BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T120000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20220915T231915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220915T233443Z UID:21780-1664274600-1664280000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | 27 September 2022 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-22-september-2022/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T120000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20220930T060631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T033024Z UID:22917-1664274600-1664280000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | NOW CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221018T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221018T120000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20220921T011745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221017T205934Z UID:22558-1666090800-1666094400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Chris Hammer | Now cancelled DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/chris-hammer-lyn-yeowart/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/chris-hammer.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T120000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20220930T060631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T033024Z UID:22917-1664274600-1664280000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | NOW CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221116T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221116T193000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20221003T041413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221111T003902Z UID:22960-1668621600-1668627000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Fleur McDonald DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-fleur-mcdonald/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/fleur-mcdonald.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20220927T120000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20220930T060631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T033024Z UID:22917-1664274600-1664280000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | NOW CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-2/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/the-reading-room-event-header-final-e1640069925423.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221206T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20221206T193000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20221116T020355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221122T005902Z UID:25054-1670347800-1670355000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | Once Were Wild by Leslie Scott DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-leslie-scott-once-were-wild/ LOCATION:Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up\, 512 Macarthur Street\, Soldiers Hill\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/atdw-images3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230330T123000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230330T133000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20230329T221639Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T221641Z UID:36847-1680179400-1680183000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room | Now rescheduled to 2 May DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-book-discussion-3/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Reading_room_adjusted-e1704770529709.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230331T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230331T120000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20230320T035701Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230320T041733Z UID:35539-1680256800-1680264000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Feeling Out Loud: Writing Poetry DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/feeling-out-loud-writing-poetry/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Externally Produced Event,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0001-46481475799.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230403T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230403T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20230217T030838Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T211548Z UID:34508-1680548400-1680552000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | Bill "Swampy" Marsh DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-bill-swampy-marsh/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bill-portrait-2-e1678423349274.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230414T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230414T183000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20230315T023507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230317T002330Z UID:35114-1681491600-1681497000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book Launch | Look Back on Languor: The memoir of a hurkle-durkle Australian male DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/look-back-on-languor-frank-hurley/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Langour_-front-cover-flyer-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230415T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230416T140000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20230310T045900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230317T002615Z UID:35050-1681549200-1681653600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Autumn Book Sale DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bmi-autumn-book-sale/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG-0851-e1678425194379.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230428T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230428T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200322 CREATED:20230310T034250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230327T215854Z UID:35019-1682708400-1682712000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | Olivia Wearne & Elizabeth Coleman DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-elizabeth-coleman-olivia-wearne/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/event-listing-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230502T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230502T113000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230327T230710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T222016Z UID:36544-1683023400-1683027000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Reading Room DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-reading-room-book-discussion-2/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,BMI Produced Event,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Reading_room_adjusted-e1704770529709.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230614T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230614T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230530T000254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230602T020702Z UID:40168-1686767400-1686772800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Jock Serong | In Conversation DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jock-serong-in-conversation/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/jock-serong-e1685671609469.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230630T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230630T150000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230406T032945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230508T025730Z UID:37636-1688133600-1688137200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | Maya Linnell DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-maya-linnell/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/unnamed1-e1680747452966.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230704T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230704T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230404T025826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230501T043505Z UID:37295-1688497200-1688500800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | A. J. Lyndon DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-aj-lyndon/ LOCATION:Heritage Reading Room\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Culture,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cannon-ballarat-2019-e1680574946680.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230920T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230920T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230705T055031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T043031Z UID:41381-1695232800-1695240000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Meet the Author | Justin Smith DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/meet-the-author-justin-smith/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/justin-smith-john-pallot-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230928T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20230928T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230804T042100Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230925T070216Z UID:42765-1695924000-1695931200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Tania Farrelly DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-tania-farrelly/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tania-farrelly-promotional-squre.