A Thinking Reed

by Barry Jones

From quiz kid to Australian Minister for Science, from frustrated school teacher to National President of the ALP, from the suburbs of Melbourne to UNESCO in Paris, Barry Jones has had a prodigious public life. Barry Jones first came to public prominence as Pick-a-Box quiz champion, and from then on he has embraced a myriad of passions and causes. A Thinking Reed spans his remarkable career, from a lonely childhood in Melbourne of the 1930s and 1940s to the fight he led against the death penalty to his crusade to make science and the future prominent issues on the political agenda. He has worked tirelessly on both a global and local scale to rethink education, to improve and preserve our heritage, to revive the nations's film industry, and to build a better Australia. Almost unique among politicians, Barry Jones is held in enormous public affection. And while he reveals many insights into the political process - both the problems of office and the atrophy of Opposition - he concentrates above all on the life of the mind; a mind with deep, passionate and often witty insights into history, philosophy, music and literature. A Thinking Reed is a generous gift from an extraordinary Australian.

Genres: Nonfiction, Australia, Memoir, Politics, Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Wikipedia Entry for Barry Jones (Australian politician
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always admired Barry Jones for his humanity, intellect, and commitment to social justice. This book is not a page turner, but it’s a thoughtful memoir of an extraordinary mind.

[Kimbalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest works of Autobiography I have ever read. Barry Jones is an Australian icon (and former teacher!) who I model my life on. Top read.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am drawn to Barry Jones, his politics, his ethics, his common decency, but I am so in awe of his amazing intelligence that it is hard to keep up with him, even in a book. There is a feeling of sadness and isolation in this autobiography, who does a person of his intellect commune with after all? But despite all of that, his achievements are many and his life, is and always was, full to the max. His lists at the end of the book morphed into another book The Shock of Recognition.

[Hunter Trumble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit, Barry Jones deserved a lot better than what he got from the ALP and VLP; he was a lot smarter and had much better wit than most of them.

The book itself however, is well written. Jones’ memoir details a great recount of events and stories of his life, from his unique beginnings to his end in Australian Politics. Whilst the content was quite dry and extensive, his perspective is very interesting and would certainly persuade the reader to consider a different approach and viewpoint of particular politicians and individuals. Then again, he cannot excuse himself as he himself was also a politician that made unfavourable decisions which weren’t admitted.

Overall, it’s a great story that is certainly worth reading.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine read about a fascinating man.

[Greg]

This is going to be good. His reputation precedes him. Practically a national treasure even before he really got started in public life. I vividly remember watching the quiz show Pick-A-Box as a kid in the 'sixties. Our family was glued to it every week. Barry Jones seemed to be on it for years. It was great when answering a question, often his answers were extensive, giving far more information than was asked for. On occasion his answer was not considered correct. He would challenge the decision and sure enough next week after checking he was right on detail of facts. His was a quiet humble demeanor. The nation loved him.
And that was only the start.
The synopsis says: 'A Thinking Reed is a generous gift from an extraordinary Australian.'

I picked up this as new hardback copy for $2 at a caravan park book swap.