{"title":"Justin Smith","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our carefully curated collection of works by the acclaimed author, Justin Smith. Known for his adept storytelling and vivid character portrayals, Smith has carved a niche for himself in the realms of both General and Historical Fiction. His writing is celebrated for blending rich historical details with engaging narratives, making his books a treasure trove for readers who appreciate well-crafted fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCooper Not Out\u003c\/em\u003e is a standout novel that combines elements of suspense and character-driven storytelling, delving into the intricate dynamics of its protagonist's life. A masterful blend of drama and insight, this book is a testament to Smith's ability to create compelling fiction that resonates with readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the other hand, \u003cem\u003eGood As Gold\u003c\/em\u003e offers a fascinating exploration of historical events, wrapped in a captivating storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Smith's meticulous attention to historical accuracy and his skill in weaving these elements into his narratives make this novel a rewarding read for enthusiasts of Historical Fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are new to Justin Smith's work or a long-time admirer, this collection promises engaging tales that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. Dive into his works today and experience the craft of storytelling at its finest.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cooper-not-out-by-justin-smith-9781761046728","title":"Cooper Not Out","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA delightfully uplifting Australian novel about the joy of discovering your greatest potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"My favourite book, sporting or otherwise, of 2022.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Canberra Times\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I'm calling it...this is THE book of summer.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - GOOD READS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Australian summer of 1984, in the small country town of Penguin Hill, Sergeant Roy Cooper is making a name for himself. He's been batting for his local cricket club for decades - and he's a statistical miracle. He's overweight, he makes very few runs, he's not pretty to watch, but he's never been dismissed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen local schoolgirl Cassie Midwinter discovers this feat, she decides to take the matter further. The remarkable story finds its way into the hands of Donna Garrett, a female sports columnist who's forced to write under a male pseudonym to be taken seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThat summer, the West Indies are thrashing Australia, and the Australian people's love of cricket has never been lower. But Donna's columns on Roy Cooper capture the imagination of a nation, and soon there's pressure to select him for the national team. This would see him playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, carrying the spirit of every small country town in Australia along with him. Could such a miracle actually happen?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is sport, after all, and who doesn't love a good story?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCooper Not Out\u003c\/em\u003e is a funny, heart-warming novel set within real events. It is a moving and highly original tale about friendship and belief, and the joy of discovering your greatest potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Cooper Not Out is the story Australia needs right now. This beautifully written book highlights life's simple pleasures, like a game of country cricket, but its emotional complexity is what makes it really sing. Justin Smith deftly handles issues of class, pride, gender, machismo, and social norms around sexuality. Frankly, it's a ripping read that will make your heart swell. Roy Cooper is a hero for our times.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Tracey Spicer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"An uplifting, inspiring, fun story, to make our hearts sing.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Canberra Times\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I am gobsmacked. I love cricket. I love stories. I love books so I have just won the trifecta! Think The Castle, think Phar Lap, think Rocky all rolled into one. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. This beautifully written tale has everything - it's funny, heartwarming, nostalgic and most importantly manages to brilliantly create an atmosphere of anticipation that keeps you coming back for more. I'd give it 6 stars if I could!\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Better Reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46670464155884,"sku":"9781761046728","price":34.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/27854223482814.jpg?v=1752770278"},{"product_id":"good-as-gold-by-justin-smith-9780143778332","title":"Good As Gold","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the acclaimed author of \u003cem\u003eCooper Not Out\u003c\/em\u003e comes a novel set in the Melbourne Goldrush era that reimagines the running of the inaugural Melbourne Cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome stories are too good to be true...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's 1861 and there are three campfires burning outside the gold-mining town of Mull Creek. At the first is Jesus Whitetree, an escaped orphan with no knowledge of his new world, not even his age or real name. He only knows he wants to find gold. Gold makes everything good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the second fire is the Jack Pink Gang. Jack is a little-known bushranger who is a violent criminal by day and a nervous wreck by night. His mother, a notorious felon known throughout the colony as Mother Pink, engages the services of a bush poet to get Jack's name in the newspapers and make him feared and famous. And at the third fire is police constable Harry Logan with Mary, a young Aboriginal girl in his custody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith the announcement of the first Melbourne Cup, all three parties descend upon Melbourne town. The thrilling horse race offers something different for each of them - a new beginning, a chance to be written into history, or a prize bigger than they could imagine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut only one can take the gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood As Gold\u003c\/em\u003e is a reimagining of the very first 'race that stops a nation', and a heart-warming story about triumph and the things that mean more than riches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47078709297388,"sku":"9780143778332","price":37.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4499513482239.jpg?v=1765218437"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/justin-smith.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}