Tag Archives: Author Talk

In conversation with Sir Peter Cosgrove

Posted on by

Sir Peter Cosgrove will be in conversation with Richard Glover discussing his memoir You Shouldn’t Have Joined, a warm and fascinating memoir of one of Australia’s most popular and prominent public figures,

General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) is one of Australia’s most significant public figures. As a soldier he saw action in Vietnam, winning the Military Cross, and rose to the very top of his profession, becoming Chief of the Defence Force. Soon after his retirement from the Army, he was invited to take charge of the huge relief and rebuilding operation in Queensland after the devastation of Cyclone Larry.

In 2014, Cosgrove became Australia’s Governor-General. As Governor-General he travelled far and wide, supporting Australians in times of crisis, sadness, joy or celebration, representing us on the world stage with humour, intelligence and a force of personal magnetism that was felt by everyone from prime ministers to presidents.

When he retired in July 2019, it was as one of the most beloved and respected governors-general in Australia’s history. Cosgrove embodies the traits we truly value: warmth, humanity, toughness and loyalty. His humour and empathy shone through the pomp and ceremony, and his time as Governor-General will be remembered as much for his laughter as for the usual dignities of the office.

You Shouldn’t Have Joined … (an expression much used during his days as a soldier) is the story of Cosgrove’s extraordinarily full and eventful life. It is also the story of those who have shared it with him, in particular his wife Lynne.  His memoir allows us an incredible insight into the role and world of Australia’s Governor-General. He was there as two prime ministers were toppled by their own party. He was there through disasters both natural and man-made, such as the destruction of MH17. He was there for world leaders, and for ordinary Australians. You Shouldn’t Have Joined … is a true reflection of the man himself, filled with intelligence, forthrightness, compassion and a brilliant eye for a telling anecdote.

This FREE online author talk will be broadcast via Zoom with a Q & A session at the end. Book your place and we’ll send you a Zoom link to join the meeting (download and install from zoom.us if you haven’t already).

This collaborative event is supported by the NSW Public Libraries Association and in association with Allen & Unwin.

In conversation with Garth Nix

Posted on by

Garth Nix, bestselling author of Angel Mage, presents his latest young adult novel, The Left- handed Booksellers of London, in conversation with Yasmin Greenhalgh from Stanton Library.

This new fantasy adventure, set in 1980s London follows one girl’s quest to find her father, leading her to a secret society of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical Old World when it disastrously intrudes into the modern world.

This FREE online author talk will be broadcast via Zoom with a Q & A session at the end. Book your place here and we’ll send you a Zoom link to join the meeting (download and install from zoom.us if you haven’t already). Copies of the book can be purchased online from Booktopia or from your local bookshop.

This collaborative event between multiple NSW Public Libraries’ is supported by the NSW Public Libraries Association and in association with Allen & Unwin.

In Conversation with Monica McInerney

Posted on by

Public Libraries NSW and City of Parramatta Libraries presents Monique Akauola from Sutherland Libraries, chatting with bestselling Australian author Monica McInerney as she talks about her new family drama ‘The Godmothers’.

‘I don’t want two wishy-washy godmothers,’ Jeannie had said that afternoon in the country hospital when Eliza was only a day old. ‘No dolls. No pink dresses. Just lots of adventures. Lots of spoiling. The pair of you like two mighty warriors protecting her at every step.’

Eliza Miller grew up in Australia as the only daughter of a troubled young mother, but with the constant support of two watchful godmothers, Olivia and Maxie. Despite her tricky childhood, she always felt loved and secure. Until, just before her eighteenth birthday, a tragic event changed her life.

Thirteen years on, Eliza is deliberately living as safely as possible, avoiding close relationships and devoting herself to her job. Out of the blue, an enticing invitation from one of her godmothers prompts a leap into the unknown.

Within a fortnight, Eliza finds herself in the middle of a complicated family in Edinburgh. There’s no such thing as an ordinary day any more. Yet, amidst the chaos, Eliza begins to blossom. She finds herself not only hopeful about the future, but ready to explore her past, including the biggest mystery of all – who is her father?

Set in Australia, Scotland, Ireland and England, The Godmothers is a great big hug of a book that will fill your heart to bursting. It is a moving and perceptive story about love, lies, hope and sorrow, about the families we are born into and the families we make for ourselves.

This FREE online author talk will be presented via Zoom with a Q & A session at the end.
Book now or click on the image above.
This event is a collaboration between multiple NSW Public Libraries’ and in association with Penguin Books Australia.
Copies of the book can be purchased online from Booktopia or from your local bookshop.

In Conversation with Belinda Alexandra

Posted on by

Public Libraries NSW and City of Parramatta Libraries presents Melanie Mutch, from Hornsby Library, chatting with Australian author Belinda Alexandra as she talks about her new book ‘The Mystery Woman’.

In a small town, everyone is watching … Secrets, scandal and betrayal in 1950s small town Australia: the stunning new novel from bestseller Belinda Alexandra.
She had thought Shipwreck Bay was simply a remote town where people were bored senseless with their little lives. Now she saw its virtuous facade hid something darker, more sinister. Rebecca Wood is ready for a quiet life as the new postmistress of a sleepy seaside town. Fleeing a scandal and haunted by her past, Rebecca is now determined to make different choices. Soon she is being courted by the dashing local doctor and a bright future beckons. But in such a small community, there is nowhere to hide from prying eyes. And before long she is caught up in the dangerous mysteries that hide behind Shipwreck Bay’s respectable net curtains.

This novel is a new direction for Belinda Alexandra. Expect the unexpected: a heroine with an unsavoury past and a remote coastal town setting with the backdrop of the cruel whaling industry. Belinda will be discussing the novel’s many riveting themes including the dichotomy of societal expectations of women in the 1950s, and the often covert nature of domestic violence.

This free online author talk will be presented via Zoom with a Q & A session at the end.
Book now or click on the image above.
This event is a collaboration between multiple NSW Public Libraries’ and in association with Harper Collins Australia.

Girls Night Out with Paige Toon

Posted on by

Tuesday 30 April
6.30pm

Parramatta Town Hall
Book online | $15

Parramatta Library, in association with Penguin Random House Australia, is hosting an In Conversation author talk with bestselling author Paige Toon.
She will be touring Australia for the very first time to talk about her new book
– If You Could Go Anywhere.
Enjoy our special Girls Night Out High Tea with (sneaky) Bubbles! Why not have a meet and greet with Paige to have your books signed and pick up her newest release from our on site bookseller.
Don’t miss your chance with Paige before she goes back to the UK!