Christine Sykes is launching her third book, The Tap Cats of the Sunshine Coast (out on 3 August with Ventura Press), in partnership with the South Coast Writers Centre.

Christine will be in conversation with Caroline Baum at Coledale Community Hall on Saturday 6 August from 3pm - 5pm, with copies of her books available for sale on the day.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Tap Cats, a seniors’ tap dancing group, which usually performs at charity events and nursing homes, face unexpected challenges when they enter the 2013 Seniors Superstar competition. Each step of the way is recounted by Melissa, who at the time was a nineteen year old journalism student, living with her grandmother who is a member of the group. Melissa had moved to the Sunshine Coast from Melbourne to escape her dark past. She follows the adventures of three friends since primary school: Carol, Sofia and Bonnie. Their hopes, dreams, aging, disability, death, heartaches and heart mends are woven together in a web which in in danger of unravelling when long held secrets are revealed.

Carol is fiercely protective of her family and is committed to the success of the Tap Cats. Her belief in telling the truth at any cost is challenged. Sofia is the peace-maker who finds that hidden under the calm and ordered veneer of her family life lies a dark secret. Sofia’s sudden departure to Greece threatens the success of the group. Bonnie is creative and provokes others by saying what she thinks. Having lived overseas for many years, she returns to Australia from New York with a secret that she has kept all of her adult life, even from herself. The impact of her secret rocks the foundations of their friendship and the destiny of the Tap Cats.

Set in the stunning landscape of the Sunshine Coast, the women tap their way through the competition, personal trials and tribulations, all the way to New York and a Greek Island.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Christine Sykes has written three published books. Being raised in Albert Street, Cabramatta provided the basis for Gough and Me, which overlays the social and political events surrounding Whitlam on her life. Her award-winning novel, The Changing Room, was inspired by her experiences at the non-profit Dress for Success. Christine lives in the Illawarra.

Journalist Caroline Baum is the author of Only: A Singular Memoir, and presents Life Sentences, a podcast about contemporary biography. She is also ambassador for the Older Women’s Network (OWN) in NSW.