Paul Callaghan is an Aboriginal man belonging to the land of the Worimi people, located on the coast of New South Wales just north of Newcastle. For many years he has held senior executive positions in Aboriginal- and non-Aboriginal-related service areas, but eventually his desire to focus on community and individual wellbeing compelled him to start his own business. In addition to consultancy work, Paul is a motivational speaker, a storyteller, a dancer and an author. His first book, Iridescence: Finding Your Colours and Living Your Story, published in 2014, has received numerous, heartfelt testimonials from around the world. In 2019 his manuscript of a novel titled Coincidence was shortlisted for the inaugural Daisy Utemorrah Award. The shortlisting inspired Paul to undertake a PhD in Creative Practice, for which he has written a second novel, titled Consequence. Paul’s passions are driven by his belief in the power of story to create a better world.
Today, fresh off the recent release of his new book The Dreaming Path, Paul Callaghan is on the blog to share with us his favourite books from First Nations authors. Read on!
Paul Callaghan on The Dreaming Path
When we leave this world behind, all we leave behind is our story. So make it the best story possible. Are you living the best story possible?
If not, The Dreaming Path can gently guide you onto a path of contentment if you are ready to seek it.
Bill Gamage’s book provides factual information that highlights the sophistication of our culture and cultural practices. The Traditional Healers book provides an inspiring and thought provoking spiritual experience.
The novels listed provide entertaining and educative insights into the challenges Aboriginal people face post invasion.
I love reading autobiographies the most. They take me on a journey of sadness and joy and invariably include experiences and people I can relate to. They highlight the amazing personal stories that surround all of us.
Traditional Healers of Central Australia: Ngangkari by Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council Aboriginal Corporation – Traditional Healers of the Central Desert contains unique stories and imagery and primary source material: the ngangkari speak directly to the reader. Ngangkari are senior Aboriginal people authorised to speak publicly about Anangu (Western Desert language speaking Aboriginal people) culture and practices.
The Biggest Estate on Earth by Bill Gammage – Explodes the myth that pre-settlement Australia was an untamed wilderness revealing the complex, country-wide systems of land management used by Aboriginal people.
Carpentaria by Alexis Wright – The novel’s portrait of life in the precariously settled coastal town of Desperance centres on the powerful Phantom family, leader of the Westend Pricklebush people, and its battles with old Joseph Midnight’s renegade Eastend mob on the one hand, and the white officials of Uptown and the neighbouring Gurfurrit mine on the other.
Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko – Wise-cracking Kerry Salter has spent a lifetime avoiding two things – her hometown and prison. But now her Pop is dying and she’s an inch away from the lockup, so she heads south on a stolen Harley.
Grace Beside Me by Sue McPherson – Written from teenager girl Fuzzy Mac’s perspective, Grace Beside Me is a quirky, warmly rendered story of home and family life in a small town. Awkward episodes of teen rivalry and romance sit happily alongside the mystery of Gran’s visions and an encounter with a ghost.
Becoming Kirrali Lewis by Jane Harrison – Set within the explosive cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1980s, Becoming Kirrali Lewis chronicles the journey of a young Aboriginal teenager as she leaves her home town in rural Victoria to take on a law degree in Melbourne in 1985. Adopted at birth by a white family, Kirrali doesn’t question her cultural roots until a series of life-changing events force her to face up to her true identify.
Defying the Enemy Within by Joe Williams – Former NRL player, world boxing title holder and proud Wiradjuri First Nations man Joe Williams was always plagued by negative dialogue in his head, and the pressures of elite sport took their toll. Joe eventually turned to drugs and alcohol to silence the dialogue, before attempting to take his own life in 2012. In the aftermath, determined to rebuild, Joe took up professional boxing and got clean. Defying the Enemy Within is both Joe’s story and the steps he took to get well.
Tell Me Why by Archie Roach – Not many have lived as many lives as Archie Roach – stolen child, seeker, teenage alcoholic, lover, father, musical and lyrical genius, and leader – but it took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was. In this intimate, moving and often shocking memoir, Archie’s story is an extraordinary odyssey through love and heartbreak, family and community, survival and renewal – and the healing power of music.
My Place by Sally Morgan – My Place begins with Sally Morgan tracing the experiences of her own life, growing up in suburban Perth in the fifties and sixties. Through the memories and images of her childhood and adolescence, vague hints and echoes begin to emerge, hidden knowledge is uncovered, and a fascinating story unfolds – a mystery of identity, complete with clues and suggested solutions.
Born to Run by Cathy Freeman – Ever since I was little I only had one dream – to win a gold medal at the Olympics. When I was twenty-seven years old, my dream came true. I’ll never forget that night at the Sydney 2000 Games – as I crossed the finish line, it was as if the whole of Australia was cheering for me. I hope you enjoy my story, and that it inspires you to chase after your dreams too!
Born-again Blakfella by Jack Charles – Jack Charles has worn many hats throughout his life: actor, cat burglar, musician, heroin addict, activist, even Senior Victorian Australian of the Year. But the title he’s most proud to claim is that of Aboriginal Elder. In this honest and no-holds-barred memoir, Uncle Jack reveals the ‘ups and downs of this crazy, drugged up, locked up, fucked up, and at times unbelievable, life’.
The Dreaming Path
Indigenous Thinking to Change Your Life
Tired of going around in circles?
The Dreaming Path has always been there, but in the modern-day world, it can be hard to find. There are so many demands on us – family, health, bills, a mortgage, a career – that it can be hard to remember what's most important: you.
It's time to reconnect with your story...
The most anticipated fiction of 2022! 
Book recommendations from Tony Birch! 
Book recommendations from Evelyn Araluen!
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