News Cowboys (Mike Amor, Echo)

In News Cowboys, veteran Australian foreign correspondent Mike Amor shares stories from a decades-long career covering some of the biggest news events of the 21st century. From the 9/11 terrorist attacks to mass shootings, war zones and natural disasters, Amor brings readers behind the headlines and offers a time capsule of extraordinary moments that helped shape public consciousness. Although centred on his time in the US, the book also includes his dispatches from Europe, the Middle East, South America and beyond. Amor reflects on the personal cost of being a foreign correspondent – the sacrifices made, the dangers faced and the family milestones missed – yet also shares the unexpected joys, often found in the strangest of circumstances. He candidly explores the highs and lows of chasing leads and the ethical dilemmas journalists face when tragedy strikes, such as whether to document or intervene. The final chapters, which cover Amor’s experience reporting in Melbourne during Covid-19 and his reflections on mental health, stand out for their intimacy. Ultimately, News Cowboys is a fascinating and fast-paced account of a bygone era in journalism. Amor’s clear, honest storytelling makes this an absorbing read for anyone interested in narrative nonfiction, international affairs or the craft of reporting itself. It reminds us of the vital role journalists can play – not just in documenting history, but sometimes, in offering hope when there seems to be none.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jess Lomas is reviews editor for Books+Publishing. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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