Books Alive 2008 Ambassador Announced

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/