I just finished reading your beautifully written book Sue and I loved being carried to lands far away and learning about your quest to find meaning in this difficult road we all travel called Life. Your courage, persistence, tenacity, and heart towards people facing incredibly dire circumstances and your vision to see them helped in a small way by all of us, gives me hope. I love your outreach for community and I know this will help others understand it’s importance to all of our well being as well. Your hard work and dedication makes me feel lazy and has inspired me to do a bit more in regards to my book.

I’ve been reading Accidental Aid Worker by Sue Liu, a client of mine that I knew had a beautiful heart. So far the book, which I've been reading for the good part of the afternoon, just proves how one person can slowly change the world through kindness love and giving inspiration. Not everyone can do what you have done. Can not wait to read more. l have always been a fan of bios, bless you Sue. Many happy memories to come.

If I have been late or have not picked up my phone over the last week, blame this book as I have not been able to put it down. Sue, thank you for having the courage to share your amazing and inspiring story. I have just finished reading this beautifully written book and have loved every chapter. Some parts are hilariously funny, other parts are gut-wrenching and moving. Your book is full of raw honesty, adventure and lifes ups and downs. Thank you for sharing the journey.

What a rollicking big journey!  Who would have thought that rather vibrant person sitting next to me at a Writers’ workshop had travelled so far and done so much for others.  I am very impressed. Congratulations.

You are a surprising woman and most interesting as well as the best ever mover and shaker.

A very powerful and emotional journey was imparted by reading Sue’s memoirs. From her growing years to how she became involved with voluntary aid work in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami and during the civil war conflict, and then spreading her generosity to help orphaned children in Cambodia. I felt very connected with the author through the sharing of the highs and lows of her life experiences during those ten years. There were occasions where emotions flared inside me, so real, that I felt I was travelling on the same journey with Sue.  The book reminded me, of how too often we give so much of ourselves to others, that we forget to look after ourselves.  It was also a reminder that as we grow older we realise that events of our childhood and teenage years, make and can cloud who we become – there comes a time in our life when we need to let go of childhood and teenage baggage and to move on with our lives and think of ourselves and enjoy the present. This is Sue’s first book and I hope it won’t be the last –  I wish Sue all the very best, such a dedicated, selfless, beautiful person, who has given so much to so many.  

Accidental Aid Worker is the story of how wanting to help a community became life-changing. It is also an exploration of the complexities of aid, both moral and logistical. Sue does not shy away from the hard questions. She asks us to think about how aid might impact local economies and can become mired in corruption. There will never be enough aid, so how do we make ethical and sustainable choices in its allocation and provision? Is one person, operating independently, more agile than a large bureaucracy? Or is the security provided by the big NGOs necessary? She also asks us to consider how we travel around the world, respectively. The curious phenomenon of visiting another country, another culture, to see and experience different things can be embarked upon in an open, accepting way, or be voyeuristic, exploitative, even parasitic. Extract from a review by Jessie Street National Women’s Library, February 2018 - Read the full review in Jessie Street Newsletter  

I just finished your book about an hour ago, it was one of those books where I had only a few pages to go but I did not want to keep reading as I didn’t want the journey to end. Thank you for this amazing journey and telling your story. I am so glad I stumbled upon this book in the library last week, it could not have come at a more perfect time. I am 19 years old and have just returned from living in Tanzania for 10 months of volunteering. I have just thrown myself into fundraising and saving my ass off to be back over there at the start of next year. The book really resonated with me and a lot of the thought processes you were experiencing and questions you were asking yourself are exactly where I am at currently.  It is a difficult thing to explain to others, so it was comforting picking up this book and hearing similar thoughts from someone else and follow their journey through all of that. It is hard to find your people and people who do “get it” and to see some of my thoughts on a page written by someone else was comforting, and I knew straight away that you did. I feel and am really looking for that connectedness that I had, and that feeling of purpose. I have those questions going through my mind everyday. Your book helped put me more at ease and not worry too much. I'm now going to try and focus on one day at a time and not overthink what lies ahead for my future too much!  It feels like I am writing to a friend, as i felt part of that journey whilst reading your book! So THANK YOU again for telling your story and I hope there are many more to come.

I found myself fascinated by how someone who was a ‘normal’ non-aid person got involved in the whole affair. I was endlessly amazed at the determination you demonstrated to help people and it was a good reminder that that spirit and energy is what drives so many of the people who donate to these emergencies. It is something we (so called insiders) acknowledge but take for granted and often don’t REALLY understand. I do remember the huge outpouring during the tsunami of the most amazing donations from all sorts of people, especially an elderly woman who said she had been saving for a car but now wanted to give that money to us to help the victims. To read about your heroic (I don’t use that word lightly) efforts was really humbling and inspiring. Your intro and the story of your heartache…so familiar to so many in the aid business in so many ways. So, you may be /have been accidental but you certainly shared a lot of what non-accidental ones do. I know your profile says something but curious to know where all of this leaves you.

