Up the Gum Tree


Book Description

A funny and poignant story of pioneers in the Australian outback, based on true facts. In 1960, two young tradesmen, a carpenter and butcher, leave the monotony of their German home. They travel to Australia in search of adventure and the reader is taken on a fascinating journey through the continent 'down under' of an earlier epoch. The adventurers become familiar with the Aborigine culture; the gangs of men known as 'the kangaroo hunters' and the ludicrous characters they meet in the outback. But disillusionment sets in and one of them returns. Will the other find his place in this fascinating country? Little does he realise that he is on the threshold of yet another adventure with this group of crazy Germans he has met in the pub. They work in the outback erecting farm buildings and return to Perth to spend their money on girls and their days on the beach. When cupid takes his bow, decisions must be made. The years have passed and they have become 'real dinkum Aussies'. Suddenly, they yearn for their homeland and the families they have left behind. Should they return? Where do they belong? Only one of them will know.




Wild Cow Tales


Book Description

In thirteen stories full of rope burns and brush scratches, the author of the classic Horse Tradin? tells of the days when he made a specialty of catching wild cows. ø Ben K. Green calls himself a ?stove-up old cowboy,? and readers of this book will learn soon enough where the broken bones came from. Green tells of his adventures with wild steers, sharing with readers the years he worked in thorny brush and canyon country delivering those animals that were too wily or too wild for the normal roundup. Finding them was hard, even dangerous, work. Few cowboys looked for such chores. Green declares, ?I got real good at it, but of course in those days I didn?t know any better.?




The 7 Footer Crays 'n' Crazy Tales


Book Description

The 7 Footer Crays n' Crazy Tales is the life story of my father, John McMahon a.k.a Caca Jack. West Australian born but of Irish decent he carried with him the resilience and determination inherit in his family to survive and prosper at all costs. His story takes the reader from his moments as a young boy with all the experiences of being in the Australian hood' during the 1940's and 50's to the moment of his passing in September 2011. A large part of his life was anchored in Cervantes, a small coastal crayfishing town close to the famous Pinnacle Desert in Western Australia. He was many things but especially he was an untameable man of the sea with no greater passion than to go fishing. His obsession almost cost him his life on many occasions yet it fed his determination to try and outsmart the unpredictability of the Indian Ocean. Between many encounters with the law, narrow life escapes, unexpected emotional challenges and living life hard there was little time to relax. This would lead him through to an end reflective of such a life.







The Book of Bu – Tails of a Zen Dog


Book Description

In a profound, funny and beautifully rendered portrait of a furry soul mate, first-time writer Rebecca Spyker recalls the adventures of her rescue dog, Bu, who not only changed her life but became the rescuer, leading her back to the Buddhist wisdom she forgets from time to time. Bu’s life is captured in a series of all true tails (tales), where he illustrates the absurdities and wonders of human life as this remarkably determined creature bounces from misadventures, strange encounters, life-threatening illnesses and peculiar antics to share his endearing habits. Rebecca in turn offers the reader some reflections on Zen wisdom, thoughtful insights and very human lessons on life, death and all the delightfully messy bits in between. In getting to know Bu’s poignant, joyful and love-filled journey, it’s guaranteed that you will be begging for a box of tissues one minute and laughing out loud the next. Written with warmth, grace and good humour, The Book of Bu – Tails of a Zen Dog provides a gentle nudge to learn something about yourself and that laughing and crying are very close companions.







Living with Wildlife


Book Description

Possums in the roof, an echidna in the garden, or perhaps a python in the pantry? Living with Wildlife: A Guide for Our Homes and Backyards explores commonly asked questions and issues about encounters with wildlife. Taking a wildlife-friendly approach, Tanya Loos provides practical information, advice and solutions, based on current guidance from wildlife rescue organisations and the latest research. Living with Wildlife features helpful advice on wildlife rescue, both for every day and during extreme weather events, as well as common issues such as feeding wildlife, pets and driving. As urbanisation and climate change effects intensify, Australian wildlife need our help now more than ever, making this a timely guide for successfully living alongside our wild neighbours.




The Physics of Cricket


Book Description

An engaging look at the science behind one of the most popular sports in the world, this entertaining reference explains the fundamental impact of physics on all aspects of the game of cricket. Beginning with a brief history of the sport, the book then provides an empirical understanding of how it is played, from the handling of the ball and the design of the bat to the angle of the bowler’s arm and the quality of the playing surface. Discussing scientific concepts such as the laws of optics, hydrodynamics, ballistics, and probability, this informative exploration furnishes both a better understanding of the nuances of the game as well as some of the basic principles of physics and mechanics.







The Carpenter


Book Description