‘Any Ordinary Day’: Blindsides, resilience and what happens after the worst day of your life.
By Leigh Sales. Published by Penguin Random House Australia
Styling & photography by Michelle Hartnett. © Michelle Hartnett 2020
This thought-provoking, inspiring and insightful book by award-winning Australian journalist and broadcaster, Leigh Sales, is a moving account of what happens to ordinary, everyday people who become caught up in extraordinary, unimaginable and unexpected life-altering events. Far from being a commentary of some of the biggest news stories of our time, this book focuses on exploring the qualities of resilience, courage, tenacity, inner strength, human kindness and hope as Leigh talks with people unwittingly caught up in incomprehensible situations. You will meet survivors of life- shattering events such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters, be introduced to everyday Australians who have had to rebuild their lives after simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time and also receive a glimpse inside the world of the compassionate professionals and unsung heroes who support people through the very worst of times. Leigh includes a detailed account of her own life-threatening, medical emergency in 2014, and the personal heartbreak that followed, as well as insights into her career and work life. The book also meticulously documents the latest research about the way we humans process, grief, trauma and loss. It’s fascinating stuff! I absolutely loved this brilliant book. Even though the nature of the events included are traumatic to say the least, the thoughts and responses of each person interviewed are, without exception, utterly inspiring and completely life-affirming. Each chapter has been written with such warmth, humility and attention to detail that if you aren’t already a Leigh Sales fan you certainly will be by the time you reach the final page.
Shopping note: If you’re unable to leave home, or your local book store has temporarily closed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, you can find ‘Any Ordinary Day’ on-line. I ordered my copy from Booktopia at www.booktopia.com.au