Reading Matters “I Am” by Michelle Scally-Clarke

(In which the author and me explore some painful family memories, talk about adoption, feel empowered by dual heritage and learn to sing our song) This was a tough read for me. No point pretending: where lives intersect there can be a curious pain. But don’t let my experience challenge you, above all, I loved…

Reading Matters “How to Stay Married”

(In which the writer explores a black gloom with Jilly Cooper, gets stuck with Milo (from the Phantom Tollbooth) in the doldrums, talks with Rhona Cameron about adoption, consults Walt Whitman and finally decides to make her peace) Black Glooms Black Glooms Jilly Cooper calls them. I have been stuck in once of these since…

Reading Matters “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush”

This book is glorious. Old school. Happy. Terribly British. And I loved it.   Simple premise then – in 1956, aged 36 and longing for adventure, Eric Newby, walked out on his London career in advertising (and dress design). And so began a journey from Mayfair to one of the most remote and beautiful wildernesses…

Reading Matters “The Last Act Of Love “

This book makes me think of this: and this: and this: Down from Newcastle (on the train again) I read an article by Scott Keyser that tells us how our brain computes in threes and how we process information this way A staple of oratory, lists of three have been used for millennia, as they…

Reading Matters “This is the Story of a Happy Marriage”

I have written before how much “Bird by Bird” by Ann Lamott works as a non-fiction-novel for me. A woman in faith, a writing woman, a woman with a view – these themes resonate with me, deeply. This week I am going to pair that book with “The Story of a Happy Marriage” by Ann…