Most Popular Books by Sue Williams

Essays by Dan Cameron and Juan Carlos Roman.

The remarkable true story of a family forced into hiding after leaking Russian secrets What started out as a great adventure turned into a terrifying nightmare when Nick Stride and his family were forced to flee for their lives from one of the richest, most powerful men in the world. Nick moved to Russia in 1998 to help build the British Embassy in Moscow, but ended up on the run with his wife and two children after leaking secrets from Vladimir Putin’s one-time deputy. Hiding off grid on Australia’s final frontier – remote beaches on the Dampier Peninsula on the far north Kimberley coast – the family faced crocodiles, sharks, snakes, raging bushfires and the devastating Cyclone Yvette, and survived only by catching fish and crabs and learning how to kill wild animals. It was a life-or-death move, but Nick felt he had no choice. Now, emerging from isolation, the family are finally ready to share their incredible story.

An astonishing story of courage, dedication, and the stirring triumph of hope and determination against all the odds. Mean Streets, Kind Heart: the Father Chris Riley Story is an inspirational tale of how one man can touch so many lives. Australian streetkids are the forgotten underclass of society, an ever-increasing pool of children who are often abused, frequently in the clutches of drug dealers, and usually engaged in crime just to make enough money to stay alive. their childhood dreams of a happy, loving future are lost forever. this book tells of Father Riley''s faltering first steps towards helping such children, and his determination to pledge the rest of his life to giving them back their dreams. It tells of the heartbreaking situations he''s witnessed, the touching tales of kids with nothing left but their own will to survive, and the way he''s been able to touch so many of their lives. throughout the triumphs and the tears is Father Riley''s inimitable humour, his sense of fun, and the indomitable spirit that has entranced so many of the kids he''s helped.

From the bestselling author of Elizabeth & Elizabeth and That Bligh Girl, comes another fascinating story of female friendship, betrayal and triumphs based on historical events. ''The very best historical fiction ... Williams'' novel gives voice in a page-turning narrative to the compelling lives and experiences of two forgotten women of early colonial Australia.'' Melissa Ashley, author of The Naturalist of Amsterdam ''I very much enjoyed That Bligh Girl, and eagerly look forward to reading its prequel.'' Judy Nunn, author of Black Sheep When future governor Philip Gidley King sailed with the First Fleet to the new colony, he had his pick of the convict women to look after him. Two years, and two sons, later, he set out back to England to provide a report on Sydney and its newly tamed Norfolk Island, as his mistress Ann Inett begged him to return to her and their children. After a year and a half he did – but bringing with him a shocking secret that would cut her to the core, and change all their lives forevermore. This is a story of tangled love affairs, female friendship, twisted loyalties, betrayals, hardship, male infidelity, and the tragedies and triumphs of life in a new land. ''Williams skilfully shows the too-often overlooked impact women had on the early development of the colony.'' Meg Keneally, Weekend Australian ''Superb narration and engrossing drama.'' Tom Keneally on That Bligh Girl ''Williams draws a touching portrait of a friendship that manages to thrive despite difficulties small and large.'' Sydney Morning Herald/The Age on Elizabeth & Elizabeth

A fascinating story of Governor Bligh''s trouble-making daughter, Mary, a powerful and determined woman from the bestselling author ofElizabeth and Elizabeth. ''Superb narration and engrossing drama.'' Tom Keneally Mary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh. The pair immediately scandalise Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons. When three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the governor is nowhere to be see. Instead, Mary stands defiantly at the gates, fighting them back with just her parasol. Despite being bullied, belittled and betrayed, Mary remains steadfast, even when her desperate father double-crosses her yet again in his last-ditch attempt to cling onto power. But will Mary turn out to be her father''s daughter and deceive him in pursuit of her own dreams and ambitions? Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of?the women of colonial Sydney with another fascinating, meticulously researched historical novel. Praise for Elizabeth and Elizabeth: ''An extraordinary story of female leadership at a time when such a quality was frowned on, and female friendship forged against the odds. Sue Williams'' Elizabeth & Elizabeth brings us a nuanced and vivid portrait of the early days of colonisation. More importantly, it delivers a fascinating look into the relationship between two remarkable women.'' - Meg Keneally, bestselling author of The Wreck ''Well-written, rich in historical detail and engaging…a lovely novel and recommended reading especially for those interested in Australia''s past.'' - Book''d Out ''A fascinating and evocative story of an enduring friendship between two women who played such an important role in colonial Australia''s history.'' - Caroline Beecham, author of Finding Eadie

