I just got an email from a friend saying her brother bought one of my books for his partner for Valentine’s Day. What I love about it is that apparently the partner will be “shocked” because he never usually celebrates the day but that “your book looks so lovely” he knew she’d love it. 

My first thought was, what a top bloke (and yes – I want one like that!), quickly followed by, I wonder how many people want to mark the day but not necessarily with the traditional roses and whatever.

So, if you’re scratching your head, wondering what to do about tomorrow, I can organise a next day delivery (within the Sydney area) if you buy a book from the blog shop (just above) before 5pm Australian EST today – and sneak in a couple of my postcard sets to honour that wonderful thing called love, in all its guises. (Just choose the Parcel Post Standard Service option.)

Email me at 52suburbs@gmail.com with any (quick) questions.

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Some ‘reviews’ from those who’ve already got the book:

“Got it today. It is quite overwhelming. So thrilled it’s done, it’s even more wonderful than I expected. Congrats. You can be justly proud of a unique work.” John Swainston

“I got mine today and it’s simply stunning. What a wonderful adventure for you and Coco. So pleased it all worked out, too.” Emma Cooper

“Got mine yesterday and read it from cover to cover last night. Forgot dinner till about 11pm, when I finished. Love it to bits. Looking forward to reading it again over the weekend . . . and more adventures from Louise & Coco.” Peter J Rogers

“YEEEEES!!!! I just LOVE it and I want to hibernate and devour every photo and every word. You are incredible and can be SO proud of the exquisite quality and totally stunning finished product. Thank you, thank you, thank you! xxx:)” Sarah Hudson

“Hooray! It’s here! Now, the door is closed, the phone off and the “I’m busy” sign is out? It looks amazing!” Carolyn Cross

“My book arrived yesterday. It was well worth the wait! It is just MAGNIFICENT! I love everything about it, the photos, the colours, the story lines, it makes me want to go on an adventure. Thank you so so much for a beautiful work.” Joyce

“I have received your beautiful creation and i’m smiling broadly as i flick through, already reserving time this weekend to soak it up (and plan a mindful adventure!)
thank you for giving such a colourful, generous view of this world” Chris

“It’s beautiful! Was on my doorstep tonight. It made me smile and laugh and even shed a little tear, and I’ve really only read the intro and flicked through the photos. Congratulations to you and Coco. You should be thrilled!” Sherrill Nixon

And finally from Andy:

“Hi Louise, our book arrived this week, just in time for Valentines Day :) We love it, it is beautiful, thank you”

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Happy New Year! Good break? As much as I was craving a relaxing time, I was busy over the holiday period, doing various shoots for various people.

My jobs took me all over the place, from the city to the suburbs. Yet as busy as I was, I couldn’t help returning to one thought – when will the books arrive? Those 52 Suburbs Around the World books?

In fact, I swear everyone I photographed was thinking the same thing …

where is that book?

when is it going to be here?

“anyone know?”

When the news broke that the book wouldn’t make Christmas, those that had pre-ordered a copy of the book as a Christmas present for someone were particularly put out …

“What are you going to buy instead?”

exactly, what??

the sale of flowers spiked as the news that the book wouldn’t make Christmas spread

beautiful – but it wasn’t the book

“don’t worry honey, it’ll be here soon”

Then, as of yesterday at midday to be precise …

the cry went out – the book is here! hooray!

From this morning I will be signing and then posting books off to all those who pre-ordered, either through Pozible or the blog Shop (and thanks once again for your patience!) It’ll take a day or so to get them all posted but you should receive your copy within a week if you live locally, and a little longer for those overseas.

at last

If you haven’t pre-ordered and would like to call a copy your own, you can now BUY one from the blog shop – none of this pre-ordering hoopla anymore.

And if you’re really keen, come hear me natter on about the project, blog and book next week at a TALK next week at Berkelouw Books, Paddington – Thursday February 6 at 6.30. Go here for tickets ($8.50, refunded if you buy a book).

I’ll post some pics of the book soon (it’s looking good!) but right now, I can’t wait to get these little babies out the door and into the world. Hallelujah!!