"If the Chinese proverb is true and a single conversation with a wise person is worth more than a month's study of books" then this could be the equivalent of a Master's course in life, with topics ranging from God, pain, success and poverty to masculinity, materialism, politics and art".

If this above commentary accurately reflects the book Open House then for any reading aficionado, the book must be worth more than a passing, cursory glance.

Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker and broadcaster as well as author of 2006 Australian Christian Book of the Year Unseen Footprints; Encountering the Divine Along the Journey of Life.

In Open House Voysey interviews and records, from his Australian national radio program on Sunday evenings, a number of reflections and discussions with authors, artists and activists. This pastiche includes interviews with Marina Prior, Thomas Keneally, Philip Yancey, Andrew Denton and many more.

Thoughtful, incisive comments and honest reflections from a broad range of contemporary Australians and others combine in an interesting manner, a worthy gathering of short interviews. It's a great gift idea and conversation stimulus for any reflective modern adult reader.