Ding Duck I Want To Fly! by Gary Clark

How does Australian Cartoonist Gary Clark so easily take one duck and give him loads of personality that has you laughing and smiling from page to page?

Ding Duck I Want To Fly! is a book that entertains the young and the old. I definitely had to fight my household during the review process to get access to the book. Every time I placed it on the table and left the room I would return to the sound of snickers from the office chair as someone had ‘jumped in my grave’ to get their part of Ding. Even my 5 year old loved the adventures this cute, yet rather daft Duck provided. Ding Duck definitely stands in a league of his own. After 30 years will he ever fly successfully?

To be honest with you I have never been into cartoons. As a child the cartoon section of the newspaper really never held my interest. I was quiet willing to let my older brothers have them first. In later life I found myself in love with a man who is not only an artist and cartoonist but also an aviation nutter. I was soon put in my place. As time has progressed I have found myself involved in a world of visual characters that charm and entertain and a world where my feet are not always on land. Ding Duck I Want To Fly! was my initiation into the world of a comic books.

In Ding Duck I Want To Fly! Gary Clark gets your imagination and visual cues stimulated with a Ducks eye view of the Swamp on a typical day. Bright, busy and comical the reader is taken into the world of the characters, followed by a brief introduction to the Swamp Support Cast and Aircraft within. For a novice like myself I enjoyed this initial journey. I went into the rest of the book feeling like a Ding Duck pro.

Gary writes “ This book is a snapshot of the wonderful and diverse world of aviation...It is about Commercial Air Transport, Military Jets, Helicopters, Aerobatics, General Aviation, Recreational Flying, and ....Duck. Mostly it’s about Duck aviation...In particular one unique Duck named Ding.

Despite receiving over 5000 flying lessons and many attempts, Ding Duck still can’t fly. But that doesn’t stop him trying and failing and trying again.

The Swamp that Ding calls home features two good runways, an Air Traffic Controller, a Flying School and a host of other assorted wildlife including all the other Ducks who get to do what Ding is hoping to do himself one day...Fly South for the Winter with all the other Ducks.

As you follow Ding’s daily life cycle of flying attempts, failures, flying lessons, theory classes, exams and everything else that goes on in this feathered parallel world to the other less natural , mechanical form of aviation you will discover a wonderful truth: There is little difference between these two worlds and there is much humour to be enjoyed in both."

It seems Gary Clark knows his work well. If there is a word stronger than humour then it would refer to the work of Gary Clark and Ding Duck. From the beginning to the end of laughed and Ismiled. There is no feeling down in the dumps when Ding is around. This duck has stolen my heart. He is cute, determined and doesn’t really need to do or say much to have you wondering about the logic of life. Ding is a Duck that has something to say that will touch a nerve in everyone. Having no aviation knowledge, except for that of the fact that planes take off and land, I still found myself welcome and with friends when visiting the Swamp.

Ding Duck I Want to Fly! is a beautifully presented, high quality A5 publication. Its glossy colourful and humorous cover welcomes all that hold it. The professionalism and understanding of the industry by publishers Martin Leeuwis Publications, who have been publishing books with aviation humour, anecdotes and cartoons since 1982, shines through. My copy has been used and abused over the last few months yet shows no sign of wear and tear. The quality of the book meets the quality of the contents making the overall reading experience enjoyable. At 160 pages and with a recommended retail price of $18.50 it is money well spent.

I couldn’t put Ding Duck I Want To Fly! down, finishing it in one sitting and being left with wanting more. It was nice to have a book that the family could discuss, share and laugh about together. My 5 year old already had her heart set on being an artist like daddy and Ding Duck and Gary Clark have certainly enhanced that dream, whilst introducing her to the world of reading and books.

This book has left me envious of Gary Clark and subscribing for my daily Swamp email. Guess who is getting Gary Clark Ding Duck Aviation products for his birthday and Christmas? Oh and I think I have found just the spot on a wall in my house for the Ding Duck About To Fly framed print or comic strip signed by Gary Clark.