For Cass Tuplin, proprietor of the Rusty Bore Takeaway (and definitely not an unlicensed private investigator), it’s weird enough that her neighbour Vern has somehow acquired a lady friend. But then he asks Cass to look into the case of the dead rats someone’s dumped on Joanne’s doorstep. She’s barely started when Joanne goes missing, leaving hints of an unsavoury past. Then a private investigator from Melbourne turns up asking questions about Joanne’s involvement in a fatal house fire—and before you can say ‘unauthorised investigation’ Cass is back on the case. Sue Williams is the author of a crime series set in Rusty Bore, population 147. Sue was raised in country Victoria and hotly denies this provided any inspiration for her writing. She is a science and travel writer and a chartered accountant who also holds a PhD in marine biology. These days, Sue lives in Melbourne with her husband. Her previous two Cass Tuplin books are Murder with the Lot and Dead Men Don’t Order Flake. ‘Sue Williams is Australia’s answer to New Jersey’s Janet Evanovich.’ NZ Listener ‘Finely wrought and highly amusing...a wonderful new series in the comedy crime genre.’ Australian ‘This book is like going to visit your regional relatives and having a bunch of their friends pop by for a chat. It’s comforting, slightly dishevelled, wildly entertaining...Live and Let Fry is self-aware, observant, and with a fresh take on a crime hero, this is as irresistible as potato cakes after a swim.’ Readings ‘This is a book best not read on the quiet carriage of public transport, as the giggles, snickers and guffaws likely to be emitted may disturb other commuters...Fans of the series will not be disappointed.’ BookMooch ‘Sue Williams has her recipe down pat: an engaging heroine with a sense of humour as dry as the landscape.’ Adelaide Advertiser ‘There is no doubt about the value of escapist literature in a world fraught with so many seemingly intractable problems. This book unashamedly belongs to that escapist genre. There can scarcely be better therapy than to immerse oneself for a time in a world where good triumphs over evil and where there is the prospect of a happy ending.’ ArtsHub

Three hundred nautical miles from shore, I‘m cold and sick and afraid. I pray for reprieve. I long for solid ground. And I can‘t help but ask myself, What the hell was I thinking? When Sue Williams set sail for the North Atlantic, it wasn’t a mid-life crisis. She had no affinity for the sea. And she didn’t have an adventure-seeking bone in her body. In the wake of a perfect storm of personal events, it suddenly became clear: her sons were adults now; they needed freedom to figure things out for themselves; she had to get out of their way. And it was now or never for her husband, David, to realize his dream to cross an ocean. So she’d go too. Ready to Come About is the story of a mother’s improbable adventure on the high seas and her profound journey within, through which she grew to believe that there is no gift more precious than the liberty to chart one’s own course, and that risk is a good thing ... sometimes, at least.

A dangerous high-stakes mystery is afoot. Unlicensed, and unlikely, detective Cass Tuplin is on the case.

Music & program based on the principles of sensory integreation theory.

