Sidetracked

I very much enjoyed Sidetracked by Henning Mankell which is a Kurt Wallander thriller.  Wallander attends when a farmer calls the police to tell them there is a young black woman standing in his field.  Something completely unexpected and tragic then unfolds before Wallander's eyes.  He is then called to investigate when a former Minister is found murdered near his home and the murderer takes a "trophy".  When more murders happen Wallander is forced to concede there is a maniacal serial killer committing these horrific crimes.  Wallander still wants to know who the young woman in the field was but wonders if he's been sidetracked when he should concentrate on the other murders which seem to be connected in some way.  Great story, but not for the squeamish. 41/2/5

The Brain That Changes Itself

I very much enjoyed The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, MD which explains the notion of neuroplasticity and how the brain can make changes to itself when the need arises.  These changes can also be manipulated in the laboratory with non-human subjects.  The stories about the use of animals in the experiments may be confronting for some readers.  There are some remarkable examples in humans such as a woman who was born with only half a brain.  The remaining brain took over the functions of the missing half and the woman suffered no negative effects.  The author also provides an extensive history of the scientists who have researched the brain and found it to be "plastic".  There is an explanation of "phantom" pain experienced in amputated body parts e.g. legs.  There is very good research being done in this field.  The brain "maps" are not rigid and can be changed when necessary.  This is a fascinating book which tells us so much about how our brains function. 41/2/5

Cocky - A Rare Breed

I enjoyed reading Cocky - A Rare Breed by Margie Brown which is the story of a local Cunnamulla identity, Cocky Easton. Born in 1911 Charles William 'Cocky' Easton was a successful horse trainer.  He went to War, joining up with a number of his mates.  They all became Japanese POWs and Cocky always ensured his mates were okay, and they all returned.  After the War he had a stable of racehorses to train and he was very successful.  He was known for his knockabout spirit and remembered with fondness by those who knew him.  The author has used some oral history to inform this book.  Cocky Easton's story is interwoven with the history of the outback towns in which he lived and worked. The author says "He will be remembered as a caring man who would do anything for his mates."  Cocky Easton died in 1984. 4/5
This book can be purchased from the Cunnamulla Newsagency 0746552321.

Keating

I very much enjoyed Keating by Kerry O'Brien which is the book of the oral history interviews O'Brien did with former Prime Minister Paul Keating in 2015.  (Before I go further I feel I must declare my highest admiration for Paul Keating as our best Prime Minister.) Each chapter begins with O'Brien  comprehensively outlining what that chapter will cover, then the transcript of the interview is shown.  The interviews briefly cover Keating's early life before his political life began, then the interviews detail his public life as a young Member of Parliament, an Opposition member, Treasurer and finally Prime Minister.  This book gives an insight into Keating's mind and how he developed serious policies which made Australia a more mature economic nation.  It is a great "behind the scenes" look at Australia's history and how Keating influenced the changes that were made.  Keating had no tertiary education so he taught himself about economics and leadership soaking up that knowledge from others, including former NSW Premier Jack Lang.  His major achievement was the floating of the Australian dollar.  He supported Native Title after the High Court's Mabo decision.  He was very "hands on" with Treasury and the Reserve Bank, getting his information for the Budgets from the leaders of these institutions, but also from people further down the ladder.  This is a great example of the use of oral history telling an historical story by a key person involved with it.  Australia was fortunate to have a political leader of this calibre at that time.  Highly recommended for those who would like to learn more about that period. 5/5