... heck it's that time of year and I've been busying seeing friends and mixing them mojitos (the recipe I posted for them really is good ) but I'll be back at the end of my nightmare-in-Retail-week to post my very own FireFLy's personalized virtual book list for (some of) the many fabulous people on AA.org

oh, and a host of other stuff too...

GO BUY A BOOK and invest in yourself or someone special and spread the knowledge and support an author who's spent a year of their life living in anxiety and hoping SOMEONE will read their book obviously we are NOT talking Bill Bryson or Dan Brown
.
mwa!

Awwww ... this was cute!!

But, I thought this meant you were going to send the Big Guy this way with LOTS of presents just for me!

Don't worry, you're on Virtual Santa's list.
...as long as you've been a good gurl that is!

If I had the money, and a Lear Jet, here's a list of books I'd like to sign, seal and deliver to you all.
In leiu of that, here's my Virtual Booklist. I tried to match interests to books that I think you might like to read that I've seen for sale in Australian bookshops that looked like great reads, some are old, some are new. I enjoyed putting the list together so I hope you'll enjoy it... feel free to add to this list... and sorry to anyone who didn't make this list... there are over 3000 forum members, remember!


Black Viking ~ WAVES: Great Stories From the Surf – Tim Baker
An evocative collection of classic surf stories from writers who have shaped the face of
Australian surf journalism

Diamond ~ THE STOLEN CHILDREN & THEIR STORIES – edited by Carmel Bird
These stories rise out of the pain of separation and displacement. Showing hope and forgiveness, the writers give an insight into the strength of the human spirit. This is an acknowledgement of the human tragedy created during a misunderstood and shameful part of Australia's history

Dusty Elbow ~ ART OF MEDICINE IN ANCIENT EGYPT - David T. Mininberg



ebonygoddess ~ THIS IMMORAL TRADE: Slavery in the 21st Century – Cox & Marks
At least 27 million men, women and children are enslaved today, ranging from prostitutes in London to indentured workers in Burma

EbonyRose ~ CARPENTARIA – Alexis Wright
With public debate flaring about what stories should be enshrined in Australia's history and mythology, Wright's stories present as something other than myth in the Western sense of imaginary tales. They are real stories that tie people to their past and give voice to the laws and protocols of the land



Empty Purnata ~ GODDESSES OF THE CELESTIAL GALLERY – Romio Shrestha (for it's sheer beauty and huge page format);



...also
& NATURAL CAPITALISM - Amory B. Lovins
The first Industrial Revolution inaugurated 200 years of unparalleled material development for humankind. But the costs and the consequences are now everywhere evermore apparent: the living systems on which we depend are in retreat. This work offers forms of industry and commerce that can not only enhance enormously the wellbeing of the world's growing population, but will reverse the destruction and pollution of nature and restore the natural processes so vital to the future

fagunwa ~ EYES OF ORIGINS LOST AFRICA - Christo/Wilkins
With penetrating black and white images Lost Africa is a tribute to the beauty of this huge continent and a song for a timeless Africa
http://www.assoulineusa.com/lostafrica.html



HonestBrother ~ DOGON People of the Cliffs РAgn̬s Pataux
The simplicity and elegance of this book is a tribute to the people whose story it captures. Genevieve Calame-Griaule, has written several books on African oral literature.



Huey ~ THE BLUE LIST 2007; & TALES FROM NOWHERE - Don George (both Lonely Planet)



James Wesley Chester ~ DARK SPARKLERS - Hugh Cairns
This is a groundbreaking work in indigenous astronomy and cosmology faithfully records, pictures, maps, investigates and discusses celestial relationships in the ancient Aboriginal rock art and present traditional culture of Wardaman lands and people. Bill Yidumduma Harney is senior Aboriginal elder of the Wardaman community. Stockman, land rights pioneer, story-teller and painter, he is a custodian of an area famous for striped figures of the Lightning Brothers. This book is his cosmic view of life.