A smart, sassy self-appointed private investigator, Cass Tuplin is unforgettable and the town of Rusty Bore will never be the same... Cass Tuplin''s takeaway isn''t the last shop left in Rusty Bore. There''s also Vern''s General Store. But it''s true the town''s not exactly overflowing with residents, and a stranger in Cass''s shop is quite an event. Especially one like Clarence: suspicious, bleeding, looking for a burger with the lot and somewhere quiet to stay. Cass knows just the place. Then she finds out more about Clarence and wants him out of town, but it turns out that''s not as easy as it sounds. And then she finds the body. It sounds like a job for the local police. Except that the local police is Cass''s son Dean, who has his doubts about Cass. And there''s no way he''s expending police resources on his mother''s fantasy crimes, not anymore. So it looks like Cass is going to have to find the killer on her own. Sue Williams is a refreshing and irreverent new voice in crime fiction - Australia''s answer to Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton. Sue Williams is a science and travel writer and a chartered accountant who also holds a PhD in marine biology. Her articles have been published in a range of magazines and on The Science Show on ABC Radio National. Sue lives in Melbourne with her husband. Murder with the Lot is her first book. ''A well-sauced outback caper, with Chiko Rolls - and murder.'' Kerry Greenwood ''This story is told...in a wonderful freewheeling style that continually undercuts itself, throws ironies around by the mile, and in general offers us a character we love from page one, even when she''s driving her family and several other people crazy.'' Otago Daily Times ''There is a murder; there may be mafia involved. Or so thinks Cass, your classic nosy small Aussie town Miss Marple - although her manner and turn of phrase are somewhat less refined. A racy romp.'' Weekend Herald ''Enjoyable, easy to read with a few well-timed twists and turns and a touch of very Australian humour.'' Ballarat Courier ''[Cass] is a very funny character.'' AustCrime ''A debut novel as dinky-di as an outback salute.'' Adelaide Advertiser ''An easy-flowing story with plenty of humour and amusing observations by Cass...In all, an entertaining and enjoyable read that also effectively captures the plight of rural Australia.'' Canberra Times ''Let''s hope that Murder with the Lot is the first of many capers for Cass.'' Sisters in Crime

During the course of a walk, a young boy identifies animals of different colors.

Workbook designed to accompany Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing by Linda Williams.

On the night Leo Stone returns—notionally from the dead, in reality from the Democratic Republic of the Congo—Cass Tuplin gets a call from Gary Kellett. A call about an actual dead person: Gary’s daughter, killed in a car crash. Gary’s adamant it wasn’t an accident. Cass agrees to investigate. After all, not just Rusty Bore’s only purveyor of fine fast food, Cass is also the closest thing to a private detective within a couple of hundred k’s. The local police (Cass’s son Dean) try to warn her off. It’s true Cass’s status as a celebrated yet non-licensed nobody doesn’t entirely suit Dean. But Dean also believes Gary’s a delusional, grieving father. Is that the case? Or did a young journalist die after asking too many questions? Cass intends to find out. As soon as she’s dealt with some queries raised by the reappearance of Leo Stone. Sue Williams is a science writer and chartered accountant who also holds a PhD in marine biology. She lives in Melbourne with her husband. Her first Cass Tuplin mystery, Murder with the Lot, also published by Text, was shortlisted in the Ned Kelly Awards. ‘There’s a wry, satirical element to much of Williams’ humour...In the grand tradition of cosies, [Cass is] a woman underestimated at your peril...Fun and often charming crime fiction, thanks to its winning super-sleuth heroine.’ Saturday Paper ‘Williams captures small town Victoria with ease and her plot has enough twists and red herrings to keep it interesting. Fans of Murder With The Lot will not be disappointed, and no doubt will be hoping for more of Cass Tuplin. An excellent sequel!’ BookMooch ‘Once again, Williams has created a small-town mystery with big repercussions with the wacky, loveable characters who fill Rusty Bore making a comeback in this novel.’ Weekly Times ‘An enormously enjoyable and pacy novel set in a speck of a country town in rural Victoria, with a plucky amateur sleuth amid a quirky ensemble of townsfolk and family. Quintessentially Australian without being overcooked.’ Abbey’s Bookshop ‘[A] finely wrought and highly amusing crime novel...Williams has created a wonderful new series in the comedy crime genre. Dead Men Don’t Order Flake is a multilayered yarn that mines the rich ore of regional Australia and I can’t wait for the next Cass Tuplin adventure.’ Australian ‘Williams has put together a recipe for madcap adventure the main ingredient an engaging female lead whose nosiness solves the mysteries of her tiny hometown.’ Adelaide Advertiser ‘This book is pure entertainment the author captures the quirky ways of small town Australia perfectly, well, apart from murder that is, we don’t get too many of them in these parts.’ Audiothing ‘Smoothly written with plenty of humour, and some wry observations by Cass, this is an enjoyable, off-beat crime novel with a good cast of characters and a nicely paced storyline.’ Sydney Morning Herald

