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So Far, So Good
‘I am a descendant of the Samu and Koedal clans of Sabai Island. My people are warriors, but we are storytellers too.’
On his long path to success – from aspiring professional footballer to actor, director and producer – for every opportunity Aaron Fa’Aoso had, there were setbacks and heartache.
He was six when his father and grandfather both died. His fiercely proud mother and even fiercer grandmother dug deep to raise Aaron and his brothers. Belief in himself as a warrior – literally and metaphorically – made him into a fighter, for better and for worse.
A month into Aaron’s second marriage, and just as his acting career was flourishing, his new wife took her own life. In the dark years that followed, Aaron eventually found strength and meaning in his family and in his beloved Torres Strait community.
In So Far, So Good, he talks frankly about love, pain, making mistakes and finding happiness again, as well as the impacts of racism and the challenges of remote communities. A rich and vivid reflection on life told with generosity, humour, emotion and optimism.
On his long path to success – from aspiring professional footballer to actor, director and producer – for every opportunity Aaron Fa’Aoso had, there were setbacks and heartache.
He was six when his father and grandfather both died. His fiercely proud mother and even fiercer grandmother dug deep to raise Aaron and his brothers. Belief in himself as a warrior – literally and metaphorically – made him into a fighter, for better and for worse.
A month into Aaron’s second marriage, and just as his acting career was flourishing, his new wife took her own life. In the dark years that followed, Aaron eventually found strength and meaning in his family and in his beloved Torres Strait community.
In So Far, So Good, he talks frankly about love, pain, making mistakes and finding happiness again, as well as the impacts of racism and the challenges of remote communities. A rich and vivid reflection on life told with generosity, humour, emotion and optimism.
368 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2022
8 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Fa'Aoso
3 books7 followersAaron Fa’Aoso is a Torres Strait Islander film producer, director, screenwriter and actor. He is known for his roles in RAN: Remote Area Nurse, East West 101, The Straits, Black Comedy, and as the presenter of Strait to the Plate and Going Places with Ernie Dingo.
Aaron is the executive director of his own film and television production company, Lone Star, which created the documentary series Blue Water Empire, about the history of the Torres Strait Islands.
Aaron is a board member of Screen Queensland and belongs to several government and not-for-profit advisory committees. He holds a Masters Degree of Film Business from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.
Aaron is the executive director of his own film and television production company, Lone Star, which created the documentary series Blue Water Empire, about the history of the Torres Strait Islands.
Aaron is a board member of Screen Queensland and belongs to several government and not-for-profit advisory committees. He holds a Masters Degree of Film Business from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 24, 2022
The Torres Strait and its culture and communities are really brought to life in Aaron Fa’aoso’s memoir. His mum and his nan are the clear, and clearly much loved, heroes of this story. But it’s a complex story with Fa’aoso being issued a domestic violence order while working as a domestic violence support worker. He talks in some detail about this and the tragic and toxic relationship surrounding it. There is real honesty and introspection to be found here but it’s deeply discomforting especially in light of his wife taking her own life. There are no easy answers. Fa’aoso’s work showcasing the cultures, food and history of the Torres Strait is to be commended. The racism he has faced as he tries to live in two worlds is horrific. His voice shines through in this memoir which is a testament to the writer Michelle Scott Tucker. This is the first memoir by a Torres Strait Islander to be published by a mainstream press and I hope we see many, many more and soon.
December 30, 2022
An interesting autobiography about the author, who I had not heard of before. It was very insightful to read about the situation in Australia, the racism and standards of living, expectations and norms. He has done his fair share of poor decisions and much learning from them, eventually. I don't think I've see anything he is acting in, but would be curious to watch black comedy.
An inspirational story to make something of his life and live up to the standards to which he was raised.
An inspirational story to make something of his life and live up to the standards to which he was raised.
