Tag: non-fiction
Dominion by Tom Holland – Book Review
An absorbing, ambitious and well-written journey through history of Christianity, its impact on the western culture, and its enduring influence in the modern world.
The Body by Bill Bryson – Book Review
Bill Bryson takes a speedy yet comprehensive tour through the human body, and reveals it as miraculous, complex, a bit gross and more mysterious than you’d think.
Childhood, Youth, Dependency by Tove Ditlevsen – Book Review
This trilogy of autobiographical novellas from one of Denmark’s best-known poets and writers is one of the most striking memoirs I’ve read, reflecting on life, art and addiction with remarkable, matter-of-fact clarity and honesty.
This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay – Book Review
A hilarious, candid, witty, moving and frequently stomach-churning collection of diaries that offers an insight into the chaotic life of the junior doctor working for the NHS.
Upheaval by Jared Diamond – Book Review
How do nations cope with crisis and change? In this brilliant book, the author, historian and geographer Jared Diamond examines how six modern countries have dealt with a crisis, and looks at the crises currently unfolding in contemporary Japan, his home country the USA, and the world at large. Read more
The Way Home: Tales from a life without technology by Mark Boyle – Book Review
After reading this book I can safely say that I’m not cut out for a life without technology, but regardless, this memoir of a year lived without the basic modern conveniences and ubiquitous technological connections was a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets by Svetlana Alexievich – Book Review
I put off reading this book forever, mostly because I was intimidated by its sheer doorstop size. In the end, this requiem for the Soviet era proved to be both an easy and hard read. While perhaps not the pick if you’re looking to lift your spirits in the time of a global pandemic, it’s a book that fully deserves the term “masterpiece”.
The World’s Religions by Huston Smith – Book Review
I initially read this engaging and erudite book about the world’s predominant faiths many years ago, but I felt like a refresher, and, just like the first time around, I found myself humbled by the realisation of how much I didn’t know. In truth, it would probably take me a few more readings to fully absorb the dense layers of information presented here, but you’re still left with a decent understanding of the world’s main religions even if you can’t hold on to all the points.
Wild: A Journey from Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed – Book Review
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