“The Comprehensive Guide to Wild Swimming in Ireland” is a collaborative work by Maureen McCoy and Paul McCambridge, brought to you by Gill Books at a price of €19.99. This book journeys through every county, providing an engaging account of the top beaches, complete with stories unique to each location. The author and photographer bring to life a range of water activities including diving, rock-pooling, skinny-dipping and more. Alongside these, the book offers insightful tips on dire situations such as jellyfish stings or swimming during winter and night times. Apart from practical advice, the book also delves into cultural and natural history, leading readers to unearth interesting titbits such as the tale of Urris’s Poitín Republic in the Inishowen peninsula. This book should have a place in your car’s storage, turning road trips into adventures to hidden caves, mountainous lakes and secluded shores.
In “Reading Lessons”, available from Fig Tree for £18.99, Carol Atherton demonstrates her 30-year tenure as an English literature teacher. Atherton’s analysis of 16 significant literary works elucidates their lasting impact on societal beliefs, values and relationships. The critique covers a range of themes, including class, gender, race and power, offering superior insights. Personal anecdotes add depth to this tribute to the profession of teaching, enhancing the book’s appeal.
“Cloudspotting for Beginners”, co-authored by Gavin Pretor-Pinney and William Grill and published by Particular Books for £20, serves as an essential guide for cloud enthusiasts. This fascinating read is perfect for anyone looking to delve into cloud identification and appreciation.
The 10 primary cloud types, which include three high, three mid-level, and four low variants, each possess distinct characteristics. For instance, the cumulus cloud is fondly referred to as a cheerful cloud, adored by all. The stratocumulus, typically observed over large water bodies as you fly above, present themselves as sprawling landscapes of uninterrupted rolling clouds. The stratus cloud is fondly termed a comfy blanket for a peaceful slumber, while the orderly altocumulus appreciates tidiness. The unassuming cirrostratus retreats quietly in the background, just like a shy creature. Meanwhile, the lofty cirrus could remind one of blown out, white tresses. The formation, weight and the reason behind the clouds’ white appearance are touched on too in this visually pleasing guide.
‘India at 75,’ a collection of essays, explores the initial 75 years following India’s independence. The birth of the country was tragically fraught with migration on an unprecedented level and roughly two million fatalities. The leaders of the fresh independent country faced steep challenges, despite scepticism around the possibility of independence in such a diverse nation. Yet the country showed success. A diverse group of contributors, ranging from UK and Indian academics, journalists, salespersons, and politicians, elucidate on India’s development across economic, cultural, and technological facets. This includes industry and farming, transport, health department, economy, fashion, music, cinema, space industry, Indian Muslims, and future prospects. While the journey hasn’t been perfect, the now fifth largest global economy is a thriving democracy, with its population surging from 340 million to 1.42 billion.
‘In Pursuit of Love: The Search for Victor Hugo’s Daughter’ is a publication by Mark Bostridge from Bloomsbury, priced at £20. Other compelling reads include ‘The Golden Road by William Dalrymple: India at its most influential’, ‘The Red Emperor. Xi Jinping and the New China’, and ‘A History of Irish Magic: Occultism of national life.’
Mark Bostridge, a renowned biographer of noteworthy individuals such as Vera Brittain and Florence Nightingale, is undertaking the story of Victor Hugo’s enigmatic daughter, Adele Hugo, in a rather distinctive style. In order to narrate her heart-rending saga of unfulfilled love, the author intertwines parts of his own life, tracing the footsteps of Adele Hugo. Although the portions of his memoir built into the story don’t quite have the same allure as Adele’s narrative, they nonetheless provide an intriguing glimpse into the biographer’s journey to unravel and document a forgotten existence.
“Mollie Ray, through her striking silent graphic novel, Giant, caught my attention. The novel beautifully captures her sibling’s struggle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, using a poignant visual metaphor depicting her brother’s immense size; illustrating the isolating nature of illness which startlingly sets one apart from their social circle. Ray’s hand-crafted black-and-white ballpoint pen illustrations also brilliantly portray the far-reaching impact of the disease on the family by subtly showing the worry and concern in the couple’s faces who are the guardians of the sufferer. Her eloquent utilisation of panelling underscores the ever-present concern that pervades throughout their home owing to the life-threatening diagnosis. A breathtaking examination of disease and compassion by Ray.
Finally, Alain Corbin brings us A History of Rest, a book engagingly translated by Helen Morrison and out for purchase with Polity Press for £12.99.
A reader with limited knowledge like me might find it surprising that the notion of ‘rest’ had not always been associated with leisure and tranquility. The French historian Corbin delves into the evolution of ‘rest’ in Western culture through a precise, academic text that takes into account religion, philosophy, and cultural aspects. Corbin uncovers the transformation of ‘rest’ from being a ‘precursor to everlasting life’ to the more indulgent, therapeutic forms that are prevalent today. Along the journey, we delve into the world of sanatoriums, burnout, the ethical aspects of laziness, and the so-called ‘golden age of rest’ that gave birth to the present-day concept of ‘paid leave.’ While the book may not be a ‘restful’ read, it successfully broadens the theoretical comprehension of what this reader previously viewed as just a wonderful activity. Brigid O’Dea
Ken Thatcher’s ‘The Wife’s Sister’s Wee Boy’
Published by Colmcille Press, priced at £12
Ken Thatcher, a native and current resident of Derry, shares his warm memories of the tranquil times before the Troubles unfolded in the 1950s and 1960s. This memoir, filled with longing for times past, paints a vibrant picture of his early schooling years, his high school education at Foyle College and various activities such as snooker, fishing, card-games, and his experiences in Yannerelli’s coffee bar. An unforgettable memory is the destructiveness of Hurricane Debbie in September 1961. His tale wraps up in 1968 with the first Civil Rights march happening in Derry. Today, Thatcher operates a beloved independent bookstore, the latest chapter in his diverse career. Paul Clements
‘Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs’
By Johann Hari
Published by Bloomsbury, priced at £20
Ruby Eastwood presents an analytical piece on Ozempic, the currently most successful medication for weight loss. Her research begins with her personal encounter with the drug, which forms the bedrock of her exploration. She fearlessly scrutinises her perspective towards her physical form and what cultural significance it holds. While the title indicates Eastwood’s mixed feelings about Ozempic, the strength of the publication lies in its skilful examination of the complex, conjoining factors that the newly introduced drug brings, without oversimplification or judging. Eastwood starts by elucidating the mechanism of the drug, later digging deep into how capitalism has modified our dietary patterns and brain neurochemistry. The widespread prevalence of Ozempic, on par with birth control pills as Eastwood anticipates, could cause drastic societal changes. Her forecasts are captivating and thoughtful, even though her book is, at times, filled with surplus individual background to inflate the length of the text.