CLARKE, Gerry

ISBN 978-1-923386-45-7
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ISBN 978-1-923386-44-0
HARDCOVER

My Name is Ryan

 

The Story of Ryan Clarke, A man with Down Syndrome

Told through the eyes of his father, My Name is Ryan is the hopeful and heartwarming story of the transformation of a boy with Down syndrome, into a man with Down syndrome.

We follow Ryan’s journey through adulthood as he faces the daunting challenges of moving into the workforce, finding a home, the inevitable loss of loved ones, and the joy of welcoming new family members and a tribe of nephews and nieces, who know him lovingly as ‘Uncle Barnas’.

This is book two for Gerry Clarke.

Ryan’s Rainbow, first published in 2003, and taking us from Ryan’s birth through to his 18th birthday, is included in this edition.

Together they provide the full picture of Ryan’s life to the age of 40, a life of joy in the heart of a large and loving family.

My Name is Ryan is a celebration not only of Ryan, but of all people with disabilities, their families, their carers, and the community organisations that provide the dedication and support to ensure they live rich and fulfi lling lives.

It removes some of the myths, mysteries and stereotypes that surround raising a child and young adult with a disability and is sure to inspire parents and siblings facing similar challenges.

Ryan’s story will touch your heart, inspire your spirit, and remind you to cherish the profound beauty in the simple everyday moments in life.

My Name is Ryan will make you smile, and then smile again.

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About the Author

 

My Name is Ryan is Gerry Clarke’s second published work. Gerry’s first published book was Ryan’s Rainbow, which became a best-seller in South Australia and is incorporated in this book.

After retiring in 2023, Gerry’s primary goal was to complete writing this book in time for Ryan’s 40th birthday in October 2025.

Gerry enjoyed a long and successful career in the public and tertiary sectors, where he was able to use his writing and people skills to good effect. Gerry worked in a variety of human resources, communications, internal culture building and administration roles in the employment, education, health and aged care fields.

Gerry is married to Joyce, and they are proud parents to Matthew (and Shelley), Dale (and Amy), Ryan, Brett (and Rebecca), Patrick (and Kyleigh) and Lauren (and Will). In their retirement years, Gerry and Joyce are sharing in the joy of watching their ten beautiful grandchildren make their way in the world.

Gerry is a keen sportsman, with many achievements in a long basketball career. Gerry currently enjoys the challenge of playing lawn bowls.

Gerry has helped to raise thousands of dollars for many not-for-profit organisations, schools and sporting groups in his role as quizmaster.

Gerry has achieved his goal of publishing My Name is Ryan in time for Ryan’s 40th birthday. It is an achievement of which he is justifiably proud.

A, Inspector

ISBN 978-1-923333-83-3
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ISBN 978-1-923386-76-1
EBOOK

The Syria Scam

 

An insider look into Chemical Weapons, Geopolitics and the Fog of War.

Something horrid happened in the city of Douma in Syria on 7 April 2018. It was alleged to be an attack with banned chemical weapons, said to have killed more than forty terrifi ed civilians. The US, UK and France responded with punitive missiles and airstrikes.

But what did actually happen? And how does this relate to the other alleged chemical attacks by the Syrian regime?

Inspector A takes us on a journey through his investigations and travels in Syria during the conflict, and the political intrigue that has
caused bitter divisions among Member States at the UN and the OPCW, the world’s chemical weapons watchdog.

About the Author

 

Inspector A joined the UN-affiliated Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in the first group of inspectors in 1997.

A chemical engineer with military experience, he soon became a foremost Inspection Team Leader conducting inspections around the world. He left in 2005 to continue a career in the chemical industry.

He joined the OPCW again in 2016 as part of the “rehire” scheme, aimed at bringing back experienced inspectors. He soon saw signs of the Syrian chemical weapons narrative being politicised. Inspectors started objecting but got nowhere.

Along with his UN passport, Inspector A has cheerfully carried British, South African and Australian passports. He wishes people would be honest and do the right thing, even in geopolitics. He knows this is naïve, nonetheless tried in two UN Security Council meetings to get his story across. He failed, gave up and wrote this book.

KESKESIADIS, Tara

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ISBN 978-1-923333-45-1
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923333-82-6
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ISBN – Coming soon
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Turning Pain Into Purpose

 

If you aren’t where you want to be, you haven’t become who you need to be

USE YOUR PAIN AS A CATALYST FOR SUCCESS.

Just as Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art, celebrates the beauty of mending broken pottery with gold, this book serves as a metaphor for life. It encourages us and illustrates how we can perceive the broken and fractured parts of ourselves – and others – as opportunities to infuse resilience, beauty, and character into our life’s journey.

Be empowered to overcome your challenges and uncover your true potential with the powerful 777 Pathway. Within these beautiful
pages, explore a guide that will assist you in dismantling the cycle of setbacks rooted in self-doubt and ingrained habits.

We are always just one decision away from a transformation, one decision away from forging a new path. Take action and choose to be the creator of your life rather than a victim of your circumstances. It’s time to decide what kind of life you want – and say no to everything that isn’t that.

DOUGLAS, Owen

ISBN 978-1-923265-03-5
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My Soul To Your Soul

 

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.

TOOULI, James

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.

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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.

MARSHALL, Chris

ISBN 978-1-923333-69-7
PAPERBACK

Mischief & Meowsings from the Cat Resort

Mischief & Meowsings from the Cat Resort lets readers slip into the paws-itively charming world of Cat-A-Tonic, a hidden gem tucked in suburban Adelaide.

From the outside, it may look like an ordinary home, but step inside, and it’s clear: this is a true “purr-adise” for our feline friends! Here, up to 50 kitty guests bask in the lap of luxury, thanks to The Five Freedoms— comfort, safety, food, health, and the all-important freedom to be fabulously themselves.

With quirky signs like “Don’t let the cats out, no matter what they say,” guests—both human and feline—know this is no ordinary cat-sit. Cat-A-Tonic has a delightful cast of furry personalities, from the sassy to the snuggly, the curious to the aloof. You’ll discover whiskered wisdom and hilarious antics as cats of all stripes navigate their temporary holiday digs with panache (and the occasional side-eye).

Perfect for cat lovers who know that behind every meow is a little mischief, this heartwarming collection captures the endearing, feisty, and entirely entertaining world of Cat-A-Tonic’s whiskered guests.