December 2010

Holiday Reads

A good book makes a vacation great. Here are our suggestions for your carry-on

WORDS

ANNE LOH

DRAMA ON THE HIGH SEAS

Kiwi conservationist Peter Bethune’s new book Whale Warrior comes less than a year after his high-profile anti-whaling mission on the Ady Gil in the Antarctic. He tells us more.

Why did you write Whale Warrior?

I was in the middle of a historic year for the anti-whaling movement. Also, alone in a prison cell 23 hours per day and not allowed to speak, I found writing the book a great way to pass the day and to keep my mind active.

Since we last spoke (Jetstar Magazine, Mar ’08), you’ve piloted Earthrace on its bio- fuelled trip around the world. What is the link between that cause and this one?

After we completed the Earthrace program mid-last year, I examined other conservation projects where we could use the boat in a positive way. The campaign in Antarctica just fell into my lap really — at the time it seemed like the best choice.

How do you hope to inspire your readers?

We all have something amazing in us. We just have to believe in ourselves and be part of a team. I’m ordinary at most things — I only have a few real skills. And yet I’ve been fortunate to be part of a couple of extraordinary events. This is because I team up with others who have skills that complement my own, and because I am unafraid of failure. I teach kids the Maori saying “kia kaha, kia mana”, which translates as “be strong, stand up for what you believe in”.

Whale Warrior is published by Hodder Moa, AU$35.99, ISBN 9781869712235.

BEACH PROPS

The Traveller’s Guide to Planet Earth

If you like to plan your next holiday while you’re on one, this book will provide you with all the inspiration you need. Based on the BBC’s Planet Earth, the 50 destinations featured come with tips on how to prepare for the trip, how to get there and what to see. Lonely Planet, AU$34.99, ISBN 9781741798852.

A Waltz for Matilda

Australia’s most famous poem comes to life in this story by Jackie French, set in the year 1894 when a girl called Matilda left the city to look for her father. In a time of bushfires and floods, it’s the story of one girl’s search for independence and others who had nothing to their name except their dreams. HarperCollins, AU$19.99, ISBN 9780732290214.

Sharp Turn

Holidays are perfect for mysteries, especially those featuring the lovable heroine Tara Sharp. Between hunting down a motorbike saboteur, teaching body language reading to bordello girls and keeping a homeless friend off her couch, Marianne Delacourt’s protagonist is deep in it. Arena (an imprint of Allen & Unwin), AU$29.99, ISBN 9781742370033.

Ultimate Surfing Adventures

Have surfboard, will travel. The perfect book for all surfing aficionados, Alf Alderson, author of Surfing — a Beginner’s Guide and Surf UK, has cherry-picked 100 of the world’s top surf spots with useful information about getting there, hazards and après-surf suggestions. Wiley, AU$39.95, ISBN 9780470710838.

New Australian Stories 2

This latest compilation of short stories is just the ticket while you’re lounging around in an exotic location. It features contributions from writers across Australia, revolving around the themes of mystery, drama and humour. Scribe, AU$29.95, ISBN 9781921640865.