September 18, 2022
Not only a great and heartfelt memoir but also a wonderful history and insight into Torres Strait islanders and the history of both Bamaga and Seisia in NPA of Queensland Great work Aaron Fa’Aoso. I couldn’t put this book down. A great read 😊
January 1, 2023
Wow this book is incredible! Aaron is incredibly honest in his accounts of his life and very generous to share so many insights about Torres Strait Islander culture. I’ve enjoyed watching him as an actor and it was very special to read his account of what life has been like for him behind the scenes.
He is a wonderful advocate for Torres Strait Islander perspectives and issues, I hope that it will continue to contribute to broader social change in Australia (especially with race relations).
He is a wonderful advocate for Torres Strait Islander perspectives and issues, I hope that it will continue to contribute to broader social change in Australia (especially with race relations).
October 13, 2022
Coming to Terms With it All - or - A Rollercoaster of a Life
For sheer honesty it would be hard to beat this book. Torres Strait Islander Saibai man Aaron Fa’Aoso (a Tongan father for good measure) though it would be fair to say I think that his kinship connections cover far more than simply that - cousins and brothers and others who are brother-like friends are scattered like confetti through every chapter. He’s what the Japanese would call famous - famous on the screen big and small and on the stage and for his pride in his cultural background. It’s a rip-roaring read - there’s happiness and love and success though earlier on leavened by grief and times not so positive. Aaron gives thanks to all all the people in his life - his mother and Nan, uncles, mentors, the women in his life, fellow actors and colleagues. And his friends and his son and daughter. A remarkable Australian - a truly remarkable human being!
For sheer honesty it would be hard to beat this book. Torres Strait Islander Saibai man Aaron Fa’Aoso (a Tongan father for good measure) though it would be fair to say I think that his kinship connections cover far more than simply that - cousins and brothers and others who are brother-like friends are scattered like confetti through every chapter. He’s what the Japanese would call famous - famous on the screen big and small and on the stage and for his pride in his cultural background. It’s a rip-roaring read - there’s happiness and love and success though earlier on leavened by grief and times not so positive. Aaron gives thanks to all all the people in his life - his mother and Nan, uncles, mentors, the women in his life, fellow actors and colleagues. And his friends and his son and daughter. A remarkable Australian - a truly remarkable human being!
November 28, 2022
I love the way this book comes together at the end, and I don’t want to spoil it so I’m leaving it at that.
September 12, 2022
I've been disappointed of late with memoirs, finding them too sanitised and lacking in self-awareness. This is not one of those. Fa'Aoso holds nothing back and delivers a powerfully raw account that hides nothing and makes no excuses. It is also clear that Tucker has done a very good job of supporting rather than compromising Fa'Aoso's voice.
TW: mentions of suicide, suicide ideation, DV, intergenerational trauma
TW: mentions of suicide, suicide ideation, DV, intergenerational trauma
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September 17, 2022I picked up this book based on reviews I had read about how impactful it is. Unfortunately found the writing bland and lacking depth. DNF. Haven't added a star rating as read less than a quarter of the novel and feel it would be unfair to the author.
August 31, 2022
Let me tell you; I am so proud of this book. In a career of highlights (which tends to happen when you get to work with books!) — seeing this memoir out in the world is a stand-out for me.
So Far, So Good: On connection, loss, laughter and the Torres Strait by Aaron Fa'Aoso, with Michelle Scott Tucker.
Jacinta (di Mase) and I met Aaron many moons ago, we sat before him and basically said - we want your story. It took a while, but eventually he came around and once glorious Michelle Scott Tucker signed up to do the telling, the project ignited.
It’s the first memoir by a Torres Strait Islander to be released by a commercial publisher, in Pantera Press. They have also generously donated to Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation via their Pantera Press Foundation, in the book’s honour.
So Far, So Good absolutely undid me. It’s such a generous story - and in fact, Michelle Scott Tucker on her blog recently wrote about Aaron’s internal fight to reach inside himself for this story and his truth. I love this memory Michelle shares, when speaking with Aaron as he really decided and committed to unearthing his life for the page; “One thing I’ve learnt,” Aaron continued, “is that if you tell the truth, it remains in your past. Tell a lie, and it’s always going to haunt your future. And I have enough ghosts in my life already.”