I’ve just finished your book! What a beguiling, beautifully written, heartfelt journey. A true treasure, you should be proud.

This is a beautifully written book and very intimate to the Author’s thoughts, feelings and experiences. It feels like you are in Sue’s suitcase watching things unfold… holding your breath in parts, crying in others, then laughing out loud. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. Warning: You will likely have travel lust after reading it, accompanied with a renewed sense of adventure and what is possible by just jumping in.

I finished your book and loved every minute of it!  Having spent some time in Sri Lanka years ago, there were a few nostalgic moments!.  I truly hope it sells like hot-cakes, any seasoned traveller would really resonate with it.

Firstly, congratulations.  The daunting task of writing such a personal account must have been huge for you, and to self publish would have added extra pressure.  But you did it, and it’s a great read.  You should be proud. It seems that for both of us, apart from being addicted to travel, life is filled with the most amazing highs and spirit crushing lows.  Needless to say, I related to your book in a way I haven’t ever done with any other book or its author.

I’m sure you know this already, but your story is worthy of sharing with the whole world. You’ve had so many amazing life experiences. Thank you for sharing your journey and your vulnerabilities and for being so open and honest about the journey you have put down on paper. You can now forge on through the 2nd half of your life. Looking forward to the next installment.

I’ve only just started reading your book but I was up reading till 2:00 am ! I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to Part2.  I’ll be recommending it to all and sundry.

I am fortunate to have met Sue Liu in the caring, giving and nurturing environment of Our Big Kitchen in Bondi. At the time, Sue struck me as a strong and purposeful woman going about her business with grace and dignity. I have experienced some tough times with the recent loss of my husband and Sue, through her actions and clear purpose, has helped me on my path towards healing. Sue’s book is a breathtakingly honest, humourous, sad at times, thought-provoking account of her many adventures in the world of volunteering and aid work both here and overseas whilst successfully embarking on her solo business career in Sydney. Sue’s path has not been an easy road with challenges at most turns. Her book is easy to read and I will be reading it a few more times over the festive season.

You are one strong, determined, generous woman.  I have nothing but admiration for you and what you have achieved in your life. I’m thrilled with the success of your book and the impact that it is having.

I’ve always known what an Awesome person you are, but after reading your first book all I can say is Wow, Wow, Wow! It left me in total amazement of what you have achieved against such incredible odds. Knowing you personally also made the story of your victories and struggles even more poignant. Sue, you are to be commended for everything you have done, and all that I know you will continue to do! May each and everyone of your hopes and dreams come true… because you truly deserve them.

I just wanted to say, your book was fantastic. I literally couldn’t put it down. I am not a reader by any stretch of the imagination, but this was indeed a great read and you tell your tale well. All those travels. What a life! Brave, adventurous, challenging, selfless and giving. I am in awe. At times it got to me so much that I found myself crying on trains. Can’t wait for the next installment about your travels. Go Sue!

What an amazing, honest, heartfelt, humorous and courageous book Sue. I am so proud of you for what you have achieved, endured, and overcome, both in your life in general, as well as in the writing and publishing of this part of it. You are truly an inspiration, as are the eclectic bunch of fellow “givers” that you have come across and formed relationships with over time. You all, both individually as well as together, help to reaffirm my idealistic faith that, for all of the greed, hatred, corruption and plain nastiness that we see in the world, there is also plenty of altruism, love, kindness, and simple goodness.

I’m on the edge of my $%^&* seat reading this book of yours. You are my new hero Sue. What a Wonder Woman you are!

I just finish Accidental Aid Worker. Much enjoyed, thanks for the journey. Renewed faith and hope for human decency in a cold world.

Accidental Aid Worker is the story of how wanting to help a community became life-changing. It is also an exploration of the complexities of aid, both moral and logistical. She asks us to think about how aid might impact local economies and can become mired in corruption. 

I found myself fascinated by how someone who was a ‘normal’ non-aid person got involved in the whole affair. I was endlessly amazed at the determination you demonstrated to help people and it was a good reminder that that spirit and energy is what drives so many of the people who donate to these emergencies.

Just finished reading your book Accidental Aid Worker. Thank you for sharing your journey – not just a how-to on becoming involved in community work – but a very raw, personal & honest account of your emotional, spiritual, physical & mental journey of life. Funny, tragic & inspirational all rolled into one, I admire your vulnerability, down-to-earth attitude and your courage to face both mountains and valleys, and to traverse them both. What a pleasure to get to know you further through reading your memoirs and of course, to have you on our team at our C3 Cares Community Lunch. You are greatly appreciated & I’m looking forward to Book No. 2!

