Maggie Hamilton - When We Become Strangers

Praise for When We Become Strangers

I loved this book. An invaluable roadmap for envisioning a new society that builds connection back into community. It calls us to slow down, to rethink the frenzied pace, and reignite the power of the human spirit. Aimee Davies, Author of Imperfect

Maggie has again, done what she does best, placed a microscope over modern society and looked closely at who, what and how we are. Her wisdom, research and interviews uncover the complex realities of life in the 2020s. But rather than being a tale of despair, Maggies reflections and myriad strategies create a vision of hope. When We Become Strangers is a book every person should read. Andrew Lines, Creator/Director, The Rite Journey.

When We Become Strangers encapsulates the workings of our modern world. Its an intuitive read, examining issues of our time, consumerism, loneliness, social media fixation, greed and the rule of technology on our kids. It prompts the reader to behold the future with eyes wide open, enjoying a sense of wisdom and faith. Lisa Friedlander, Sales and Leadership Coach

Praise for What Men Dont Talk About

Hamilton achieves what she sets out to achieve to give men a voice. Sunday Telegraph

This book is one every parent of boys should read. Its a no-nonsense astute book about boys and men. New Idea, New Zealand

Its amazing, when you talk about men, I felt you were talking just to me. Peter

Not a day goes past that I dont think of some aspect of your book. Sue

[Your book] is full of insight, its encouraging, its really very valuable. Thank you on behalf of us blokes. Simon

I wish this book had been written 20 years ago. It would have saved a lot of misunderstandings and heartache. The best book I have ever read. Linda

Praise for Whats Happening to Our Girls?

I found myself so engrossed that for two days running I nearly missed my tram stop A definite must-read for parents with daughters, for teachers and for other people dealing with girls. In fact, everyone should read this book. Australian Bookseller and Publisher

A crucial tool for greater understanding. Sunday Mail

Whats Happening to Our Girls? moves parenting into the twenty-first century by highlighting the power of outside forces in shaping the personalities, morality and ultimate wellbeing of our daughters This work is a must-read for both parents and young adults attempting to understand and bridge the generation gap. Bill OHehir, senior psychologist

Having worked with men and boys for twenty years, I was amazed, fascinated and quite horrified to read such a succinct and well-documented account of all the issues facing girls today. Dr Arne Rubinstein (MBBS, FRACGP) CEO, Pathways Foundation

I found this book to be very interesting [it] helped me to understand why girls like myself are behaving the way they are Thank you. Amanda, teenager

Just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for raising the awareness level of (in particular) parents and caregivers about what is going on in their childrens world. Moira, mother of two teenage girls

As a grandmother of two small girls, I have found your book on girls invaluable. Marianne, grandmother of two young girls

Praise for Whats Happening to Our Boys?

Whats Happening to Our Boys? is a must-read book for all parents with boys. Full of great ideas and practical solutions. Warwick Marsh, Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation

Its impossible to argue with this authors pungent advice. Australian Womens Weekly

In an immensely readable way, she [Maggie] provides practical tips for parents on many of the big issues facing adolescent boys drugs, drinking, sexualisation, bullying and more. Barbara Biggins OAM, Australian Council on Children and the Media

This book will open the eyes of parents and other adults. In addition to the bad and the ugly, it provides a lot of very good ideas on how to raise well-adjusted and resilient boys and young men. Gary Bryant, Executive Officer, Mens Advisory Network

Thank you, Maggie, for exposing the undercurrent in our society that is playing havoc with not only our childrens wellbeing but also our own. Rick Wilson, Vice President, NSW Parents Council

Maggie Hamiltons book, Whats Happening to Our Boys?, is informative and readable. Perhaps most importantly, this book takes a positive view of boys: it sets out to build on what is good about being a boy and to strengthen that side. It also looks at the pitfalls facing boys in todays world. Professor John J. Macdonald, Foundation Chair in Primary Health Care, Co-Director Mens Health Information and Resource Centre, Western Sydney University

Published in 2021 by Murdoch Books, an imprint of Allen & Unwin

Copyright Maggie Hamilton

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) allows a maximum of one chapter or 10 per cent of this book, whichever is the greater, to be photocopied by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that the educational institution (or body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to the Copyright Agency (Australia) under the Act.

Murdoch Books Australia

83 Alexander Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065

Phone: +61 (0)2 8425 0100

murdochbooks.com.au

Murdoch Books UK

Ormond House, 2627 Boswell Street, London WC1N 3JZ

Phone: +44 (0) 20 8785 5995

murdochbooks.co.uk

A catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of Australia

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 978 1 92235 119 7 Australia

ISBN 978 1 91166 806 0 UK

eISBN 978 1 76106 116 5

Cover design by Josh Durham

Text design by Josh Durham

Typeset by Midland Typesetters

Printed and bound in Australia by Griffin Press

Every reasonable effort has been made to trace the owners of copyright materials in this book, but in some instances this has proven impossible. The author(s) and publisher will be glad to receive information leading to more complete acknowledgements in subsequent printings of the book and in the meantime extend their apologies for any omissions.

For wild nature,which never fails to feed the soul,and for all those who work tirelesslyto draw others into the quiet joythat comes with genuine belonging

Theres a lot of talk in the media and in our own conversations about our growing sense of disconnection. We hear accounts of incidents that annoy or trouble us, and more so since COVID-19. But what does estrangement look like right now? What is the impact of the constant, rapid changes in technology? How are we meant to cope with the intensifying sense of isolation felt in our communities and workplaces as we come to terms with our new normal? What do we do with our desperation at the worsening plight of the environment? And who doesnt feel a little overwhelmed living in a world that feels as though its perpetually in crisis? When We Become Strangers offers an intimate window into how and where were coming adrift, and what you and I can do about it.