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Australia According to Hoges
Stories and yarns about my favourite bits of Down Under
Paul Hogan's ancestors were a couple of Irish blow-ins who arrived in the colony of New South Wales by boat, with a little assistance from the judges of the Old Bailey. Blow-ins from everywhere have been coming ever since, and while it hasn't always been a walk in the park, Hoges reckons this mixed-up mob of old and new inhabitants works most of the time. In fact, according to Hoges, Australia may well be the best country on earth.
In Australia, According to Hoges, the comedy legend explores some of the highways and byways of his country's past and present to map out all that is strange, marvellous and majestic about his homeland and why Australia qualifies as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
From the rich and ancient culture of the island continent's Original human inhabitants to its prison-farm phase, from a baptism by fire through wars and depression to a passion for sport, gambling and outdoor cookery, and from the influence of Marlon Brando on a teenager from Sydney's western suburbs to the culinary wonders brought by new arrivals from all around the world, Hoges portrays a nation that believes in a fair go for all and never takes itself too seriously.
Full of laugh-out-loud yarns from Hoges' and the nation's past, Australia, According to Hoges is a love letter to Down Under. As Hoges says, 'We're not perfect, but we're working on it.'
Paul Hogan's ancestors were a couple of Irish blow-ins who arrived in the colony of New South Wales by boat, with a little assistance from the judges of the Old Bailey. Blow-ins from everywhere have been coming ever since, and while it hasn't always been a walk in the park, Hoges reckons this mixed-up mob of old and new inhabitants works most of the time. In fact, according to Hoges, Australia may well be the best country on earth.
In Australia, According to Hoges, the comedy legend explores some of the highways and byways of his country's past and present to map out all that is strange, marvellous and majestic about his homeland and why Australia qualifies as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
From the rich and ancient culture of the island continent's Original human inhabitants to its prison-farm phase, from a baptism by fire through wars and depression to a passion for sport, gambling and outdoor cookery, and from the influence of Marlon Brando on a teenager from Sydney's western suburbs to the culinary wonders brought by new arrivals from all around the world, Hoges portrays a nation that believes in a fair go for all and never takes itself too seriously.
Full of laugh-out-loud yarns from Hoges' and the nation's past, Australia, According to Hoges is a love letter to Down Under. As Hoges says, 'We're not perfect, but we're working on it.'
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 8, 2023
Excellent read into not only Paul Hogan's history with Australia yet his own personal history. Great takes on Australian slang and characters and film. I enjoyed this summer read.
August 21, 2023
Who epitomizes the true blue Aussie better than Paul Hogan? No one. Paul Hogan is a iconic Australian who presents a very positive and very accurate image of Australia and her people) of which I am one). Australia According to Hoges covers history, culture, sport and politics with honesty and humour. The book so chock a block full of fascinating information, considered opinion and amusing anecdotes. I loved it.
I reckon it should be mandatory reading for new arrivals, as part of the migration process, people should have to read this perfect nutshell of Australia and Australians. Wan to be a citizen? Take the citizenship test and read Australia According to Hoges. It's brilliant and accurate.
It's very easy to read, despite the preponderance of Aussie slang (which Hogan explains and demonstrates in context), but what I liked most was how positive it was. Hogan speaks of how Australia has changed and is improving, but he also notes that his personal journey has mirrored that of his home nation.
There are a number of definitive Australian books which I would recommend as must reads for both Australians, those interested in Australia, and certainly for those wanting to be a part of this great country. Australia According to Hoges belongs in that elite group. It's a bewdy bottler!
I reckon it should be mandatory reading for new arrivals, as part of the migration process, people should have to read this perfect nutshell of Australia and Australians. Wan to be a citizen? Take the citizenship test and read Australia According to Hoges. It's brilliant and accurate.
It's very easy to read, despite the preponderance of Aussie slang (which Hogan explains and demonstrates in context), but what I liked most was how positive it was. Hogan speaks of how Australia has changed and is improving, but he also notes that his personal journey has mirrored that of his home nation.
There are a number of definitive Australian books which I would recommend as must reads for both Australians, those interested in Australia, and certainly for those wanting to be a part of this great country. Australia According to Hoges belongs in that elite group. It's a bewdy bottler!
December 2, 2023
I was a girl in Australia when Paul Hogan came on the entertainment scene. I loved him in Crocodile Dundee and when I saw this in a book shop in Melbourne I couldn't resist. I have lived in the UK for most of my adult life and have a real nostalgia for my old home town that I am currently revisiting. This is a great book about the land down under. A nostalgia fest for an Aussie or an tongue in cheek instructional tome about life in Oz with some autobiographical stories thrown in. A good dose of Hogan humour - I loved it.
July 10, 2023
Humourous, insightful, great for learning to talk to 70-something Australians :) Reading this book was like listening to my imaginary Australian grandpa recount his youth as he reminisces with his mates. So, interesting, but not very relatable for a 30-something from a different country! :) The book will be particularly enjoyable for fans of Mick "Crocodile" Dundee though.
October 21, 2023
Paul hogan Australia according to hoges
I absolutely loved reading this book . I love the way hogan wrote it , in a lighthearted, humorous way of Australian culture and history. A real page turner .
I absolutely loved reading this book . I love the way hogan wrote it , in a lighthearted, humorous way of Australian culture and history. A real page turner .
October 18, 2023
Decent little book by Paul Hogan. However, could have done without the A-Z Slang Dictionary.
August 2, 2025
An interesting, and easy read, book.
Enjoyed it.
Enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews