Tipping
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  • Published: 2 March 2021
  • ISBN: 9781761042874
  • Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • Length: 14 hr 10 min
  • Narrators: Anita Hegh, Catherine Van Davies, Aaron Tsindos
  • RRP: $34.99

Tipping

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
2 Mar 2021
EBook
2 Mar 2021
Audiobook
2 Mar 2021
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An Instagram scandal at a grammar school sparks outrage in an exclusive bayside suburb and upends the lives of the families involved. However, it might also prove to be the tipping point required to change the school, and the wider community, for the better.

Liv Winsome, working mother of three sons, wife to decent if distracted Duncan, is overwhelmed. And losing her hair. Her doctor has told her she needs to slow down, do less. Focus on what’s important.

After Jai, one of her fourteen-year-old twins, is involved in a sexting scandal, Liv realises things need to change, and fast. Inspired by the pop-psychology books she devours, she writes a nine-page list of everything she does to keep the family afloat, and she delegates. She lets her boys’ conservative school know it has some work to do, too – partly, Liv suspects, because its leadership has a ‘woman problem’ (or, rather, a too-many-men problem).

Jai’s girlfriend, Grace, is at the heart of the sexting scandal and her mum, Jess Charters, up in arms as well, goes to the media. The women’s combined efforts force Carmichael Grammar to take action. They appoint a savvy psychologist-author to address the cultural issues at the school, leading to a raft of small but targeted changes to Carmichael’s teaching, classes and environment. To everyone’s surprise, and Liv’s delight, things actually start to improve.

Inspired by his wife’s success, Duncan rethinks the way he lives and works too, despite the workaholic culture of his law firm and its scary managing partner, who’s also his older brother. In unexpected ways, Liv and Duncan’s marriage and family life undergo their own transformations. Some new developments, though, aren’t entirely welcome.

Light-hearted and optimistic, Tipping is a novel for our times. It’s a story of domestic activism. Mum and dad activism. Because real change is possible. Sometimes all it takes is a tweak. And the will. And a bit of fun.
  • Published: 2 March 2021
  • ISBN: 9781761042874
  • Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • Length: 14 hr 10 min
  • Narrators: Anita Hegh, Catherine Van Davies, Aaron Tsindos
  • RRP: $34.99
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About the author

Anna George

Anna George has worked in the legal world as well as the film and television industries. Her first novel, What Came Before, was shortlisted for the 2015 Ned Kelly and Sisters in Crime Best Debut Fiction awards, and was longlisted for the 2016 International Dublin Literary Award. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children.

portrait photo of Anna George

Also by Anna George

The Lone Child
What Came Before
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Praise for Tipping

Tipping is a witty, readable exploration of the gender warfare within a marriage.

ANNABEL CRABB

it is easy to be drawn into Anna George's optimistic and topical novel. This illuminating and sometimes witty novel is about parental activism and the power of collective action in achieving change. [A] compelling, insightful and inspiring read.

Vittoria Bon, Herald Sun

George has a gift for creating vibrant characters who can really capture the attention of the audience without going too far over the top. A WELL-PACED STORY RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES OF TODAY THAT ENGAGES THE READER WITH WIT AND EMOTION.

Rodney Hrvatin, Glam Adelaide

Tipping is a hilarious book about Liv, a working mum who is overwhelmed by having to do it all. One of her sons is involved in an Instagram scandal, and this makes Liv realise that their home life and the boys’ conservative school both need a shake-up. The book will make you laugh, but it might also make you reassess the division of labour in your own home. It’s coming out in March and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a light-hearted, optimistic book with a little side serving of feminism.

Christine Ebbs, Key Account Manager

Where'd You Go Bernadette? meets Big Little Lies (without the murder). An interesting look at some of the places where modern family life intersects with gender inequality and misogyny.

Jaclyn Crupi

This is a fairly light-hearted piece of commercial fiction about a sexting scandal at a co-ed private school in Melbourne.

Kerryn Goldsworthy, The Age

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Tipping book club notes

A light-hearted and optimistic pick for book club.

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