That’s all here. His grief at a young age, losing his father and grandfather and being raised by the women in his life. The ways early pathways and cultures tried to shape him - like the football career he took initially, and then the media once he decided to become an actor - only to be cast as a villain, a bikie, a thug and criminal, constantly … until he decided to change things himself, produce his own screenplays. The way grief followed him. His commitments now to telling the history of his family and the Strait, and that they are on the frontline of climate catastrophe.
For teachers & librarians, I'd also say this is a very good text for older teens. For a history of the Torres Strait. A look at the frontlines of climate catastrophe. And for someone of Aaron’s stature to have a really honest talk with young men in particular, about the paths they choose.
That's all in the book. And, I cannot even begin to tell you how much more is here, and what reading it will do to you - open in you. You have to read it for yourself. It’s a beautiful and bruising story, a groundbreaking one too.
My heart is exceptionally full of this book, and I hope it will fill you up too.
So Far, So Good: On connection, loss, laughter and the Torres Strait by Aaron Fa'Aoso, with Michelle Scott Tucker.
Jacinta (di Mase) and I met Aaron many moons ago, we sat before him and basically said - we want your story. It took a while, but eventually he came around and once glorious Michelle Scott Tucker signed up to do the telling, the project ignited.
It’s the first memoir by a Torres Strait Islander to be released by a commercial publisher, in Pantera Press. They have also generously donated to Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation via their Pantera Press Foundation, in the book’s honour.
So Far, So Good absolutely undid me. It’s such a generous story - and in fact, Michelle Scott Tucker on her blog recently wrote about Aaron’s internal fight to reach inside himself for this story and his truth. I love this memory Michelle shares, when speaking with Aaron as he really decided and committed to unearthing his life for the page; “One thing I’ve learnt,” Aaron continued, “is that if you tell the truth, it remains in your past. Tell a lie, and it’s always going to haunt your future. And I have enough ghosts in my life already.”
That’s all here. His grief at a young age, losing his father and grandfather and being raised by the women in his life. The ways early pathways and cultures tried to shape him - like the football career he took initially, and then the media once he decided to become an actor - only to be cast as a villain, a bikie, a thug and criminal, constantly … until he decided to change things himself, produce his own screenplays. The way grief followed him. His commitments now to telling the history of his family and the Strait, and that they are on the frontline of climate catastrophe.
For teachers & librarians, I'd also say this is a very good text for older teens. For a history of the Torres Strait. A look at the frontlines of climate catastrophe. And for someone of Aaron’s stature to have a really honest talk with young men in particular, about the paths they choose.
That's all in the book. And, I cannot even begin to tell you how much more is here, and what reading it will do to you - open in you. You have to read it for yourself. It’s a beautiful and bruising story, a groundbreaking one too.
My heart is exceptionally full of this book, and I hope it will fill you up too.
July 10, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: non-fiction - memoir
Does the blurb reflect the plot: yes, it’s a great overview of what’s to come.
Sum it up: I became a big fan of Fa’Aoso when Black Comedy aired and I devoured his show Strait to the Plate; so when I saw his memoir, I expected it to be mostly about his acting career. How wrong I was, because So Far, So Good is so much more! It’s a deep dive into a man that has had a truly fascinating life, growing up in Bamaga in Far North Queensland in a big Torres Strait Islander community, Fa’Aoso has been a health worker, competitive rugby player, dancer, security guard, actor, producer, son, husband and father. Never one to sit still, Fa’Aoso had a tendency to attract trouble for a while there, and his memoir does not shy away from this, just as it doesn’t omit the deaths of multiple family members he encountered far too early in life or from the highs and lows for so many of his milestones. I love a memoir that feels like I am having a conversation with the author rather than simply reading words off a page; and So Far, So Good does just that. Emotions of every kind leap off the page and I enjoyed it so much I’ve started listening to the audio book so I can hear Fa’Aoso narrate what is, without a doubt; a compelling and must read memoir.
