Scan barcode
caitlin_isabel's review
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
I have loved watching Miranda Tapsell act in Top End Wedding and the Sapphires. I was also excited to learn that she was starting to write scripts. This was an interesting memoir that followed her from childhood. I felt I learnt more about what drives her and I enjoyed her descriptions of the NT.
horseyhayls's review
4.0
Simple, but strong. Very much enjoyed Miranda’s perspective on NIDA and the Australian film industry in regards to Indigenous inclusion/visibility.
thiefofcamorr's review
5.0
I started this book when it first came out - literally, at midnight, when my phone chimed that a preorder was ready. I thought, I'll just try a little bit because like, Miranda is wicked funny with an excellent sense of humour, and can act and do the most SPOT ON impressions, and she's kind, and passionate, and always looks so amazing... surely she can't write, too. Sure she can write scripts, but biographies?
I didn't manage to put it down until I was past 20% of the way in, and it was LATE and I suffered at work the next day, because dammit, she can write. Of course she can. I sent her auntie an email about how tired I was but how it was totally worth it... and then I didn't pick the book up again until tonight, because I knew when I did I wouldn't be able to put it down.
Today we had a power outage. So I thought there was nothing more suitable in a power out, in the hottest week of the hottest month of the year, to read the most TERRITORY book we have. So I got out Top End Girl and devoured the rest of it and loved every word. I'd call out bits to my Mum (usually multiple per page) and while I wish I'd read it when it first came out I'm also glad I didn't have to put it down again either.
Miranda is someone Australia is incredibly lucky to have, and I hope more and more of Australia realises this. She's so darn eloquent, and determined, and just freakin' amazing. I can't wait to see what she does next.
I didn't manage to put it down until I was past 20% of the way in, and it was LATE and I suffered at work the next day, because dammit, she can write. Of course she can. I sent her auntie an email about how tired I was but how it was totally worth it... and then I didn't pick the book up again until tonight, because I knew when I did I wouldn't be able to put it down.
Today we had a power outage. So I thought there was nothing more suitable in a power out, in the hottest week of the hottest month of the year, to read the most TERRITORY book we have. So I got out Top End Girl and devoured the rest of it and loved every word. I'd call out bits to my Mum (usually multiple per page) and while I wish I'd read it when it first came out I'm also glad I didn't have to put it down again either.
Miranda is someone Australia is incredibly lucky to have, and I hope more and more of Australia realises this. She's so darn eloquent, and determined, and just freakin' amazing. I can't wait to see what she does next.
caitlin_maree's review
4.0
Just a really lovely memoir by a thoughtful and funny person. Will be recommending to all my fellow Top End pals, plus anyone who enjoys a great read.
blovessummer's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Loved it! A great balance between stories about Miranda’s life and learning about the issues that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still face.
lolabrigita's review
The mark of a good memoir is when it feels like an intimate conversation with a friend over a casual meal or at the pub. Tapsell is a trailblazer and I enjoyed reading about her life, her career so far, and her clear love of the Territory.
carleesi's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve seen a lot of Miranda’s work and heard her speak out about Indigenous issues in the country we call Australia so I knew this would be a powerful book but really I had no idea.
Miranda does an amazing job of weaving storytelling and cultural critique together (as this is her lived experience and these things can’t be separated) and she does so with a tone that is humorous, friendly, but ready to lay down a harsh truth where it’s needed.
I can’t wait to see whatever Miranda does next!
Miranda does an amazing job of weaving storytelling and cultural critique together (as this is her lived experience and these things can’t be separated) and she does so with a tone that is humorous, friendly, but ready to lay down a harsh truth where it’s needed.
I can’t wait to see whatever Miranda does next!
bookstorian's review
4.0
After seeing so much of Miranda Tapsell's work including 'Love Child', 'The Sapphire's' and 'Black is the new white' I knew that this was a voice of a woman I needed to hear.
Here are my thoughts as I read:
-Brave, open and honest account of her experiences.
-Different and changed appreciation for a range of perspectives when making art.
-Highlights the importance of family and community no matter what.
-Inspirational idea of bringing others with you and leaving the door open for those who come after you. This resonates with me in my role currently.
-Gained a peek of the Australian film industry.
-Nodding ferociously throughout pages 57-60 as she spoke about the importance of the Arts Industry in Australia.
Between reading and writing this review I also watched 'Top End Wedding' (a recent addition to Netflix) and really recommend. It is insightful and speaks to so many people, especially those planning a wedding!
I hope that there is an audio book coming out as this also would have been really enjoyable to listen to.
Here are my thoughts as I read:
-Brave, open and honest account of her experiences.
-Different and changed appreciation for a range of perspectives when making art.
-Highlights the importance of family and community no matter what.
-Inspirational idea of bringing others with you and leaving the door open for those who come after you. This resonates with me in my role currently.
-Gained a peek of the Australian film industry.
-Nodding ferociously throughout pages 57-60 as she spoke about the importance of the Arts Industry in Australia.
Between reading and writing this review I also watched 'Top End Wedding' (a recent addition to Netflix) and really recommend. It is insightful and speaks to so many people, especially those planning a wedding!
I hope that there is an audio book coming out as this also would have been really enjoyable to listen to.