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You Shouldn't Have Joined ...
The warm, fascinating memoir of one of Australia's most popular and prominent public figures General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) is one of Australia's most significant public figures. As a soldier he saw action in Vietnam, winning the Military Cross, and rose to the very top of his profession, becoming Chief of the Defence Force. Soon after his retirement from the Army, he was invited to take charge of the huge relief and rebuilding operation in Queensland after the devastation of Cyclone Larry.In 2014, Cosgrove became Australia's Governor-General. As Governor-General he travelled far and wide, supporting Australians in times of crisis, sadness, joy or celebration, representing us on the world stage with humour, intelligence and a force of personal magnetism that was felt by everyone from prime ministers to presidents.When he retired in July 2019, it was as one of the most beloved and respected governors-general in Australia's history. Cosgrove embodies the traits we truly warmth, humanity, toughness and loyalty. His humour and empathy shone through the pomp and ceremony, and his time as Governor-General will be remembered as much for his laughter as for the usual dignities of the office.You Shouldn't Have Joined ... (an expression much used during his days as a soldier) is the story of Cosgrove's extraordinarily full and eventful life. It is also the story of those who have shared it with him, in particular his wife Lynne.His memoir allows us an incredible insight into the role and world of Australia's Governor-General. He was there as two prime ministers were toppled by their own party. He was there through disasters both natural and man-made, such as the destruction of MH17. He was there for world leaders, and for ordinary Australians. You Shouldn't Have Joined ... is a true reflection of the man himself, filled with intelligence, forthrightness, compassion and a brilliant eye for a telling anecdote.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 24, 2021
Peter Gosgrove is recognised throughout Australia for his leadership in both the military and in public life for his time served as Governor General. He has a genuine humanitarian instinct that is recognised by all sides of the political spectrum. Noted as an inspirational speaker and as a leader, he is a well-respected public figure that is loved and honoured by the vast majority. I have always admired him.
It now pains me to write this but this is a very pedestrian read that is bland in prose and makes what should have been exciting events boring. For a bloke who fought in the Vietnam War through to meeting some of the most important world leaders of his times, when reading I never felt any excitement or insight. Peter gave himself self away late in the book when he wrote that he had become a “dab hand at delicately stepping through the issue(s)”.
It now pains me to write this but this is a very pedestrian read that is bland in prose and makes what should have been exciting events boring. For a bloke who fought in the Vietnam War through to meeting some of the most important world leaders of his times, when reading I never felt any excitement or insight. Peter gave himself self away late in the book when he wrote that he had become a “dab hand at delicately stepping through the issue(s)”.
January 26, 2021
I have long been an admirer of Peter Cosgrove - both for his tireless work when it comes to disaster relief and in his role as the Governor-General.
This book was certainly very interesting in detailing his life's story. I haven't read his other book so all of the details about his early life were new to me. I really like that he is an ordinary bloke who rose up through the ranks with nothing more than a good brain, reams of common sense and a can do attitude. The numerous mentions of his wife really endeared me to him as well :)
I think the takeaway of this book, for me, is that anyone can make a difference in the world, as long as you are willing to put in the hard yards first. Not everyone will rise to the great heights that Peter Cosgrove did, obviously, but if you work hard, are kind to others, considerate and don't bad-mouth people that you don't particularly like, you can go a long way in life.
I must admit that I thought about Peter's wife too. The fact that she had to pack up her house, over and over again, move all over the world, make small-talk with people she had zero in common with quite a bit of the time - she gets lots of brownie points from me! I couldn't do it, no way. My dad was in the RAAF so I knew a bit about moving a lot and changing schools etc but this was a whole other level. Glad that I had been in the Army Reserve - it helped with some of the abbreviations.
The only thing that got me is the overly complicated words which were used at times! That is probably more a reflection on me, but still, it made some passages in the book quite difficult to read. Otherwise, loved it!
4.5 stars from me.
This book was certainly very interesting in detailing his life's story. I haven't read his other book so all of the details about his early life were new to me. I really like that he is an ordinary bloke who rose up through the ranks with nothing more than a good brain, reams of common sense and a can do attitude. The numerous mentions of his wife really endeared me to him as well :)
I think the takeaway of this book, for me, is that anyone can make a difference in the world, as long as you are willing to put in the hard yards first. Not everyone will rise to the great heights that Peter Cosgrove did, obviously, but if you work hard, are kind to others, considerate and don't bad-mouth people that you don't particularly like, you can go a long way in life.
I must admit that I thought about Peter's wife too. The fact that she had to pack up her house, over and over again, move all over the world, make small-talk with people she had zero in common with quite a bit of the time - she gets lots of brownie points from me! I couldn't do it, no way. My dad was in the RAAF so I knew a bit about moving a lot and changing schools etc but this was a whole other level. Glad that I had been in the Army Reserve - it helped with some of the abbreviations.