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231005T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231005T203000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230720T022135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230925T070347Z UID:42008-1696530600-1696537800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Clare Fletcher DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-clare-fletcher/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/promotional-square-clare-fletcher.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231007 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231010 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230808T040719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230922T033348Z UID:43076-1696640400-1696813199@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Spring Book Sale DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/spring-book-sale/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-clem-onojeghuo-375892.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231111T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231111T150000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230830T010931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231108T232036Z UID:44323-1699711200-1699714800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:From the Shadows by Gillian Gregory | Book Launch DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/from-the-shadows-gillian-gregory/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Book Launch,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gillian-gregory-square-promotional.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231116T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231116T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230918T012948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240430T011733Z UID:45333-1700157600-1700164800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gabriel Bergmoser DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-gabriel-bergmoser/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/gabriel-bergmoser-promotional-squre.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231202 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231205 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20231013T022508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231013T023541Z UID:46252-1701478800-1701651599@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Summer Book Sale DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/summer-book-sale/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bios.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231211T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231211T193000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20231109T024316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231206T042434Z UID:47354-1702315800-1702323000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Members Christmas Party with the Ballarat Singers DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/members-christmas-party/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/square-promo-christmas.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240207T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20231207T003031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231218T043742Z UID:49057-1707328800-1707336000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Elizabeth Coleman DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-elizabeth-coleman/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/square-promo-elizabeth-coleman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240221T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240221T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230919T035111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240208T231637Z UID:45397-1708538400-1708545600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Lucas Jordan DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-lucas-jordan/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/lucas-jordan-promotional-squre-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240305T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240305T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20240109T042935Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240305T061154Z UID:49843-1709661600-1709668800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Imbi Neeme | This event has now been cancelled DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-imbi-neeme/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/imbi-neeme-promo-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240321T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240321T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20230919T035313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T005144Z UID:45400-1711044000-1711051200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Noel Braun DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-noel-braun/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/noel-braun-promotional-squre-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T200000 DTSTAMP:20260506T200323 CREATED:20231004T031044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240118T002449Z UID:45976-1712858400-1712865600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Leah Kaminsky & Kylie Ladd DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n April 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:30 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n8:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion \n \n From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Redemption is a dish best served warm… \n \n Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed\, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food\, Griff is done – with guilt\, with loneliness and with the lie that made headlines when he was diagnosed with dementia. Planning one final act\, Griff breaks into the nursing home kitchen to cook one last lemon tart. But the simple act of cooking awakens a long-forgotten joy and soon he’s restoring flavour\, dignity and delight to his fellow residents. Meanwhile\, his estranged sister\, Lisa\, is grappling with a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis\, an unexpected romance and a frightening health reality of her own. As secrets simmer and second chances collide\, both siblings are forced to confront what it really means to choose life. \n \n Drawing on Anna Johnston’s experience working in aged care\, the novel offers a rare and compassionate perspective on how people diagnosed with dementia are often dismissed\, underestimated and quietly erased. By telling the story through the eyes of a man who carries the diagnosis yet remains fully lucid\, the book invites readers to experience\, from the inside\, what it feels like to be unseen. \n \n Described as ‘Ratatouille meets A Man Called Ove’\, Anna Johnston’s second novel blends warmth\, humour and emotional depth while tackling timely conversations around ageing\, dementia\, neurodiversity\, LGBTQIA+ visibility in aged care\, and the power of everyday kindness. It is about being seen\, by others\, and by ourselves\, and about the possibility of reconciliation\, healing and second chances at any stage of life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n \n Anna Johnston\, author\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Johnston is a former baby\, aspiring octogenarian and Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives with her husband and daughters. Anna followed her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator\, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care\, she began to write about it\, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife became a international bestseller and has been optioned by Netflix. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Praise for When lemons give you life \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event will be supported by Collins Booksellers on Lydiard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ‘An absolute chef’s kiss of a novel\, prepared with heart and humour\, guaranteed to please your palate.’ Troy Hunter\, author of Gus and the Missing Boy‘Smart\, authentic and full of heart.’ Graeme Simsion\, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project‘Written with empathy\, insight and authenticity\, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt\, funny and uplifting.’ Julietta Henderson\, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman ‘For the burnt-out and world-weary\, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to  restore our faith in each other.’ Kirsten Miller\, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books ‘A delicious treat of a novel\, rich with thecomplex flavours of love\, loss\, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.’ Emma Grey\, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You ‘Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth\, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption\, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love\, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.’ Mikki Brammer\,  internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-kaminsky-ladd/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pomo-square-v2.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR