Capsule book reviews in 255 characters or fewer. Ish. A reading diary (1st Jan 2019 onwards) by Eamonn Griffin.
Another of Pressfield’s motivational books on creativity and overcoming barriers to getting work done, this time prioritising focus, place, and effort. The same but different: core messages from Pressfield’s other books are repeated, but the effect is cumulative. Plenty for those who think they’re struggling to be creative to reflect on.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
Philosophical musings on walking, drawing on both personal experiences (both poles and Everest included) and wider literature. Maybe a touch whimsical for some readers, but nevertheless a useful first-hand perspective about how and why walking is necessary for being both human and centred.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
The food journalist and restaurant critic offers ten simple rules for the good food life. A mix of personal philosophy, common sense, accessible nutritional science, and autobiography with a few decent recipes thrown in to illustrate the points being made. All good stuff, and the pork, butter bean and chorizo stew offered is a belter.
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My own books here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
An episodic and non-linear autobiography, with other writings. Inevitably patchy (the non-autobiographical material is weaker, though it’s fun to re-read the Neill Cumpston movie reviews again) but nevertheless engaging stories from childhood, adolescence, and of various bad times on the comedy circuit. For fans only, maybe, but that’s a broad outsider church.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A brisk overview of creativity as a concept and as part of writing and related practices. Straightforward and accessible (if geared to Cleese fans and to folk who know who William Goldman is) but undeniably brief, scarcely stretching to anything approaching book length. Still, some useful insights and experiences are noted.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
The working class lives of a team of decorators, and the impacts of capitalism upon them and their families. Hugely entertaining, detailed and effective graphic novelisation of the early 20th century socialist classic, and a fine book in its own right. Lots to appreciate in artistic and in adaptation terms, with the messages of the original coming through clear. Recommended.
My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A hipsterish artist is challenged by the ghost of Thoreau to make a return to living in harmony with nature. Walden for beginners, basically, and charmingly done. Some good connections are made between the early 19th and 21st centuries, and there’s a tongue-in-cheek approach taken throughout that gently critiques the protagonist.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England
A pub backroom hosts a weekly record listening session; rival groups soon emerge. Another of Mills’s deadpan absurdist satires/studies of entropy, this takes a sitcom setup (blokes in a pub) and weaves it into a parable about extremism, political infighting, the limits of faith and ideological purity. Highly recommended while also being for Mills fans only.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England
A Buddhist monk’s guide to keeping home, head and heart clean. A clear and simple guide to living frugally, respectfully, and peacefully, though consideration of daily and other rituals of cleaning, care, order, and respect for one’s possessions and environments. A beguiling mix of household tips and zen philosophy; recommended.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
An anthropomorphized account of a Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. A charming and melancholy graphic novel with some neat running gags and the imaginings of the protagonist’s movie-filled brain, this is a treat for anyone interested in walking, pilgrimages, and/or finding yourself a little bit. Lots to appreciate, rendered in simple black and white.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
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