The story of how two women, who should have been bitter foes, combined their courage and wisdom to wield extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony. ''I''ve waited for this moment so long, dreamed of it, prepared for it, I can barely believe it''s finally here. But it is. And it is nothing like I expected.'' There was a short time in Australia''s European history when two women wielded extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony. One was Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, nudging him towards social reform and magnificent buildings and town planning. The other was Elizabeth Macarthur, credited with creating Australia''s wool industry and married to John Macarthur, a dangerous enemy of the establishment. These women came from strikingly different backgrounds with husbands who held sharply conflicting views. They should have been bitter foes. Elizabeth & Elizabeth is about two courageous women thrown together in impossible times. Borne out of an overriding admiration for the women of early colonial Australian history, Sue Williams has written a novel of enduring fascination. ''An extraordinary story of female leadership at a time when such a quality was frowned on, and female friendship forged against the odds. Sue Williams'' Elizabeth & Elizabeth brings us a nuanced and vivid portrait of the early days of colonisation. More importantly, it delivers a fascinating look into the relationship between two remarkable women.'' - Meg Keneally, bestselling author of The Wreck ''A fascinating and evocative story of an enduring friendship between two women who played such an important role in colonial Australia''s history.'' - Caroline Beecham, author of Finding Eadie

The remarkable story of Professor Fiona Wood AM, world-leading burns specialist and one of Australia''s most innovative and respected surgeons, whose groundbreaking research and technology development has changed the lives of burns patients. When three bombs tore out the heart of Bali and destroyed so many Australian lives in 2002, burns surgeon Professor Fiona Wood and her team were there to help. A pioneer in the field of burns and reconstructive surgery, Fiona made world headlines with the use of her groundbreaking invention of ''spray-on skin'' to help minimise her patients'' terrible scarring. Fiona was later made Australian of the Year, voted Australia''s Most Trusted Person for an unprecedented six years running in the annual Reader''s Digest poll and acclaimed as a ''National Living Treasure''. This is the story of her extraordinary life. Against all the odds, Fiona, the daughter of a fifth-generation coalminer in the north of England, became one of Australia''s most innovative, respected and dedicated surgeons and researchers. She talks candidly of the moving valour of her burns patients, and the heartbreak, triumph, tears and controversies that have stalked her stellar career. Remarkably, she has achieved all of this while raising six children. In Under Her Skin, Sue Williams, a bestselling author and award-winning journalist who has written a number of biographies - most notably about Father Chris Riley, Father Bob Maguire and Dr Catherine Hamlin - presents a searingly honest, no-holds-barred account of all aspects of Fiona Wood''s remarkable life.

Are such things as divorce, suicide, drinking, and smoking sins? Will God punish me if I accidentally cause someone''s death? Does God hear my prayers even though I''ve been ignoring Him or didn''t believe in Him? If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions, you will find the answers to them and many more answers in this book.

‘I believe that nothing is impossible if you dare to dream, plan and take action. I’m an ordinary girl who simply refused to give up on a dream, and that’s all it takes to succeed in life.’ Alyssa Azar is unstoppable. When she was just eight years old, she walked the gruelling Kokoda Track, the youngest person in the world to do so. At twelve she climbed the ten highest peaks in Australia. Two years later she touched the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Now, at the age of nineteen, she has reached the roof of the world: the summit of Mount Everest. The Girl Who Climbed Everest is the inspiring story of how an ordinary girl from country Queensland worked towards ascending the world’s highest peak. Through passion, determination and immense hard work, and despite being turned back twice – once by a deadly avalanche and the second time by a devastating earthquake that nearly claimed her life – Alyssa is the youngest Australian to have achieved this extraordinary feat. She shares the thrills and heartbreaking disappointments on the road to reaching her goal, and explains how she finds the courage and motivation to keep going in the face of overwhelming danger and adversity. Above all, Alyssa’s story shows us that we can achieve anything if we dare to dream big.

