A good read, entertaining, funny, historical ( )

William McInnes' best-selling memoir, A Man's Got to Have a Hobby, takes us back to the long summer holidays of the 1960s and '70s and the last of the baby-boomer childhoods. William narrates with humour and affection about his family and especially his mum and dad, who talked to the TV set and enjoyed life in their house near the bay.

William McInnes is a talented author and a natural storyteller. A tail-end baby boomer, he recalls summer holidays that seemed to go on forever, when he and his mates would walk down to fish in the bay; a time when the Aussie battler stood as the local Labor candidate and looked out for his mates; and a time when the whole family would rush into the lounge room to watch a new commercial on TV.

He talks about his father, a strong character who talks to the furniture, dances with William's mother in the kitchen, and spends his free time fixing up the house and doing the best for his family. In A Man's Got to Have a Hobby, you can hear his father speaking and listen to his mother singing.

This is a story about people who aren't famous but should be. It's about cane toads and families, love and hope and fear, laughter, death and life. Most of all it is a realistic, down-to-earth story by a man who had a great time growing up. His warmth and humour come through in every word.

This Australian memoir tells of a time that will be familiar to many readers and a delight for all. Having McInnes read it adds to the authenticity of the stories - and is the icing on the cake for me. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyable, made better as I listed to the audio, read by McInnes. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad - as any story reflecting on life is. ( )

A Man’s Got to Have a Hobby is the first book by William McInnes, better known, perhaps, for his acting roles in Seachange and Blue Heelers. This book is a memoir of his father, Colin McInnes, and takes us back to the 70’s on a battleaxe block in Queensland: cane toads, stubbies, backyard barbies, cricket and footy games. McInnes’ style makes for easy reading: there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as a few that may move the reader to tears. The second half is perhaps a little slow, but this book is, nonetheless, a very enjoyable read. ( )

This is one of the few audio books where I have enjoyed the author reading the book themselves (most don't do a good job). Images of family life growing up is Brisbane reminded me of my own childhood and the intricacies of family life. Had a good laugh at times. The version I listened to was abridged, but I wish it had beed the full version - I hate abridged works. ( )