Book Impressions

What's Worth Doing

Derek Sivers, Pub: Hit Media, New York; Pub Date: 2020; Format: EBook; Read: Feb 2024

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Patrick McKeown, Pub: Piatkus, Pub Date: 2015, Format: Book, Completed: Feb 2024

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Raynor Winn, Pub: Penguin, Pub Date: 2018, Format: Audiobook, Completed: Jan 2024

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Train Your Mind For Peace and Purpose Everyday

Jay Shetty, Pub: Simon and Schuster, Year: 2020, Read: Sep 2023

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Lorraine Massey and Michelle Bender, Pub: Workman, Year: Jan 2011, Read: Aug 2023

This book is a curly girl’s best friend. It is ‘the bible’ for curly girls or anyone who wants to know more about curly hair. As such, it is a ‘must read’.

It was the book that set me on my curly girl journey. For the first time, I started to understand how to bring out the best in my curly hair. I read it for the first time many years ago and I am sure that some of the advice, especially around the use of oils, has changed during this time. In addition, it does not discuss the different types of hair porosity, which can change how a curly girl treats her hair. It is for this reason that I have only scored it a 4.

It’s still worth a read and there is still a lot left to take a novice from ‘no knowledge’ to ‘more knowledge’. I still love this book and go back to it time and time again and recommend it to girly girls that I meet. I think it is still the best book on curly girly management out there.

I would love to see an updated version.

Pip Williams, Pub: Bolinda Audio, Year: 2021, Read: Aug 2023

This book took me back to a era of slow living, deep relationships, simplicity - long before the advent of mobile phones and technology. There was a tranquility and peace about it. I wanted to work in the Scriptorium shed tucked away with the lexicographers - it would suit the introverted side of me.

This book made me laugh and cry. I missed it when the journey was over.

Its beginning takes you to the young Esme who has ‘stolen’ the word bondmaid from under the sorting table and therefore it does not appear in the first publication of the Oxford Dictionary . Stolen is a harsh word as the slip containing the word found its way under the table where the young Esme used to hide herself away. Esme stores it in a wooden chest and so begins her own secret process of collecting words - those words which were outcasts from the main dictionary, often because they were not quoted in famous publications written mainly by men. Her treasure trove of words is known only to her and dear Lizzy, a bondmaid by definition. These words end up in The Dictionary of Lost Words.

I learnt more about woman's fight for the vote (the suffragette movement); the horrors of WW1 (physical and mental); and how words were collected and collated to make the Oxford University dictionary.

I was left admiring Esme’s passion for what she did and how she went on to produce the ‘lost words’ from the mouths of those whose voices were never heard - mainly those of illiterate women. The concept of collecting and defining words reminded me of the Zettelkasten - except that the zettelkasten is the collection of ideas, methods, concepts - a knowledge based system rather than a single word based system.

Set in the late 1800 - early 1900’s it was also a shock to realise the prejudices that women faced - it really was a man’s world with limited opportunities for women to progress - given also that educational establishments clearly rewarded males.

I loved the book and would highly recommend it.

Courtney Carver, Pub: Tarcherperigee, Year: 2020, Read: Aug 2023

The premise of this book is about creating a small capsule wardrobe, that contains 33 items of clothing and accessories, to last for a season of about three months. Then to repeat the process again and reflecting in between on what you learned.

However, it is much more than this.

The author writes in a very supportive, compassionate, and forgiving way. The lessons learned from the process of completing project 333 can be applied to other areas of a person’s life– and this is where the magic happens.

An easy read with many inspirational lines of text. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wishing to improve their life or get on top of their clutter. The task of noticing what you need and what brings happiness in the wardrobe department, brings about a change of mindset to other areas of your life. It left me feeling inspired.

Prince Harry, Pub: Transworld Digital, Format: Audio Book, Year: 2023, Read: Jul 2023

I read it because I was curious.

I started it with a groan feeling this was going to be a book full of laddish stories written from a background of privilege.

I very soon loved and devoured it.

It gave me new insights and understandings from Harry and Megan’s perspective. The impact of his mum’s death; his own mental health issues; the institution that is the Royal family and stifling protocols; the lengths the press would go to to get their story; the risks Harry took in pursuing his military service (to self and others). Also, a chance to share in the things that nourish his soul: Megan, his family, close inner circle and Africa.

