Still Riding on the Storm

by Robert G. Barrett

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF LES NORTON! This book was first published in 1996 under the title RIDER ON THE STORM AND OTHER BITS AND BARRETT. It was a one-off book that got under the radar and a lot of Robert G. Barrett's readers weren't aware of it. Fifteen years later, to mark the 25th anniversary of the first Les Norton novel, this collection is being republished. It's the original stories re-edited, as well as some classic articles and columns on a range of subjects such as publishing, fame, dates and the dole. Plus two brand new Les Norton short stories and a feature article, 'Bowling for Bukowski', which is about the last three years of turmoil in the author's life. As well as showing his usual sense of humour and astute observations, Robert G. Barrett also believes that he and a friend have come across a treatment for cancer that actually works! Fiction or non-fiction, STILL RIDING ON THE STORM proves yet again why Robert G. Barrett is Australia's best loved contemporary author.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

G’day.
You’ve no doubt read a lot of things about me and my books over the years written by other people. Well, this is the truth. I grew up in Bondi in Sydney, Australia. I went to Bondi Beach Public School then on to Randwick Boys High. I left school at 14, did a few odd jobs then a trade as a butcher, mainly in the Eastern suburbs before finally working as a boner in various meatworks around the inner city with two trips to Ross River meatworks at Townsville, Queensland thrown in. I gave up boning after a hindquarter fell on me tearing the tendons in my right arm. I always liked writing letters and reading, so while I was on worker’s compensation I did three writing courses at the WEA, Worker’s Education Authority.

Robert died of cancer at his home in Terrigal, New South Wales.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read by a great writer

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for all the Les Norton & Robert G Barrett fans out there! I actually read the first version of this book around 2000 (which it's the same as this book but minus the last chapters about the author's battle with cancer) and when I saw it on the shelves of my local bookstore recently I bought it without hesitation....all I could remember about it from that first reading is laughing my arse off!! The first half of this book is pretty much all funny little Les Norton tidbits and the second half contains a few funny stories about Robert G Barrett's adventures here and there, and his thoughts on the Australian literary scene are priceless! The last chapters focus on the author's battle with cancer and even then he manages to crack a few good one liners that make you laugh out loud. I loved Robert G Barrett because his writing was honest and funny, he didn't try to be anyone or anything he wasn't and he always wrote what he wanted (and from all accounts I've heard he was a really good bloke too). So if you're a fan of his writing or an Aussie who wants a laugh then read this. Although I must warn you....I've heard some women think his writing is a bit sexist, I don't think it is and it really doesn't bother me at all but for the ladies out there who might get offended by a lot of 'blokey banter' etc....well consider yourself warned

[Any Length · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fun read.
This book appeared to me to be two books in one. The first one about the adventures of Les Norton, the other one about the adventures of Robert G. Barrett.
The first part was very funny. The second part had a large segment of the author's struggle with bowel cancer in it. Although, it too, had funny parts in it. I could see how the cancer was a life changing time in Barrett's life. He has since passed away and it is a great loss for the Australian Readership.
Good book.

[Crt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The usual Robertt Barrett. Collection of short stories, though one was about the authors own struggle with cancer.

[Stephen Woods]

Great read. Loved it.