Kevin41 ~ ROB RILEY: An Aboriginal Leader's Quest for Justice - Quentin Beresford
Set against the tumultuous background of racial politics in an unreconciled nation, the book explores Rob's rise and influence as an Aboriginal activist. Drawing on perspectives from history, politics and psychology, this work explores Rob's life as a ˜moral protester' and the challenges he confronted in trying to change the destiny of the nation.

kresge ~ DARK SPARKLERS - Hugh Cairns
This beautiful book is on Indigenous Ancient Astronomy. it faithfully records, pictures, maps, investigates and discusses celestial relationships in the ancient Aboriginal rock art and present traditional culture of Wardaman lands and people



Kweli4Real ~ HALLELUJAH! THE WELCOME TABLE - Maya Angelou (book & Audio)
Throughout Maya Angelou's life, food has played a key role at important moments - she narrates some of these tales and gives us recipes for the food

ma'am ~ BLACK CHICKS TALKING – Leah Purcell
Nine young Australian Aboriginal women, successful in a variety of professions, tell their stories



MBM ~ GOING BUSH – Kathy Freeman & Deborah Mailman
Debra Mailman and Cathy Freeman's ˜road trip' through outback Australia



MidLifeMan ~ REDEMPTION SONG – Mike Marqusee
Redemption Song traces Ali's part in the evolving black liberation and anti-war movements, including his liaison with Malcolm X and encounters with Martin Luther King. Marqusee's elegant and forceful narrative explores the origins and impact of Ali's dramatic public stands on race and the draft, and reinterprets the 'Rumble in the Jungle'

msprettygirl ~ POSTSECRETS: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives – Frank Warren

"Humanity at its finest . . . And because of it I am falling in love with the world again."
"A fascinating public airing of private thoughts. . . The range of efforts (meticulous, sloppy, artful, ponderous) will astound you."

Nykkii ~ I, SAFIYA – Safiya Hussaini
Convicted of adultery, an international campaign saved Safiya from being stoned to death.
This is the story of Safiya's courage in recounting her tale



and this looked really good too...

ANCIENT LAWS & MODERN PROBLEMS: The Balance Between Justice And A Legal System - John Sassoon



Oshun Auset ~ HEALERS OF ARNHEM LAND – John Cawte
Traditonal medicinal knowledge and healing from the Yolngu clan of North East Arnhem Land



Popcorn ~ GOING BUSH – Kathy Freeman & Deborah Mailman (book & DVD)
Debra Mailman and Cathy Freeman's journey through outback Australia

qty226 ~ UNBOWED One Woman's Story – Wangari Maathai
Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai is the first woman in Africa to win the Nobel Peace Award, which crowned her international recognition in the field of environmental conservation. This is her memoir




RadioRaheem ~ G.O.A.T. - Muhammad Ali
http://www.taschen-goat.com/

reese ~ WHITE DIVERS OF BROOME – John Bailey
Bailey uses the techniques of a novelist to bring to life archival research in his examination of the ways in which White Australia went out of its way to handle what it felt was a stain on the nation: the use of Malays, Japanese and other non-whites as pearl divers in Broome. An insight into a panic-ridden nation on matters of race and miscegenation

ricardomath ~ IMITATION OF LIFE - Nancy Forbes
researchers are looking to nature - as model and as metaphor - for inspiration. The organisation and behaviour of biological organisms present scientists with an invitation to reinvent computing for the complex tasks of the future

Rowe ~ AFRICA (casebound) – Leni Riefenstahl
In her early sixties, Leni Riefenstahl began traveling frequently to the African continent, where she has worked on various film and photography projects over the last half century. Her images of the Nuba, as well as of the Dinka, Shilluk, Masai, and other tribes, are gathered in this monumental book



Sandye ~ ANGELS IN AFRICA – Beth O'Donnell
- a testimony to the courageous & resilient spirit of 7 magnificent women who represent the hope of Africa's future



SantanaStCloud ~ RED SHOES – Carmel Bird
Imbued with ancient narratives, myths, music and dance, Red Shoes is told by Petra's guardian angel who has a unique slant on the nature of reality and on the darker side of female sexuality

Saracen ~ REDEMPTION SONG – Mike Marqusee
Redemption Song traces Ali's part in the evolving black liberation and anti-war movements, including his liaison with Malcolm X and encounters with Martin Luther King. Marqusee's elegant and forceful narrative explores the origins and impact of Ali's dramatic public stands on race and the draft, and reinterprets the 'Rumble in the Jungle'

ShayaButHer ~ Contact Guides: AUSTRALIA WALKABOUT – Ian Crawshaw
Winner of Travelguide of the Year 2006, Australia's only guide dedicated to Aboriginal owned/operated tourism including tours, treks, accommodation and culture



StaryeYenightess ~ IMAGINING OURSELVES - Hafsa Abiola
An anthology of international photographs, paintings, poems, fictional stories, songs, and essays by 105 young women from fifty-seven countries