If only I was as clever and creative in both my writing and my art as Gary. All I can do is listen to the sound advice of Ding Duck as he shouts loud and clear ‘If you fail try and try again... you never know one day you may succeed’

Grab your copy of I Want To Fly!, your Gary Clark merchandise and a free subscription to the daily Swamp email at www.swamp.com.au

ISBN: 9789490008123

review: Jennifer Deaves

The Other Side of the Ledger - Ruth Miller

'While one of the keys to life may be in keeping the balance between the yin and the yang, the pros and the cons, the plusses and the minuses; and while there may always be three sides of a story – yours, mine and the truth; there are only two sides of a ledger – the debit and the credit. Or that's what we are told.......

Humorous and intriguing accounts of office shenanigans, corruption and ambition gone too far are expressed in vignettes based on many real life experiences that are common part of office culture world wide. Heavily laced with a good dose of tongue in cheek and wicked humour, The Other Side of the Ledger will weave its magic spell and keep you enthralled, amused and wanting more”

Initially I wondered how I was going to handle this book. I had visions of pages filled with the bitchiness of office gossip. The he said, she said, they did world of female office staff with nothing better to do. How wrong I was. The Other Side of the Ledger has a story for everyone. Humorous at times yet thought provoking, it is an easy entertaining read. The Other Side of the Ledger is full of real life stories that take you on a different journey through the corporate world and the thoughts and actions of the female staff that keep the cogs turning. From office friends and affairs, to working around family life, traveling abroad and the balance of life, love and loss of employment, The Other Side of the Ledger has it all. It speaks of the reality of the day to day grind of office workers in a light hearted and fun manner.

It is obvious that Ruth Miller knows the world of the working woman and the office. The Other Side of the Ledger is written with professionalism, style and truths of the working world. Ruth has not held back but allowed the reader to take a step in the door of each individual office scenario, taking them through the motions, emotions and hustle and bustle that each day brings. When reading The Other Side of the Ledger I laughed and I related. Having worked in an office myself I could all too well relate to the squabble, cat scratching drama that embraced a group that too often competed against each other. Of course there is also the love, friendship and goal driven desires.

One thing that did leave me wondering about this book is the use of a subtitle underneath each chapter (short story) title. As I reached each chapter I would scratch my head trying to work out the reason why this was done, going back to the previous to see if I was missing a link between the two. Have I missed something that may be a vital part to the book? Each subtitle starts with the prefix 'un'. There is undulating progressions, unintentional indiscretions, undiminished services, undeniable ineptitude, unacceptable hypocrisy and the list goes on. By the end of the book I was all 'un'ed out. These subtitles set the mood for each chapter and as I became irritated by the 'un' I became a little annoyed with the book. I found each story spoke for itself, subtitle not needed.

Overall, I was impressed with the feel and presentation of this book. The cover is glossy and smooth, feeling soft to the touch and pleasant to hold. The presentation is plain and simple but clearly gives a visual cue of the topic within. It leaves one with enough information to set the scene, invoking an inquisitive mind which leads to reading the back blurb and turning the pages. If only all of life was as simple, plain and entertaining as The Other Side of the Ledger.

So did The Other Side of the Ledger weave its magic spell and keep me enthralled, amused and wanting more as it claims. I do not know about weaving a magic spell as such or keeping me enthralled but it kept me amused, entertained me and held my attention enough for me to continue to read from front to back. It was a non threatening relaxing read that allowed me to remove myself from the grind of my own life and take myself into the world of others. The Other Side of the Ledger is a book that every woman, from all walks of life would understand and enjoy, after all what woman doesn't like a bit of gossip.

ISBN: 978-064658982-4 

RRP: $24.95

Available online: www.palmerhiggsbooks.com.au

Review: Jennifer Deaves 

 

Get Drenched

With A Loved One This Valentines Day

Get Drenched are the Australian distributors of Bomb Cosmetics, a UK based company who only use natural products, butters and oils to create little luxuries that not only pamper but enliven the skin. They are against animal testing and believe that neither animal, human or the environment should suffer for our luxuries. All products are hand made rather than machine made, giving them all an individual personality and love.

