This is a good read for Aussie expats, not least because the author is one of Australia's more prominent contemporary literary figures, staging a return visit to Sydney from his current home in New York. Aussies living in America will probably be tuned into the way observations of one country are used to shed light on the other, the extra explanations he is obliged to include for either culture, as well was the exercise of reacquainting oneself with one's place of origin and trying to come to grips with its history and character. On occasion the author's own brand of cronyism (men relive their exploits or otherwise act out their mid life crises) is a bit irksome, but then he is well aware of such potential gripes and fends them off within the book ('Mate, you're making a big mistake talking to all these men. You're ignoring the women''). In all, he spins a good yarn, and the final pages will have you heaving on the open seas at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River.

Any attempt to girdle a city within literature is doomed by the complexity and expanse of the topic. Carey delays this admission until the end, although by then his feelings are clear. Living and writing in New York City, only a deep inland residence could give him greater setting for contrast. His comparison with his current home is limited to the cramped quarters he endures there. Yet this limited contrast imparts the theme and import of this personal summary. Little of this book is about Australia's key city. Instead, the majority of Carey's essays here describe the Harbour, the Blue Mountains, the Pacific Coast, the Bridge and rivers. The characters are a melange of his personal friends and historical figures. There is a mystical episode on the Harbour Bridge and a passing critique of the CBD [Central Business District] and the values of those working there. The theme remains that the City is but one location in a region of contrasts. No other city is placed so uniquely. Perhaps no-one is better suited to attempt this unique task.

Many cities rejoice in their history, but in this, too, Sydney is special. Founded as a convict colony, it grew into a major Pacific port. Survival was a struggle with poor soil, vagaries of rain and wind and the presence of the Aborigine population - issues that urbanisation hides but cannot eliminate. Sensing its importance early, Sydney girted the Harbour with forts, something Carey lightly applauds when old forts become new parks. Carey conveys the sense of struggle, but time has transformed equal starving of convicts and guards to ideals of social equality - so long as that society is white, he reminds us. His "distorted view" imparts his dissenting view on relations with displaced Aborigines, among other topics.

However booksellers classify this work, it's not a travel advisory. Tourists will be unlikely to join the Sydney to Hobart race. Even more unlikely when they read Carey's account of the disaster of 1998. Nor will the casual visitor find themselves in a capsized racing skiff in the teeth of ten metre waves and forty knot winds. If you do visit, be careful hiking in mountains. If your visit occurs in the Southern Hemispheric summer, be extra cautious with matches or campfires. What can happen if you aren't Carey imparts with stunning clarity. Having lost his own house to fire, a telephone dialogue with a friend fighting to save one is a gripping read.

Carey's many awards are well deserved. His descriptive writing skills and characterisation are well demonstrated in this book. It's no matter if these are real people, mixtures of many into one or wholly invented. Their own stories are from real life and deserve attention. Carey snags your attention from the first page and you give it willingly to the rest of the book. An essay string that may be enjoyed by anyone, this book provides entertainment, education and excitement. Try it and see. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Peter Carey spent 30 days in Sydney in 2000 and we readers are the lucky recipients of his account. He clearly loves Sydney and demonstrates this love in every page of this little volume. His love is contagious. For example, on viewing what he calls "the great Pacific Ocean," he writes: "It is one of a hundred places you will find in Sydney which take your breath away, and I, familiar but disoriented, was in a state of constant amazement that any metropolis could be so blesssed." He also obviously cares deeply for his friends who still live there. About his friend Jack Ledoux he says: "I have lived in more than one house Jack has designed and would be a happy man if I could wake up in one tomorrow morning and live in it all my life. Every time I walk into one of his constructions, it makes me happy." What an extraordinary way to describe a friend!

Mr. Carey sets out to describe this great city in terms of earth, air, fire and water. He does this by having several zany friends of his-- some of them friends of thirty years-- tell their stories. Any one of these characters ought to be found in a novel, at least one of Mr. Carey's. In his hands they become flesh and blood and as interesting as the city they describe. Good stuff jumps out on every page. Mr. Carey admits that he cannot drive over Sydney's famous bridge without having a panic attack, a fact that is particularly significant to me since I suffer from the same problem with high bridges. Then there is the delicious account of the word "Eternity" and the little man responsible for writing the word everywhere or anywhere he felt his God called him to write it. Carey's handling of the "Aborigine problem" is particularly poignant in his discussion of Vicki, who was taken from her parents and raised by a white family.