The only thing that got me is the overly complicated words which were used at times! That is probably more a reflection on me, but still, it made some passages in the book quite difficult to read. Otherwise, loved it!
4.5 stars from me.
December 6, 2020
An easy-to-read memoir by a down-to earth Aussie who has led an extraordinary life.
Much of what he has experienced will never be told but this glimpse into to the life of a boy from the working class suburbs of Sydney, who became an army officer and went on to be appointed to positions all over the world as a representative of the Australian Defence Forces is fascinating.
His later role of Governor General, the Queen's representative in Australia, is told in a manner to make a reader fully appreciate the complexity of that role while making it fairly lighthearted and easy to read.
The role of Governor General is often quite obscure to the average Aussie but Sir Peter Cosgrove is clearly a hard-working man and the demands of that role would exhaust most of us. He is deeply appreciative of his wonderful wife, Lynne, who has accompanied him on most of his life's journey.
Much of what he has experienced will never be told but this glimpse into to the life of a boy from the working class suburbs of Sydney, who became an army officer and went on to be appointed to positions all over the world as a representative of the Australian Defence Forces is fascinating.
His later role of Governor General, the Queen's representative in Australia, is told in a manner to make a reader fully appreciate the complexity of that role while making it fairly lighthearted and easy to read.
The role of Governor General is often quite obscure to the average Aussie but Sir Peter Cosgrove is clearly a hard-working man and the demands of that role would exhaust most of us. He is deeply appreciative of his wonderful wife, Lynne, who has accompanied him on most of his life's journey.
February 28, 2021
Our Hero, after Cyclone Larry, 2006, Millaa Millaa ,Qld. He writes as we found him; an interesting and a lovely man.
November 11, 2020
General Sir Peter Cosgrove narrated his memoir via voice recognition software during this pandemic time. This means when he then narrates the audiobook, the 'writing' style makes it feel like he's right there with you giving you a personal account of his travels and experiences.
I highly recommend the read to aspiring leaders. I for one took so much from it, especially from his time on the QANTAS Board and his time as Governor-General. Sir Peter provides a great insight into the Royal family and what it means to give back to your country.
I interviewed Sir Peter about his memoir. The interview is available here: https://youtu.be/GdBedRaP10s
I highly recommend the read to aspiring leaders. I for one took so much from it, especially from his time on the QANTAS Board and his time as Governor-General. Sir Peter provides a great insight into the Royal family and what it means to give back to your country.
I interviewed Sir Peter about his memoir. The interview is available here: https://youtu.be/GdBedRaP10s
March 1, 2021
I rarely read military nor political memoirs.
I'm probably more tempted to read other ones after reading this one. I'm a bit keen to read Quentin Bryce's letters, as Australia's first female GG, now. Would have enjoyed meeting her in that capacity.
I was attracted to this one, because I've had some lovely short conversations with Sir Pete when he was Governor General, dinner and an afternoon tea, along with listening to him speak, due to my youngest son's achievements. Also on the cover are some of my son's close friends from his graduating Kokoda Company at Duntroon (My Son was in this Queens Bday, trooping of the colours, picture but cropped out for the cover. It's tough when you don't make the cut, lol).
From reading this memoir, I was astounded by the depth and range of Peter Cosgrove's experiences.
He's been on the ground at some eventful times in Australia's modern history. His Mum took him from their terrace house in working class Paddo (before it became a boutique 'burb) to hear Menzies speak, despite her being a staunch Labor supporter. He was a platoon commander who saw active service in the jungles of Vietnam and was awarded the Military Cross. He had a stint at serving at Government House as an adjunct to the GG for a year in the late 1960s.
His first natural disaster recovery effort in the Army was due to Cyclone Tracy devastating Darwin on Christmas Day 1975.
He has trained some of our elite members of Army in various roles that cumulated in serving as Commandant of The Royal Military College at Duntroon.
East Timor, Aceh after the tsunami, Cyclone Larry, the shooting down of passenger airline MH17 have all had his attendance in one commanding presence or another.
He's been a Director of companies such as Qantas Airlines. He's rub shoulder with Princes and Presidents, Prisoners in rehabilitation and Rugby Players. He even mentions his current position in relation to bushfire recovery and now covid recovery.
He intelligently addresses the concept of an Australian Republic and recognition of our First People without dictating down to the Australian public.
All this he's recounted without scandal and in an interesting, engaging and down-to-earth manner.
He's done all this and still feels quite proud of our country.
If we have to have people serve in the military and if we have to have someone serve as a Governor General, he's done it in a way that means he's an Australian to be to be proud of.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend reading this memoir.
I'm probably more tempted to read other ones after reading this one. I'm a bit keen to read Quentin Bryce's letters, as Australia's first female GG, now. Would have enjoyed meeting her in that capacity.
