What is the best Biography or Autobiography which you have read by an Australian Author? I have read some?

Question

really wonderful books lately.  However, I found that the best one is is by Kerry McGinnis.  I wish everyone who wants to know about Australia would read this one.  I think every Australian child should read it too.  

Pieces of Blue
Author: Kerry McGinnis

At the age of six, Kerry McGinnis loses her mother. Her father, left with four young children to raise, gathers up his family and leaves the city to go doving. For the next fifteen years, the McGinnis clan travels the continent, droving, horse breaking and living off the land. Kerry grows up in the harsh outback, and the animals that inhabit the land are her closest friends.

With the memory of her absent mother ever present, Kerry begins her difficult journey into young womanhood.

Yahoo User · Accepted Answer

My mum gave me that one to read but I found it a bit too heavy going to finish.  I have read many Australian autobiographies of people starting up farms or stations or new communities.  One I remember well is "Nothing Prepared Me" by Edna Eckford Quilty.  He and her new husband travelled from Queensland to Northern Western Australia to start up a cattle station.  On the way there a lot of their luggage got burnt in a fire on their truck.  They built their station from scratch and trained Aborigines to work for them as jackaroos, gardeners and kitchen hands. Edna had to learn to do many things after having had a privileged childhood.

I have also read "Why Not Me" by Anna Healey, a young girl on the brink of adult hood who develops Multiple Sclerosis and finds herself getting about in a wheelchair.  She triumphs over her disability and learns to sail a boat on her own and be a motivational speaker and get married and have a daughter.

Another is "Never Tell Me Never" by Janine Shepherd, an Olympic skying hopeful who was knocked off her bike and left with a spinal cord injury.  She rehabilitated and went on to walk with a limp and get her pilots licence and get married.

Anonymous · Answer

Mark Twain's Autobiography is the greatest, he writes it in that sarcastic way his books are written in and its hilarious. He talks half and half about funny stories about his childhood and personal life, and about his career. I read his reminiscent of the bear costume while on the bus, and people were looking at me for laughing so hard. I have honestly never laughed like this at any other book, he is truly amazing.

? · Answer

Kerry Mcginnis

loan_wolfe · Answer

A fortunate Life By AB Facey it is just brilliant.

Lily · Answer

Sounds interesting thanks lakegal, I'll make a note of her name..

I must confess the only Australian author I've read is Nevil Shute's A town Like Alice and that was years ago.
I have since seen the film a few times though and thoroughly enjoyed it.

? · Answer

" Kangaroo Illnesses" by Marcus Wallaby, M.D.

EDIT: Sorry I couldn't resist.  Woke up in a silly mood.

What is the best Biography or Autobiography which you have read by an Australian Author? I have read some?

6 Answers