two young English tourists waylaid in the outback by a predatory stranger, a single gunshot, and then the darkness.Peter Falconio''s disappearance sparked one of the biggest manhunts and mysteries in Australia''s history. the only witness was Peter''s girlfriend, Joanne Lees, who was found wandering the highway, her hands bound in front of her and tape matted in her hair. the only clue was a pool of blood found by police at the back of the couple''s Kombi.Joanne''s account of her ordeal - the apparent murder of her partner, her binding and gagging, and her miraculous escape into the bush away from her burly attacker and his dog - provoked a frenzy of media interest and a huge police operation, but as clues to the attacker''s identity were few and far between and police blunders mounted, doubts about Joanne''s story began to surface. Was this seemingly innocent English backpacker a liar, after all?three years on, the saga continues with the trial of Bradley Murdoch, a gun-happy drifter from Western Australia, numerous conspiracy theories and, finally, the discover of some vital genetic evidence.

Brain Injury, Trauma and Loss tells the story of the impact of Covid- 19 on neurorehabilitation. It offers a unique dual perspective as it intertwines the two voices of Sue Williams, who had sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2018, and Rudi Coetzer, her neuropsychologist during the pandemic. Based on detailed diary extracts, therapeutic notes and updates (edited to preserve confidentiality), this book provides a unique insight into the practical and psychological effects of Covid- 19 on brain injury and rehabilitation, ranging from the impact on delivering clinical rehabilitation sessions and self- directed approaches, to the effect on daily living, social isolation, and online integration. The final section on ‘reflections’ contributes to the current wider knowledge on how to improve practice in brain injury rehabilitation for patients, families and clinicians. The detailed account of changes in service delivery provides a window into what kind of adaptations can be made in clinical practices, highlighting the need to question existing practices and look for creative methods in delivering rehabilitation services. This is valuable reading for clinical neuropsychologists who experienced changes in their work both during and since the pandemic, as well as speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and brain injury survivors, their families, and friends.

This book''s aim is to dispel the confusion and mystique which surrounds cancer, by presenting in simple, clear language what cancer is, how it is investigated, how a diagnosis is made, and what treatments are available. It explains why some people get cancer and what happens to them.

-- Comprehensive coverage of the nursing care of medical-surgical disorders, with the inclusion of sufficient pathophysiology to give students an understanding of the rationales for specific nursing actions -- Exercises and case studies integrated within the chapters enhance student''s critical thinking abilities -- Word-building techniques, phonetics, and glossary help students master the terminology of med-surg nursing -- Extensive use of mnemonic devices and other tips aid students in learning and remembering content -- Emphasis on the care of elderly patients -- Sidebar boxes within the body systems chapters on gerontological, pharmacological, nutritional, cultural, home health, and ethical considerations -- Pedagogical tools in each chapter include objectives, list of new terms, case studies, followed by a series of questions requiring the student to understand and apply the chapter content to a "real-world" situation -- Appendices include word-building techniques, list of prefixes and suffixes, abbreviations, and laboratory values

The third edition of Fundamentals of Mammography assists clinicians to deliver a consistently high-quality service while acquiring the skills needed to provide care at what can be an emotionally difficult time for many patients. Fully updated to reflect current mammography technology, standards and radiologic environments, the book covers the principles of mammography techniques as well as equipment, quality control checks, psychological issues and communication. This book is ideal for assistant practitioners and radiographers, both in training or newly qualified, as well as all other health professionals who use mammography in breast care settings. - Step-by-step guide to producing high-quality mammograms - Clear explanations and diagrams to achieve the best positioning and use of equipment - Graphic aids showing how to accommodate different statures and configurations - Advice on achieving and maintaining quality control for equipment and film processing - Patient-centred approach, with case studies and information on communication - Fully updated with the latest evidence, including electronic processing and digital technology

From horse whispering to crocodile hunting to single-handedly changing an 80-kilo flat tyre on a road train in 40-degree heat...there is nothing these modern-day outback women can''t do. But when it comes to hardship and heartbreak, they''ve endured far more than their fair share. Living and working in some of the most remote spots in the world, they''ve had to become experts at turning tragedy into triumph. Our former Miss World finds a new start in the bush; an adventurer crosses one of the world''s harshest deserts on camelback; a single mum becomes a truck driver to make ends meet and a former nurse takes over the famous Birdsville Hotel. This book is a tribute to the great Australian Outback from those who live and work at the heart of it. ''[These women] simply took my breath away with the kind of courage, daring and resilience that have seen them overcome sometimes crushing difficulties.'' Georgie Parker

