Sometimes it’s just your lucky day. Don’t you love it when you’re in the right place at the right time? For instance when returning books to the local library and they happen to have a stash of books that they are giving away. With an offer like that I couldn’t pass by without having a rummage through the assorted books.

It didn’t take long for a few titles to jump out at me. Instead of fiction books these were all non-fiction and ones that should make for very interesting reading. The titles I was lucky enough to pick up were:

Surfers : A line-up of surfing’s most inspirational characters by Matt Griggs. 2007

The author of this book competed as a professional surfer for six years before going on to work for ‘the surfer’s bible’ Tracks magazine, so it stands up to the blurb of this book being an insider’s view of some of surfing’s most interesting and unique characters. The tone of the book is set from the dedication page which reads…

‘Dedication: To inscribe or address (a book, piece of music, etc.) to a patron, friend, etc., as in testimony of respect or affection.

Nah, just joking.

This book is dedicated to the ocean, because no matter what mood it’s in, it always waves at you.

It should be a fascinating read about the 26 different surfers interviewed including Layne Beachley, Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning. It also contains pages of brilliant surfing photos and will be a great one to read sitting on a beach somewhere.

Rodney Fox: Sharks, the sea and me. 2013

On the other hand this next book is NOT one to read if you’re holidaying near the beach!

This is the story of Rodney Fox in his own words, about his incredible story of survival after being attacked by a three metre, Great White Shark while spearfishing off a suburban Adelaide beach. The fact that he survived the encounter is miraculous given the extent of his injuries after the huge creature gripped him by the chest, crushing every rib in his left side, causing massive internal injuries, a collapsed lung, huge blood loss and extensive muscle damage. The wound to his side needed 462 stitches and the photos of his injuries and miracle recovery were distributed worldwide to hospitals to show just what the human body could survive. To this day his survival is considered the most severe ever to be survived.

In this book Rodney Fox tells his story from the attack to subsequent diving adventures, and his life since in shark conservation, educational shark expedition tours and establishing a foundation to contribute to research into understanding Great White Sharks. The book does contain photos including some pretty horrific and graphic ones of the aftermath of his attack which just make it all the more incredible to read.

Confessions of a Compact Camera Shooter: Rick Sammon 2010

Any photography book is always going to grab my attention, there is always something to be learnt from technical experts, professionals and artists that can improve your photography and give you a different perspective.

Rick Sammon is a professional photographer of more than 40 years, whose images been published in newspapers, magazines and in the 40 plus books he’s produced. He has travelled to more than 100 countries and has been named a Canon Explorer of Light, which recognises him as an industry-leading photographer.

I prefer using a DSLR camera to a compact but I’m sure the examples and tips in this book will help no matter what the camera of choice.

My lucky library finds are something to keep in mind when you’re travelling as often, local libraries have books for sale at a very cheap price or in this case to give away. This is a great way to top up on reading material when you’re caravanning or camping, you don’t have to worry if they get a bit tattered and worn and you have a ready supply to swap in your travels.

Cheers

Glenys