Winners

Book talk

This week, Michael Popple reviews three big recent releases from across the genres. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com

Blowback by James Patterson and Brendan Dubois

Century, $32.99 Newly elected United States president Keegan Barrett is bold, popular, and utterly insane. A former CIA director, Barrett promises change to the country like never before, but his plans involve incapacitating and engaging all of America’s enemies, no matter the cost. Soon, only two CIA agents stand in his way, but what can they do against the power of a crazed president? Bestselling authors James Patterson and Brendan Dubois present another clever and over-the-top thriller. With an impressive and deeply exciting story, Blowback is guaranteed to keep you glued to the page until the very last twist.

All of Our Demise by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman

Gollancz, $22.99 The cursed deathmatch for control of Ilvernath’s high magick is ongoing, but the rules have changed like never before. The battle is now being fought in the city streets, and outside influences are getting involved. As the curse continues to change, can the contestants find a way to survive, or will they continue their family’s cycle of death and destruction? One of the most anticipated young adult novels of 2022 arrives in a big way. The compelling sequel to All of Us Villains, this epic novel is an exceptional read that pits damaged teenagers in emotional, magical carnage. A highly recommended read!

Upgrade by Blake Crouch

Macmillan, $34.99 In the future, genetic engineering is illegal after it nearly destroyed the world, but some still tinker with evolution. Raiding a suspected lab, agent Logan Ramsay is targeted by an elaborate gene hack that turns him into something more than human. Forced to flee, Logan finds himself amid a war for the future of humanity, which forces him to relive his family’s dark past. Incredible science fiction author Blake Crouch once again highlights his impressive talent with this powerful, high-concept read. Diving deep into genetic engineering, Upgrade is an elaborate, thrilling and utterly addictive novel that is impossible to put down.

Canberra Weekly competition winners

The winners in Canberra Weekly’s latest round of competition draws are:

Lunar skincare: D Di Mezza, Mawson; M Shayal, Queanbeyan. NON Everyday Set: H Brereton, Gordon; D Wallace, Duffy; L Willard, Griffith. ST ALi Italian Film Festival: F Jorgensen, Lyneham; E Solari, Evatt; H Beard, Watson; B Griffin, Wanniassa; D Gloede, Mawson. CSO War and Peace tickets: C Tregea, Karabar; R Dwyer, Chapman; D Speldewinde; Holder; A Martin, Gundaroo. Embrace Kids: A Rush, Mawson; V Merton, Aranda; O Baro; E Watson, Banks; K Cooper, Denman Prospect; C White, Manuka; D Barber, Monash; J Wood, Gordon; D Seebohm, Page; T Mcintosh, Conder.

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WHAT’S ON

FUSE GLASS PRIZE: Works from the 2022 biennial competition are on display at the Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, until 25 September; canberraglassworks.com

CLOGGING CONVENTION: Workshops, seminars and social dancing at Bicentennial Hall, Queanbeyan, 8-11 September.

SING AUSTRALIA: Weekly sessions at: Belconnen, Thursday 9.30 am; Duntroon, Monday 7.30pm; Greenway, Monday 1pm. Costs apply; singaustralia.com.au

LIFELINE BOOKFAIR: Canberra’s favourite charity book sale returns to EPIC, 9-11 September; lifelinecanberra.org.au

CANBERRA MOON FESTIVAL: A three-day cultural festival of stunning performances, street food and more at City Walk, 9-11 September; canberramoonfestival.com.au

GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Budding Entertainment presents an adaptation of Charles Dickens’s novel starring a youth and adult cast, Belconnen Theatre, 9-17 September; buddingentertainment.com

HANGING BY A THREAD: ACT Textile Arts Association’s exhibition and bazaar at Queanbeyan Art Society Gallery, 9-22 September; acttextiles.org.au

BIANCA DEL RIO: The Ru Paul Drag Race star returns to Canberra Theatre with her new comedy tour Unsanitized! on 9 September 8pm; biancadownunder.com

CABARET VOLTAIRE: An evening of avant-garde art and performance inspired by cult cinema, Smith’s Alternative, 9 September 8.30pm; smithsalternative.com

BRICK AT WODEN: See what Lego creators have been working on at this year’s brick master showcase at The Woden School, 10-11 September; thewodens.act.edu.au AT THE END OF OUR STREET: An interactive theatre show to fill the heart and revive the soul, Cuppacumbalong Homestead, Tharwa, 10 September 2pm; drct-rebustheatre.prod. supporterhub.net SÄNGERFEST: The Austrian Choir Canberra hosts the German Choral Festival, Harmonie German Club, 10 September 10-3pm; harmonieclub.com.au

TEA AND CLAY: The closing event of Soap and Stone invites locals to spend some time with the artists who created the pieces on display, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, 10 September 3pm; anca.net.au

UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE DAY: Canberra’s Ukrainian and Croatian communities host a fundraising dinner and concert, all proceeds going to help the Ukrainian people, Deakin Football Club, 10 September 5pm; tickets via eventbrite.com.au

RUFINO AND THE COCONUTS: The magical marooned misfits of voodoo groove return to Smith’s Alternative for two performances on 10 September 6.30pm and 9pm; smithsalternative.com

NĀYIKA: A Bharatanatyam dance from South India performed by solo artist Vaidehi Subramanyan, Gorman Arts Centre, 10 September 7pm; ainslieandgorman.com.au

BRIC-A-BRAC RUMMAGE: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South. Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm. MAKERS-CON: Stalls and demonstrations showcase a range of hobbies while pop culture fans are sure to be thrilled by cosplay competitions, Old Bus Depot Markets, 11 September 9.30am-2.30pm.

A VEGAN STATE OF MIND: The free festival showcases local and interstate cruelty-free brands, Glebe Park, Sunday 11 September 11am; betweenthelinesevents.com

Bianca Del Rio in Unsanitized! at Canberra Theatre, 9 September. Photo: Matt Crockett. LUCY WISE: The regional Victorian singer returns with her Taking Heart Tour, Smith’s Alternative, 11 September 4pm; smithsalternative.com

COLLECTING AUSTRALIANA: Grace Cochrane talks about Australian decorative arts, crafts and design, National Library of Australia, Monday 12 September 6pm; adfasmembershipcanberra@ gmail.com

PIANO GEMS: Students from the piano studio of Marie Cull perform at Wesley Music Centre, Wednesday 14 September 12.40pm; wesleycanberra.org.au

BARBER OF SEVILLE: Rossini’s classic opera gets a contemporary twist in this new production from director Priscilla Jackman, Canberra Theatre, 15-17 September; opera.org.au

CIRCULAR ECONOMY SYMPOSIUM: From CBR360, Canberra businesses can learn from and connect with circular innovators to level up their sustainability game, Kambri ANU, 15 September; CBR360.org.au

UNDERSTANDING MUSIC SEMINAR: Learn to read and play music in just three days with Duncan Lorien, ANU School of Music, 16-18 September; understandingmusicseminar.com.au

IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL: Music, poetry, dancing, food and drink celebrating the rich Irish and Celtic cultures, Yass, 16-18 September; irishcelticmusicfestival.com

Send your free entertainment listings to: arts@canberraweekly.com.au with ‘what’s on’ in the subject field. Deadline is 10 days prior to Thursday edition date.

by Gravity & Other Myths