It’s truly an amazing journey in terms of geography and the projects you threw yourself into but, for me, the journey that really resonated was your mental health story.  As someone who has had my own battles with anxiety, I am always so grateful when someone bravely shares their experience and how they have found a way of perhaps not curing themselves, but managing their condition.  I think you are so brave to have detailed that part of your life, and I hope that your story helps to destroy the stigma around mental health issues, and that someday soon it won’t be such a brave act to reveal that part of ourselves; that it will be with the same ease that people talk about other health issues like food allergies or diabetes. The more I talk to people about mental health, the more I realise we all have some sort of struggle going on.  I often think of Ferris Bueller’s immortal words: “Sooner or later, everyone goes to the zoo!”.  I think we all need to keep talking.Thanks Sue for sharing your story.

A very powerful and emotional journey was imparted by reading Sue’s memoirs. From her growing years to how she became involved with Voluntary Aid Work in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami and during the civil war conflict, and then spreading her generosity to help orphaned children in Cambodia.   I felt very connected with the author through the sharing of the highs and lows of her life experiences during those ten years. There were occasions where emotions flared inside me, so real, that I felt I was travelling on the same journey with Sue.  The book reminded me, of how too often we give so much of ourselves to others, that we forget to look after ourselves.  It was also a reminder that as we grow older we realise that events of our childhood and teenage years, make and can cloud who we become – there comes a time in our life when we need to let go of childhood and teenage baggage and to move on with our life and think of ourselves and enjoy the present. This is Sue’s first book and I hope it won’t be the last –  I wish Sue all the very best, such a dedicated, selfless, beautiful person, who has given so much to so many.

Sue’s story is told with honesty, candour and grace. It stands to remind us that we all have stories, that each story is valid, and that by sharing them with each other – we are united by our similarities and can forget about our differences. Her message of community is awe-inspiring and changed the way I viewed the world and my contribution to it. What can we give, indeed? Sue discusses many deeply personal topics openly and with humility. By mentioning the often ‘unmentionable’, Sue’s book opens the window to a refreshing no-bullshit, no-holds-barred memoir. She is a brave storyteller who will go there, go everywhere in fact, in her search for meaning, answers, happiness and connection. Sue addresses issues of love, death, family, religion, compassion and modern notions of success. This book will make you feel less alone in the world – in your hopes, dreams, joys and sorrows. Exotic travel adventures are countered with touching moments of gravity and the poignancy that we, as humans, can never escape. Life cycles, beginnings and endings, the rough spots in between. The breath-taking sacredness that takes us by surprise… It was a pleasure to work with you, Sue. Your determination, commitment and passion drove this project along at lightning speed – you were unstoppable! And thank goodness, because Accidental Aid Worker is a tender, raw, humorous offering that the gods are surely smiling upon.

I enjoyed the book. You are one committed brave woman. You are also very honest, perhaps too much so, you do reveal of lot of your inner self. I admire the dedication to your causes, many others would not have done any of that. The fact that you survived is a story within itself, perhaps for another book, perhaps a novel this time.

This amazing woman has lived four lifetimes of an ordinary woman and, in doing so, has made a huge difference to many hundreds, perhaps thousands, of lives.  All I can say after reading Sue’s story is, ‘What a woman!’. She shows us how one person can make a difference in this world, and I am in awe that she has been able to accomplish so much. An inspiring book.  

Sue’s message is that out of every story of pain and suffering, there is light. Library members and guests were drawn into the events of the traumatic 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami at Sue Liu’s compelling talk. The impact of the tsunami was the turning point that made her think of her moral responsibility as a human being to help others. In her book, Accidental Aid Worker,(reviewed in the February Newsletter), she tells the story of how one person can make a difference. Although it became overwhelming, her spirit and positive attitude shine through.

Accidental Aid Worker is an epic memoir, which touches many sensitive aspects of your life, with which I can identify. This unique journey is indeed rich with memorable characters, events sensitive reflections.

This poignant travel memoir details the adventures, challenges, doubts, and tribulations Sue experiences as she finds herself immersed in the humanitarian and development world. Read the full review

Sue Liu’s book, Accidental Aid Worker is a compelling read and fun, too. The opening, travel-oriented chapter, in particular, is a ripper — personal, fast-moving and revealing, plus there’s romance and a villain, and then redemption. Sue captures ‘moments’ beautifully and the turning points in any episode, and does so in crisp prose that’s devoid of artifice or self-aggrandisement. As her narrative progresses into the book’s sustaining topic, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, she is revealed as an absolute demon for responsibility and involvement, and for getting results. It’s a lengthy tale, set mostly in Sri Lanka and partly in Australia, of tenacity and touching humanity. Her achievements both in “spontaneous” aid work and in later penning this well-crafted tale are formidable. John Borthwick, is a fellow adventurer and, among many other accolades, Australian Society of Travel Writers’ 2016 Travel Writer of the Year.

This is the tale of a woman who bravely opens doors and thus has astounding adventures and enlightenments. All in the context of what can only be called an adventure story and an extraordinary life.