Publish your book! Learn how
Australian Authors Store - Australian Books by Australian Authors for a Global Audience

CARROLL, Ivor John

May 24, 2023 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Adelaide, Australian, Autobiography, Justice \ Law \ Crime, South Australia

Ivor John Carroll self-published author We sweep the streets book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-922957-33-7
PAPERBACK

We Sweep the Streets

A police story based on fact

Ivor John Carroll—later to become known as ‘Chris’ short for ‘Xmas Carroll’ but affectionately called ‘Xmas’ by those that knew him well—a self-confessed ratbag—takes us on a sometimes comical and at times emotional journey through what it was to be a ‘copper’ during the 1940-50s.

The array of fascinating characters with whom he worked—some loved, some hated—the continually changing states of ‘the job’, and the many and varied ‘cases’ on which he worked, are related in a frank, politically incorrect and unfiltered manner—he pulls no punches.

These stories would almost certainly have been lost to time had Xmas’ youngest daughter, Vicki, not decided to dust off the hand-typed, yellowing, faded pages (remember typewriters?)—and retype, reformat, edit, and have published these intriguing, true telling’s of a hard but honest man. It could not have been done without the support and help of her husband, Tony, and his capable literary skills. It was a labour of love and a tribute to her father.

These stories are an important part of a legacy that Chris had always wanted to leave to his family—bringing these pages into the light have made that dream a reality.

We Sweep the Streets: A Police Story Based on Fact is the first in what was to be a duology, spanning IJ Carroll’s entire career. However, searches to date have yet to uncover a complete copy of the second manuscript… But the search continues.

RIGBY, Ken

May 23, 2023 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Adelaide, Australian, Autobiography, South Australia

Ken Rigby Self-published author Oddly Enough Autobiography
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-922957-21-4
PAPERBACK

Oddly Enough

Oddly Enough is the story of an Englishman who emigrated to Australia in 1959 to work as a teacher, and, subsequently, as a psychologist, university professor and researcher, in which capacity he has established an international reputation for his work on how bullying can be countered in schools. This led to his becoming recognised internationally, travelling and lecturing worldwide, and receiving the Order of Australia Medal in 2021.

Oddly Enough is written as a flow of consciousness of events as they are remembered and reflected upon from childhood to old age. It is meant to amuse, as well as shed light on significant historical, social, and cultural issues of his time; such as social class; family life; schooling and education; Britain in wartime; National Service; emigration; university life; and adapting to the Australian culture. Finally, it addresses existential questions on the nature of self and the sheer oddity of existence.

Testimonials

‘This fascinating book succeeds in being three things: a personal document of a fulfilling life; a social history covering England and Australia; and a vivid description of the author’s research and practical work in the area of school bullying. Ken Rigby writes frankly and often amusingly about all these matters. This is a compelling read which will be of interest to anyone interested in personal biography, education, and indeed life in general!’

Peter K Smith
Emeritus Professor, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK

‘Oddly Enough is a refreshingly honest autobiography charting Ken’s journey from working class schoolboy to leading international academic, and the characters he meets along the way. It’s a fascinating insight into how his school years and national service helped shape his own approach to classroom teaching, and the inspiration for his research into bullying in school and effective intervention methods.’

Jo Earp.
Editor, Teacher magazine, Australian Council for Education Research

‘This book is captivating and interesting, not only for those who know Ken personally; but also to the bullying research community, which has become very numerous. A fascinating line goes from his own school days, and reflections on authority, to pioneering, world class research on school bullying, and further to the existential question about self and its becoming. And it is so well written, as usual.’

Professor Erling Roland
University of Stavangar, Norway

MARTIN, Cassy

Apr 28, 2023 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Australian, Autobiography, Medical, Memoir, New South Wales

Cassy Martin self-published author Light at the end of the tunnel book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-922957-07-8
PAPERBACK

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Surviving the shame of disability within an ethnic family

Cassy is the first of her generation born into a Christian Lebanese family after they emigrated to Australia, and she was set to be the golden grandchild. But when it was discovered that she had cerebral palsy, the promise of her wonderful future vanished, and a veil of shame descended.

Now an embarrassment to the family, Cassy was hidden away from the community, just tolerated at home, and told she was an embarrassment, useless and would have no future. Her innocence protected her from realising she was unwanted, so Cassy put everything she had into living her life to its fullest. Once Cassy bravely stood up to her oppressors and became an independent individual, she would never be held back again.