A visit to www.getdrenched.com.au is a step into paradise. A soft visually appealing site, Get Drenched had me wanting to reach into my computer and devour the products. Soaking in a bath has never looked more enticing. With bath treats, shower treats, skin care, homemade soap, massage bars,essential oils, candles and gift packs your bathroom is sure to become the favourite room in the house, your little oasis that takes your senses on a holiday that they never wish to return from.

With Valentines Day approaching we test ran a group of products that not only say I love you but show  how important your loved one is to you. What better way to let them know they deserve only the best than with a sensual soap, bath bomb and candle from Get Drenched. There is no more romantic way to spend Valentines Day than sinking into a warm bath together filled with the sexy, softening aroma of  Roses, whilst a Love Rocks Candle sets the mood. Not only do Get Drenched products smell divine but they look delicious as well, providing that all over sexy, sensual, feel good experience.

This Valentines Day forget the chocolates and roses, they are done and dusted. Consider checking out the following products at www.getdrenched.com.au

Crazy Cupid Handmade Soap with Essential Oil
Beautifully packaged in a clear wrapper this soap has a red love heart situated within. This soft romantic look of this soap carries through to the feel and smell. We were surprised when we unwrapped it. We did not expect the velvety soft feel we found. To hold in your hand  dry  is a divine feeling but to rub it over your body moist is a textual experience fit for the gods. Soft, with a subtle aroma of Lavender, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang this soap leaves you feeling relaxed, revitalized and ready to release the 'crazy cupid' within.

Sweet Love Bath Tulip

Well what can we say about this one but Wow! What an aroma, one of  love and lust for your Valentine. There were two things we loved about this bath tulip. One was the fact that it was so easy to use. Simply pop it into a warm bath, allow it to dissolve for a short while and then remove. The second was that it lasts for up to three uses. It is easy to store in between use by simply placing it back in it's patty pan wrapper. This tulip presents itself as a beautiful cup cake decorated with pink glittery icing and a love heart. The perfect way to show your 'cup cake' you care.

 
Love Rocks Truly Sensual Candle

There is nothing more sensual than bathing by candle light. This Love Rocks Candle presents itself in a tin for safe use. The  tiny pink love hearts situated around the edge add to the gentle loving feel. The placement of the hearts means they do not burn away immediately but sit as a reminder of your love time and time again. Hand crafted this candle is infused with seductive Ylang Ylang and Geranium to help set the mood. This is a long lasting candle that has a burning time of 30 – 35 hours. We found this candle to have a good quality wick that, unlike cheap nasty candles, continued to burn even when it reached the wax. It sits nicely on a bathroom shelf and with a lid for storage the concern of dust imbedding itself within the candle when stored is eliminated.

Sensual Rose Gift Set

This boxed gift set includes a Rose Bath Creamer, Darling Buds Bath Blaster and Rose Shower and Bath Oil.

The Rose Bath Creamer is infused with pure geranium and lavender essential oil and over 20% cocoa and shea butter. Simply pop it in the bath and listen to it's soft relaxing fizz. As you sink your body into the bath you instantly feel the soft moisturizing affect that the cocoa and shea butter have on the skin.

The Rose Shower and Bath Oil provides a slightly oilier effect than that of the cocoa and shea butter restoring oils to a more dry skin. Infused with pure geranium, ylang ylang and rose essential oils it definitely relaxes the senses. We found this great on a loofah in the shower. Presented in a clear bottle with floating rose petals this oil is great sitting on the shelf and can be used on the hands when they feel dry. I personally used this oil as a hand moisturizer throughout the day finding that it sunk into the skin quickly keeping it soft. The summer heat of the day strengthen the essential oils, providing a relaxing perfume that carried me throughout my day.

The Darling Buds Bath Blaster is a cricket size ball of rose petals that fizzes when popped in the bath, releasing pure essential oils. This provides a relaxing  essential oil experience for the nose follicles and the mind. The rose petals add to the sensual, sexy and relaxing feel.

This gift set lends itself nicely to a romantic and thoughtful gift for the older lady from the older man. A great way to say you deserve to be pampered, at any time of the year.

