If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need - Cicero
Missing person thriller, serial killer chase, love story - all of this and more in Chris Whitakers epic, character driven ‘All the colors of the dark.’
Adyashanti's book contains 30 short exercises to introduce you to non duality or deepen your practice. Concise, clear and profound.
Lucy Barton’s ex-husband William needs a favour - he's discovered a family secret, and wants Lucy to accompany him on a trip to meet a half-sister. It’s a book that looks at the ties that bind us, about how the past shapes the present, and asks that all important question - do we ever, truly, really know anyone?
Following the best selling Tim Marshall books on geopolitics, this quiz book featuring 300 questions, puzzles, anagrams and maps will both test and improve your geographical knowledge. Fun, engaging and informative.
Lifelong wanderer Franny sets off on one final journey - to follow the migration path of the artic terns, the last of their kind in a world decimated by climate change. This is beautiful, devastating book.
Cracking crime thriller with moments of horror, as a desperate mother on the run tries to keep her daughter safe. But from what, and why? Grabs you early and doesn't let go.
Amor Towles return with six short stories and a Novella, featuring one of his previous characters, Eve Ross. Written with his trademark style, sophistication and wit, this is a fine book.
Set in the North of England, ‘True love’ by Paddy Crewe is about Finn and Keely, both struggling to find connection in their lives, in this gritty and poignant book about grief, loneliness and love.
The master storyteller returns with a fine collection that touches on all his genres, from the supernatural to crime mystery, with plenty of memorable characters, twists and chills.
A brother and sister disappear from a summer camp in the Adirondack mountains, 15 years apart. Are the cases connected? Find out in this fine literary thriller that will keep you guessing right to the end.
Twenty years on from ‘Brooklyn’ and we find Eilis Lacey in Long Island, settled in her life. But a knock on the door changes everything, in the long awaited follow up to ‘Brooklyn’. Is the past a foreign country, and what of Jim and Eilis?
‘The Snakehead’ by Patrick Radden Keefe is an incredibly researched and compelling book about Chinese migrants chasing the American dream, and the snakeheads who help them achieve it. Narrative non-fiction at it’s best.
With ‘The Heart in Winter’, Kevin Barry creates a sort of Irish Western set in Montana in 1881, about two lovers fleeing across country, pursued by bounty hunters, in an engrossing and vivid novel that crackles with life.
‘I am that’ is considered to be a spiritual classic. But how relevant are the dialogues between Nisargadatta and his visitors for the modern day nonduality seeker?
More condensed than ‘The Power of Now’ but Eckhart Tolle’s teachings are just as potent in this short follow up to the the best seller.
At an exclusive wellness retreat on the Dorset coastline, pampered guests are in for a surprise at the midnight feast in Lucy Foley’s darkly enjoyable thriller.
‘Earth’ is the story of a young professional footballer who is on trial in a sexual assault case, in another concise and engaging story from master storyteller John Boyne.
‘Saltblood’ is a rip roaring nautical epic based on the real life historical figure of Mary Read. Lyrical and wise, it explores freedom and and identity, all the while remaining a page turner.
‘Poor’ by Katriona O’Sullivan is a riveting and powerdful memoir about her upbringing from abject poverty and homelessness to the heights of academia.
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?
Old oaks, ZEF and lowlife scum, some Belfast Cowboys and back by popular demand: favourite benches. Here's Septembers round up.
Hermits, mountains, deer, orange delight, young Irish blues singers - a Summer round up.
I've been blogging book reviews for three years now and I'm going to share what I've learnt in that time. Can you get paid to read books?
Some of my favourite distractions in May - Shinrin Yoku, civil war in the states, inside number 9, female pirate books, and a thrilling new series - my favourite park benches.
Cobbled Scottish and Italian streets, family trees and homeless singers. Time for Aprils Round up.
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?