Posts Tagged ‘review’
The relaxing power of going fishing
Award-winning novelist and journalist David Profumo’s latest book centres around the restorative power of being at one with nature, particularly while fishing. Those with a passion for fishing often talk of its therapeutic qualities, all-too-often triggering an eye-roll from those less enamoured of the pastime. Profumo, however, convinces even the most hesitant reader to acquaint…
Read MoreLooking to fight back against global warming
With a title that relates to the classic song Riders on the Storm by the Doors, this book immediately had my attention. However it is far from fun and games as it presents the seriousness of our situation and our rather pathetic fight against global warming. Despite the Coronavirus, Alastair McIntosh still deems global warming…
Read MoreQuestions for humanity’s future through verse
Born in Ireland in 1970 and currently teaching at Aberdeen University, David Wheatley is a well-known Irish poet. His work has appeared in multiple anthologies including The Penguin Book of Irish Poetry. With many prizes and awards under his name, The President of Planet Earth is no exception to his successful streak. Wheatley brings us…
Read MoreA thriller taking a look at the Scottish oil industry
If you are interested in the pursuit of equality in the workplace but also have a mind for dark thrillers, political corruption, and corporate cover ups, this is the golden nugget. Black Blood follows the story of Danni, a corporate lawyer completing her traineeship before circumstances circling around an abusive partner force her out of…
Read MoreA gripping read that will keep youngsters happy
As a boy, I always loved the stories of Robert Louis Stevenson, Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome, when young people became involved in the adult world. Somehow or other, the youngsters involved would manage to save the day, and stop the smugglers, the thieves, or whatever villainous plots the ne’er-do-wells had in mind. There’s an…
Read MoreGrandfather’s notes make for a fascinating history
Historical discoveries are amazing things, especially if there’s a family connection. While canvassing for the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, MSP Neil Findlay made a discovery. Visiting the home that used to be his grandparents’, he was shown a plywood panel where John Jock Findlay, his grandfather, had written his life’s tale. Fascinated, Neil transcribed…
Read MoreOn the buses for a look back at Fife transport
Public transport is something that most of us see on a regular basis. David Devoy is a devotee of buses, and his chronicles the independent bus operators that have been deployed in the Fife area in this book that will definitely grab enthusiasts of the transport. Devoy knows his subject, having written several books on…
Read MoreA tremendous read in a study of humans and nature
Peter Wohlleben is a German forester who has written several fascinating insights into the trees he works with. The best-selling author, whose previous works include the international success The Hidden Life of Trees, indulges in his life-long love of the wooded world. In his new book, drawing on new scientific discoveries, The Heartbeat of Trees…
Read MoreOn the buses for a fascinating time in transport
We see buses on our streets every day, but there’s a fascinating story about the industry as we know it today. On 26 October 1986 Britain’s bus services were deregulated. This applied to all services operated in England, Scotland and Wales (but not in Northern Ireland or London). In the run-up to deregulation the Scottish…
Read MoreA hugely amusing collection of tales from a Scottish vet
As a child, on long car journeys, my dad would often play talking book versions of the works of James Herriot. From an early age, I was taken by tales of the life of a vet, from the more difficult to the lighter side of life, and, of course, Only Creatures Great And Small was…
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