Jan 30, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Autobiography, Health & Wellbeing, Memoir, Psychology \ Mental Health
ISBN 978-1-923265-03-5
PAPERBACK
A Memoir
From Early Life to Times As a Psychiatric Nurse
Raised by a father battling undiagnosed mental illness, he learned the virtues of stoicism and warmth, transforming his pain into a source of strength. During his life, he navigated his own path to mental wellness, channelling his experiences into a career as a compassionate psychiatric nurse.
This compelling autobiography uncovers his inspiring odyssey, showing how his personal battles have shaped his professional choices and fuelled his commitment to helping others find the light within the darkness.
Jan 30, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Adelaide, Australian, History, Medical, Memoir, South Australia
ISBN 978-1-923265-90-5
PAPERBACK
The Flinders Department Of Surgery
Reflections of the early years
The Flinders Department of Surgery: Reflections on Early Years by James Toouli offers an intimate glimpse into the formative years of a unique institution in Australian medicine. This collection of reflections from those present at the inception of the Flinders Department of Surgery provides readers with an understanding of how the department evolved into a vital part of the South Australian community.
In the early years, Flinders Medical Centre was distinct in its approach, where academic heads were also clinical leaders, fostering a culture of innovation in research and teaching. Through personal memories and experiences, this book captures the spirit of collaboration and ambition that defined the department. James Toouli’s introduction acknowledges the subjective nature of memory,
embracing the imperfections and personal nuances that make these reflections both rich and authentic.
Featuring contributions from those who helped shape the department, including a poignant chapter from the late Jim Watts, the book serves not only as a historical record but as a tribute to the visionaries who laid the foundation for what Flinders would become. It is a testament to a golden era, reminiscent of a modern-day Camelot, where ideals flourished, and the seeds of excellence were sown.
About the Author
JAMES WAS BORN IN Limassol Cyprus and came to Melbourne with his parents and sister when 9 years old. He graduated in
Medicine at Monash University in 1970, FRACS 1977 and PhD in Surgery in 1979. He came to Adelaide as the first trainee registrar in Surgery at Flinders medical Centre and was on the resident staff when Flinders Medical Centre opened in 1976.
James was appointed as Lecturer in Surgery in 1982 and held academic positions to promotion in 1989 as Professor of Surgery.
He took over as head of General Surgery in 1986, renamed the unit Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit and remained its head until 2000.
During his professional career he held several leadership positions in Surgery nationally and internationally. He led a successful
research programme that was well funded by NHMRC and other funding agencies. Consequently, numerous surgeons and researchers from Australia and overseas obtained their research training in his unit, and many have become leaders in Surgery.
James also has made contributions to medical and surgical education being in the forefront of several changes in methods of teaching and assessment. He has initiated several training programmes nationally and internationally for which he was recognized as a member of the Order of Australia.
James is married to Helen and has two children and five grandchildren. He lives in Adelaide and on his retirement from surgery continues to enjoy the very active arts scene in Adelaide.
Jan 30, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Autobiography, Christian, Memoir
ISBN 978-1-923088-85-6
PAPERBACK
My Story of Finding Hope and Restoration
Rhoda Shakhane was born into the rich tapestry of African culture. Her life takes unexpected turns as she discovers her true purpose. Amidst uncertainty, Rhoda relies on strength in her faith. Through moments of prayer and reflection, she discovers how present God is in her life, guiding her and filling her with the courage to overcome obstacles she never thought she’d be able to overcome.
Rhoda’s story is a testament to the power of divine grace, resilience, and trust in God. From navigating the hardships of immigrating to a new country to overcoming personal struggles, her undying love and trust in God’s plan drive her forward. Her courageous spirit throughout her life’s many ups and downs and her ultimate reliance on God are inspiring and deeply moving.
A Journey of Faith is more than a memoir – it’s a testament to the enduring strength found in faith.
About the Author
Rhoda Shakhane is a committed Christian who strongly believes in the power of prayer. She is an author, wife, and mother, and holds a doctorate in nutritional sciences. Rhoda actively serves in the kids’ ministry at her local church and helps facilitate children’s programs at various Christian community events. Over the years, she has learned to depend on God’s strength and trust in the promises of His Word. Her passion for writing is driven by a deep desire to share her spiritual journey and the wisdom she has gained with others.
Jan 28, 2025 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Australian, Autobiography, Biography, Family History, Memoir, Victoria
ISBN 978-1-923156-69-2
PAPERBACK
ISBN: 978-1-923386-42-6
EBOOK
Beginning with a picture of life in Eastern Europe in the early 20th century and the effect of WWI on the family fortunes, this story details the life of a young Hungarian girl from her origin in a small town, through the disruption of WWII and the Holocaust.
During these turbulent years, a large number of highly improbable events – often with split-second timing – and some very
honourable people, contributed to the whole family’s survival and its emigration to Australia where the author pursued a long and worthwhile career and an interesting retirement.
Nov 27, 2024 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Australian, Autobiography, Biography, Christian, Melbourne, Memoir, Social Sciences \ Politics \ Government, Victoria
ISBN 978-1-923333-11-6
PAPERBACK
Standing Firm For God And Nation
Rosalie Crestani wasn’t just a Deputy Mayor – she was a fierce force for change in one of Australia’s fastest growing and most diverse regions. As a Councillor in the City of Casey, home to over 300,000 people from 150 different cultural backgrounds, Rosalie stood out for her bold, conservative values, igniting controversy and heated debates at every turn.
In this compelling memoir, follow Rosalie through the high-stakes battles of local government, where she faced both victories and crushing defeats. A story full of courage and endurance. From her family’s harrowing survival in war-torn Berlin, to the red dust of the Australian outback, to the harsh winters of upstate New York, Rosalie’s life is a tale of grit, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of her vision for a better community.
Strap in for the Rosalie rollercoaster – one woman’s courageous fight for her beliefs, a fight that echoes across all of Australia.
Nov 18, 2024 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Adelaide, Australian, Autobiography, Biography, Health & Wellbeing, Medical, Memoir, Psychology \ Mental Health, Self-help \ Personal Development, South Australia
ISBN 9781923333666
HARDCOVER
ISBN 9781923333871
PAPERBACK
A True Story Of Resilience, Positivity and Self-Help
AT THE AGE OF 32, STAYING POSITIVE WAS ROB’S BIGGEST HURDLE, WHEN HE FOUND HIMSELF FACE TO FACE WITH STAGE 4 HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA.
While the doctors excelled in diagnosis, surgical procedures and prescribing chemotherapy regimens, when it came to maintaining
optimism or prescribing diets that nourish a body ravaged by cancer and treatment, the advice on hope and healing was scarce.
As Rob’s journey progressed, he seized the unique opportunity to analyse and document his path to maintaining a positive mindset.
Through simple yet powerful ideologies, Rob delves into the importance of perspective and captures deeply vulnerable moments through his journaling. Through the face of uncertainty, the agonising wait for a diagnosis, and the chilling realisation of death’s
veil over his life, Rob offers profound insights into the crucial strategies that enabled him to break free from the grip of negativity.
“I couldn’t escape by travelling overseas or quitting my job, the way most young people deal with their issues. My philosophy was to break the journey down into steps. One by one, there is a step to recognition, to recovery, and to maintain mindfulness and self-strength.”
Your Mate, Hodgkin’s is a compelling and detailed account of Rob’s journey through cancer. This must-read story weaves together extensive research with the firsthand experience of a chemotherapy patient. It offers valuable guidance to patients, support networks, and practitioners alike, providing essential tools for everybody coping with cancer and other life-altering traumatic events.