Je T'Aime Gift Set

This 'I Love You' gift set consists of a Miss Pinkwhistle Soap, Ruby Vegas Soap, Summer of Love Bath Blaster, Bedazzeld Bath Blaster and Love Cloud Bath Creamer. This is a lovely set that we felt was let down by it's presentation. The initial presentation, that of gift wrapped in red love heart paper and ribbon, provides appeal that is suitable for gift giving but the disappointment comes upon unwrapping. You are then met with a plain brown paper box. We would have liked to have seen the love theme carried through in packaging, but on a more positive note the packaging does provide a natural environmentally friendly message. The items were secured nicely within the box using wood wool packaging.

Both the soaps in this set were as stated for the Crazy Cupid Soap, showing consistency in the products of Bomb Cosmetics and Get Drenched. One thing that is worth noting is that these soaps dry quickly after use and do not seem to leave the soap residue over the soap holder that some soaps tend to do.

Wow! to the Love Cloud Bath Creamer. This product won our hearts as soon as we opened the box. This bath creamer has a luxurious centre of  vanilla, cocoa, cherries and anise, finished off with chocolate & vanilla. We surely wanted to eat it but had to settle for second best, indulging in a tub of warm floating chocolate heaven. The chocolate sprinkles and lolly look love hearts rolled through this creamer added to the delicious smell and appeal.

Both the bath blasters present nicely topped with hearts of love, accentuating the feel and meaning behind this boxed set.

Products within this gift set can be purchased individually on the website.


This Valentines Day, February 14th, shower your loved one with an array of gifts from www.getdrenched.com.au.  After a romantic bath together continue the mood in the bedroom by lighting an essential oil candle, popping the cork on  some bubbly and whispering sweet nothings in her ear. With Bomb Cosmetics you are sure to have her heart fluttering!

Receive 10% off your order in February 2013 by quoting code  RRFEB  

Out of Australia - David J Delaney

In David Delaney’s third book Out of Australia he uses both conventional poetry and poetic licence to take us on a journey around a vast land. A journey that introduces us not only to wilderness and wildlife but to the way of Aussie life and to a man who understands what it means to be Aussie through and through.

Formerly from Brisbane but now residing in Cairns, David Delaney is an inspiration to many. Having had limited education, including no formal education in writing, David reached his 50’s and wanted to show others that someone like himself, with no higher schooling, could write about life and his love of the land and enjoy it. In May 2007 David released his first book “My small book of poems”, which was done to gauge the reaction of the public. With an amazing response from the likes of John Williamson and Mel from Sunrise, David was inspired to release his second book “Rhymes of Times”.

David Delaney writes from the soul and from his years of experience traveling extensively with his own removal business. His poetry brings to life the history, vastness, harshness and loveliness of this land called Oz. Out Of Australia is the reality of Australian life, the perils put before us by nature and the joys we share as the seasons pass. It is also the love of family and friends that make this book, the poems of David Delaney, touch the heart and speak to the soul.

In his poem Diggers which can be found on page 69 David is able to catch the thoughts and feelings of an Australian Digger who lays awake in the middle of the night, sweating, fearful, wishing his ‘nighttime in the jungle’ would pass.  He captures the heartache and pain of this Digger and the realities of life after returning home.

“ Here I am, awake again, it’s the middle of the night

Lying covered in sweat, heart thumping from the fright

I truly wish they would pass and I no longer see

Nighttime in the jungle, another fight with the VC...”

And who doesn’t remember Cracker Night? That night when not that long ago kids alike caused havoc with those crackers, scaring neighbours, blowing up letterboxes and leaving little girls screaming. In his poem ‘Cracker Night’ on page 119 David takes his readers down that memory lane. 

“I want to tell a story so let me set the scene

T’was some time ago, before “the chasers” and their team...”

Out of Australia by David Delaney has a poem for everyone and for every Aussie occasion. I found myself relaxing, reading, laughing and became engrossed in times long forgotten. Still today, weeks after reading the entire book, I find myself pulling it off the shelf and reading a poem or two. I couldn’t say I have a favourite, they all tell their own little story of the good old Aussie life. David Delaney and his poems show the ‘fair dinkumness’ of the Aussie way. He writes with genuine Aussie spirit, allowing the larrikin in him to shine. There is also the serious side to David Delaney but this blends well with the larrikin, giving balance and truth to his poetry and life.