Light at the End of the Tunnel is an autobiography chronicling Cassy’s journey through hard times and tough lessons supported by good friends and personal achievements. She hopes to inspire by sharing the lessons she has learned to build on your inner strength and fulfil your dreams.

BRUCE, Relly

Mar 21, 2023 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Australian, Biography, Music

Relly Bruce Self-published author Rude Boy book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-922803-65-8
PAPERBACK

Rude Boy

Based on true events

“Don’t waste time looking back, that’s not the direction you’re going anyway.”

Utter Nonsense, consisting of 7 members, was formed in 1980 and played gigs around Melbourne until they released their first EP in 1983, before touring the country.

After the release of “Changes Must Be Made”, they became a household name and were featured on several variety television programs nationwide before disappearing.

Mitchell Truce formed a Ska band with his high school friends and chose to drop out of school and follow his dreams. Starting in grungy, underground venues and pubs, Utter Nonsense was fast known as the ‘all- inclusive’ fun, new band with a UK sound. Their loyal fans, the Rude Boys are in danger of becoming overrun by the racist and violent National Front skinheads.

To complicate things even further, Mitch finds out that it is his girlfriend’s brother who is heading the local Nazi regime and causing most of the trouble at their gigs. The band tour the country focusing on their music and climbing the charts all the while facing the highs and lows of friendship, success, fame, and brotherhood.

Within 24 hours of celebrating an international tour opportunity, tragedy strikes the band, and all their dreams are left blowing in the wind.

Relly Bruce self-published author Violet is Blue book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-923156-02-9
PAPERBACK

Violet is Blue

Love that changes everything

In 1942, at age 16, Violet Middleton falls in love with an older man and in turn falls pregnant. Violet never disclosed to her parents who the baby’s father was and they are devestated that their squeaky-clean reputation in the small town they reside in will be tarnished forever so Violet is sent to a maternity home in Sydney where she is forced to give up her baby.

Violet spends the remainder of her years hurdling tragic events in search for her daughter. Violet’s search appears to be at a dead end, until an unlikely visitor shows up during Violet’s last living days and offers to help with the search but what she discovers will leave you questioning every personal relationship you have ever had.

Bloody Sword Book Cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-923214-46-0
PAPERBACK

Bloody Sword

Four modern day Australian scuba divers come across an old rum barrel; they drink from it and find themselves in England, 1818. In hopes to find their way back home they board a tall ship but soon realize they are under the command of “Benito Bloody Sword Bonito” the most blood thirst pirate on the high seas.

BAUTISTA, Shane

Feb 16, 2023 | *, *Featured books, *listed, Addiction & Recovery, Memoir, Psychology \ Mental Health
Get the book

ISBN 978-0-6485862-6-5
PAPERBACK

Resilience: A Story of Survival

Resilience a story of survival is a compelling memoir. Shane’s message of hope, recovery, and resilience.

With the odds stacked against kids that come from being ‘State Wards’ – drugs, becoming a teenage parent, living a life of crime, prison and even death; Shane got out and worked towards obtaining a higher education that leads to a career as a Mental Health Nurse.

Shane is his own success story.

About the Author

Shane Bautista is a gay male who lives in Melbourne, Australia. He currently works as a Registered Nurse and has a passion in helping others. As a child, Shane was made a ward of the state and placed in foster care at the age of seven years old. Shane suffers from mental health issues with depression and anxiety. Sharing his story of survival growing up in care and becoming a success story by defeating the odds and having the resilience to have overcome many diversities in his life. Shane is a first time author. Completing his debut non-fiction novel, has been Shane’s biggest achievement yet. Shane’s memoir ‘Resilience: a story of survival’ is raw, confronting and inspirational. 

HETZEL, Anne

Dec 9, 2022 | *, *listed, Australian, Autobiography, Comedy \ Humour Fiction, Western Australia

Penny Fisher self-published author Anne Hetzel - life story book cover
Get the book

ISBN 978-1-922890-64-1
PAPERBACK

Anne Hetzel

My life story

Anne has lead an interesting and unique life, was married twice and had 6 children. Her life experience is fascinating to read in her humble words and leaves a lasting impression of a life fully lived so far at 92.

This story was compiled through conversations between Anne and Janine through a writers group conducted at Helping Hand where Anne lives.