27 Sept 2022

What I'm reading ...

I have started Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon by Rahul Jandial. Time for some non-fiction and what better than a recent [2019] book on brain science? Here’s the blurb:

World-leading neuroscientist and neurosurgeon Dr Rahul Jandial draws on his years of work with patients suffering from the most extreme cases of brain damage, disorders and illnesses to reveal what they can tell us about the science of the mind.
From a languages teacher who has to choose whether to lose her ability to speak Spanish or English after brain surgery, to a former TV exec, now homeless, who discovers that his life-altering despondency is the result of a tumour, to a fainting teen who learns that deep breathing can mean the difference between life or death, these stories uncover the secret workings of the brain.
Blending cutting-edge research and beautiful storytelling, Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon is a vital resource on the best ways to boost your memory, control stress and emotions, minimize pain, unleash your creativity, raise smart kids and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. This is a deeply practical and readable book, which will take you on an expedition through the anatomy of the brain.

Grown Ups - by Marian Keyes

This book took a while, as it is long and rambling. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is believable, as are the characters. Overall, I felt that this book showed that the author is Maeve Binchy reincarnate; another Irish author who could hold my attention through a long book. I have several more of Marian Keyes’ books, which I look forward to reading.

1 Sept 2022

What I'm reading ...

I have started Grown Ups by Marian Keyes. I recently saw a TV profile of this author, which piqued my interest in sampling her work. I wanted to read a straightforward novel now and this seemed to fit the bill. Here’s the blurb:

Meet Jessie, Cara and Nell.
Married to brothers Johnny, Ed and Liam Casey.
Three very different women tied to three very different men.
Every family occasion is a party - until the day the secrets spill out.
Playtime is over.
But where are the grown-ups?

Windswept & Interesting - by Billy Connolly

As I expected, this book was a good read - entertaining, often amusing and thought provoking. It has a very honest ring to it, which is what I hope for in an autobiography.