The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

My boyfriend and I are humungous Jurassic Park fans. So much so that the tagline for our own relationship is “Life finds a way”. This applies to The Lost World by legendary Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published in 1914, since it inspired the works of the Jurassic Park franchise, it’s own 1960s film as well as other adventure films. Although, iconic Doyle was inspired by HG Well’s novella The Country of the Blind in 1904. It was about a blind man finding a hidden world in the Andes where everyone is blind and the ground was paved in gold. The Lost World literally found me as i stumbled across it in a box of free books! I recognised the author (Sherlock!), taking no notice to the title. As a result, i became transfixed when clues alluded to The Lost World being a hidden region of exotic South America, which is home to none other than living dinosaurs! Then, everything clicked or should i say, roared?

The detailed science fiction novel begins with everyman Edward Malone, a keen reporter surprisingly offering to take on a momentous challenge to impress his love interest, Gladys, demanding a “brave and noble man”. His editor sends him to infamous Professor Challenger, a foreboding figure with “hair that was peculiar, plastered down in front in a long, curving wisp over his massive forehead.”His unique experiences in South America had been contested and ridiculed. He abhors journalists yet sees a genuine interest in adventure in Malone. His drive to impress Gladys is the catalyst to send him to discover whether Challenger and his late explorer partner, Maple White’s dinosaur research were authentic. Doyle vividly describes each of the men that follow Challenger to recreate his Lost World Expedition. Here, they face perilous experiences with indiginous men, become in awe of extinct creatures (pterodactlys, stegosaurus and iguanadons) and find a way to escape the unforgiving jungle.

It was impressively written! His descriptions of the texture of the dinosaurs to the sweltering heat of the location was superb. I did find the ending rather rushed, however it was the first of a series so the open ending was a good hook for further reading. What impressed me most was Doyle’s knowledge of science and research to depict a newly discovered land, probably due to his expertise as a physician That being said, based on its early twentieth century publication there are dated and racist views of tribesmen and the perception of slaves that are to be read with caution. Overall a 5/5 as i was well and truly hooked. It unlocked my book rut!

Life lessons on going under, getting over it, and getting through it: Getting Better by Michael Rosen

Happy (belated) World Book Day. Who better to celebrate than discuss my absolute favourite author…

Of course the witty, whimisical and wonderful Michael Rosen. Renown for capturing children’s hearts from poetry to books, such as nostalgic favourites like “We’re going on a bear hunt” to becoming an internet sensation “noice”. It was a dream come true to watch him perform many of his iconic poems and entrancing storytelling last December. Let alone to have a little chat, hug and book signing! He evoked a gentleness and sincerity in our conversation (about teaching!). It transported me back to my ten year old self when he visited my primary school. I vividly remember him performing “bendy bendy pencil”, with the same enthusiasm. Despite his infinite successes from children’s laureate, guardian writer, podcaster and writer, it’s hard to forget that he is only human. In fact, he was one of the first people in England to be hospitalised at the start of the pandemic in 2020 at the vulnerable age of 74. The NHS put him into an induced coma where he lay for forty night and forty days (yes, he made a biblical Joke about this!) whereby he finally woke up to the sounds of his children’s voices over the phone. Determined to reclaim his power of speech and mobility, he also went on a psychological and self-reflective journey which he vividly retells in, Get Better.

I was compleyely hooked for the entirety of his inspiring life story due to the abundance of anecdotes and tangents. From losing his eighteen year old son to Meningitis (get your jabs uni students!), to discovering late in life that he had an autoimmune thyroid condition and reflecting on his family history of jewish war survivors, it was a reminder that everyone bears their own, or generational traumas. As my first read of 2024, it was not what I was expecting. I thought it was a self-help guide, which it partially was due to his reflections encouraging the reader to do the same. My favourite part was end where he listed all that he was grateful for in life, since he was given a second chance to embrace it, and he left extra pages for the reader to begin own creative endeavours.