Carey, now living in New York, did not move to Sydney, the city his mother said was just like Liberace, until he was almost forty-- ". . . even then I carried in my baggage a typical Melbournian distrust of that vulgar crooked convict town." I for one would love to see him write similar books about both Melbourne and New York.

So much good writing-- so many marvelous stories in 248 pages. A great read!

(This is an addendum to a previous review) As an American who has spent some time in Australia, I do have one criticism of this book: I found several jabs by the authors at American food/culture (fat Americans eating giant sandwiches, etc.)to be mildly annoying (though not entirely without basis!), considering that this is a book written by Australians and targeted primarily to an American audience. The authenticity and traditional nature of the Australian recipes, however, make up for this minor flaw.

I really love this book! My husband is Australian and I lived there for over a year. We are now in the states and I miss some of the Aussie foods...I asked for this book for Christmas and got it. It is awesome! Has recipes for all the foods that I was missing like meat pies, Lamingtons, Pavlova, and more! It also gives history of the dish and tells alot about Australia as it pertains to whatever you're making. I also like that the recipes are translated into American measuring systems which I always would find difficult when bringing a recipe from Australia because their cups are different and they use the metric system. I'm so excited to have gotten this book and can't wait to cook all my favorites! Being someone who is married to an Aussie as well as lived there for a time, I think this book is awesome and I would suggest it to anyone who wants to cook traditional/modern Australian dishes.

The real deal. Traditional Australian home cooking and pub food, as opposed to modern fusion-confusion cuisine.

It helps you in many ways to seattle in a foreing country. It is the best way to get updated information before you decide to travel.

I bought this book when I found out that my company had actually agreed to transfer me to Australia ... but they were giving me very little help in what to expect. This book is not a "travel" guide. It's a practical guide on how to settle down in Australia - things like, how to get a drivers licence, where to apply for a tax file number, even how to do a hook turn in Melbourne. It has never steered me wrong, and I've recommended it to many expat friends.

A must-have if you're thinking about moving there.

Having read a number of publications of similar approach I must admit this one's outstanding. The information provided is not only considering almost every single aspect of living in Oz, but most important: it's (imho) spot-on and even pretty much up-to-date. David's writing is fun and easy to read and I would recommend this book to everyone on the move down under.

Being a long time fan of Claire McNab, and the Carol Ashton series, I was very pleased with Denise Cleever, it was very refreshing to read and I looked forward to seeing more of her in the future.

This is the first in the Denise Cleever series, and it's a winner. It features undercover agent Cleever sent to an island resort to determine if a powerful family is involved in a rumored coup to overthrow the government. It is dangerous in the extreme - someone has already killed. What Cleever didn't count on is the daughter of the family being so attractive - and willful. McNab has returned to the writing of her early Ashton series - the kind that keeps you up late at night reading just one more chapter until the last page is read and it's three in the morning. The second in the series is published so order them both because, in this case, you'll definitely want to read every book McNab adds to this series.

As a long time fan of mystery and Claire McNab I was excited to see her venture off into another series. Denise Cleever is a beautiful undercover agent who's personal passion,her love for life, women,and her job takes me into a mind-set in which everything in this world seems possible. Intricate and playfully written this book is a gem. If you love a good mix of suspense, steaming passion, and upbeat writing you'll love this book!

Two of my favourite literary characters are Louis Ironson - from Angels from America - who polemicizes, intellectualizes, pontificates and basically just talks and talks - and Mo, from the very funny comic strip "Dykes to Watch Out For" who basically does the same. In the face of fear, pain or jealousy, they talk against the world, and yeah, it's blathering, but I find it charming. Probably because I do the same, which is maybe a reason why I'm a writer.

The main character in Perfect Skin does an awful lot of talking which biases me towards both liking him and liking the book.

Another reason why I like the book: I like books that are about people and relationships, that don't necessarily need big events to drive the story. Perfect Skin is a page-turner because you want to know what happens to the characters. It's about how we live our daily lives, how we relate to each other, and how we reach out to people.

A lot seems to be made about the humour in this book - and it's true, it's very very funny and enjoyable because of it - but perhaps it works all the better because of what lies underneath - weighty gusts of loss and hurt, recovery and survival.

I found it affecting and beautiful: a perfect little gem of a book that let me under the skin of some characters I was glad to meet and get to know.

I am a self-proclaimed British Chick books lover and when I saw this one in the library, I was intrigued by the cover jacket ~~ it looks like something I would read and the fact that it was written by an Aussie and a male at that, I just had to pick it up. It's wonderful! It's cute and pardon the pun ~~ it's adorable. (I don't think the author would like that term applied to his book!)

