Get a heads-up with a new diary, meet a famous author and go on a day trip

NOTES FROM AN EXHIBITION

You’ll become a fan of Patrick Gale with this book, if you aren’t already. His 13th novel Notes from an Exhibition draws us into the life of painter Rachel Kelly, who is obsessed with her art, and that of her family, who has to live with her talent and her manic depression. From the first page, you’ll find yourself solidly on their side – and that’s the skill of Gale’s writing. Published by HarperCollins, AU$27.99, ISBN 9780 00726 3417. Catch Gale’s book tour for more insights: Brisbane Writers Festival (13–16 September); Lesley McKay’s Potts Point Bookshop, Sydney (tel: +61 (2) 9363 6642, 18 September); Imprints Booksellers, Adelaide (tel: +61 (8) 8231 4454, 20 September), Millpoint Caffé Bookshop, Perth (tel: +61 (8) 9367 4567, 21 September).

JETSTAR’S DOUBLE THE DIFFERENCE VOUCHER GUARANTEE

If you find another airline offering a lower web-based fare than the Jetsaver rate for the same set of departure and arrival airports before booking your flight, call Jetstar Reservations on 1300 369 516. When you book the flight, Jetstar will not only give you a voucher for double the difference but also waive the usual telephone booking fees. Terms and conditions on jetstar.com.

THE SEASONAL PRODUCE DIARY 2008

Foodies, get your hands on this diary by food writers Allan Campion and Michele Curtis, even if you’re part of the PDA generation. The 2007 was a sell-out and this one looks set to fly off the shelves too! With beautiful photography, over 60 recipes, food and wine tips, and a list of food and wine festivals around Australia, it’ll really keep you in tune with the seasons in the coming year. The 2008 edition has a new flexibound format and coloured elastic band closure. Published by Hardie Grant, AU$29.95, ISBN 9781 74066 5216.

DAY TRIP SECRETS BRISBANE

Bet you didn’t know there’s a produce market at the Brisbane Powerhouse every second and fourth Saturday of the month? Or that there are gondolas on the Brisbane River? Or that Elvis is alive and well and making wine in the town of Woodford, an hour’s drive away? Check out these and 49 other exciting things you could do in Brisbane with this great set of cards. Useful information, a map, how-to-get-there instructions and cost are included on the back of each card. Produced by Shopping Secrets, AU$9.95, ISBN 9780 97520 7277.

THE BUTCHERBIRD

Geoffrey Cousins’ debut novel draws upon his knowledge of the wheeling-and-dealing that goes on behind the scenes of Australian public-listed companies – he’s been a chief exec and on the board member of at least 10. With lashings of dark humour running through it, it’s an entertaining read; it’s rather a letdown that the main baddie doesn’t come to a sticky end, but that’s real life for you! Published by Allen and Unwin, RRP AU$32.95, ISBN 9781 74175 0393.