If you’re as obsessed with Michael Rosen, fancy a little life pick-me-up as we countdown to summer or want to rediscover the beauty of life in a humorous way, then this is the book for you. It’s a biased 5/5 for me!

A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon

I immediately recognised Haddon’s iconic illustrations from the eclectic collection of books in the charity shop. His distinctive style transported me back to being in my year eight English lessons encapsulated by reading ‘The curious incident of the dog in the night-time’ which he is more renown for. Having adored the book written from the perspective of a young boy with aspergers syndrome and seeing the stage adaptation twice, I knew Haddon’s style of writing wouldn’t disappoint in his adult fiction ‘A Spot of Bother’. Themes of mental health, family dynamics and British culture made it a light-hearted yet heavy read. I’ll explain…

Despite its huge size, it’s a very easy read. I finished it in a few days over the Easter holidays, where I spent much time on public transport. Nonetheless, it felt like hearing gossip about your neighbours as Haddon invites readers in the mind of members of the Hall family. It begins with the perspective of elderly gentleman George, who discovers a red mark on his thigh which leads him to spiral into thinking he has cancer, becomes dangerously depressed and anxious weeks before his daughter’s wedding. George’s narrative is of a humble, ordinary grandad keeping much to himself, when really he is in dire need for psychological help. It is contrasted by chapters told by his wife, Jean, as she ventures on a scandalous love affair with George’s old colleague. She is motherly, preoccupied with wedding arrangements, riddled with guilt about her affair and unsure what has happened to her husband recently. Her daughter, Katie, is feisty, yet also in turmoil as she contemplates whether she truly loves her rugged fiance or that he makes a wonderful stepfather to her son Jacob (solely there as a form of comic relief). The final member of the family, my personal favourite, is Jamie, the homosexual son not willing to mix his private life with his family life at the extent of losing his loving partner. It’s like a soap opera! Flicking between one storyline to the next, however all coming together by the end at a wedding in their garden.

It was filled with a whirlwind of sub-plots, ample cases of dramatic irony and a relatable bittersweet family life that did not disappoint until the very end! I hate that feeling of thoroughly enjoying a moving, gripping book until you finish it. It’s not that the ending was awful, I think it was rather abrupt. Though the more I think of it, as George increasingly loses his mind including episodes of self-harm and blackouts, mental health doesn’t always have a happy ending. Maybe I wanted an answer to help manage my own battle with depression and anxiety, yet George stayed present and in the moment. So it’s open to interpretation. The rawness of George’s mental state was insightful as Haddon would use many compound sentences to replicate a mind spiralling into panic. The heavy themes were mixed between humorous, typical family life of children throwing a tantrum and awkwardness bumping into old friends. There were a few too many characters as each family member came across so many different people, although it did add to it feeling like an authentic family. Overall, I really enjoyed it until the open ended ending so 3.5/5!

Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder club

Do you keep the sleeve on or off? I felt bad for ripping this copy lent to me…

National treasure and tv show sensation, Richard Osman wrote his first book The Thursday Murder Club and it was an instant success. His likeable, amiable demeanour shines through the crime story underpinned with British humour.

Based on a visit to a retirement home, Osman was inspired to set his novel in Coppers Chase. Here, a retired group mull over unsolved murder cases as a form of entertainment. Written from the perspective of a few of the sleuths, Joyce’s diary entry was my favourite based on her commentary on what cakes she’d eaten and her visits to a vegan cafe. A friend of mine told me that the fictional character has her own real Instagram handle! Nonetheless, the group have their own murder case to solve as someone on their housing development is murdered. It’s very much a written game of cluedo, like a whodunnit scenario and it does keep you gripped right until the satisfying end (no spoilers!).

