Published: 07/11/2017
ISBN: 9781921997877
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 528
RRP: $45.00
Warren Mundine in Black + White
Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO
Best-selling political memoir – Warren Mundine in Black + White.
Overcoming segregation, discrimination, personal hardship and political betrayal… Nyunggai Warren Mundine tells it all in black and white.
The highly anticipated and revealing memoir from one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous leaders.
Warren’s raw, intimate success story shines a bright and inspiring light showing there is no limit to what you can achieve. His curriculum vitae runs into pages of honours, appointments and awards. So it’s extraordinary to consider that, as an Aboriginal boy in the 1950s, he was a second-class citizen, born into a world of segregation and discrimination that few Australians today are truly aware of.
From the poverty of a family living in a tent beside a river, to the depths of depression and an attempted suicide, to the heights of political power as National President of the Australian Labor Party and advisor to five prime ministers, both Labor and Liberal, this is a stirring story of an Indigenous family woven into the very fabric of Australia and its politics.
Arguably the most controversial and influential of all Aboriginal leaders, Warren challenges conventional wisdom. One of eleven children in a poor Catholic family, Warren has been on a remarkable journey, from his early life in country NSW, with only one pair of shoes and a single bed shared with three of his brothers, to today where he frequents the highest echelons of power and business. Once an outsider, now an insider, Warren is regarded by many as one of Australia’s national treasures.
Warren is one of the most significant and engaging personalities in today’s political spectrum. He offers an insider’s perspective on behind-the-scenes betrayals during his time as advisor to five prime ministers, with startling reveals, exclusive insights and a controversial take on the differences between Liberal and Labor. His memoir, an optimistic and inspirational tale, speaks to a changing Australia, answering a big question on everyone’s minds: what’s next?
“A gripping read written by an outstanding Indigenous Australian -both confronting and inspiring” – Ray Hadley
“An extraordinary tale of overcoming discrimination, political betrayal and a belief in the power of economic opportunity…” – Ticky Fullarton
Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO
“A gripping read written by an outstanding Indigenous Australian -both confronting and inspiring”
Ray Hadley OAM, Radio Broadcaster
“A raw and compelling story… an intimate read about a boy who refused to know his place…”
Patricia Karvelas, ABC and Sky News Presenter
“The Mundine’s are fighters. Like me he looked at Lionel Rose – our great champion – through the eyes of a boy and learnt the greatest lesson of our lives: stay on your feet.”
Stan Grant
“If Warren can achieve what he has in his life then any Aboriginal child can achieve his or her dreams. I recommend this book to all Australians.”
Bess Nungarrayi Price
“Self-mocking, brazenly honest…He readily admits his mistakes. He’s always moving on with optimism and hope… No wonder prime ministers on both sides have sought his counsel. His autobiography is a ripping yarn.”
Father Frank Brennan SJ AO
“An extraordinary tale of overcoming discrimination, political betrayal and a belief in the power of economic opportunity.”
“I couldn’t put it down, I was supposed to be skimming through it and it’s such a rocker of a read.”
“I don’t recommend books very often, but I do recommend this. Congratulations on a wonderful book.”
Ticky Fullerton, Sky Business
“We (Peta Credlin & Alan Jones) share a great regard and great respect for a man I regard as a great Australian, Warren Mundine.”
“He has written a most provocative book, which is compulsory reading. It’s a virtual history of Australia.”
“The book is compulsory reading.”
Alan Jones (Jones and Co.), Sky News
“…and there’s an awful lot including a very special Australian who’s got a very important book out. You’ve got to buy one for yourself and someone else for Christmas because it’s that damn good.”
Paul Murray, Sky News
“This book caught me by surprise. The stories Warren Mundine tells of his parents and grandparents, of his own childhood and his brothers and sisters are very interesting. It is very clear that Mundine’s life itself informs his ideas – whether they be moral, intellectual or political. He is not an academic, but someone who must experience the world for himself first hand. This book is well worth your time. A very well written and thought provoking read.”
John Purcell, Booktopia
“I’m convinced Warren Mundine in Black + White should be a textbook for all high school students. It makes me really determined to ensure nothing like this could happen again… offering valuable insight into Aboriginal history.”