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How to Make Gravy

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How to Make Gravy

By: Paul Kelly
Narrated by: Paul Kelly
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About this listen

Paul Kelly is a uniquely gifted storyteller, and here, using his lyrics as starting points, he reads stories of his life and his songs, including 'Before Too Long', 'To Her Door', 'Leaps And Bounds', 'Don't Start Me Talking', 'Dumb Things', 'From Little Things Big Things Grow' and 'How To Make Gravy'. Mirroring the structure of his legendary A to Z shows – where he performs around a hundred of his songs alphabetically over four nights – Kelly describes the highs and lows of performing, the art of songwriting, being on the road with the band, tales of his childhood, family, friends and fellow musicians.

He is then joined by special guests, as some of Australia's finest actors – Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Judy Davis and Ben Mendelsohn – each read a selected chapter.

Playful and honest, insightful and intimate, How to Make Gravy is an irresistible reflection on both the big and little things in life.

2011, Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) Biography of the Year, Winner

2011, Prime Minister's Literary Awards Non-Fiction, Short-listed

©2011 Paul Kelly (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Thought-Provoking Inspiring

Critic Reviews

"The pre-eminent writer of his generation." (The Weekend Australian)
"Paul Kelly is the Bob Dylan of Australia. This autobiographical work... provides more than ample evidence of it... Every line is an enlightening treat." (Canberra Times)
"A carnival of ideas; memories of songs and friends, family, cities, shows, passions; insights into his own and reflections on other artists' work... The flavour of Kelly – his openness and honesty and passion for the detail of life – suffuses the book... The closest we've come to an insight into the thoughts and work methods of this great poet." (The Weekly Review)
"Here is a body of work that goes far beyond the cliche of Kelly as a plain-thinking everyman of folk-rock... This [book] is diverse, funny, moving and elaborate." (The Sydney Morning Herald)
"Paul Kelly's reminiscences about 30 years of creative endeavour have it all... Call it a gift." (The Age)
All stars
Most relevant  
A meandering trip through Paul Kelly’s career to that point. So much more than his music and so humble.

Speaks to you and stays with you.

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Great storytelling, insights into the songwriting, life on the road, and life.

Being read to by the humble worker of words & music himself is engaging, funny, touching and always authentic, a great listen

In his own voice

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I really enjoyed this book. Having the author read it was good, however it was read in a bit of a monotone. I also think since it was an audiobook, the songs could’ve been sung rather than the lyrics read.

Fascinating story

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Great book. Well read by author. Interesting insight into song writing and the life of a performer.

Superb

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PK nails it again as he takes you on a beautiful journey into his songs and life - enjoy!

brilliance

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This beautiful book made me laugh , cry and appreciate the wonderful wordsmith that Paul Kelly is. It gave me greater insight into his lyrics, songs and life and made me connect more deeply with not just his story ,but my own.

Raw. Real. Loved It.

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Loved the book and the background stories. Highly recommended for everyone and not just fans.

Excellent listening

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I really enjoyed this book. It makes it very easy to understand how Paul has been able to tell his stories through songs. A rich life shared warmly and openly.

Great stories about life, love, friends & family

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Hes a great bloke, musician, and story teller. This is why I wanted to get this book, however I'm not into poetry and the way he kept throwing poems in every so often it just put me off finishing it. if you're into poetry you'll love it.

good, but not for me

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Great read thank you Mr Paul Kelly for the insight into your life and songs

Enjoyable

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