Thanks for the recommendations. Several to add to my wishlist here. I've been wanting to read 'Bringing Back the Beaver' for a while.
My favourite of the books I've read in the last year were:
Non-fiction - Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a series of beautifully written essays exploring these tiny but mighty species which play a vital, and often overlooked, role in supporting biodiversity.
Fiction - A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe, a skillful debut novel encompassing the Aberfan disaster, the school life of choristers, 1950s attitudes to homosexuality and much, much more.
Thanks for the recommendations. Bringing Back the Beaver is definitely on my list. A similar book that I’m reading right now - the Missing Lynx, by Ross Barnett. Well worth a read.
Humphrey Carpenter's biography made me appreciated Tolkien's work even more!
This year, I read a lot of fantasy books, among my favourites there is a duology by Rebecca Ross (A River Enchanted and A Fire Endless), I found it the perfect escapism dream. Another great discovery for me has been the series of books on Greek Mythology by Stephen Fry, very enjoyable to read and to listen as well.
I wish you a relaxing time off and a Merry Christmas. I live close to my parents so I will visit them several times next week :)
Currently I'm reading America: The Farewell Tour by Chris Hedges, an excellent exploration of what the first Trump Presidency meant for the US and a wider look at the future of the country, so probably a good read at this point in time. I'm also reading Words and Music by Paul Morley, an unclassifiable book about music, featuring lists, chronologies, thoughts about being a music critic and a slight obsession with Kylie Minogue. It shouldn't work but it's brilliant and surprisingly compelling. The best poetry book I've read this year is definitely Alchemy by Rae Spencer, beautiful poetry about science and ecology.
Claire Keegan ❤️ such an amazing book. I can’t believe I’ve never read a Mary Oliver, obviously always heard snippets. I’ll need to hunt that one down I think ✨
Thank you for the recommendations Tom, it is always good to find new books to read.
My favourites this year have been:
Timesong by Julia Blackburn a beautiful book about the east coast and the authors search for Doggerland.
Local by Alastair Humphries follows the authors journey across his local OS map and shows how it is possible to live adventurously close to home.
A Line in the World - A year on the North Sea coast by Dorthe Nors. I loved the writing in this book so much that I read it twice. It follows the authors journey along the coast of Denmark.
The Place of Tides by James Redbanks, an account of a summer spent on a rocky Norwegian island helping to care for wild eider ducks.
I have really enjoyed your writing on Substack this year Thomas. Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025.
Thanks for the recommendations. Several to add to my wishlist here. I've been wanting to read 'Bringing Back the Beaver' for a while.
My favourite of the books I've read in the last year were:
Non-fiction - Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a series of beautifully written essays exploring these tiny but mighty species which play a vital, and often overlooked, role in supporting biodiversity.
Fiction - A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe, a skillful debut novel encompassing the Aberfan disaster, the school life of choristers, 1950s attitudes to homosexuality and much, much more.
Ah some lovely stuff there, thank you!
Thanks for the recommendations. Bringing Back the Beaver is definitely on my list. A similar book that I’m reading right now - the Missing Lynx, by Ross Barnett. Well worth a read.
Sounds good I'll check it out!
Humphrey Carpenter's biography made me appreciated Tolkien's work even more!
This year, I read a lot of fantasy books, among my favourites there is a duology by Rebecca Ross (A River Enchanted and A Fire Endless), I found it the perfect escapism dream. Another great discovery for me has been the series of books on Greek Mythology by Stephen Fry, very enjoyable to read and to listen as well.
I wish you a relaxing time off and a Merry Christmas. I live close to my parents so I will visit them several times next week :)
Great recommendations, I’ll check them out! Thank you very much, enjoy time with your parents :)
Interesting recommendations, thanks!
Currently I'm reading America: The Farewell Tour by Chris Hedges, an excellent exploration of what the first Trump Presidency meant for the US and a wider look at the future of the country, so probably a good read at this point in time. I'm also reading Words and Music by Paul Morley, an unclassifiable book about music, featuring lists, chronologies, thoughts about being a music critic and a slight obsession with Kylie Minogue. It shouldn't work but it's brilliant and surprisingly compelling. The best poetry book I've read this year is definitely Alchemy by Rae Spencer, beautiful poetry about science and ecology.
great recommendations, thank you!
Claire Keegan ❤️ such an amazing book. I can’t believe I’ve never read a Mary Oliver, obviously always heard snippets. I’ll need to hunt that one down I think ✨
I discovered Mary Oliver through a writer here on Substack!
Thank you for the recommendations Tom, it is always good to find new books to read.
My favourites this year have been:
Timesong by Julia Blackburn a beautiful book about the east coast and the authors search for Doggerland.
Local by Alastair Humphries follows the authors journey across his local OS map and shows how it is possible to live adventurously close to home.
A Line in the World - A year on the North Sea coast by Dorthe Nors. I loved the writing in this book so much that I read it twice. It follows the authors journey along the coast of Denmark.
The Place of Tides by James Redbanks, an account of a summer spent on a rocky Norwegian island helping to care for wild eider ducks.
I have really enjoyed your writing on Substack this year Thomas. Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025.
love these, thanks Gill! A Line in the World sounds particularly up my street. Have a great Christmas!!
The Old Man who Read Stories of Love by Luis Sepulveda
North Woods by Daniel Mason
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
Question 7 by Richard Flanagan
When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut