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 

Nothing to Fear

I've read Nothing to Fear by Karen Rose about a vengeful woman, Sue Conway, who has a list of people she feels caused her to be sent to prison for about five years.  She systemically goes about her murders of several people and kidnaps the 11-year-old son of a woman whom she says betrayed her.  She demands Five million dollars.  A private detective, Ethan is asked by the boy's parents to find him.  Ethan meets a young woman, Dana, who runs a shelter for battered woman.  Sue goes to the shelter with the boy who is deaf and claims she is running away from a brutal husband.  There is a romance between Ethan and Dana which permeates throughout the book.  There are a number of murders and assaults and twists and turns.  Glad to finish it. 31/2/5

Road Rage

I very much enjoyed Road Rage by Ruth Rendell.  I received a copy of three stories published in one book.  I had read the first two years ago so didn't read them again.  I've always been a fan of Ruth Rendell and would have read most of her books including her Barbara Vine books.  This is a Chief Inspector Wexford story and he must deal with people protesting the building of a new highway.  Things take a nasty and mysterious turn when five people, including Wexford's wife Dora, are kidnapped and held to ransom.  The kidnappers demand work on the highway stop else a hostage will be killed.  There are a lot of twists and turns along the way before Wexford solves the case. 4/5

Sedition

I very much enjoyed Sedition by Katharine Grant which is set in late 18th century London.  Four fathers plan to have their daughters tutored in playing the pianoforte to make them more attractive to young aristocrats, with a view to marriage.  The teacher is a Frenchman who is intent on teaching them more than how to play the piano.  One of the daughters, Alathea, has a very "unhealthy" relationship with her father and that is a key part of the story. After several months tutelage, the night of the concert  arrives and no one is really sure what to expect. 4/1/2/5

Sea of Dangers

I very much enjoyed this history book Sea of Dangers - Captain Cook and his Rivals by Geoffrey Blainey.  The author tells the story of Cook's voyages with a particular focus on the "discovery" of Australia's east coast.  After sailing around parts of New Zealand, Cook headed west with his secret instructions to find the great southern land.  He followed the east coast north and his ship, "Endeavour" hit the Great Barrier Reef.  The story of the ship surviving this collision is very interesting reading.  The other great danger to his ship was the crew's health with many succumbing to scurvy.  Cook learned later that French ships were in close proximity to the "Endeavour" at times.  The story is very well written - fact is stranger than fiction.  41/2/5