The quick and easy guide to the 7.30 report journalist’s memoir-biography
As a fellow journalist and writer, I was extremely keen to read Leigh Sales’s latest book.
Any Ordinary Day by Hamish Hamilton (Penguin Books) was released in October by the popular ABC broadcaster anchor.
It is an eye-opening book about “Blindsides, resilience and what happens after the worst day of your life”.
Part memoir, part biography, the work will make you think about how you live your life and love those dearest to you.
Keep reading to find out more and why this book is a must read for any life-story writer…
Leigh Sales about her own blindsides
Leigh Sales is well known on Australian television screens as asking tough questions of politicians, business people and others for the 7.30 news program.
In Any Ordinary Day we find out much more about her early career and off-screen life with all its challenges.
While pregnant with her second son in 2014, Sales was blindsided by complications that threatened her life and that of her son.
Other blows were to come but she said this event made her wonder how do I carry on?
And how do people who have endured and survived much worse carry on?
In true journalistic fashion Sales set about talking to others for answers.
In this book she interviews some of Australia’s well-known ‘survivors’, including: Thredbo landslide survivor Stuart Diver; Walter Mikac, whose wife and two daughters were shot and killed in the Port Arthur massacre; James Scott, who was lost in the Himalayas for 43 days; and Lindt Cafe siege survivor Louisa Hope.
Sales also talks to a range of others integral to helping people after terrible blindsides, including a police detective, priest, journalist, forensic counsellor and former prime minister John Howard.
Related article –Book review: Educated by historian Tara Westover
Any Ordinary Day is captivating
There were so many interesting parts to the 272-page book.
But to narrow it down, the most memorable sections for me were comments from survivors like Stuart, James and Lousia.
Specifically hearing what was going through their minds during each crisis, how they managed to escape and then cope with the aftermath.
For example, James said that while lost in the Himalayas he sat recalling intricate martial arts moves to conserve his energy and sanity.
A second element I found fascinating were the different things that helped people handle grief.
This included: viewing bodies before they were buried, looking at crime-scene photos, and talking to journalists.
And finally, a point raised by many of the survivors: how important it is not to fear approaching and talking to family or friends who have just experienced a loss.
Don’t avoid them, don’t cross the street and walk away because you don’t know what to say.
Just ‘physically’ be there to give a hug and ‘accompany’ them in the days afterwards.
Related article –Book review: Working Class Boy by Cold Chisel’s Jimmy Barnes
7.30 report anchor uncovers answers
Leigh Sales seems to have had no choice but to write this book.
Following her own blindsides she was left with many questions.
Writing this book was a way to understand and deal with life when it went off track.
And we as readers are all the better for her efforts.
There are so many words of wisdom and life lessons in these pages.
Namely that bad things happen to everybody, whether we are good or bad, and that no one is immune.
Also from great pain can come hope.
And that we have an unimaginable capacity to cope with suffering and fill our hearts with love.
Related article –Best books of 2018: Must-read books about life stories to enjoy these holidays
Final say
Any Ordinary Day is for those curious about how to surive life but especially those who are terrified of blindsides.
By reading this book you will come face-to-face with some of the worst ‘bad luck’ anyone has experienced.
But from this full-frontal immersion you glean some life-changing revelations.
Some will say this book is a heavy read but I feel it is extremely worthwhile.
It is well written, revealing, and food for the soul on so many levels.
Leigh Sales’s own story and those of others detailed in her book help inspire us to be grateful for ‘ordinary days’ and to savour their magic.
You will take away much more than you ever imagined from this book.
Happy writing and reading.
Free gift!
Do you want to help others record their life lessons like Leigh Sales? My Your Family Stories System shows you how to interview a loved one and write their life story. Try the first few sections for free. Sign up here.
Your say
Please let me know what you thought of Leigh Sales’s Any Ordinary Day. I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Got a question or idea for an article? You can let me know here!
Don’t miss an article
Sign up here to get instant notifications when new material is published.
This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.