2020: the year of self-isolation. Luckily, there have been lots of brilliant books to help along the way. I have been mainly relying on my iBooks account and reading PDFs of books kindly sent by publishers, rather than ordering hardcopies / being sent hardcopies which has been (yet another!) different experience altogether. Alongside my rolling Book of the Month book reviews, here are some other truly fantastic books I have read this year:
Just a quick post to let you know about this fantastic book by Caroline Mackenzie, and illustrated by my Mum, Amanda!
I have written a review of the brilliant ‘A Theatre for Dreamers’ by Polly Samson for ARGO Magazine. Click here to buy a copy of the magazine!
Continue reading A Theatre For Dreamers by Polly Samson Review
When a book gets this much buzz, I want to know more about it!
I’ve written a piece on ‘The Stories Behind Book Dedications’ for Spectator Life. Click here to read it.
We have all had that moment of joyous realisation: if one small thing hadn’t happened, then our lives would have been so different. If I hadn’t got that Saturday job, then I wouldn’t have learned how to… or, if I hadn’t gone out that day then I wouldn’t have met… or, if I hadn’t had that teacher, then I probably wouldn’t have been so interested in their subject at school… The consequences of our actions, however small, can delight us.
Continue reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I have written an article on ‘The Favourite Holiday Spots of British Artists’ for Spectator Life. Click here to see it!
In June 1954, the Sunday Pictorial Newspaper ran this story on their front pages: ‘British Doctors Give Their Startling Verdict After 6 Months’ Research on Virgin Birth’. It detailed the story of scientists who could not find proof that a man was involved in the conception of a daughter.
Continue reading Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
I have written an article on Isolation in Paintings for the Spectator Life. Click here to see it!
I have written a piece on the Best Films That Take Us Places for Spectator Life. Click here to see it!