That'd Be Right

by William McInnes

'a funny and clever reminiscence about what happened in Australia over the past 30 years ... Told with a delightful insight and sense of whimsy.' Daily TelegraphIn THAT'D BE RIGHT, much loved actor and author William McInnes gives his personal view on the things we love – sport, families, politics and the greatest spectator sport of them all, an election campaign. He takes the momentous landmarks that fascinate us, such as Melbourne Cup Day, Grand Final wins and election night parties, and brings them into our back yards. He also writes about early morning swimming carnivals, lawnmowers and sitting in the stands at the cricket with his son.THAT'D BE RIGHT is a biographical trip through Australian life with lots of yarns along the way.

Genres: Biography, Memoir, Australia, Nonfiction, Humor

320 pages, paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Darryl William McInnes (born 10 September 1963) is one of Australia’s most popular stage and screen actors.

His leading roles in Sea Change and Blue Heelers have made him a household name. The mini-series Shark Net and My Brother Jack earned him widespread critical acclaim. He has been nominated for numerous stage and screen awards, and has won a Variety Club Drama Award in 1997 and two Logie awards for Most Outstanding Actor in 2000 and 2004.

William grew up in Queensland and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. He now lives in Melbourne with his two children. He was married to the late film maker Sarah Watt.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm too young to recall much of this book but he ties it so nicely together it is almost a strange sort of poetry in parts. I obviously enjoyed the era that I'm old enough to remember than the parts where I was too young or not alive. I'm not a sport lover so it was interesting to see him tie sporting events into the Howard years (and others but my memory mostly starts with Howard). It was at times uplifting to have him recall happy memories and at others depressing to remember less cheerful political events.
I loved his perception of national events like ANZAC Day and Australia Day, if we hadn't already talked them to death I'd love to read more of his thoughts.

[Charmaine Ohl · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me it was a harder read than I thought it would be as I am not hugely into sports or politics and most of what is told revolves around those areas. However it is told in such a way you just want to keep reading to hear more of his story and outlook on the occasions. Having been born in the 80's alot of the book (esp earlier on) I can not relate to, though telling it through his eyes and recollections it becomes an interesting take on Australian history at that time from outside of a history buff's perspective. Not a book I would read again, but a book I am glad I made it through as the moments of laughter were well worth hanging around for.

[Derelict Space Sheep · Rating 4 out of 5]

By contextualising his personal reminiscences within a potted, three decade–spanning observational history of Australian prime ministers—from Whitlam to Rudd, pitching each PM as emblematic of the national mentality—McInnes paints a gently contemplative picture of social change and maturing self-awareness.

3.5★

[Diane]

Loved it, extremely funny.

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stories of growing up in Australia, particularly Qld.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was an ok read. It was funny in sections and it bought back memories of previous events.

[Kathy GWRH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked not loved it.
Really enjoyed A Man’s Got To Have A Hobby much more.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

That’d Be Right is the third book by William McInnes, and is subtitled “A fairly true history of modern Australia”. McInnes reminisces on thirty years of Australian life. This book is filled with politicians, cricketers, Olympians, politicians, media moghuls, greenies and dams, elections, action figures, lawn mowing, politicians, blind dates, politicians, elections, Anzacs, cricket wars, swimmers, yacht races and turds. Through it all, we are treated to his father Colin’s comments (and usually his mother Iris’s retorts) on a broad range of subjects. Plenty of laugh out loud moments: an enjoyable read.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laugh out loud read. I love William McInnes, his style of writing always tickles my funny bone, yet he has a sensitivity to his writing that can also bring a tear to my eye. Took me back in time, being a fellow Queenslander and growing up in a big Labour voting family. Loved his relationship with his Mum and Dad, so old school, he has them to thank for his great sense of humour and down to earth personality. Some of the phrases his Mum and Dad used were simply hysterical, especially his Mum's comments about Latham. A must for anyone who is interested in reading a light hearted account of Australia's political history.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from Dad and enjoyed reading the anecdotes from William McInnes, interspersed with the politics at the time. It was an insight for me into Australian politics, having little idea about the political happenings that occurred in Australia from the 60s to now. I enjoy William's self-deprecating writing style.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for those who are interested in Australian culture, and in its sporting & political history. It is engaging and amusing at times and captures so many elements of what it means to be Australian. I did find it hard to get into at first but once I got used to McInnes' style of writing I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Kassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was an amazing insight and reflection on Australian life, both of the political landscape and the Australian way of life shown through the eyes of William McInnes, not as a celebrity or known identity but as a human experiencing the ever changing world. There are many parts of this book that related to me and growing up myself, it was a true delight to read.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the author wound his life story into many of the most important moments of the modern history of Australia, and all in a refreshingly funny Aussie larrikin style.

And for the record, the act of making the neighing noise of horses will forever be known as 'playschooling' in my family, and I will do my best to make the term spread.

[Chris Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a John Howard anecdote in this which is priceless. I enjoyed the humour and nostalgia for an earlier world of Australian politics which seems to have now disappeared. I'm buying a copy for an ex-pat friend of mine who grew up in the same neighbourhood as McInnes and who will remember the issues that were important then as I did.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book covers Australian politics and sport quite often, within the pages are some really laugh out loud moments and entertaining anecdotes from his career.
For anyone who grew up in Australia through the 70's and 80's there are some enjoyable flashbacks of living in those simpler times... A good read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this. William McInnes has such a sense of humour, and this book retells modern Australian history (the events he can remember, and those that are part of his family stories passed down from his politics loving father) combined with his own personal history, and the ways those things affect each other. Interesting and enlightening, as well as funny and enjoyable. Lovely.

[LibraryKath · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely warm, fuzzy read with lots of laughs. Reading it in public (on the bus, in the lunch room at work) is hazardous because I kept bursting out in giggles. He always gives food for thought while entertaining. A lovely view of Australia and Australians.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone interested in understanding Aussie culture this is a great read. I am an Aussie who left home in the early 80s and this was great to read to catch up on 80s and 90s politics and the inevitable link to Australian sports.

Love it!

[Wilton314 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great history of Australia, particularly Australian politics and sport, from the mid 1970s for around 30 years. William McInnes has such laid back style to his writing. It's as if we're there watching as well.

[Melanie Martino · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was way too much political stuff in this book. Although there were parts that made me laugh out loud I was really hoping for a bit more about his acting career. Not a bad book but not one that I would recommend.

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

William McInnes covers the period from 1975 to 2007 and looks at the political and social changes in Australia over that time, with a lot of humour. I found it fascinating as I have lived through those changes, and I agreed with a lot of what he says. A book that's well worth reading.

[Rachel]

Didn't think much of this book. Don't know why I chose it in the library as it's about Australian sport and politics, neither of which interest me much. I did learn a bit from it though.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addictive. Funny read. Loved it

[Tathia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good read by McInnes - books all Australians should read.

[Heather]

Wendouree Library B792.028 MCINN

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another laconic & enjoyable memoir from a very fine actor & apparently decent man.

[Julie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love his writing, however the last couple of chapters are written in a sadder tone. Perhaps this is just in contrast to the deep belly laughs of the first half of the book.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and insightful. Really enjoyed it. A light read with some different viewpoints.

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not hold my attention.