I highly recommend this book which left me with a new understanding and respect for Harry and knowing that not everything that is said by the media is true.

Elif Shafak, Pub: Penguin, Year: 2021, Read: Jun 2023, Format: Audio

A slow based dreamy love story that takes in the history of Cyprus - both Turkish and Greek sides. It gently moves from past to future intertwining the lives of those who lived in Cyprus with the lives of those living in the UK. The lives of the deceased with those of the living. There is a spiritual sense of presence even in those who have passed. 

It is also the love story and wisdom of the fig tree - moved from Cyprus to the UK. Wrapped in a cape of wisdom and spirituality. The fig teaches us much in the way of wisdom of nature.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Its story and format were unlike anything else I have read before.

Michelle Obama, Pub: Viking, Year: 2018, Read: May 2023

I scored this book a 5/5 on Goodreads.

I loved this book the first time around when I listened to it on Audio in 2019. Then 4 years later I decided to read it, as part of my book club and I found more inspiration.

It really is an inspirational story of self-doubt and overcoming this to go on to achieve incredible things - both personally but also in service of others. There is an element of constant striving, achievement, and pushing out of one’s comfort zone. Service to others; being the voice of others that are not heard; and yet balancing this with time for self-nourishment and the growth of personal relationships with family and friends.

Michelle Obama really comes across as the superwoman. She would describe herself as a human being with all of a human being normal flaws and struggles. She is truly inspirational.

The reader also gets a behind-the-scenes look at President Obama. I was left with a feeling of awe and respect that this man really did his best for American politics. He governed with integrity and principle, based on his values.

In short, this book is inspirational; has many life lessons; is a great insight into the workings of the Whitehouse; and teaches you that we are constantly evolving and changing - we are still ‘becoming’ the person we were meant to be and that this is enough - we are good enough.

Carol Dweck, Pub: , Year: 2017, Read: Jan 2023

I scored this book a 4/5 on on Goodreads.

I found this book really inspirational. I found myself changing even as I read it - with my head set firmly on developing more of a growth mindset when I noticed my fixed mindset kicking in. It was interesting to note that the majority of people are a mixture of growth and fixed mindset - so it’s not something we should ‘bulk’ at!

The examples given were very much from an American point of view and often the people and companies mentioned weren’t particularly familiar to me - so a bit tedious at times. However, the general lessons imparted from them applied to all.

As I finished this book I was inspired to continue to develop further my growth mindset, to turn failures into opportunities for new learning, to develop my curiosity, and to use the growth mindset in my relationships with others.

Bernardine Evaristo, Pub: Penguin, Year: 2019, Completed: Mar 2023

I scored this book a 4/5 on Goodreads.

I listened to this as an audiobook.

I started off not really liking this book and thinking I wouldn’t be finishing it. Then I found myself looking forwards to it - and hey - I did finish it and then listened to it again!

The downside for me was all the different characters. It was difficult trying to remember their short but enthralling stories. Then top this who trying to remember who was who as their lives intermingled with the other characters.

I think this is the type of book that needs a second and even a third read to really firmly establish it in your mind’s eye- because there is so much in it. I picked up things the second time around that I didn’t remember from the first listen and the whole story came together for me a lot better. It was then that I realized that the end of the story starts at the beginning. What lies in between are the different relationships and life stories.

So all in all, a really enjoyable book that I will definitely pick up again. The characters' lives were so interesting that I could have read an individual book on each of them rather than the condensed life story - but I suppose that is the way of short stories!

Heather Morris, Pub: Zaffre, Year: 2021, Read: Feb 2023, Audio

I scored this book a 4/5 on Amazon and Goodreads.

I enjoyed the book and the sisters’ adventure pre and post and Auschwitz. The story is an amazing one of how luck and being in the right place and at the right time can make all the difference to the individual experiences.

I found that I was not as emotionally invested in this book as in the previous 2 books. I didn’t get the depth of feeling for the characters.

I also found the whiney voice of Livia annoying at times (this was an audiobook). Also, the word ‘kitten’ used to describe Livia from 16 onwards grated on me as well as the constant reminder about the ‘pact’ that was made when the sisters were younger. This is why I gave it a 4.