Who should read it: this is a book that everyone should read, as it’s so diverse and far reaching, whilst being both entertaining and heartfelt.
So Far, So Good is my thirteenth read in #ktbookbingo. Category ‘Four words in the title’. To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.
Genre: non-fiction - memoir
Does the blurb reflect the plot: yes, it’s a great overview of what’s to come.
Sum it up: I became a big fan of Fa’Aoso when Black Comedy aired and I devoured his show Strait to the Plate; so when I saw his memoir, I expected it to be mostly about his acting career. How wrong I was, because So Far, So Good is so much more! It’s a deep dive into a man that has had a truly fascinating life, growing up in Bamaga in Far North Queensland in a big Torres Strait Islander community, Fa’Aoso has been a health worker, competitive rugby player, dancer, security guard, actor, producer, son, husband and father. Never one to sit still, Fa’Aoso had a tendency to attract trouble for a while there, and his memoir does not shy away from this, just as it doesn’t omit the deaths of multiple family members he encountered far too early in life or from the highs and lows for so many of his milestones. I love a memoir that feels like I am having a conversation with the author rather than simply reading words off a page; and So Far, So Good does just that. Emotions of every kind leap off the page and I enjoyed it so much I’ve started listening to the audio book so I can hear Fa’Aoso narrate what is, without a doubt; a compelling and must read memoir.
Who should read it: this is a book that everyone should read, as it’s so diverse and far reaching, whilst being both entertaining and heartfelt.
So Far, So Good is my thirteenth read in #ktbookbingo. Category ‘Four words in the title’. To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.
November 26, 2022
Where do I begin? There are SO many layers to this book, some dark, some light and fun, some entirely inspirational and beyond beautiful. While the first show I’d had the privilege to see Aaron act in was a food show (oh, how I’d love to eat every dish), Strait to the Plate, I came across another’s review for this book. Happy that I bought it. This is a real storyline that will stick with me, and I’m eternally grateful it came into my life, that I got to sit for a time feeling like I was living his through these pages. Yes, all our lives have some ugly parts and his certainly does not shy away from those bits, or from his frankness in telling his truth. Wonderfully shared. I love holding a physical book in my hands, sipping hot spiced chai tea or sangria as I read. Here are the pages that stuck out for me: page 37, pages 172-190, pages 251-252, page 258, pages 264-265, pages 275-281, page 289, page 295, page 306, page 309-312, pages 317-326, pages 345-346. Many of these pages I’ve listed moved me in the deepest part of my soul. Thank you, Aaron Fa’aoso, for generously sharing yourself, for being you, for telling the world your memoir, for believing and furthering connection. This world needed you/needs you. Highly recommending this book, wishing I could shout certain pages from mountaintops on every continent.
January 7, 2023
A story of culture, my culture, in a way I’ve never related to more. Reading a story of loss, love and life through someone whom shares your culture and values is something I find surreal. Relating to so many things and feeling ‘seen’. Such an amazing story that talks about racism and giving ways Australia can attempt to concur and educate one another…no more excuses, Aaron is showing Australia the way to moving forward.
February 4, 2023
I don’t normally write reviews but this gave me a great insight into Torres Strait Islander culture which I am now ashamed to admit I know very little about. It opened my eyes and taught me a lot that I hope to continue building on. Aaron is very open about his life which is refreshing and it gave me a whole new perspective about First Nations people in the entertainment industry. Picked up this book because I loved Black Comedy and I’m so glad I did!
March 3, 2023
A raw, honest and illuminating autobiography of a Torres Strait islander who has achieved, and continues to achieve, much in his art, his advocacy for his culture and his personal life. The phrase 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' is used everywhere today but we know little of the differences between the two cultures. This book is also a small step toward that understanding.
August 12, 2024
Amazing. 10/10- I smiled, laughed, cried, was shocked, saddened and felt hope…. and ... its a TRUE raw and incredibly vulnerable story. There is real human truth, action, and consideration for everyone who reads it .. No one says C**T in a book more than this fella and then in the next sentence so gracefully describes humanity .. I couldn’t put it down.
