Best books of 2025 – my five star reads I haven’t had time to write reviews this year, so I apologise for the brief, factual write-ups. If nothing more, it will hopefully give you somewhere to start if you are looking for a new read… The Unwilding, Marina Kemp Brilliantly written, this is the bestContinue reading “My five star reads in 2025”
Tag Archives: memoir
My Best Reads – 2023
Earlier in the year I decided to take a break from book blogging. The imminent deadlines were causing stress where there didn’t need to be any. I love reading and writing, but writing about why I love a book is sometimes quite difficult. It requires time and thought which I had in short supply. SoContinue reading “My Best Reads – 2023”
A balanced look at the town vs. country divide
Divide by Anna Jones is a memoir (but so much more!) exploring the many differences between town and country. Each chapter covers a theme – including politics, diversity, food and environment. Anna’s pedigree as a journalist and interviewer shines through. Whilst Anna has lived in both town and country, this book is told much moreContinue reading “A balanced look at the town vs. country divide”
Moving and eye-opening
Sophie is a midwife. And she is also infertile. This moving memoir follows Sophie’s quest to become a mother. She experiences some terrible lows. It’s hard to imagine how anyone can experience traumatic pregnancies whilst also helping mothers bring their new-borns into the world. I’ve read a couple of memoirs which explore similar themes. OneContinue reading “Moving and eye-opening”
Come take a seat by the fire…
This a gentle and uplifting memoir. Sam intersperses the story of his life with his tales of traversing the West Highland Way. Each passage is fairly short and cleverly leaves you wanting more. Sam is an actor, and the star of Outlander. Before reading I hadn’t seen any of his work (sorry, Sam!) but thisContinue reading “Come take a seat by the fire…”
Frontline Midwife
It’s my stop today on the blog tour for Frontline Midwife by Anna Kent. I was blown away by this book. It is so raw and honest, and I couldn’t put it down. Should they choose to have children, childbirth should be one of the most liberating and empowering moments of a woman’s life. YetContinue reading “Frontline Midwife”
Recent five star reads
I always review the books I am gifted with but sometimes run out of time to review the books I have bought. So here is a quick round-up of the books I’ve read so far in 2023 that I’ve rated five stars: A Duck Out Of Water: Mum, dementia and care home life by HelenContinue reading “Recent five star reads”
Strong Female Character
It’s my stop on the blog tour for Strong Female Character by comedian Fern Brady, known for her recent Taskmaster appearance and no-nonsense Scottish humour. She has written an open and honest memoir about growing up and not knowing she is autistic but knowing she is very different from others. She is kicked out ofContinue reading “Strong Female Character”
Different, Not Less
I was gifted a digital copy of Different Not Less by Netflix’s Heartbreak High star and disability advocate Chloe Hayden as part of a Random Things Blog Tour. Growing up, Chloé Hayden felt like she’d crash-landed on an alien planet where nothing made sense. Eye contact? Small talk? And why are you people so touch-oriented?Continue reading “Different, Not Less”
If you think you know trees, think again!
Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree: A celebration of our connection with trees is a small, easy-to-read non-fiction book packed with facts and insights – both historical and modern-day. The author, David George Haskell, took me around the world to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most marvellous trees, including oneContinue reading “If you think you know trees, think again!”