Jon, a single dad and doctor, is attempting to go back into the world after his wife's death in childbirth and what ensues is a series of misfortunate and hilarious accidents. (I have to say that Nick Earls sure knows his cats! I am almost tempted to ask him if my cat was the basis of Flag, the cat hero in this book!) Anyhow, one day he was just dad to Lily and a dermatologist in a busy practice then the next day, he's juggling between two women. Katie is the woman trapped in the 80s with the 80s hairdo that Jon and his office mates secretly joke about. Ash is the jogging partner that makes his mind go around in circles. Jon is left juggling his feelings for Ash while trying to let Katie down gently. That is where Flagg comes in. Flagg decides that he likes Jon ~~ and Jon seems to be extremely clumsy where the cat is concerned. (My husband laughed and laughed over choice parts of the book.)

I really can't go into too much details about this book because if I do, I will ruin it for the next person to read this review. All I can say is buy this book and see for yourself. Earls writes with humor and grace about a single dad slowly feeling his way back into the world after his wife's death. He also writes with feeling about Jon's coming to grips with his wife's death and becoming a father. Jon may be bewildered and confused at times, but what father wouldn't be? And it is just one of the best short reads I've read this year.

If Earls has more books out in the States, I'll be sure to pick them up. He is a talent to watch out for.

...

Where else could you find a story about a recently widowed father who pees on his date's cat?

Okay, yes, it's a nice gaming environment, but it's depressing! it also dosen't fit in with the other rifts books, it's way, way, too different, and too much time is given to other topics that aren't really important. But, i suppose, this will be balanced out with the follow-up suppliments. However, i do have to say this for australia: NO MUNCHIES HERE !! ;)

One of the best Rifts books to date. The Song Jucier is great

The charicters were cool. The weapons were just great. And even there were only a few vehicles and such they were cool too.

I spent 4 months driving from west Oz to northern New South Wales, and the coastline was pretty well covered. But not so much that you can't find your own spots not listed. A great guide for the first time visitor.

Being an Aussie and wanting to get out there amonst it all, this book says it all. Being one of five kids that all surf in different areas and using different modes of transport on the water this book has it all for all of us and this book is what they will all get for chrissy this year!!

This book is so rad. The pictures are awesome. It's just a great book

Altough this is a beautifully illustrated book, I found that the recipes I tried seemed to just miss the mark. I am an experienced Asian cook and have lots of knowledge of fresh Asian ingredients so I was not daunted by the recipes. When each dish was completed it looked beautiful but tasted as if something was missing. I have tried recreating several of the dishes to no avail. Puzzling!

Two weeks ago my girlfriend Snow and I dined at Tetsuya's new restaurant Mju at the Millenium Knightsbridge Hotel in London, prompted by Snow's raving of Tetsuya from her winters in Sydney. The only dining option is an eight-mini-course tasting menu, but since the man himself was in town (Tetsuya spends only one week a month in London) we were all for it. We thought the portions were adequate, but I suspect people used to NYC portions might go home hungry. I must say that his cuisine was awesome - highlighting the flavors of fresh ingredients, and many of the courses were based on raw or undercooked items. Although the presentation of the food was highly stylised - just look at the photos in the cookbook and they are similarly presented at your table - the cooking is unfussed and the philosophy predominantly reflected the Japanese appreciation for simplicity and French classical culinary techniques. The result was that every dish managed to emphasize yet enhance the flavor of the main ingredient. Compared to Nobu, Tetsuya is hardly fusion and very Asian at heart. Most of the courses served at Mju are included in the cookbook, so we know that these recipes have been tried and tested. What's most gratifying is the listing at the end of the book of food sources for Mju - London lags NYC in terms of high-end food stores such as Dean & Deluca and Citarella, so the list is very useful, and it allows me to dream about learning to cook at the level of a master like Tetsuya.

Beautifully presented, innovative recipes, amazing combinations of flavors that one would not normally consider. I have made a number of the recipes which have won rave reviews from my guests. I love cooking and eating and found these receipes easy to follow however to get the best results one really needs to use the freshest of ingrediants. Some recipes are a little more involved and need a trial run prior to trying them on guests. One of the best cook books I have seen for some time and I have quite a few. For those that really appreciate the best in food.

I've purchased this book in preparation of a sailing vacation around the Whitsunday Islands. A group of small islands which lie next to the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's North East Coast.

It has a mileading title. It isn't a book about the Barrier Reef which lies east of the Whitsundays. It's a book about sailing around one of Australia's jewels, the Whitsundays.