July 3, 2023
Really interesting life & good to learn more about TS culture
A bit repetitive at times
A bit repetitive at times
October 30, 2023
Loved it. Audio.
October 26, 2025
A really insightful book about so many things, but what particularly spoke to me was the impact of intergenerational trauma.
October 26, 2023
So Far, So Good by Aaron Fa'Aoso with Michelle Scott Tucker is a soul searching, inspiring memoir. As a descendant of the Samu and Koedal clans of Sabai Island in the Torres Strait, Fa'Aoso owns his roles as both warrior and storyteller.
His is a raw and honest story about love, pain, anger, mistakes and happiness. It's about racism and remote communities. About a man straddling worlds, advocating for his people and his Country, and bringing their story to the wider Australian and global audience. And at its core, it's about loving his children and family deeply, and their love for him.
Fa'Aoso, now pursuing his creative loves as an actor, director, and producer, shares his challenging early life and the unflinching support he received from his mother and grandmother. He writes openly about being a domestic violence support worker and then being issued his own domestic violence order, the suicide of his wife, and the untimely deaths of Indigenous friends.
His voice is candid, sad, humorous and loving. Supported seamlessly by Macedon Ranges writer Michelle Scott Tucker, this is an incredible memoir.
I heard Aaron speak at the 2022 Mountain Writer's Festival in Macedon and was impressed by his resilience and candour, his sense of humour and unflinching advocacy for the Torres Strait Islands and its people.
A great read.
His is a raw and honest story about love, pain, anger, mistakes and happiness. It's about racism and remote communities. About a man straddling worlds, advocating for his people and his Country, and bringing their story to the wider Australian and global audience. And at its core, it's about loving his children and family deeply, and their love for him.
Fa'Aoso, now pursuing his creative loves as an actor, director, and producer, shares his challenging early life and the unflinching support he received from his mother and grandmother. He writes openly about being a domestic violence support worker and then being issued his own domestic violence order, the suicide of his wife, and the untimely deaths of Indigenous friends.
His voice is candid, sad, humorous and loving. Supported seamlessly by Macedon Ranges writer Michelle Scott Tucker, this is an incredible memoir.
I heard Aaron speak at the 2022 Mountain Writer's Festival in Macedon and was impressed by his resilience and candour, his sense of humour and unflinching advocacy for the Torres Strait Islands and its people.
A great read.
December 3, 2023
So far, so Good - On connection, loss, laughter and the Torres Strait.
Full of love, warmth, gratitude, humour.
Aaron Fa’aoso navigates difficult topics (growing up and living with intergenerational trauma, childhood loss and grief, and structural racism), alongside the importance & impact of family, having role positive female and male models, embracing one’s culture. All effortlessly intertwined with stories of youthful misadventures & adventures, friendship, sport, music.
Full of love, warmth, gratitude, humour.
Aaron Fa’aoso navigates difficult topics (growing up and living with intergenerational trauma, childhood loss and grief, and structural racism), alongside the importance & impact of family, having role positive female and male models, embracing one’s culture. All effortlessly intertwined with stories of youthful misadventures & adventures, friendship, sport, music.
did-not-finish
June 8, 2025💩DNF’d at 35%💩
⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK/REVIEW (based on what I have read so far): domestic violence, death of a parent/grandparent⚠️
I knew of Fa’Aoso from his sketches on Black Comedy, especially from ‘Tidda’s’, which is absolutely iconic.
Nothing against the author, I just didn’t find the motivation to keep picking this up (like I’ve been doing with most of my books 🤣).
⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK/REVIEW (based on what I have read so far): domestic violence, death of a parent/grandparent⚠️
I knew of Fa’Aoso from his sketches on Black Comedy, especially from ‘Tidda’s’, which is absolutely iconic.
Nothing against the author, I just didn’t find the motivation to keep picking this up (like I’ve been doing with most of my books 🤣).
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews