57 - EDWARD VII The Last Victorian King : Christopher Hibbert

To his mother, Queen Victoria, he was `poor Bertie,` to his wife he was `my dear little man,` while the President of France called him `a great English king,` and the German Kaiser condemned him as `an old peacock.` King Edward VII was all these things and more, as Hibbert reveals in this captivating biography. Shedding new light on the scandals that peppered his life, Hibbert reveals Edward`s dismal early years under Victoria`s iron rule, his terror of boredom that led to a lively social life at home and abroad, and his eventual ascent to the throne at age 59. Edward is best remembered as the last Victorian king, the monarch who installed the office of Prime Minister.

A joy to read without footnotes ( a good index is provided at the end ) and the usual stuffy writing of so many biographies. I found it totally entertaining and it certainly expanded my knowledge of the monarchy and the personalities of the time. I have already reserved his book on Victoria. Pictures, well laid out chapters and just enough information to inform without overwhelming.

,37 - THIS TIME TOGETHER - Laughter and Reflection: CAROL BURNETT

Carol Burnett is one of the most beloved and revered actresses and performers in America. The Carol Burnett Show was seen each week by millions of adoring fans and won twenty-five Emmys in its remarkable eleven-year run. Now, in This Time Together, Carol really lets her hair down and tells one funny or touching or memorable story after another – reading it feels like sitting down with an old friend who has wonderful tales to tell.

In engaging anecdotes, Carol discusses her remarkable friendships with stars such at Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, and Julie Andrews; the background behind famous scenes, like the moment she swept down the stairs in her curtain-rod dress in the legendary “Went With the Wind” skit; and things that would happen only to Carol – the prank with Julie Andrews that went wrong in front of the First Lady; the famous Tarzan Yell that saved her during a mugging; and the time she faked a wooden leg to get served in a famous ice cream emporium. This poignant look back allows us to cry with the actress during her sorrows, rejoice in her successes, and finally, always, to laugh.

Fluff read. I wouldn't have bought this book but as a freebie from the library it filled time flipping pages, while I waited for a more substantial reserve, and brought back some funny memories of the classic skits.

19 - ALL OF ME: ANNE MURRAY

An unflinching self-portrait of Canada’s first great female recording artist, All of Me documents the life of Anne Murray, from her humble origins in the tragedy-plagued coal-mining town of Springhill, Nova Scotia, to her arrival on the world stage. Anne recounts her story: the battles with her record companies over singles and albums; the struggle with drug- and alcohol-ridden band members; the terrible guilt and loneliness of being away from her two young children; her divorce from the man who helped launch her career, Bill Langstroth; and the deaths of two of her closest confidantes. The result is a must-read autobiography by Canada’s beloved songbird.

Not really so humble, her father was a doctor and not as sensational as the above implies but an interesting enough read seeing as we are of the same vintage. She certainly recorded more than I was aware of probably because so much was country. The only album I ever bought was: There's A Hippo in My Bathtub, songs for children.

9 - THE HOUSE AT SALVATION CREEK: SUSAN DUNCAN

Continuing the story of Susan Duncan's bestselling and much-loved memoir, Salvation Creek, The House picks up after Bob and Susan marry and, two years later, move from her Tin Shed into his 'pale yellow house on the high, rough hill', Tarrangaua, built for the iconic Australian poet, Dorothea Mackellar.

Set against the backdrop of the small, close-knit Pittwater community with its colourful characters and quirky history, The House is about what happens when you open the door to life, adventure, and love. But it's also about mothers and daughters, as Susan confronts her mother's new frailty and her own role in what has always been a difficult relationship.

Where Salvation Creek was about mortality - living life in the face of death - The House is about stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing challenges, at any age. In turn funny and moving, Susan Duncan's beautifully written sequel reminds us to honour what matters in life, and to disregard what really doesn't.


Salvation Creek