No, I Don't Get Danger Money by Lisette Reymer

Driven by a desire to tell people's stories, Lisette Reymer's time as Europe correspondent for Newshub coincided with some of the biggest global headlines in decades.

From inside Ukraine to the Queen's death, the war between Israel and Gaza, Donald Trump's indictment, the King's coronation, the Turkish earthquake, the Tokyo Olympics, the hunger crisis in Ethiopia and a revolving door of UK prime ministers; Reymer was there.

Her story takes readers on the whirlwind, offering a backstage pass to the realities of news gathering and reporting. For those not in the industry, it's a fascinating insight into the world of journalism with Reymer discussing the logistics of reporting in war zones, technical issues, politics and the media landscape. She also offers glimpses into her why of journalism, and the emotional toll that can take. 

She shares lots of little anecdotes - from her fashion 'faux pas' with Jacinda Ardern to her first scramble to a bomb shelter. At times, it would have been nice to tease some of those stories out more or to offer a touch more background for those that aren't newshounds. Having said that, Reymer writes with energy and pace, echoed by the content and reality of her time as Europe correspondent.

As a journalist, it was refreshing to see Reymer be human. Journalists are expected to be neutral and almost emotionless, a task that seems impossible when covering human suffering. Reymer manages to balance neutrality with empathy, using her why to ensure viewers, and readers, are informed. 

Her passion, humour, optimism and warmth shines through her writing. She is a natural storyteller and this is a no-holds-barred account of what it is like to cover history.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Allen & Unwin