TAKE FIVE! Staying Alert at Home and School was written for parents and teachers, providing activities that are helpful to keep children alert at home and school. Many therapists recommend these low budget, easy to use activities. This book does not teach children about their engine levels, but it is organized around the five ways to change how alert we feel. We are excited to announce our newest book, Take Five! Staying Alert at Home and School. Teachers, therapists, and parents will love the quick movement breaks and other suggestions to expand their repertoire of self-regulation strategies. Take Five! is chock full of activities to use directly with students or to make recommendations for home and school. The sensorimotor activites and other strategies are "user friendly" and support children''s engines to "run just right." You won''t want to miss out on this ideal resource to support the use of the Alert Program.

A Collection of lyrical, funny, witty and topical poems, just for the Christmas Season

''A story of friendship like no other... breathtaking in its tenderness and inspiration.'' The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO Two incredible women, an unlikely friendship, and a united mission to save the lives of some of the world''s poorest and most desperate women. Healing Lives reveals the untold tale of Mamitu Gashe, Dr Catherine Hamlin''s protégée, and the inspiring almost 60-year friendship between the two women. In 1962, three years after Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin arrived in Ethiopia, an illiterate peasant girl sought their aid. Mamitu Gashe was close to death and horrifically injured during childbirth after an arranged marriage - at the age of just fourteen to a man she''d never met - in a remote mountain village. The Hamlins'' Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital saved her and, in return, Mamitu dedicated her life to Catherine''s mission. Under the iconic doctor''s guidance, Mamitu went from mopping floors and comforting her fellow patients, to becoming one of the most acclaimed fistula surgeons in the world, despite never having had a day''s schooling. This is the moving story of the friendship that saved the lives of over 60,000 of the poorest women on earth. SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021

''So uplifting ... terrific ... wonderful, wonderful. So inspirational!'' John Paul Young When the Merry Makers dance, it''s hard to find a dry eye in the audience. ''I never used to believe in miracles,'' says one admirer. ''But now I know they happen.''All the Merry Makers have intellectual or physical disabilities - sometimes both - and face huge challenges in their lives, yet to see them dance is one of the most uplifting celebrations of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music.With a record-breaking three appearances on 60 MINUtES and their documentary tHE MUSIC IN ME winning awards around the world and enjoying ratings success when shown on ABC tV''s ENOUGH ROPE, the Merry Makers are now about to conquer the USA. this is their story.PRAISE FOR tHE MERRY MAKERS'' PERFORMANCES''I was taken aback by the sheer joy of it ... moments of pure goodness.'' Andrew Denton''I was overwhelmed by the love! there''s so much joy.'' Marcia Hines''I cried - not because of sadness, but because of happiness ... immensely touching.'' John Laws''It was amazing, so beautiful. It''s such a lot of fun.'' todd McKenney''It''s like a wave washing over you, all that warmth ... extraordinary!'' Julia Morris

This is the life story of Father Bob Maguire - a rare behind-the-scenes look at the much-loved ''people''s priest''. The enigmatic champion of the down-and-out was shaped by a lonely childhood in poor circumstances, an early priesthood that collided with the upheaval of Vatican 11 and working with the army during the Vietnam War. This is a lively portrait of the man behind the resilient social activist and popular media performer who refuses to be defeated by enforced retirement from the parish over which he presided for nearly forty years. Bob Maguire: ''Some people have called me a maverick or a larrikin or a renegade, or they say I''m plain mad. . .People will have to decide for themselves. But just one thing: Don''t ever make me a saint. Because that is something I''m most definitely not.'' Les Twentyman: ''People love him and hate him with a passion. But you don''t become a leader unless you''ve got that.'' Carrie Bickmore: ''He''s one of the most genuine souls I know.'' Chief Justice Terry Higgins: ''His knowledge of street kids and his understanding of them is phenomenal.'' Neil Mitchell: ''He is a treasure, magnificent, unpredictable, passionate, entertaining and a little dangerous.'' Derryn Hinch: ''He''s an engaging old coot but I wonder how much is performance and how much is his real persona. People deify him but he has feet of clay.'' Eddie McGuire: ''Bob is a real doer. He always looks on the bright side of a tough world and gets stuck into the action and makes things happen.''

