2 May 2008
                                                                                                                                             Ref: 12/08                                             
 MEDIA RELEASE    
              Books Alive 2008 ambassador announced 
Best-selling Australian crime writer Michael Robotham is the ambassador for Books 
Alive 2008. 
Books Alive is Australia's largest annual promotion of reading, featuring a host of activities to tempt 
Australians to pick up a book. 
The campaign aims to introduce all Australians to the joys of reading, and will feature a list of 
recommended reads, a giveaway feature title, promotions, advertising and author tours throughout 
the month of August. 
Mr Robotham has written the Books Alive feature title in 2008. His new short novel Bombproof will 
be given away free with the purchase of any of the 50 Books Alive recommended reads. 
He will also embark on a national author tour taking in major metropolitan and regional centres in 
August. 
Books Alive chair Sandra Yates AO said Bombproof was the kind of novel that was impossible to 
put down. 
 `We're thrilled to have such a top notch author as Michael Robotham as our Books Alive 
ambassador this year,' she said. 
`Michael has really come up with the goods for this year's Books Alive feature title. Bombproof is a 
cracking good read  a thrill-a-minute ride through Britain's murky underworld. It really is a book 
that people will find difficult to put down. 
`His appointment augurs well for an extremely successful Books Alive 2008. We've refreshed this 
year's campaign with an exciting new look, and expect to get more Australians hooked on reading 
than ever before.' 
Michael Robotham is one of Australia's most widely read crime writers. His three novels have won 
awards and been translated into more than 20 languages. His first novel The Suspect sold more 
than one million copies worldwide. His latest novel is Shatter. 
Books Alive is an Australian Government initiative, developed through the Australia Council for the 
Arts. The month-long campaign will run from 27 July 2008, and include the giveaway book, 
promotions, advertising, author tours and reading events across the country. 
More detailed information on Michael Robotham, Bombproof and Books Alive are available and 
Sandra Yates is available for interview. 
Media enquiries  Andrew Parker, senior communication adviser, phone 02 9215 9020 
or 0402 936 466 or email 
[email protected]                                             Australia Council for the Arts 
                          More information can be found at www.australiacouncil.gov.au/