Hi there,

Here is the list of books we currently have available for review for the Anglican Media Website.

Fragments of a Forgettory by Doug Buckley
A memoir of uni lecturer, engineer and author who journeys through half a dozen of the white tribes of Oz.

The State vs Nelson Mandela: The trial that changed South Africa by Joel Joffe
A blow by blow account of the most important trial in South African history.

Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid
A psychological thriller from the creator of TV’s Wire in the Blood.

Choir of Hard Knocks
Thoughts, feelings, poetry and stories from the choir members from the hit ABC TV show.

Please Explain by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
The latest in Dr Karl’s mega-selling science series.

To receive and review a book, just .

And after you’ve finished considering Joe’s slew of secular books, have a look at these religious titles that I have on offer…

Christian living for starters by Matthias Media
Picks up where the legendary ‘Just for starters’ Bible study series for new Christians which dealt with foundational doctrines. This new one provides clarity and direction from the Scriptures on what it means to live the Christian life. Seven very short studies - a review from anyone, particularly someone familiar with ‘Just for starters’ would be much appreciated.

Jesus in all the Scriptures by Anthony H. Nichols
A series of Bible studies released by Aquila Press for Lent written by Tony Nichols of CMS, Moore College and Nungalinya College fame. The readings explore Jesus’ teaching that the whole Bible is about himself from beginning to end.

No eye has seen by Graham Carter
A Christian novel about a woman exploring heaven by an Australian author. A Christian mother of three falls victim to road rage and finds herself on an adventure set in Paradise. A modern retake on one half of CS Lewis’ ‘The Great Divorce’?

So, holiday reading anyone? 350 words worth of your thoughts is the only charge and the deadlines are negotiable. Just PM me if you’d like to have a go.

Hi there,

The following books have been taken:
No eye has seen by Graham Carter
Fragments of a Forgettory by Doug Buckley
The State vs Nelson Mandela: The trial that changed South Africa by Joel Joffe
Choir of Hard Knocks
Please Explain by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

Secular books left to review are:
Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid
A psychological thriller from the creator of TV’s Wire in the Blood.
Robbie: A Life Less Ordinary
A revealing insight into the life of pop mega star Robbie Williams.

... And ‘Jesus in all the Scriptures’ by Tony Nichols is gone too. So they’re going fast.

If you’d like to help me win a personal bet with Joe that I can find takers for all of the religious books faster than he can for the secular ones, please look over the lists and send me a PM.

Christian books left…

Christian living for starters by Matthias Media

In passing, I also have a copy of Yoga - the truth revealed (Paul Reid) and China Ramblings (Suzanne Rowe) which I’m happy to give away since we’ve already secured reviews. Christmas present anyone?

Hi there,

Secular books available to review are:

two new books that have both been translated into upcoming cinema releases.

PS I Love You
The Kite Runner

and still available:

Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid
A psychological thriller from the creator of TV’s Wire in the Blood.
Robbie: A Life Less Ordinary
A revealing insight into the life of pop mega star Robbie Williams.

To review one simply .

Hi there,

Secular books available to review are:

Christine Kringle by Lynn Brittney
A kids book about a town that decides to ban Christmas, and Kristine Kringle, daughter of Kriss Kringle, who tires to save the day.

Loving Natalee by Beth Holloway
In a true account, a mother shares her story of the Aruba kidnapping and its aftermath.

PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
Some people wait their whole lives to find their soul mates. Not Holly and Gerry. However, when Gerry unexpectedly dies, only a found box of unsent love letters can comfort Holly.

Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid
A psychological thriller from the creator of TV’s Wire in the Blood.

Robbie: A Life Less Ordinary
A revealing insight into the life of pop mega star Robbie Williams.

Watching Brief: Reflections on Human Rights, Law and Justice by Julian Burnside
A defense of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, the importance of human rights and maintaining the rule of law in a post 9/11 world.

To review one simply .

Robbie Williams is gone. The rest still remain up for review.

Joseph Smith - 07 December 2007 03:47 PM

Robbie Williams is gone.

Joy.

On what basis are books chosen for review, Joseph?

A mixture of cultural relevance and what the publishers are promoting.

Thanks Joseph. So does that mean there is no difference between books that would be reviewed in Southen Cross and in (say) the SMH, the Oz, or the Daily Tele (although I don’t know if they are into book reviews at the Tele)?

If they send you the Slash autobiography, I bags that…

Gordon Cheng - 10 December 2007 08:35 AM

Thanks Joseph. So does that mean there is no difference between books that would be reviewed in Southen Cross and in (say) the SMH, the Oz, or the Daily Tele (although I don’t know if they are into book reviews at the Tele)?

Just bumping this question up again to see if Joseph or some other SA SAhib might like to have a crack at answering.

Gordon Cheng - 11 December 2007 12:31 PM

Gordon Cheng - 10 December 2007 08:35 AM

Thanks Joseph. So does that mean there is no difference between books that would be reviewed in Southen Cross and in (say) the SMH, the Oz, or the Daily Tele (although I don’t know if they are into book reviews at the Tele)?

Just bumping this question up again to see if Joseph or some other SA SAhib might like to have a crack at answering.

Gordon,

It’s not the books but the review, which should be different - different to the reviews of the same books in the secular media. We can do something our culture cannot - provide a critique of our culture, in this case a work of fiction or non-fiction, from a Christian perspective.

cheers
Ange

Hi Ange,

If that’s true (and I guess I’d be interested in hearing from Joseph if it is) then I’m a bit concerned about an invitation of this sort:

Joseph Smith - 23 November 2007 03:18 PM

To receive and review a book, just .

on a public forum, where the diversity of both readership and contribution is certainly wider than Sydney, Anglican, evangelical or even Christian.

Gordon Cheng - 11 December 2007 02:43 PM

Hi Ange,

If that’s true (and I guess I’d be interested in hearing from Joseph if it is) then I’m a bit concerned about an invitation of this sort:

Joseph Smith - 23 November 2007 03:18 PM

To receive and review a book, just .

on a public forum, where the diversity of both readership and contribution is certainly wider than Sydney, Anglican, evangelical or even Christian.

I wouldn’t be concerned if I were you, Gordon.  Joseph has a suggested list of questions to ask of a book, which is quite helpful for reaching a Christian perspective on a work - and ultimately Sydney Anglicans doesn’t have to publish the result if it doesn’t want to.