For those with a love of poetry in their heart or for those who simply want to explore a little bit of the Aussie culture and be taken to places long forgotten, Out of Australia will not only educate but have you pondering Australia’s way.

Five out of five David Delaney for bringing Australia to life in a fair dinkum Aussie way!

ISBN: 978-061546780-1

Available at selected online bookshops or from David by emailing info@davidjdelaney.com

review: Jennifer Deaves

Banaban Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Cold pressed, organically grown and harvested in Fiji, Banaban Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is not refined, deodorized or bleached, providing a rich natural coconut taste and aroma, with all the health benefits coconut oil has to provide.

There has been a lot of media coverage over the last few months about the benefits of coconut oil, with it being labeled as 'A super food' and 'The healthiest Oil on Earth'

Miranda Kerr has even been reported to say that coconut oil is why she has clear skin, shiny hair and her trim figure.

"I've been drinking it since I was 14 and it's the one thing I can't live without," Miranda said.

"I will not go a day without coconut oil. I personally take four tablespoons per day, either on my salads, in my cooking or in my cups of green tea."

The health benefits of Coconut oil are said to include those of reducing fat accumulation in the body and helping to maintain a healthy ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids when consumed as part of a diet. Coconut oil has a rich content of lauric acid, the source of disease fighting fatty acid derivative monolaurin and it does not circulate in the blood stream like other fats, being sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy.

Reports have been made stating that coconut oil is easy to digest, relieving poor digestion and stomach bloating problems and helping control weight. A study reported in the Journal of Nutrition found that coconut oil boosts the metabolism. Participants who consumed two tablespoons of coconut oil per day burned more kilojoules than those who consumed less. A speedy metabolism helps boost the body's immune system and keep weight off. The Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that coconut oil protects against insulin resistance, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Coconut oil has also been hailed as being the cure for Alzheimer and as having great dental benefits.

Applying coconut oil directly to your skin is said to help with the aging process, eliminating wrinkles and sagging. It is said to condition your hair, nail and skin. Many report using it daily for an all over healthy glow.

With all that is being said about the wonders of coconut oil we put Banaban Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to the test, providing a small group of our reviewers with some to try. Our results were varied as far as taste and smell were concerned, some saying they could not taste it when used for cooking, others saying they could not stand the taste of the food they cooked it in. Some loved the smell or were just fine with it, whilst others said they could not stand the smell. These two factors were a personal preference depending on the individual, however all said it had a better cooking texture than other oils and did not leave behind a slimy, icky residue on utensils. Some stated that they felt it did not leave the gross feeling around the mouth that some oils do. We tested it cooking various food products, including eggs, pancakes and bolognaise, finding it suitable for all.

All our reviewers agreed on one thing. That Banaban Extra Virgin Coconut Oil does have many benefits. One of the biggest benefits found was that of weight control. Used over a period of a month some found it stabilized their weight, when they would usually struggle, whilst others found a minor loss. We did challenge our reviewers to the one tablespoon a day before a meal but none could stomach placing a tablespoon directly into their mouths as reported. I tried placing some in my coffee but, being one who does not like the smell or taste of coconut of any type, could not get my coffee to my mouth. Being a little on the podgy side and seeing and hearing the weight benefits of reviewers I am keen to try the Banaban Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Soft Gel Capsules as these are said to provide the same health benefits but without the taste and smell of the oil. Nature Pacific are proud to be the first company in Australia to develop Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules.

Kelly in Western Australia says: “ I have found so many uses for coconut oil. My husband and two year old son also use it. It is good on my child's eczema . I found it was too strong for cooking as everything tasted of coconut but love it as a hair conditioner. I suffer from mild dandruff and have found it has

helped immensely. I dampen my hair and rub coconut oil into my scalp, wrapping it in a towel and leaving it in for 20 mins. I then wash it out with a natural shampoo. I find I only need a small amount of oil – a little goes a long way.”

