Author: John Reid | Starts at 60

John Reid Profile

A sixth-generation Tasmanian who put a love of maths, physics and English into an engineering degree. My main interests are people, reading, writing, photography, learning and community work. Catholic reading tastes but an especial liking for history, historical novels and well-written psychological dramas. I try not to have favourite authors but especially appreciate those who research well and write authoritatively. As examples, one from the past, John Steinbeck, one from the present, Val McDermid, and an exceptional young Australian, Hannah Kent.

Book Review - Brilliant historical novel celebrates our migrants

World War 11 lead to a great influx of displaced persons arriving in Australia as migrants. Many of these men, women and children spent their first months in camps. Bonegilla, a disused army camp in Victoria, was one of these camps.

Book Review: Discovery of Shtefan's secret means instant death

Atmospheric and intense, this novel captures the turbulent emotional rush of those caught behind the lines of Occupied France.

A tale of the two Johns who helped forge a nation

He called himself Simpson. He was a man with a donkey... His name was Monash. He was a general who cared.

How a poor Welsh immigrant became the most decorated Aussie war hero

He overcame poverty, little education, frontline combat and critical injuries to achieve one of the highest offices Australia can offer.

Homemade Weetbix loaf

This delicious and award-winning recipe is a welcome addition to the breakfast table.

'Put aside your fear of spiders to appreciate their beauty'

Pho builds a perfect web that contains a home, a shelter and a hideout all rolled into one.

She'll be right, cobber! A very funny WWII guide to Australianisms

"Bastard – a term of affection."

I am woman hear me 'Roar' - Women in the AFL

The first season of the AFL Women’s league was a game changer for Australian sport - personal, political, proud and powerful.

Jacqui Lambie in her own words: 'You can’t keep a bloody Lambie down'

Like the woman herself, this candid memoir is outspoken, unexpected and refreshingly honest.

'Every child should be given a copy of this book to learn from'

Rule-breakers, risk-takers, rebel women, law makers - this slim book has it all.

At the roof of the world, Isla finds heroism and healing

Fiona McIntosh is passionate about authenticity in her characters and settings, to the point of learning to blend perfume and even pick tea.

Remembering the sad tale of the HMAS Armidale

Teddy Sheean, an 18-year-old from Tasmania, strapped himself to the ship’s anti-aircraft gun.

Europe's fate depends on a meeting of powerful men in Munich

As Chamberlain’s plane judders over the Channel and the Führer’s train steams relentlessly south from Berlin, two young men travel with secrets of their own.

Flight 901: What happened and why

“A couple of miles change to flight path. It won’t make any difference.”

Flight 901: A dreadful date with destiny

There were 257 people on the outing of a lifetime, but it was flawed and fatal

Making an attempt for a free meal

Size makes little or no difference to who or what they will fight.

Victorian police offer $6 million to solve cold case

There are many unsolved murders in Australian history, with these some of the most mysterious.

The Commando died as he lived - at the front, giving his all

On 22 June 2013, Corporal Cameron Baird led his platoon into a known Taliban stronghold. In the prolonged firefight, he was mortally wounded.

Some call 1914-1918 The Great War; others 'The Crying Years'

This visual history evokes the drama & tragedy, suffering & sacrifice, pain & pity of Australia as it faced the war that decisively changed our nation.

The valour and indomitable spirit of Sister Ellen Savage

Of the 12 nurses on board the Centaur, Ellen was the only survivor.

The sinking of Australian Hospital Ship Centaur

Although immune from attack in accordance with the Geneva Convention, the Centaur met a tragic fate.