Book Review - Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
‘Boy Swallows universe’ by Trent Dalton is an exuberant, wild ride of a book that grips you from the start and doesn’t let go.
Perfect Brilliant Stillness -Beyond the Individual Self by David Carse
‘Perfect Brilliant Stillness’ by David Carse is a classic in the nonduality genre, beautiful, uncompromising and profound. Even if the writer recommends you don’t read it.
Mala's Cat: A Memoir of Survival in World War II by Mala Kacenberg
This is the story of Mala and her escape from the Nazis in Poland, where she is befriended by a stray cat, in a harrowing tale of survival.
Book Review - Wild Houses by Colin Barrett
In a small Irish town, this gripping tale takes place against a backdrop of isolation and desperation. Compelling, real and with moments of humour, this is a cracking read.
Book Review -Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This is the story that follows two friends who form a games company across the decades in an engaging, nostalgic read.
Audiobook Review - Big Beacon: A Lighthouse Rebuilt, A Broadcaster Reborn
Using an innovative dual narrative structure, ‘Big Beacon’ tells the story of how Norwich’s best broadcaster rebuilt both his broadcasting career and an old lighthouse.
Quickly, While They Still Have Horses by Jan Carson
This collection of 16 short stories are sometimes dark, quirky, moving, occasionally absurd, and always inventive and readable. A fine book from one of my favourite modern Irish writers.
Who Am I?/Be As You Are by Ramana Maharshi and David Godman
Sri Ramana Maharshi is one of the most famous Indian gurus. I’ve read two books about him recently - how relevant is his message?
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
‘Resurrection Walk’ sees Harry Bosch & Mickey Haller team up to work the case of a woman who killed her husband and is claiming to be innocent. Superior legal/police procedural from the master crime writer.
Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton
In 1898 the Belgica set off on a three year polar expedition to the Antarctic. It became the first ship to winter in the region, in a survival story about illness, endurance and inventiveness. And Penguins.
Set it and Forget it: Are you Ready to Transform your Sleep? by Daniel Erichsen
It’s 3:33 am and time for me to start another reading another book about insomnia. Will this be the one that breaks the cycle and gets me sleeping again?
Benchtalk - Wisdoms Inspired in Nature
Imagine you’re in a park, sitting on a bench and you find a notebook inviting you to share your thoughts. What would you write? This heartfelt and wise little book shows just that.
Pouring Concrete: A Zen Path to the Kingdom of God by Robert Harwood
This is a joyful and heartfelt book about one man’s fervent search for the answers to life’s existential questions.
A Thread of Violence by Mark O’Connell
‘A Thread of Violence’ by Mark O’Connell examines a notorious double murder that shocked Ireland in the eighties. He spends hours interviewing Malcom Macarthur, and delivers a gripping literary work of true crime non-fiction.
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
‘Prophet song’ by Paul Lynch is the booker prize winning dystopian story of a right wing takeover and societal breakdown in Ireland. How real is it?
Book Review - Water by John Boyne
A woman arrives on a small island, shaves her hair and changes her name. What is she running from? John Boyne delivers again in this powerful novella about remorse, complicity and abuse of power.
Book Review - The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
It’s a number of years since I’ve first read ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle and I thought it was time for a revisit. Is it as effective second time around?
Book Review - The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
The Booker prize nominated ‘The Bee Sting’ by Paul Murray is a tragicomedy that fizzes with energy, as we follow the rich inner lives of the Barnes family, as their world starts to fall apart.
Book Review - Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Like opera, this book that could be described as a mixture of farce, drama and romantic comedy. But does it hit the high notes?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius was originally written for himself, but has become a classic of stoic philosophy. 2000 years later and it’s as relevant and useful as ever.