Nature Pacific have Kelly's dandruff problem under control, not only in the form of their oil but in the form of their Banaban shampoo and conditioner, which contains 5% virgin coconut oil and is free of

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Samantha stated: “I personally can't taste the coconut flavour in the foods, but it has been made clear to me that others can. It is very strong in smell when cooking which may be a definite no go for some. I tried to take it in hot water and on a tablespoon, as suggest in internet articles, but could not stomach it. It is definitely a healthier alternative than other oils and one I will continue to use.”

When purchasing Banaban Extra Virgin Coconut Oil at this time of the year it is important to remember that as the weather changes to the hotter summer months so does your Virgin Coconut Oil which will become liquid. If the temperature drops at night below 18C your oil will crystallize and set solid again.This is a completely normal process and shows the purity of your oil. We found this to be the case with our Banaban Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. When crystallized it was just a matter of standing the jar in a bottle of warm water to liquidfy it.

Overall our reviewers felt that Banaban Extra Virgin Coconut Oil was a product they would continue to use. When going over the web site we were impressed with the range of products we saw. Nature Pacific has everything covered, from organic food to body products, sensual oil, pet products, stop itch and of course the shampoo, condition, virgin oil and capsules, there is a product that allows all to benefit from the properties of the wonderful coconut oil.

To find out more and purchase products visit www.naturepacific.com

Join Nature Pacific on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturePacific?ref=ts&fref=ts

and Banaban Virgin Coconut Oil https://www.facebook.com/pages/Banaban-Virgin-Coconut-Oil/185225551519008

The Little Book Of Everyday Miracles - Sharon Snir

The Little Book of Everyday Miracles by Sharon Snir brings with it a part of everyday life that is often overlooked and taken for granted. The saying goes that miracles happen every day. This book is one of those books that has you realizing that miracles are around us and experienced when and where we least expect them and without us even realizing they are miracles.

I must admit I was skeptical when this book first landed on my desk. The cover and title looked a little flouncy for me, and being printed in a small format it seemed to get a little lost amongst the other books. It reminded me of a book that I may give my elderly mother or an older person in a nursing home. How wrong I was!

From the moment I picked this little package up I was hooked. It actually held nicely in my hand and felt nice to hold, being soft and glossy with a soft 3D texture to highlight the words and floral design. This feel good feeling carried through to the feel good content. Full of 50 stories based on everyday life, I laughed, oohed, and shared my way through this book with my teenage daughter. I became so engrossed that I even read as I stirred the pot on the stove. Some stories grabbed my heart whilst others left me in disbelief, questioning the events that happen in my life and the meanings behind them. I was left thinking about the 'coincidences' in my life. Were they really coincidences or were they miracles? What exactly is a miracle?

"There's something about miracles that's utterly enticing. Just to hear about a miracle makes you feel more hopeful. It doesn't matter whether this miracle happened to your or to a complete stranger - it can still delight you. It's a delight that lingers, that leaves you with a spring in your step. Suddenly life doesn't seem so difficult. But where are miracles to be found, and how do they come about?

In this beautiful collection of inspiring true stories, everyday people share moments of unexpected courage and kindness, chance meetings and remarkable coincidences, showing us that miracles can take us out of the darkest places and give us the courage to get moving again. They're a divine catalyst, which reminds us that the impossible may just be possible."

I read this book in one day. As a book of short stories it nicely lends itself to that of a coffee table book that can be picked up, read for a moment and placed back down for another moment. This was my intention when I picked up The Little Book of Everyday Miracles. Just a quick read before I cook dinner. Yep, that definitely did not happen, I was hooked.

Did I have a favourite short story? I have to honestly say I enjoyed every one of them for what they offered. Each provided a different insight, thought or lesson. Each left me with a different emotion, but each left me feeling I had to share it with the others in the room.

