not well liked and when the autopsy reports show she died of cyanide poisoning the sleuth dives into the investigation with enthusiasm in part to get her mind off her lover Lin Chung who is in a dangerous China currently wracked by turmoil.

AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES takes place in 1928 Melbourne starring a rich, young independent heroine with an adventurous spirit who doesn't believe that women should be held down because of their gender. She has the respect of the crusty Detective Inspector and mixes with people of all social classes. The brilliant private investigator makes this tale hum as historical who-done-it readers will take delight with her inquiries into an unpopular victim with several individuals having motives and opportunities but without knowing which one would actually kill. Kerry Greenwood makes it impossible for the audience not to like the charming Phyrne or her investigations.

Harriet Klausner

This book was a gift from a friend in Australia and has been a favorite ever since my daughter turned 1 (she's now 3.) The Aussie animals are interesting, and its a good way to help young children learn about the phases of the moon. The illustrations are great, too.

A charming book which my 3 year-old daughter greatly enjoys. We talk about why there are phases of the moon and the life of nocturnal animals. And it's fun. [Note: I'm not related to the main character.]

I picked up this book on a recent trip to Australia to read to my 2.5 year old. He LOVES it. He gets to learn a bit about Australian fauna and flora and gets to learn about the moon waxing and waning. He now TELLS me the story instead of letting me read it. I also picked him up a stuffed bilby which he loves to snuggle while we go over the story. It is simple yet engaging and has beautiful drawings. Now when we look at the moon in the sky my son tells me whether it is smiling or whether it is getting smaller or bigger or half of it has disappeared.

As a fan of Alec Guinness, it gave me additional insight to this great actor's life. It made me want to learn more and more about him, read books on him and see his movies again A great actor.

Sir Alec writes beautifully and simply about the his life through the lives that affected him. Funny, honest, and thought provoking. He's not at all the stereotypical stuffy Englishman, but a regular person with a huge amount of talent and alot of great stories to tell. This book should be back in print!

BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE stands out in my reading as one of the most enjoyable autobiographies I've ever encountered. Unlike so many actors, Alec Guinness is a truly modest man, and his wry humor and ability to laugh at himself are extraordinarily refreshing. Guinness is worth reading even if you've never seen one of his movies or plays or television appearances. It is a damn shame that this fine book is apparently out of print.

Alex was an amazing man. I was privileged to meet and get to know him during the last year of his life. His wisdom, his honesty and his heart will never be forgotten my me or, I dare say, anyone who knew him. He gave me an autographed copy of his book and I have read it several times. This is not just a story, it's a remarkable man opening his heart, to share his experience, even though it hurt. He was never afraid of that pain, but faced it with courage, hope and a powerful love of life and the world and the people around him.

I heartily recommend this book, do read it.


Do Svidaniya, Rest in peace, Child of the Kulaks.

this book is sort of sad but it is also very suspicious and breathtaking i think that it is really good but its sad how many people die. two brothers go to china then to australian from russia.one dies but the other then returns to russia for a visit sixty years later!!!!

Alex Saranin's story is a vivid description of the first lost generation of Soviet Russia, millions of children lost their parents into the civil war, collectivization and other soviet human mills and it's aftermath. The great suffering endured by them and the waste of lives and souls is great evidence of these terrible whirling years into which a whole generation was engulfed.

Excellent book. The only thing is about Brazil. I lived in Brazil and only the super rich speak English and even some of the wealthy do not. If you go to Brazil, expect to hear Portuguese.

I use this book in my grade 4 classroom. The pictures and writing help my United State's students better understand the world around them. This book is a favorite in my classroom.

Stunning photographs, concise maps, and simple text that introduces the basics of a culture, a country, and a way of life make this book great "back seat" reading. Kids shouldn't be watching tv in the car anyway. Books like this will make the ride more enjoyable and enriching. It also would be a great addition to a pediatrician's waiting room, or a dentist.

This is a great book to learn the basics of College Physics I and II, based on Algebra, and not on Calculus. The book is divided up into 30 chapters, ranging from Vectors to Nuclear Physics. It is formatted in outline form, and is really written with the reader in mind.

At the beginning of each chapter, there is a little box that states in large, bold font "this chapter is about," and lists the topics covered in the chapter. Each topic is then quickly explained in clear terms (summaries for one topic are between half a page to a page long). As the summary progresses, there are some fully solved, relatively simple, example problems interspersed in the text that help you solidify your understanding of a concept as you review it. I found that the explanations were short, but that they were really helpful, and more clear than other review books I have come across, such as the Schaum's Outline for College Physics. And the example problems, while simple, really helped me build a solid foundation, so I could tackle more advanced problems later.

At the end of each chapter, there is a table that lists all of the formulas covered in the chapter, and a quick summary of what each formula means. What is even better is that this is followed by a second table called "Raise Your Grades," which makes sure you understand key terms, concepts, and problem solving techniques covered in the chapter. It will ask, for example, if you can define "kinetic energy," and whether you can "calculate the kinetic energy of a moving object," etc. If it was in the charts, it was usually on my test, and so these charts have been of infinite help to me, and have helped me raise my grades.

These table are then followed by some solved problems, and unsolved supplementary exercises with the answers listed at the bottom of the page. The thing that must be said though, is that the problems in themselves are not very difficult. They aren't meant to trick the student, but to just make him or her understand the material. If you are looking for a book with difficult problems, I suggest looking at the Schaum's Outline for College Physics or at one of those books with 3000 Physics Problems. Personally, I found that the problems in this book have really helped me approach my own teacher's problems with greater ease and confidence because I had a good grounding in the basic concept.

This book also has 2 "midsemester" and 2 "final" exams printed in the text, with complete solutions. They are formatted in a manner similar to the example and practice problems from the pertaining chapters. They are, once again, not worded in a way to trick you, but to make sure that you can approach basic problems with confidence and ease.

In the beginning of the book the authors tell you to "use" the outline instead of "reading" it. And I have to agree. Passive skimming generally won't help you in Physics, but if you are actively involved in the text, in doing, and analyzing problems, in planning the steps to solve the problems, etc. you will be better off. This book really tries to give you simple problems that solidify your understanding of the material, so you will be better prepared for anything more difficult that may come up down the road.

Also, it is really important to understand that this book isn't a substitute for your regular textbook and your teacher. While it is a good resource, it's intended as a supplement (you could say it's like a study guide), and can gloss over some points that your teacher may choose to emphasize. When used in conjunction with your textbook and teacher, it will really help you learn Physics. This book can actually be read before you attend lecture, or before you read your own textbook, as a quick way to introduce yourself to the material.

All in all, I can see this book helping almost anyone, whether or not you are a first time Physics student, and I highly recommend it.

Thanks for reading my review! Please rate or comment to let me know if it was of any help to you.

This book will help you who want to study physics by yourselves so much. You can be familiar with physics as you answer many questions in the book. As the author said, to understand physics well, you should not just read the book but use it(that is, answer questions many times!).

I found the methods of explaining problems in this book to be clear, concise and very helpful. Though this is more or less the basics of physics, it would be useful to any senior in an advanced level physics class.