However, the book did have the power to shock me; stir an emotional reaction, and; teach me something I didn’t know before.

This is a fictional work based on the true facts about the three sisters’ story. I do thank and admire the author for the lengths she has gone to to research this.

Haruki Murakami, Pub: Bolinda Audio, Year: 2014, Read: Feb 2023

I scored this book a 4/5 on Goodreads.

My first ever book based in Japan.

I really enjoyed the gentle pace of the story and having an insight into Japanese life - even if only through the eyes of fiction writing.

The one question I really wanted an answer to was “Can everyone in the parallel world see the second moon?” Maybe I am just an overthinker!

A very enjoyable book and I really missed it when it was finished. However, the ending left lots of room for another story at a future date.

Heather Morris, Pub: Zaffre, Year: 2019, Completed: Jan 2023

I scored this book a 5/5 on Amazon and Goodreads.

Another totally absorbing book that, once again, evoked strong emotions.

This book left me feeling anger and a sense of injustice for the plight of Cilka following the Russian liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. The Russian decision that she was guilty of collaborating with the Nazis beggars belief. She was accused of ‘sleeping with the enemy’ - when in fact she was raped repeatedly by them. This conviction resulted in her incarceration in The Gulag near the Arctic Circle, Siberia. Here she faced more brutality under the Gulag’s regime.

I miss the book now it is finished. I would have loved to know more about what Cilka went on to do in her life following her release. Did she ever get to meet up with all those she befriended in the prison?

As a side note: I hadn’t realized that Stalin created The Gulag forced labour camps - which first operated in the 1920s before the Nazi Concentration camps Books are indeed great teachers - I don’t remember learning about this in my history lessons at school!

Heather Morris, Pub: Bolinda Audio, Year: 2018, Read: Jan 2023

I scored this book a 5/5 on Amazon and Goodreads.

A totally inspiring true story based on the experiences of an Auschwitz survivor.

The saying “What goes around comes around” was never so clearly evident as it was here. Lale’s many acts of compassion and kindness to his fellow prisoners resulted in ‘payback’ at a later date and led to his ultimate survival.

Throughout the book, there was an emphasis on having a strong sense of purpose. This proved important for mental resilience and the will to survive the atrocities.

I loved the quote “Save the one, Save the world.” This empowers us to make a difference, even if it is just for the benefit of one person.

This is such a beautifully compelling and totally absorbing story. It made me so grateful for the little things in my own life.

Lola Jaye, Pub: MacMillan, Year: 2022, Audio book:Jan 2023

I scored this book a 5/5 on Amazon and Goodreads.

I absolutely loved this audiobook.

It describes the intricate weavings and connections of 2 different lives, separated by decades. Each with childhood trauma based around the attic of a large house by the sea. It was heart-breaking but also truly inspirational.

After what I thought was a slow beginning, I was totally captivated and pulled into the story. I couldn’t get enough of it and was sad when it all ended.

Beautifully told with the power to stir strong emotions.

Sonke Ahrens, Pub: Independently by Sonke Ahrens, Germany, Year: 2022, Read: Sep 2022

I scored this book a 4/5 on Amazon and Goodreads.

I enjoyed this book and felt I learned new things. The concept of taking Smart Notes really resonated with me and made so much sense. This book provided valuable information to improve note writing and management of knowledge with reference to Niklas Luhmann’s Zettelkasten method. I will be taking some of the suggestions forward in my own Zettelkasten.

I wanted to score this book a 5. However, I found that often there was a lot of repetition throughout the book. Also, it felt at times that some of the information had been pasted without looking at the flow of that same information within the overall context of the chapter. I felt that the book could have been shorter and still get the main points across.

The book was very well referenced. However, 80% of the reference material was 10 or more years old. I had the 2022 edition so it would appear that there was not that much new stuff added.

I would still recommend this book because it still gives the best advice about writing smart notes based on the Zettelkasten method.

Edith Eger, Pub: Rider, Year: 2018, Read: Aug 2022

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Susan Cain, Ed.Penguin, Pub. 2013, Read: July 2022

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TJ Klune, Pub: TOR, Year Pub: 2021; Read: June 2022

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