What I'm reading ...

I have started The Power of Geography: Ten Maps that Reveal the Future of Our World by Tim Marshall. I often feel that a number of subjects that I was taught at school were not covered well and/or need updating. Geography was one. Maybe this book will help. After reading the author’s previous book, I am optimistic. Here’s the blurb:

Tim Marshall's global bestseller Prisoners of Geography showed how every nation’s choices are limited by mountains, rivers, seas and concrete. Since then, the geography hasn’t changed. But the world has.

In this revelatory new book, Marshall explores ten regions that are set to shape global politics in a new age of great-power rivalry: Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain and Space. Find out why Europe’s next refugee crisis is closer than it thinks as trouble brews in the Sahel; why the Middle East must look beyond oil and sand to secure its future; why the eastern Mediterranean is one of the most volatile flashpoints of the twenty-first century; and why the Earth’s atmosphere is set to become the world’s next battleground.

Delivered with Marshall’s trademark wit and insight, this is a lucid and gripping exploration of the power of geography to shape humanity’s past, present – and future.

The Island Home - by Libby Page

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story had enough complexity to keep me interested and the characters were well drawn and, for the most part, likable. The telling of the story through the voices of two women was, IMHO, very effective.

I was very surprised by the strength of my emotional reaction to parts of the book; not a problem - just a surprise. I do not think that I really identify with any of the events and situations in the book; I guess I was mostly touched by people’s kindness.

It might be argued that the arc of the story was predictable. However, whilst that may be true, I felt that there were enough twists to keep me turning the pages. It might also be categorized [dismissed!] as “chick lit” as it has a strong emotional content and almost all the main characters are female. I saw these features as positives. When I read fiction, I want to be transported to another world and see other people’s perspectives. A story about and told by women seems to fit the bill.

The author has written three books so far. I have already read and enjoyed one [The Lido], but I am pleased to look forward to the other.