If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need - Cicero
North Woods is the story of a plot of land in rural masachussets, told over 400 years and via 12 interconnected stories, ranging from painters to panthers.
Insomnia is a circular problem, where you can’t sleep because you are trying to sleep. I wake up at 2:18 am because I’m afraid of waking up at 2:18 am and see if Daniel Erichnsens book will help my insomnia.
‘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’ by David Carse is a classic in the nonduality genre, beautiful, uncompromising and profound. Even if the writer recommends you don’t read it.
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.
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.
This is the story that follows two friends who form a games company across the decades in an engaging, nostalgic read.
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.
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.
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’ 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.
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.
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?
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.
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 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 is the booker prize winning dystopian story of a right wing takeover and societal breakdown in Ireland. How real is it?
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.
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?
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.
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 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.
Holly Gibney gets her own book, as Stephen King continues with his late career move into crime/mystery. Does it work?
Three novellas and a short novel featuring Holly Gibney from the master of terror. How does it compare to previous acclaimed collections, including ‘Different seasons’ ‘Skelton Crew’ and ‘Night Shift’?
‘Trouble the living’ is a book with dual timelines in 90’s North of Ireland and 2017 California that deals with some sensitive issues whilst also being a pacey and haunting read.
This is a short but precise book that is not so much a ‘how to’ guide to awakening but one that helps bring you to the realisation already inside you. Simple, practical and profound.
A clear, practical, accessible guide to non-duality, written in an an engaging and direct manner.
The fifth outing for Frank Bascombe, as he goes on a road trip with his son Paul. Funny. poignant, and wise, Fords prose is as beautiful and resonant as ever.
Mary Pat Fennessy sets out to find her daughter in this tough as nails thriller set in Bostons Irish Southside community in 74, against a backdrop of racial tensions.
Michael A. Singer’s book is a timeless classic on awareness and inner freedom and is as fresh and essential as it ever was.
I recently went to see ‘Dune Part 2’ in the cinema. So excited was I after watching it that I can’t wait until my monthly roundup. Aren’t you lucky?
Receiving an Advanced Reader Copy is one of the benefits of being a book blogger. But how do you go about getting your hands on this precious bounty?
Being a lover of literature means that we can be inspired to choose a bookish holiday. Do you have a favourite book/author/character inspired place you’d like to visit?
As I’m bookblogging for over two years, I’ve finally got around to starting my own challenge.
I’ve missed the past few round-ups so I’ve combined them all in a super huge round up of fan club and Gaza gigs, horror, bones, and super yachts
