There's a special bond between a grandparent and a grandchild that sets their relationship apart from any other. Catriona Rowntree knows this first hand. Recognised as -Australia's most travelled woman' thanks to her role on Channel 9's Getaway, Catriona has seen the world a hundred times over. But it's the world through her Nan's eyes that has really changed her life...
Catriona Rowntree loves her Nan. She grew up in the same household and it was to this wise, loving woman that the young Catriona took all her worries and joys. Always there was a sympathetic ear and advice worth following.
When Catriona left home, started her media career, found and lost boyfriends, met her future husband, married and fell pregnant – her Nan's words of encouragement, warmth and love helped to guide her behaviour and choices, and still continue to do so.
A Grandmother's Wisdom is Catriona's memoir, interwoven with her Nan's homespun advice.
Heartfelt and funny with a straight-talking edge, Catriona shares intimate moments from her life, previously only whispered to her loving Nan. A Grandmother's Wisdom is a book to treasure and a reminder of how important family really is.
As -Australia's most travelled woman', Catriona Rowntree earned this title after more than 18 years at the helm of Australia's favourite travel show, Getaway, on channel 9. Catriona began her television career on WonderWorld!, and has worked on radio, television and print since. In addition to her media roles, Catriona is always involved in community work. She is a passionate advocate for Australian wool, Landcare and children's charities. She is also a very popular public speaker, highly sought after as an MC and the host of various events. When not in an aeroplane, Catriona lives with her husband and two children on their sheep and grain property in rural Victoria.
A Grandmother's Wisdom
Allen & Unwin
Author: Catriona Rowntree
RRP: $24.99
Question: What inspired you to write your memoir and include your Nan's homespun advice?
Catriona Rowntree: To honour my Nan's story, to hopefully allow my teenage nieces to learn some of the 'cheat notes on life' Nan had passed onto me and to allow my sons to know that their Mum was blessed to have felt unconditionally loved by one person. Truth be known, a Publisher had suggested the book idea to me, "I love the way you always refer to your Nan and the advice that she gives you. How 'bout you two write a tips book together?" I loved the idea, but what the Publisher didn't know was that my Nan was desperately ill at the time. I hoped the book would be a great distraction for Nan, I prayed it wouldn't be a memoir. It did end up being the latter, but I'm so glad I could share with other people how amazing my nan was and how important it is in life to let one person know they have your absolute faith.
Question: Was it difficult to relive any of the moment in the book?
A Grandmother's Wisdom
Allen & Unwin
Author: Catriona Rowntree
RRP: $24.99
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