The Little Book of Everyday Miracles by Sharon Snir left me feeling floaty and free. It left me with hope and vision of a world where miracles do happen, love is bountiful and life has a new meaning. I was saddened as I came to the last story, wanting to find more pages to turn and more miracles to fill my day. They say one should never judge a book by its cover, or at least by your personal interpretation and feeling of the cover.  The Little Book of Miracles certainly had me fooled. I am glad I took the time to pick it up. Five out of Five Sharon Snir!

ISBN: 978-1-74332-133-2

www.allenandunwin.com

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

A Journey From Lost To Found

Not many books have me crying by page 24 but Wild by Cheryl Strayed certainly did.

Cheryl Strayed is a woman on a journey, one about determination, life and finding yourself.  In Wild, Cheryl captures love, family, friends, relationships and accounts of loss, both mentally and physically, in a way that takes one to hell and back with mixed emotions. At the end of Wild I was left feeling exhilarated, empowered and in awe of this woman's strength and commitment. If Cheryl Strayed can walk eleven hundred miles alone then my goals in life can also be
achieved.

'At twenty-six, Cheryl Strayed though she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's rapid death from cancer, her family grew apart and her marriage soon crumbled. With seemingly nothing to lose, she made the most impulsive decisions in her life: to walk eleven-hundred miles of the west coast of America – from the Mojave Desert, through California and Oregon, and into Washington State – and to do it alone. She had no experience of long-distance hiking and the journey was nothing more than a line on a map. But it held a promise – a promise of piecing together a life that lay shattered at her feet.

Strayed's account captures the agonies – both physical and mental – of her incredible journey; hit it maddened and terrified her, and how, ultimately, it healed her. Wild is a brutal memoir of survival, grief and redemption; a searing portrayal of life at its lowest ebb and at its highest tide.'

Cheryl Strayed writes with consistent flow and humor yet provides seriousness to the reality of life. At times she is able to laugh at, and with, herself and the ridiculousness of her life and thoughts.  You see her  as a 'normal' woman with thoughts, feelings and impulses that make you realise that we are all only limited to how we see ourselves and what is put in front of us.

“ I scooted over the carpet and situated myself on my rump right in front of my pack, wove my arms through the shoulder straps, and clipped the sternum strap across my chest. I took a deep breath and began rocking back and forth to gain momentum, until finally I hurled myself forward with everything in me and got myself onto my hands and knees. My backpack was no longer on the floor. It was officially attached to me. It still seemed like a Volkswagen Beetle, only now it seemed like a Volkswagen Beetle that was parked on my back. I stayed there for a few moments, trying to get my balance. Slowly, I worked my feet beneath me while simultaneously scaling the metal cooling unit with my hands until I was vertical enough that I could do a dead lift. The frame of the pack squeaked as I rose, it too straining from the tremendous weight. By the time I was standing – which is to say, hunching in a remotely upright position – I was holding the vented metal panell that I'd accidentally ripped loose from the cooling unit in my efforts” (pg 43)

Thus starts the journey of Cheryl Strayed, her 'Volkswagen Beetle' back pack and those she meets.

Wild contains important and thought provoking messages for all. It provides an insight into the way we look at life and those who pass by us, some staying for a long time, others blessing us for only a moment. It made me think about the things I take for granted and had me assessing my life based on the experiences of Cheryl

On page 143 Cheryl writes “That perhaps being amidst the undesecrated beauty of the wilderness meant that I too could be undesecrated, regardless of what I'd lost or what had been taken from me, regardless of the regrettable things I'd done to others or myself or the regrettable things that had been done to me. Of all the things I'd been skeptical about, I didn't feel skeptical about this: the wilderness had a clarity that included me”

Writing on the day before the fourth of July and with certainty that her friends would be having parties and attending parades, Cheryl brings home the reality that we are 'no more or less significant than a single one of the nameless birds in the trees.'

I found myself engrossed in every page and every word that I read. I laughed, I cried and I felt every emotion with Cheryl. Already on Oprah's Book Club 2.0 inaugural selection of books list I would definitely place Wild in the top five of my best read books of 2012. I was never lost whilst reading Wild but definitely found myself  by the time I had finished.

ISBN: 9780857897756

Published by Atlantic Books

Available online at: www.allenandunwin.com

review: Jennifer Deaves