This book is provided as standard issue by bareboat charter companies in the area. Over 100 pages are devoted to achorages.

I recommend it, if you are interested in the Whitsundays. A must have, if you plan to sail there.

can you please tell me what this book is about?

This book is NOT out of print and never has been as far as I know. The 6th edition (now with full colour maps) has only recently been published although I have only "used" the 4-colour 5th edition.

This book is justifiably known as the "bible" for boaters in the Whitsunday area of the Queensland mid-north coast. This book is SO good that it is mandatory equipment on board every charter yacht operating in the Whitsundays! Boaters use this book instead of official charts because it contains so much more information than any ordinary navigation chart.

I spent 10 days on a charter yacht last year in the Whitsundays and found that I could not live without referring to this book AT LEAST every hour.

There are so many islands, reefs, channels, currents, inlets, anchorages, etc. in the Whitsundays that any boater would be mad not to be extremely careful about where and when they go and in what weather conditions. As well, there are so many beautiful places to go that appeal to different people, that advice on choices is always needed.

"100 Magic Miles.." satisfies all these needs and more. It has large scale easy to read maps with excellent advice and descriptions of all significant navigational issues such as wind, tidal effects, reefs, shoals, navigation markers and so on. It provides advice on which anchourages are best in which conditions. It provides information on health and safety issues such as poisonous fish and how to treat coral cuts. It provides aerial photos of all areas so you can actually see what they look like before you get there (or recognise them when you do). It provides information on fishing, including where to fish (and not to) and photos to identify your catch. It provides historical information about the Whitsundays. It provides "travel" advice about all the points on interest, in most cases including photos. It provides information about the ecology of the Great Barrier Reef and the heritage-listed Marine National Park.

This book is so great, I bought my own copy and still pick it up and read it occasionally.

The nat'l geo series is a fantastic trip preparation guide. The photos, stories, insights into culture - this helped us choose which regions of OZ that we wanted to visit. For this I give 4 out of 5. The last star I reserve because some of the smaller places are not listed that are real gems! It is understandable though that no guide will have every dot on the map, this is why you travel and explore!! Note: for this sort of preparation and planning activity we have found no better guidebook series!

However, what we've found is that these guides are not good for hotels, restaurants, etc - there are a few (expensive!!) listed. Nor are the driving (we drove Melbourne to Cairns) listed. I recommend using this guide to prepare and a Lonely Planet to find places to stay/for for more budget conscious traveler needs. Get a good road map.

I have always been a big fan of the Eye Witness travel guides because of the abundance of pictures and the wealth of information they contain. After purchasing Australia: National Geographic Traveler, I may have found another favorite.

Not only does this travel guide contain beautiful, brilliantly colored photos of Australia's countryside, people and attractions on nearly every page, it is also filled with page after page of interesting and helpful information about each of the country's regions, and provides regional maps for each of the areas it describes, as well as walking and driving tour maps. Along with historical information, the book is brimming with practical advice for travelers; from such obvious warnings as wearing a high SPF sunblock due to the country's strong sunlight, to less obvious tidbits; for instance, that the monitor-type lizards that inhabit the area, when startled, will climb the tallest object around, which may happens to be you, so stay alert!

This guide offers insightful comments about, and a glimpse of, all the popular attractions, and includes contact information, etc., and the various means of transportation to get to those destinations. It also provides suggestions and information about interesting sights not on the beaten track. The only shortcoming of this guide is that it contains a limited listing of hotels and restaurants, and that list is located at the very back of the book. But because this is a travel guide for the entire country of Australia, I can forgive this shortcoming. However, it would be more convenient to place the hotel and restaurant information for specific cities in the section of the book that talks about the region to which that city belongs. I found this book entertaining, fun to look at, and easy to read (although the print is rather small). Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a complete guide to Australia.

The National Geographic Traveler series is a great addition to the many travel guides already out there. The history, culture, people and environment of Australia is brought to life throughout the guidebook. The organization of the guidebook is easy to follow: a section devoted to Sydney (where most visitors to Australia begin their adventure) and subsequent chapters devoted to each region. The book is filled with beautiful photographs typical of National Geographic. Superb graphics highlight sights of interest such as the Sydney Opera House and the famed Syndey Harbor Bridge. Detailed street maps give the reader/traveler a very good sense of the layout of the cities. This book is perfect for the armchair traveler: a lot of pictures and graphics supplemented by an easy to read, detailed text. This is also a perfect guidebook for those who do not care to see pages and pages of hotel and restaurant listings. There is a small section on hotels and restaurants but the bulk of the book is about Australia and its cultural and environmental treasures.