John MIller and Andrew Powell co-authored the memoir After Our Parents Won the War, a collaboration of their experiences of being sent away to boarding school in postwar Britain. In a school that prided itself on delivering the traditional values of pre-war Britain we get a glimpse into a piece of history, the unique cast of teachers, the impact of a rapidly changing culture as new icons step into the spotlight. It’s an eclectic mix of the traditional and modern that demonstrates the transitional period of 1960s Britain.
The narrative is reflective and well-structured, taking the reader through ... View Full Review
From introversion to imposter syndrome, Myers-Briggs and love languages to empaths, lizard brains and affirmations. Discover the origins of 89 popular psychology ideas, and see if you’re using them correctly. This is a clear, structured breakdown of well-used terms and ideas with an apparent origin in psychology, whether they actually have merit, and how they can more accurately be used. I liked the very clear layout of this book. Beginning with an introduction to how each concept will be laid out: a brief explanation, one of four very clear verdicts, and an expansion on if, how or when the ... View Full Review
This fast paced dystopian thriller is a character-driven battle for home. Set in an England that is rebuilding following civil unrest that changed everything we see the impact of a country being remade on characters from a range of different perspectives. From politicians to refugees, soldiers questioning whether they’re on the wrong side and rebels fighting for their homes. I think the description of Flowers For The Wind as “a story of ordinary people caught inside extraordinary events” perfectly describes the character focus of this book’s writing style. I found each character’s ... View Full Review
“Inside the Window: Realizations before Maintenance on GLP-1” focuses on the author's experiences of rebuilding your life in order to successfully maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long term during the window of opportunity afforded by GLP-1 medication. How GLP-1 reduces the food noise and allows him the space to address his relationship with food, alcohol and his own self perception. French shares the benefits he experienced from the GLP-1s but the focus here is on the bigger picture and the responsibility to make the wider lifestyle and attitude changes that would set him up for success ... View Full Review
Available on Amazon.com
Confessions of Schizoid Man is the first part of an introspective memoir reflecting on the author’s life with a Borderline Personality Disorder. Taking us from early life and upbringing through to a life in academia that sees him working through the Cold War and into a new, more capitalist world.
What struck me most about the writing is that the author very clearly presents a detachment between the inner and outer worlds. When the author is confused by other people’s actions and intentions, so is the reader. Although this doesn’... View Full Review
Available on Amazon
From gentle massage to breathing exercises and guided meditation, Carers Day Out Workshop is a little oasis of calm and self-care. Created from the author’s experiences as a Therapy TI, their holistic massage experience and becoming a full-time carer for both parents, Nicholls has crafted a relaxing workshop guide that’s easy to engage with. I liked the inclusion of deep breathing exercises that could be performed anywhere (I was doing them as I was reading) through to suggestions for how to create your own guided meditations (perfect for those on a budget not ... View Full Review
Available from Amazon
Wolf, an aging artist, reflects on his life as he renovates his parents house and collates his work onto Blu-Ray. Meanwhile Lenny, a former acquaintance, has just been released from prison and his mind is turned towards revenge. Wolf in Wanderley is an interesting read that explores the passage of time while also offering a subtle thriller element. The character-driven narrative gives us an insight into an array of distinct personalities, the explicit references to American politics anchoring the narrative to a specific timeline and giving the readers even more context clues.
There’s lots ... View Full Review
This book will appeal to anyone who has a hankering for ancient history and delving into archaeology. The author has included a considerable amount of fact mixed together with romance. The story of Jennie, an archaeologist runs through the book. Jennie is set on discovering the past – but she has a struggle on her hands, that of creating a balance between updating knowledge of the period – combined with the ethics regarding how much detail should be told to the public who are avid for information. The more digging, the greater the possible damage done to the environment and ... View Full Review
Available on Amazon
Dr Will Andrews has a wealth of knowledge working within a range of different aspects in healthcare, both in the UK and internationally. This wealth of experience is displayed through the concise, confident and approachable way that he approaches his consultation of the state of the National Health Service in Surgery, Not Sticking Plasters. Much like the title, and building on the national trend towards anthropomorphising and babying “our NHS”, Andrews assesses the System like a patient, exploring everything from the inception to modern day issues, the impact of the pandemic, staffing, technology. All grouped ... View Full Review
Available on Amazon
Available from Waterstones
Told over the twelve months from New Years Eve 1999 to 2000, Paper Over It follows a quartet of university friends from a range of different backgrounds and the highs and lows that the year brings. Each character has their own challenges to face as they head into new chapters of their lives, from an unexpected pregnancy, to heartbreak and stepping back into dating, competitive dance auditions, concern over risky investments and healing family discord. Peppered with nostalgic nods to the trends and tongue in cheek references to modern day changes, this is a multi-narrative character ... View Full Review
A tale of the pain of conflict woven across decades and through the tale of a lost ballet. In 1939 Janek leaves Warsaw with his two daughters for a job as a musical accompanist at a fledgling ballet company in Italy. Though the company is supported by a mysterious patron that’s powerful enough to employ Jews despite Mussolini’s race wars, the journey there and life in Italy is not always as welcoming. While at the company he composes the music for a ballet called The Holy Land, which is never performed and lost to time. Years later, ... View Full Review
Available on Amazon
The Lockup Period by Vince Thompson takes us on Mario’s twisty ride into the world of startups and Silicon Valley. Yearning to be a part of the tech crowd, Mario discovers he holds advisory shares in a tech company about to go to market. This is his chance, as long as he, and the company, can make it through the 90-day lock up period without incident. Then a body is found in the CEOs apartment and Mario is dragged into concealing everything to protect his future. Delving behind the closed office door where secrets are ... View Full Review
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