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”
Tag Archives: memoir
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!”
A book celebrating the joy of front gardens
This book heroes 20 commonly found plants growing in the front gardens of one road in London. Ben’s observations in Grove Park – such as hollyhocks growing at number 92 being ‘serotonin for the summer soul’ – are insightful and full of joy. Ben takes us with him as he walks up and down theContinue reading “A book celebrating the joy of front gardens”
A no-holds-barred extreme health memoir
Life & Death Decisions by Dr Lachlan McIver packs a punch and gets a five-star rating from me. It gave me everything I want from a memoir, containing jaw-dropping stories, a reminder of human resilience and fragility and a warning about the very real consequences of climate change. The medical challenges Lachlan has faced asContinue reading “A no-holds-barred extreme health memoir”