Book of the week #1

Last week I (half) jokingly suggested an increase of vegetables and printed words.

This week, launching my book of the week.

Are the two connected? Possibly, what’s more likely is that it sounded like a good idea in the shower.

Reading books is one of my life’s greatest pleasures, I have a brain filled with an inordinate amount of fluffy facts and nonsense, some picked up from life lessons, many from books.

When I feel sad, I turn to a book, when happy, when stressed, always there is a book.

Not all of them are good, but some don’t just make you laugh, or think, but hit you in the gut, stop you in your tracks and want to tell the world. 

The criteria is simple, something I read this week and bought from an independent book shop. Because if we suggest that we must buy less but better, the help of a great book shop is invaluable. My choice is Heywood Hill, others are very good, it’s just my routine is to head over to Curzon Street, beard trim at Trumper’s followed by picking up books next door.

The first book is one featured previously, I picked it up this week to read again because it was the best thing I read last year.

Ash Before Oak by Jeremy Cooper.

A fictional diary of a man who moves to the countryside and life takes an unusual turn. A hymn to nature and it’s power to frustrate, amuse, amaze and rebuild.

I was reminded of it Friday night, someone had come to stay from London, and when I suggested dinner at the pub was enthusiastic, less so when they realised the walk in dark across fields. 

But half way there, past the river, across the farm yard and stood in middle of a field, the sight when you look up renders anyone speechless. 

Followed by a few pints and steak frites surrounded by people filled with life, free of bullshit and taking interest. 

The walk back is always quicker.