Tre ~ BAR SECRETS TO SYDNEY (boxed card set) & AUSTRALIAN CRAWL : A Guide To Australian Country Pubs - Scott Watkins-sully
With over 200 reviews of pubs renowned for their great food, drink and accommodation, this is the ideal guide for anyone who needs a little local knowledge while exploring regional Australia



tru2urself16 ~ ONE PEOPLE – Joe Cummings
One People illustrates this thought through a collection of glorious photographs, accompanied by thoughtful essays, that capture the universality of the human experience in the very different contexts of our diverse world



umbrarchist ~ NATIVE ON THE NET: Indigenous & Diasporic Peoples in the Virtual Age – edited by Kyra Landzelius



Vox ~ Macquarie Dictionary of Aboriginal Words
A Dictionary of Words from Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages

xxGAMBITxx ~ FIASCO: THE AMERICAN MILITARY ADVENTURE IN IRAQ - Thomas E. Ricks
Fiasco discusses the planning and execution of the American military invasion and occupation of Iraq, based on the unprecedented candour of key participants

ZAKAR ~ ROB RILEY: An Aboriginal Leader's Quest for Justice - Quentin Beresford
Widely regarded as one of the great Aboriginal leaders of the modern era, Rob Riley was at the centre of debates that have polarised views on race relations in Australia: national land rights, the treaty, deaths in custody, self-determination, the justice system, native title and the Stolen Generations

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FireFly,

Oh that was really sweet of you to make and put me in the list at that I just may check that book out it sounds interesting and something i would probably read or at least skim if i saw it in the bookstore. Man that list must have took you some time to finish and you really put some thought into it I see.

backatcha!

I'll post some more detail about some of the books when I have more time. I am blown away by the PostSecrets book... it's really 'of it's time.'
Poignant, and very moving.

Thomas Carlyle once said, "The true University of these days is a Collection of Books," but I'm sure you already know this, FireFly!

Thanks for the virtual book. Here's one for you (I'd like to read it too, someday):

Fela: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon by Michael E. Veal


Amazon.com review:

Raucous, uninhibited and proud, Fela was one of Africa's most intriguing personalities, for his controversial public persona as much as for his music. It's difficult to say for what Fela, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was best known: his band publicized Afropop in the 1980s; he repeatedly spoke out against unfair politics in Africa and abroad; his life was abundant with drugs and sex. This exhaustive and objective profile, written by a Yale ethnomusicology professor, examines the Nigerian superstar's life and work from 1938 to his death in 1997. Veal traces Fela's roots to the diverse town of Abeokuta, noting the musical influences left by family and community members there. Following a typically mischievous childhood, Fela pursued an education at Trinity College of Music in London. Soon he and his orchestra were touring the U.S. under the name Nigeria 70, developing the new sound of Afropop. Although the tour was not a popular breakthrough, their subsequent return to Nigeria placed them on the budding African music stage. The book goes on to survey Fela's life at home and worldwide, detailing his imprisonment and physical abuse, his performances, his listeners' reactions and his compositions. Fela covered political corruption, mysticism, frustration with Western views on Africa and other significant subjects in his music, all the while continuing a sexually promiscuous life. Veal has taken on the staggering task of portraying a musician/politician/rebel, and he executes it well.

In literacy and in health,

Santana St.Cloud

thanks I've heard of Fela but not heard any of his music. A book and music to check out, thanks.

POSTSECRETS: Frank's book of revelations
STEVE MEACHAM
December 9, 2006

Strangers' secrets have become a telling chronicle of the modern age.

FRANK WARREN HAS been called many things. The most trusted stranger in America. A unique global guru. Today's Media "It" Boy. Father confessor of the world wide web.

All of which leave the modest, softly spoken Warren, 42, nonplussed. Two years ago he was just "an ordinary suburban husband" who ran a successful document delivery service in Washington DC. Then in November 2004, for a community art project, he handed out 3000 self-addressed postcards asking strangers to reveal anonymously a personal secret they had never shared with anyone else.

About 100 of the original postcards came back. But a strange thing happened. People began sending Warren their own handmade, graphically illustrated cards. Within a year he had 10,000 - not just from the United States but from all over the world.

His website - http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com - is now one of America's favourite blogs, with 3 million visitors a month. Every Sunday, fans log on to see the 20 new confessions he has posted from the 150 he receives through the mail in an average week.

Touring exhibitions of the best postcards are staged in leading art galleries across the US. And now the first book version - PostSecret, which has sold more than 150,000 copies in the US - is about to be published in Australia. (A second book, My Secret, concentrating on teenage secrets, came out earlier this year in the US and a third book is in the pipeline.)

To his genuine surprise, Warren has become a publishing phenomenon and a frequent TV performer - though he turned down an invitation to appear on David Letterman's show because he felt it would be inappropriate to be joking about people's intimate confessions.

