Book review.

Frank Moorhouse: A Life

By Catharine Lumby.

Published by Allen and Unwin.

A decade before his death in 2022, Frank Moorhouse asked well known journalist, writer and academic Catharine Lumby to write his biography.

Because of their many years of friendship and her close engagement with his with his writing, he said she “got'' him and his work, in a way few others did.

“Many writers fashion a career out of their writing. Some fashion brilliant careers.

Book review

Last Shot by Jock Zonfrillo

Published by Simon & Schuster Australia $45

Last Shot by chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo is described as a coming-of-age memoir of addiction, ambition and redemption.

Born to an Italian father and Scottish mother in Glasgow, Jock's early life was heavily influenced by both cultures.

“Nonno, Dad's dad was the most Italian man who ever lived,” said Jock.

Nonno wore a suit if he was going down the street to buy a newspaper and was a larger than life character to his adoring grandson.

Book reviews

101 Things to do instead of worrying about the World

By Felicity Brightside

Published by Faber

Do you feel like not getting out of bed sometimes?

With political pandemonium, nuclear apocalypse, climate change, dementia, the dangers of sitting down, traffic jams and more, worrying about the world has become a national pastime for some.

Hey, how about thinking positive for a change?

The Great Australian Cookbook

The Great Australian Cookbook is a fantastic gift for the keen cook at Christmas time or anytime of the year.

When it's not put to good use in the kitchen, it makes a wonderful coffee table book with its colourful illustrations by Reg Mombassa, famous for designing Mambo clothing.

Book review: 50 Shades of Chocolate by Claire Preen

AUTHOR and chocolatier Claire Preen promises 63 of the sexiest chocolate recipes ever in her book 50 Shades of Chocolate.

Besides being luscious, rich and totally delicious, chocolate is well known as one of the most potent aphrodisiacs.

Tasting exquisite chocolates in Europe with her father when she was a child ignited Claire's passion for chocolate.

She trained with a top chocolatier in Belgium and brought her wonderful creations to Australia.