Culture

Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby lacks the sly, subversive quality of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s original novel, but it still captures its essence, retelling it in Luhrmann’s flashy, theatrical style. Imagination is one of the most important human qualities; it is how we overcome problems, navigate our futures and—perhaps most importantly—empathise with people around us. The Great Gatsby is ...

“And you are forgiven. Always and completely forgiven.” (The Doctor, The Wedding of River Song) By Dianne Jensen. Who is this man with the power to forgive? For 50 years, the world’s longest running science fiction hero has embodied the quintessential English eccentric. Doctor Who is the solitary traveller whose name is unknown, the immortal who brings reconciliation and healing ...

Mosaic Press, 2009 RRP: $23.95 Reviewed by Wendy Scott. People of Compassion is one book you will not take lightly. If you want to be inspired, encouraged, and have a light shone in those dark unloving places in your heart, take courage and read this very slowly. Then read it again in a month's time. This book starts with pithy ...

Mosaic Press, 2013 RRP $29.95 Reviewed by Bob Warrick. In his introduction, Lyons writes, "My methods [in preparing my preaching] were simple. Begin by reading the scriptures … consult at least two commentaries and then go to the internet to browse sermons … to gain a sense of how other preachers had approached the texts". His methods indicate the way ...

Even Before Publishing, 2013 Reviewed by Barbara Bailey. This fascinating book was written by Brisbane author David Malcolm Bennett. While being historically accurate, it is written in an easy fiction style which charts the life and work of William and Catherine Booth from the beginning of their mission in England in 1865 to the death of the General in 1912. ...

Even Before Publishing, 2013 Reviewed by Rob Sandilands. Redcliffe's Chief of Sinners has struck again! If a recent study showing that individuals from the IT-savvy generations can change media more than 27 times in a non-working hour is correct, then getting them to sit still and tune in to even a five minute homily, let alone a full-blown sermon which ...

Atria Books, 2012 Reviewed by Tara Burton. Upon reading the title I was immediately drawn to this book. Despite the fact that it has close ties to Christianity as the author reflects on her faith journey, it was actually the cover image of a carefree Golden Retriever with his tongue sticking out playfully which drew me like a moth to ...

Allen & Unwin 2012 RRP $26.99 Reviewed by David Weddell. Gittins' Gospel: Religious book or not? On first glance, the cover picture of an older man in priestly clothes would suggest this is book belongs in Christian bookstores. On second glance, the subtitle, "The economics of just about everything" and the back cover information that Gittins is an economics journalist ...

Franciscan Media, 2012 RRP $23.95 Reviewed by Wendy Scott. Fools, Liars, Cheaters and Other Bible Heroes is a set of 28 studies, each dealing with the life, background and actions of one of the very flawed personalities God chose to do his will. Some of the chapter headings say much about this book’s approach: · Rebecca: Beautiful Bride to Manipulative ...

2013 Reviewed by David Weddell. Based on the best-selling book of the same title and funded by the donations of thousands of fans, Blue Like Jazz is not a stereotypical Christian movie, and that's a big part of what makes it great. Rated M, this semi-biographical movie is edgy because it is realistic. The plot firmly grabs your attention, partially ...