With Love, Jak
Jacki Weaver
Allen & Unwin, $45

This year has seen a number of Australian entertainment autobiographies, the most popular of which have come from Noeline Brown, Michael Craig and William McInnes.

The diminutive and much-loved powerhouse of theatre, film and television, Jacki Weaver, now joins their ranks with this warm, witty and astoundingly honest memoir of her extraordinary career and positive, vivacious philosophy of life.

Unlike others, Weaver seemingly does not self-censor. She writes openly, warts and all, about failed marriages (of which there have been numerous), political opinions, childhood traumas and in the defence of her most maligned ex, her still best-friend Derryn Hinch.

A story is not worth telling, according to 'our Jac' unless it is told completely. This entertaining and engrossing autobiography is all the better for it. Her story-telling abilities are equal to her acting and this is sure to be a best-selling gift for the holiday season.

Scott Whitmont is the owner of The Lindfield Bookshop.