Andrew Darby reveals himself as an explorer, adventurer, artist, activist and detective. 'The Ancients' is more than a botany textbook; a narrative about "deep time" written by a man who found himself acutely aware of his own mortality. Darby suffered a stage-four cancer diagnosis in 2017 and pursued his "second life" with a passion to seek out the oldest living things on the planet—Tasmania's paleo-endemic trees. Darby treats these trees not as resources, but as survivors wi

Khaled Hosseini’s 'The Kite Runner' is an intimate story that spans decades of history; a harrowing yet lyrical exploration of betrayal and the long road to redemption, set against the turbulent backdrop of Afghanistan's shifting political landscape. The narrative exposes the internal struggles of the protagonist Amir, whose childhood cowardice creates never-ending guilt. The kite emerges as a symbol of cultural heritage and the ruthless competition, the means of fracturing t

The ABC's special investigation into the massive release of over three million documents from the US Department of Justice opened my eyes further to the ongoing struggle of the victims of Epstein's sex-trafficking empire to obtain justice. The documentary highlighted the legal and political ripple effects and the systemic failure of institutions and systems that allowed Epstein to operate with impunity for decades. Key figures in the story presented their experiences, cha

The glass cross lowered on to the top of the Sagrada Familia yesterday, Antoni Gaudí’s famous church, brought the maximum final height of the structure to 172.5m, 144 years after work began. It is the tallest church in the world. The tower stands majestically above Barcelona and is far more than just a construction project, often described as "the Bible in stone." Gaudí, a devout Catholic viewed his architectural craft as a form of religious devotion. He designed a visu

Ghost Cities, by Siang Lu doesn't seem like a novel but rather a constructed labyrinth of the absurd where the map to provide the path is written in invisible ink. The story follows a disgraced film director and a low-level bureaucrat, navigating a landscape of "ghost cities"—vast, sprawling metropolitan areas in China built for millions but inhabited by almost no one. Lu wants us to look at empty buildings where the artificial becomes the only reality and characters navigate

The devastating attack on the Jewish community at Bondi beach last Sunday will leave more than an indelible stain on their memory. Our Jewish friends again will experience the festering hatred that for centuries, erupts, creating persistent fear and trauma. For many of us, we cannot conceive the depths of hatred that motivate such premeditated carnage as we witnessed at Bondi. Our response is critical. It is not a time for violent retribution. The need is for calm. Justic

I can't recommend Tahlia Newland's Novel Writing Mastery enough—especially for those who, like me, have already benefited from her generous wisdom and guidance in their own writing process. Having experienced Tahlia's supportive, yet rigorously professional, approach firsthand, this book felt less like a general writing guide and more like having her beside me in my study. What truly sets Novel Writing Mastery apart is that it’s written by someone who doesn’t just teach writi

As some world leaders rattle their sabres for war, be aware of the many groups who are committed to building a just peace through non-violence. The Rossing Centre, based in Jerusalem is one that takes centre stage for me. Sami Awad and Michael Beer, co-founders of Non Violence International also are high on my list. Their post today is worth sharing. "As we honour Human Rights Day , we recall Dr. King's statement that humanity MUST choose between nonviolence or nonexist

Michael Pembroke's Silk Silver Opium is a comprehensive historical narrative that examines the centuries-long trade relationship between Imperial China and the West, arguing that this history of commercial interaction, conflict, and eventual humiliation is the essential foundation for understanding China's modern geopolitical stance and its relationship with the world today. The book traces the transformation of this relationship through three distinct phases. The early phase

Simon Cleary's invitation to join his twenty-seven day walk on the banks of the Brisbane River rewards the reader with an invigorating, inspirational adventure - from its source to the sea. Cleary brings to life - his River, its brutality and beauty. His careful observance of plants and pebbles, flora and fauna, the bends and eddies of the river, connected to wider stories of waterways and human history, viewed through a global lens, instils a holistic and vibrant dimension