I was attracted to this one, because I've had some lovely short conversations with Sir Pete when he was Governor General, dinner and an afternoon tea, along with listening to him speak, due to my youngest son's achievements. Also on the cover are some of my son's close friends from his graduating Kokoda Company at Duntroon (My Son was in this Queens Bday, trooping of the colours, picture but cropped out for the cover. It's tough when you don't make the cut, lol).
From reading this memoir, I was astounded by the depth and range of Peter Cosgrove's experiences.
He's been on the ground at some eventful times in Australia's modern history. His Mum took him from their terrace house in working class Paddo (before it became a boutique 'burb) to hear Menzies speak, despite her being a staunch Labor supporter. He was a platoon commander who saw active service in the jungles of Vietnam and was awarded the Military Cross. He had a stint at serving at Government House as an adjunct to the GG for a year in the late 1960s.
His first natural disaster recovery effort in the Army was due to Cyclone Tracy devastating Darwin on Christmas Day 1975.
He has trained some of our elite members of Army in various roles that cumulated in serving as Commandant of The Royal Military College at Duntroon.
East Timor, Aceh after the tsunami, Cyclone Larry, the shooting down of passenger airline MH17 have all had his attendance in one commanding presence or another.
He's been a Director of companies such as Qantas Airlines. He's rub shoulder with Princes and Presidents, Prisoners in rehabilitation and Rugby Players. He even mentions his current position in relation to bushfire recovery and now covid recovery.
He intelligently addresses the concept of an Australian Republic and recognition of our First People without dictating down to the Australian public.
All this he's recounted without scandal and in an interesting, engaging and down-to-earth manner.
He's done all this and still feels quite proud of our country.
If we have to have people serve in the military and if we have to have someone serve as a Governor General, he's done it in a way that means he's an Australian to be to be proud of.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend reading this memoir.
March 26, 2022
l am a big fan of Sir Peter, since first becoming aware of him during East Timor. When he became Governor General l thought he was a perfect candidate for this office. l rate him as one of the greatest Australian of my life time. Once I started listening l couldn't stop and finished it in just over 24 hours.. l was enthralled to listen to Sir Peter narrating the book himself. l found this for me to add to the experience and made it very personal. General Sir Peter Cosgrove, a great Australian and living legend.
January 19, 2021
The most deathly boring book I have ever read. Good grief it took me all my willpower to get through this. Sure it might be a nice, fun, interesting book if you actually like this stuff, but I, a 15 year old girl DO NOT.
So why did I read it you may ask? Wellll it so happens that my senile 91 y/o grandmother gave my dad 1 copy of this for his birthday in November, then scarcely 1 month later gave another copy to him for Christmas. XD
I was bored had nothing to do. My dad read this and laughed occasionally at the boomer expressions. I read it and laughed non stop at the boomer expressions. I don't reckon most of them were meant to be jokes, but I still found the expressions funny, being gen z.
So no, I do not appreciate the intricate description of what a governor general has to do to prepare for royalty, but 1 star for my eccentric grandmother and the boomer jokes, and the fact that goodreads doesn't let you do 0 stars. Mostly an awful read though, strongly suggest skipping through the entire politics chapter.
So why did I read it you may ask? Wellll it so happens that my senile 91 y/o grandmother gave my dad 1 copy of this for his birthday in November, then scarcely 1 month later gave another copy to him for Christmas. XD
I was bored had nothing to do. My dad read this and laughed occasionally at the boomer expressions. I read it and laughed non stop at the boomer expressions. I don't reckon most of them were meant to be jokes, but I still found the expressions funny, being gen z.
So no, I do not appreciate the intricate description of what a governor general has to do to prepare for royalty, but 1 star for my eccentric grandmother and the boomer jokes, and the fact that goodreads doesn't let you do 0 stars. Mostly an awful read though, strongly suggest skipping through the entire politics chapter.
January 18, 2021
Interesting insight into a diplomatic and hard working Governor General, but very 'listy'. So many abbreviations for the various ranks and roles. Obviously would have been difficult for him to tell the details of some of the personalities or the politics. Interesting to see the range of roles he fulfilled including his work in east Timor and with Qantas.
October 8, 2024
Very easy listening. Some good insights into how a war is run from the top. Also interesting to find out all the tradition and responsibilities behind the Governor General position and their interactions with politicians. Not a bad book
February 26, 2021
An interesting life.
March 6, 2021
3.5 Stars!
February 14, 2022
An interesting enough account of his experiences but most of the time the book felt very surface level and lacked the depth and insight I had expected it might have.
January 25, 2023
Very interesting. Hard to tell sometimes how serious something was or how much was planned beforehand due to Cosgrove's constant self-deprecation.
January 5, 2024
Great insight into one of Australia's Finest.
Did drag at time but overall a interesting read
Did drag at time but overall a interesting read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews