Australian Author and journalist, Leigh Sales, is the host of the ABC’s 7:30 Report. She has a Masters in International Relations and it has been great watching her over the years sticking it to both our leaders of commerce and our bureaucrats. Ms Sales is not one to back away from the good fight as our previous Prime Minister could testify.
So her 2018 released book, Any Ordinary Day, was an eye opener. In this, Sales interviews several high profile Australians from the past 20 years who have survived great tragedy, and have indeed moved on, despite unbelievable depths of sorrow, to become the best versions of themselves that they can be. Names like Stuart Diver, Walter Mikac, and survivors from the more recent Lindt Cafe (Claytons terrorist) attack. Interviews are conversational in tone and although the author has no answers as to where individuals find their strength, it is a positive read, with a reminder of the power of resilience, hope, and all that is good.
Yes, there is sadness as victims recount their tales, though there is also much joy and humour. Did you know Diver’s second wife recently died of ovarian cancer and that jokes abound as to what could possibly take wife Number 3? ( Aussies are renowned for their black humour. It’s how we get by).
There are the expected conversations about religion and faith, though not everyone canvassed is religious per se.
This is one of those “ conversation starters around the dinner table “ books. My lot had fun with this….
