PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
'An uplifting collaboration that reveals how random acts of kindness can turn a story of trauma, torture and tragedy into one of hope.' --Michael Gordon, Award-winning journalist and former political editor of The Age 'Amid the polemics of the political debate about asylum in this country, it is too easy to forget that, at the very heart of this issue, lies not some political theory, some abstraction, but people. This issue is not about boats to be stopped nor borders to be protected, it is not about 'illegals' jumping queues nor national security. It is about people. People like Para.' --Ben Doherty, Immigration correspondent, The Guardian, former South Asia correspondent, The Sydney Morning Herald 'One of the most touching elements in this extraordinary story is Para's chance friendship with an Australian grandmother who takes him into her family. This book is a collaboration between them and a powerful example of how people can really connect across cultures, class, age and gender to do good where politicians and bureaucracies have failed. I highly recommend it.' --Frances Harrison, Author of Still Counting the Dead: Survivors of Sri Lanka's hidden war 'Para Paheer's lived experience combines conflict, suffering, courage, tragedy, compassion, and hope. It depicts events that are predatory and abominable, even as it celebrates the humane and good. It must be read, precisely because it is heart-wrenching; because the discomfort it elicits may goad us to abandon apathy, embrace sympathy, and thereby discover our common humanity.' --Professor Neil DeVotta, Department of Politics and International Affairs, Wake Forest University 'This is a deeply personal and moving story of human resilience, patience, compassion and gratitude. May it move others to empathy and provide insight into the desperate circumstances which force a person to flee their home and become a refugee. Accounts like these are so important in changing Australia's inhumane immigration policies.' --Senator Richard Di Natale, Leader of the Australian Greens 'Ali's voice is calm, factual, avoids hysteria, and is all the more compelling for this. I've read other stories of trauma, such as Anne Frank's Diary, The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif, and I am Malala. This book belongs up there with them.' --Dr Bob Rich, writer and psychologist 'This is a fascinating and important story for those interested in Australia's migration policy. It is told directly and openly by someone directly affected and it will without doubt have a big impression on all who listen. Do not miss Para's story.' --Dads on the Air 'I have read quite a few refugee memoirs ... this one is gripping, and it's amazing to think that it all began with a kind-hearted gesture - Alison Corke becoming a pen pal to a refugee in a detention centre. I recommend that you read the book.' --Lisa Hill, ANZ LitLovers