''The Outback isn''t a place on a map; it''s a place in your heart. It''s an attitude, how you treat people, a way of behaving. It''s your belief system, and how a whole nation of Australians often long for a time when life was simpler, less complicated, more genuine . . . '' Sue Williams has long been fascinated by the Outback – its striking landscapes, the salt-of-the-earth characters it breeds, its wonders and its weirdness. But to date, her focus has been on others'' lives. Now putting her bravest foot forward, Sue sets out to see our country as it really is, warts and all. She accepts every new challenge that comes her way, including pregnancy-testing cows at a remote property, joining a cattle drive across Queensland, visiting the deadliest town in Australia, and fronting up to a ferocious fighter in the last boxing tent in the world. It''s tough for a city slicker, but she won''t stop until she discovers what the ''real'' Outback is all about.

Drought, flood, harrowing isolation and horrific accidents. . . the Australian outback is no place for a lady. But the women of the Outback are a different breed: tough, resilient and endlessly resourceful. They''re both the backbone and the heart of Australia, keeping their farms going, their families together and their communities alive - and often against overwhelming odds. Maree was left with three small daughters when her husband and young son were killed in a light plane crash. Molly lived alone in a 1920s homestead in the middle of the Simpson Desert for twenty years without even a phone. Alice admits she couldn''t tell a cow from a bull when she first went to live in the Outback. This book tells the inspiring stories of fourteen remarkable women, from high-achievers to everyday heroes. Their tales are often heart-rending and regularly touched by tragedy, but are always life-affirming. They portray Outback Australian women as they really are - and as we all wish we might be. ''every word cried out to be read . . . [a] remarkable book.'' Bookseller & Publisher ''humbling and awe-inspiring.'' Woman''s Day

Five kids orphaned by a terrible accident . . . A struggling family living in the most isolated spot on earth . . . A single dad battling to cope in a house falling down around his ears . . . A desperately ill woman in the middle of nowhere . . . In the great Outback traditions of mateship, resilience and generosity come these stories of ordinary people who, against seemingly insurmountable odds, help out those who inhabit Australia''s vast untamed frontiers. No task is too great and no sacrifice too much for these modern-day heroes. Cheryl flies sick patients from rural areas to emergency medical treatment in cities; Sue is often the only one between life and death for her patients in the Kimberley; Ricky trades city comforts to connect with kids through sport in the dust of the desert and Eileen overcomes great challenges to protect remote land for generations to come. These are some of the men and women who embody the spirit of the Outback. Inspiring, stirring and touching by turn, these people draw on enormous personal reserves to maintain the values of the Outback for the future of all Australians. ''A taste of the great things happening in the outback. Williams has found some real gems.'' Weekly Times

''Samantha Barlow doesn''t stand a chance. As she walks briskly past the start of Arthur Park on her left, she can''t see a dark figure slinking out of the shadows towards her. The first she knows of his presence is when she feels a blow, hard to the back of her head, delivered with such force, it actually dents her skull.'' Samantha Barlow''s life changed the day she was brutally attacked on the way to work in Sydney''s notorious Kings Cross. The popular, confident young woman was left for dead, dragging herself to a lonely bus stop, desperate to stay alive for her two young children. The police who attended the crime scene didn''t recognise their colleague. Inspector Laurence Barlow watched helplessly as his wife''s life lay in the balance. He''d spent his career stopping violent offenders, but now found himself on the other side of a crisis. Samantha was a highly respected sergeant, but she could have been any woman - her attacker was a junkie after money. Her story touched people everywhere: her resilience, her indomitable spirit and her triumphant return to work after 22 months of rehab is an inspiration to all Australians. This is a brave family''s journey to recovery.

Designed to work hand in hand with Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing, this exceptional workbook gives students the tools they need to ensure a solid understanding of medical-surgical nursing.