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.
Holly by Stephen King
Holly Gibney gets her own book, as Stephen King continues with his late career move into crime/mystery. Does it work?
If it Bleeds by Stephen King
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 - Francesca McDonnell Capossela
‘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.
The Way of Liberation - Adyashanti
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.
Awake: It’s Your Turn by Angelo DiLullo
A clear, practical, accessible guide to non-duality, written in an an engaging and direct manner.
Be Mine - Richard Ford (Frank Bascombe #5)
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.
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane
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.
The Untethered Soul - Michael A. Singer
Michael A. Singer’s book is a timeless classic on awareness and inner freedom and is as fresh and essential as it ever was.
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright
Anne Enright’s latest is about how trauma passes down through the generations, as well as love and hope. Beautifully written.
Kala by Colin Walsh
Strong literary thriller about a group of friends who reunite 15 years after a traumatic summer, when dark secrets begin to resurface.
Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang
Pacy literary thriller about the theft of an unpublished manuscript, that explores cultural appropriation, greed and white privilege in the world of publishing.
