Category Archives: Books

Kick-off reads

Posted on January 15, 2022 by topherdman

This year, I get the ball rolling with a treat from the king of crime writing. Michael Connelly’s The Dark Hours tacks another chapter to the Renee Ballard and Harry Bosch tandem. The book sees the duo solving murders while … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, COVID-19, Travel | Leave a comment

December 2021: Yuletide reads

Posted on December 18, 2021 by topherdman

Following my last list, I begin with Grisham’s latest. The sequel to The Whistler (2016), The Judge’s List puts a new spin on the serial killer. The book once again debuted as a number one bestseller, which has been the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, reviews | Leave a comment

Banyo Tales

Posted on November 27, 2021 by topherdman

I’d like to share a few stories which I’ve accumulated through the years. There is a common theme among these tales. I start with an account a while ago in Sydney’s north. I was passing through and was on my … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Literary | Leave a comment

November 2021 reads

Posted on November 20, 2021 by topherdman

This month, I’ve once again gone through the requisite trio of reads. As with the last catalogue, there are two nonfiction titles and one novel. Jay Williams’s moving autobiography was first. I read this ebook as his story intrigued me. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, reviews, Sport | Leave a comment

September-October (2021) reads

Posted on October 30, 2021 by topherdman

The weather has gotten warmer, and Australians everywhere have lined up for the COVID vaccine. Meanwhile, I have consumed the requisite trio of reads for another list. Adrian McKinty’s I Hear the Sirens in the Street was the first text. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, reviews, Sport | Leave a comment

Nomadland (2020) reviewed

Posted on October 8, 2021 by topherdman

On the verge of the October long weekend, I watched the Nomadland DVD. I had already read and reviewed the original book which formed the basis for the flick. The film version was perhaps the most acclaimed of the past year. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, movies, reviews | Leave a comment

The Aussie battlers

Posted on October 2, 2021 by topherdman

I’ve been watching this TV series on free-to-air. The show deals with a group of adults who struggle with mundane daily tasks. Apparently, these people have rudimentary literacy skills, an issue that affects more Aussies than we think. Overall, though, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, reviews, TV | Leave a comment

August-September (2021) reads

Posted on September 25, 2021 by topherdman

September has almost gone and now it’s time to compile my reads for the last two months. Since my prior list, I have finished four more books. Jane Harper’s The Dry (2016) was the first to be completed. A gripping tale of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, reviews | Leave a comment

In honour of my father

Posted on September 5, 2021 by topherdman

Today, 5 September, marks Father’s Day in Australia. Unlike other countries such as the US and the UK, our celebration falls on the first Sunday of September. For most of us, our dads fill an important role in our lives. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, cooking, culture and politics | Leave a comment

Sydney Lockdown NON-essentials

Posted on August 22, 2021 by topherdman

‘To be necessary, or not, that is the question.’ Sydney, Australia has been in lockdown since 26 June. Despite the heavy restrictions (including mandatory wearing of masks), the past two days has seen the state’s local cases eclipse eight hundred. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, COVID-19, culture and politics | Leave a comment