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.
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.
