Book Review - Diary of a Young Naturalist - Dara McAnulty
Powerful and impassioned book about a year in the life of 14 year old Dara McAnulty, who has autism, and finds great comfort and solace in nature.
Book Review - Rogues - Patrick Radden Keefe
12 collected pieces previously published in the ‘New Yorker’ about greed, corruption, the underworld and dark family secrets. Superbly researched and incredibly readable.
Book Review - Lost Connections - Johann Hari
Powerful book on what really causes depression, and what to do about it. Well researched, eloquent and persuasive..
Book Review - When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi
Paul Kalanitihi’s book is the story of a neurosurgeon who faces a terminal cancer diagnosis at the age of 36, and who moves from being a doctor to a patient. A brave, illuminating and rewarding book.
Book Review- Ghosts of the Tsunami - Richard Lloyd Parry
Fascinating and moving work of non fiction on the 2011 Japanese tsunami, focusing on a small village school where 74 children died, where unfathomable grief turns to anger.
Book review - This is Vegan Propaganda (and other lies the meat industry tells you) - Ed Winters
A powerful and persuasive book about how we can transform the world we live in by changing what we eat. I don’t think it’s possible to read this book and not become vegan.
Audiobook Review - The Science of Storytelling - Will Storr
This is a fascinating and useful book looking at the neuroscience and cognitive psychology behind storytelling. Another excellent addition to books about writing.
Book Review - On Bloody Sunday - Julieanne Campbell
Julieanne Campbells powerful book, using oral testimonies from survivors, eye witnesses and relatives, tell the the story of the terrible events of the 30th of January, 1972 and its aftermath.
Book Review - I am an Island - Tamsin Calidas
A tough but inspiring memoir about surviving grief, loss and extreme loneliness on a remote Scottish Island.
Book review - The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present - Paul McCartney, edited by Paul Muldoon.
McCartney’s immersive memoir reads like he’s sitting down next to you, talking through his songs and showing you his handwritten lyrics and family photographs. Moving and thoughtful, an absolute delight.
Audiobook Review - Greenlights - Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey’s mix of memoir and homespun philosophy is an exuberant and infectious book, best enjoyed on audio.
Book Review - The Salt Path - Raynor Winn
Inspiring story of a couple who, after receiving devastating medical news and losing their home, set out on a journey of redemption through nature.
Audiobook Review - Walking with Ghosts: A memoir - Gabriel Byrne
This is an evocative and moving memoir from the actor Gabriel Byrne, who is a naturally lyrical and gifted storyteller.
Book Review- Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May
A thoughtful and wise book about drawing on the power of winter to rest and recuperate.
Book Review - The Art of Living - Thich Nhat Hanh
Practical and comforting book based on a series of talks by renowned Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, on how to bring mindfulness into our daily lives. Compassionate and wise, a self help book to return to.
Book Review - Windswept and Interesting - Billy Connolly
Billy Connolly recalls his own life in this audiobook, interspersed with some of his best jokes, stories, and even a bit of singing. Warm, hilarious and revealing, the big yin is perfect company.
Book Review -Thin Places - Kerri Ní Dochartaigh
Kerri Ni Dochartaigh's memoir is a mix of of nature, memoir and social history about the North Of Ireland during the troubles and subsequent years. Raw, lyrical and unflinching.
Book review - Thirty-Two Words for Field: Lost Words of the Irish Landscape - Manchán Magan
Manchán Magan’s fascinating book sets out to explore the Irish language and it’s roots in nature, people and animals, as well as cosmology and other ancient civilisations.
Book Review -Prisoners of Geography - Tim Marshall
Tim Marshall’s ‘Prisoners of Geography’ is an engaging introduction to the world of geopolitics and explains a lot of the ambitions of global powers and how they are curbed by natural barriers.
Book Review - Hidden Valley Road - Inside the mind of an American Family-Robert Kolker
The harrowing and enthralling story of the Galvins, a family of twelve children brought up in Colorado, six of whom went on to develop schizophrenia. This is their story, about how it affected their family and the contribution they made to sciences understanding of the disease.
