Cirrus@Austlit

'It’s been five years since Turia Pitt made headlines for having barely survived her ordeal in the desert. And in that time, she has become one of the most inspirational women in Australia.

'Whether via the numerous media reports, 60 Minutes specials, Women’s Weekly cover stories or her first book, Everything To Live For, we know about the why, how and what of that fateful day in September 2011. We know how she died four times on the operating table and her tortuous road to recovery. We’ve had a glimpse of the love of her boyfriend, Michael, that sustained her, and seen hints of the inner-strength that has made her one of the most admired women in the country. But until now, the true essence of this most remarkable Australian, plus the toll her accident has all taken on her and those around her, have remained a mystery.

'How and why does she push herself to ever greater physical and mental limits? What does she see when she looks in the mirror? How does her sudden celebrity (for the most unorthodox of reasons) sit with her? What lessons has she learned in the past five years? And, crucially, how can each and every one of us take those lessons and apply them to our own lives?

'More than a simple chronology of events – and against the backdrop of a never-ending series of impressive physical feats, including climbing the Great Wall of China, walking the Kokoda Track and competing in not one but two Ironman competitions – this book unmasks the real Turia: funny, fierce, intelligent, flawed.

'With the benefit of hindsight and five years’ worth of getting of wisdom, Turia is only now able to account for how she prevailed where others might have faltered. And for the first time, in this book we get to know the people who – by Turia’s own admission – made her recovery possible.

'Unmasked will reveal the woman behind the headlines, and in so doing, uncover the grace, humour and inner-steel that gets Turia Pitt through every day – and which leaves the rest of us watching on in amazement. '  (Publication summary)

A profoundly moving and inspiring memoir from Australia's domestic violence crusader, Rosie Batty.

'Rosie Batty knows pain no woman should have to suffer. Her son was killed by his father in a violent incident in February 2014, a horrendous event that shocked not only the nation, but the world. Greg Anderson murdered his 11-year-old son Luke and was then shot by police at the Tyabb cricket oval. Rosie had suffered years of family violence, and had had intervention and custody orders in place in an effort to protect herself and her son. She believes the killing was Greg's final act of control over her.

'Since the events of last February, Rosie has become an outspoken crusader against domestic violence, winning hearts and mind all over Australia with her compassion, courage, grace and forgiveness. In the wake of the tragedy, Rosie's advocacy work has forced an unprecedented national focus on family violence, with the Victorian Labor government establishing Australia's first royal commission into family violence, and committing a further $30 million over four years to protect women and children at high risk of family violence. The then Victorian Police Commissioner Ken Lay called it 'the Rosie Batty factor'. In January 2015, Rosie was named Australian of the Year, 2015.

'Inspiring, heartfelt and profoundly moving, this is Rosie's story.

'A percentage of royalties from sales of this book are going to the Luke Batty Foundation.' (Publication summary)

'Aussie showgirl, Shay Stafford will bring a little bit of Champs Elysees to Oxford St when she pulls back the curtain on the world's most famous cabarets, the Moulin Rouge and the Lido.

'In an unashamedly camp pastiche of song, dance, feathers and sequins, Stafford - author of the best-selling Memoirs Of A Showgirl and former principal dancer at the Moulin Rouge and the Lido de Paris - will offer up a never-before-seen glimpse of life behind the scenes of Paris cabaret.

'The former Brizzie girl and 12-year veteran of the Paris stage will share the spotlight with her showgirl dance troupe the Can Canettes and live performances from French balladeers.' (Source: Ticketek website)

'Shay Stafford takes us on an armchair ride of her life from Brisbane schoolgirl to celebrated Paris showgirl. Pulling back the curtain on the fascinating world of Paris cabaret, Shay invites us backstage at the Moulin Rouge and Lido to discover what it's really like to tread the boards of the world's most famous cabarets in the world's most romantic city.

Shay details the highs and lows, the loves and temptations and the close encounters with the rich and famous in this remarkable account of a most extraordinary life. In a publishing first, we are given a glimpse of the grind behind the glamour and learn that beyond its sparkling façade, not everything that glitters in the modern showgirl's life is gold.

The rich history of the Moulin Rouge and Lido is recounted as is the cautionary tale of how a stunning city's seedy underbelly routinely seduces vulnerable young ingénues. For, after twelve years at the Moulin Rouge and Lido, Shay has seen it all. Detailing her transformation from a single woman making the most of the extraordinary Parisienne nightlife to a happily married mother of two, Shay offers up a magical glimpse into another world from a down-to-earth and lovable Australian girl whose high kicks became the toast of Paris.' Source: www.curtisbrown.co.uk/ (Sighted 09/11/2010).