Whether it is art, therapy or a vehicle for voyeurs - and the secret of its success is probably that it is a heady combination of all three - PostSecret has obviously filled a void.

Not everyone is ecstatic, however. Many of the secrets are funny, quirky or sexually titillating while others are dark and foreboding, from individuals who seem deeply troubled or in need of counselling. That has led to protests in the US that Warren - though obviously well-meaning - is encouraging people who are severely depressed, or even contemplating suicide, to write a postcard instead of seeking professional help.

Dr Stephen Juan, a University of Sydney anthropologist who has researched the topic of human secrecy, has been monitoring the debate and says the jury is still out as to whether Warren's initiative is harmful or helpful. Persuading troubled individuals to share their innermost demons without the support of trained clinicians is "opening a Pandora's box".

Yet, Juan argues, recent research suggests that Freud was right: "Keeping a secret is bad for you, revealing a secret is good for you ... Over a long life, covering lies can make you sick."

Of course, we all have secrets, Juan says, "but some of us are more secretive than others". In a sense, he says, Warren's creation is the website equivalent of the confessional box, based on the same vital quality - anonymity.

"That is why the Catholic sacrament of confession is so popular ... From the psychological standpoint, it's a real winner ... and it was invented hundreds of years before the internet."

Warren, who has been "a longtime volunteer on a suicide prevention hotline", readily acknowledges he is sometimes concerned by individual postcards. To date he has received about 80,000 "and there are some where you do wish you could do something to help them".

But he never responds, "because I wish to protect everyone's anonymity". Instead, he has donated about $US75,000 ($95,200) from the book profits to a suicide prevention hotline, which is also the only "advert" he allows on the website.

"When I receive secrets that are very heavy, that contain painful detail, I focus on the person's participation and the process they have gone through to send in the card. I like to think that posting their secret to a stranger means they have found a sense of solace or healing.

"I hope that is going to be the first step they take on addressing the issue. I have tried to create a safe, non-judgemental place where people can share their secrets, knowing I will treat them with trust and dignity."

Normally we pay a social cost when we confide in someone. Friends and family might look differently on someone who admits, "Sometimes when I'm having sex with my wife I'm thinking of my mom", or, "I love to pee when I'm swimming".

What, then, of the woman who sent in a card admitting she loved only one of her children? "Without anonymity, that would remain trapped inside," Warren says. An anonymous postcard allows people to "remove that social mask, share what would be difficult to share with friends and family. Because often what they are mailing to me is something about their friends or family."

Warren says his role is to be "the caretaker ... it's my responsibility to choose secrets others want to see." So the ones he posts on the website "are secrets that surprise me, that I haven't seen before, speaking in a voice I recognise. I select secrets that show the full breadth of our humanity ... secrets that are humorous, sexual, joyful, remorseful."

But the space constraints of the postcard, he now realises, are integral to the concept's success. It forces "revealers" to be brief, witty and clear in their message. Yet it also means that those of us reading the book or viewing the website have to bring our own experiences into play so we can imagine what the other person is going through.

"These are conversations which reveal our humanity in a new way," Warren insists. "They allow us to discover truth and beauty and poetry in places we don't normally look for it."


(Teenage Secrets)



PostSecret, by Frank Warren, is published next month in Australia (different cover) by Orion,
AUD$49.95.

here are some people's secrets...

I leave poetry in library books.

Sometimes when I do Chinese take out, I order for 2 people, so I won't look like a fat, lonely loser.
Then I eat it all.

He's been in prison 2yrs for what I did, 9 more to go.

I change my hair so often to make up for the fact that I won't be able to change who I am.

Finding God is proving difficult.

I don't wear my ring because I don't love her. Not because I don't like rings.

I wish I was a popular idiot instead of a lonely genius.

Sometimes I put coins in other people's parking meters.

If you want to send your secret mail it annonymously to:

POSTSECRETS
13345 Copper Ridge Rd
Germantown
Maryland
20874-3454

Oh okay i think i will really like that book, it's right up my alley. You picked a perfect one

Someone told me about the postsecret website a few weeks ago, after I'd mentioned that I was reading Found II. (I posted about here, somewhere.)

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly:

HonestBrother ~ DOGON People of the Cliffs РAgn̬s Pataux
The simplicity and elegance of this book is a tribute to the people whose story it captures. Genevieve Calame-Griaule, has written several books on African oral literature.

Grazie!

THANK YOU! You've invested a lot of consideration, time, and effort. for the book recommendation!