I’ll be honest, despite the modern references (WhatsApp, tinder and Waitrose) and easy narrative, I didn’t completely enjoy it. It’s a small entry because of this. There were too many characters, most of them funny and relatable but I got lost trying to remember who was who and and this confused me speculating who might have been the suspect. There was far too much speech based on his numerous characters and some irrelevant chapters. I’d recommend it for someone wanting to get back into reading, for the sense of accomplishment after completing a book and the mystery was worthwhile. It will be turned into a film soon and I’ll look forward to seeing it on screen. 3/5

Good vibes, good life: how self-love is the key to unlocking your greatness in life. Vex King

It’s February! Christmas feels like a distant memory and for that reason I haven’t had a chance to write up my chrimbo read. Having spent the day at my iconic aunt’s house over the festive period, her theme for presents was “pertinent” and “positivity”. Therefore her gift to me epitomises that (scroll down for the heartfelt inscription). Do you write in gift books?

Despite the cringy title, I really valued the message of how to find self-love. As a teacher, sister and friend I find myself putting others before myself because I thought that’s what life was about. However I’ve slowly learnt that you can’t always be there for others, if you don’t have the capacity to look after yourself. I enjoy showering others with love and care. I feel a strong sense of purpose and moral justice whenever I can help someone else. Though, my therapist asked me something while I was feeling low, “How would you help a friend in your situation?” Then everything clicked! It’s so much easier to help others, give advice, truly listen (new book post pending, Listen by Katheryn Mannix) and support others yet how could I do that to myself? Vex King explores exactly this, how can you be a true friend to yourself?

I must admit I have a bias against self-help books because I didn’t think they can help. I still don’t to an extent. Though now I believe if you want to make a difference in yourself, there’s no harm in starting with a book. King is conversational, with accessible language and highlights the significance of looking after your mind, body and soul.

It’s a personal book, drawing upon his own experiences to suggest ways to make simple, everyday changes. Having been homeless as a child, living in dilapidated hostels and managing an unstable relationship with his parents, King’s adverse experiences shaped him to inspire others. Strategies such as practising self-care, adopting healthy habits, embracing new opportunities and believing in your own self-worth. Essentially, the positivity you give our will come back to you (at some point!).

It’s an easy read and I’m glad I started the year with an inspiring, influential book. By completing it in less than a week, I already had a sense of achievement. Some aspects were gimmicky, with Instagram buzz words such as “toxic people” and “vibes”. Which I think tainted the morals and foundational message in which to be your authentic self. It was unexpected gift, one that I’d possibly not purchase for myself but would buy for others looking to make a positive change. 3.5/5

Listen: How to find the words for Tender Conversations. Kathryn Mannix

Well loved copy as have lent it to many!

I stumbled across this one after listening to the Word of Mouth podcast by one of my favourite authors Michael Rosen and his guest Kathryn Mannix. Have a listen if you’re into finding out random facts about words at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013hrc She was on the podcast to discuss her latest book, a guide to supporting others going through difficult or challenging times. Mannix captivatingly told the story of her early days as a trainee doctor, having to complete the sensitive task of telling someone their husband had died. She followed the academic steps, did all the right things yet it led to her being hit across the face! From this, she has developed a more humane approach to tender conversions which we all can seamlessly adopt.

I’d like to think I’m a good listener but even I’m no stranger to butting in with unhelpful comments like “at least it’s not x” or “don’t worry” when someone has entrusted me with a probelm. Mannix explains that it’s in our human nature to innocently attempt to make things better, to fill silences and try to help by relating their situation to a similar experience. Although these can work for some conversations and certain individuals, there are more simple and effective strategies. Truly listening! Simply acknowledging their feelings, naming how it makes you feel to be opened up to, retelling what they have said in your own words and the power of delicate touch.

What I love most is Mannix’s choice of genre. It’s a combination of a memoir, self-help book with aspects of fiction. There are characters going through relatable experiences ranging from illness, grief, sexuality, money concerns and disagreements in public situations, this is a mean to explore a plethora of strategies managing conversations in a variety of contexts. Many of these situations are inevitable, so why not be prepared for them?

It’s mostly conversational, the fictional aspects are written beautifully as she sets the scene and it’s not at all patronising. Some of the suggestions can appear unrealistic, such as “I’m open to a discussion but let’s eat first as I won’t be able to focus”. Imagine telling someone they have to wait to open up because you’re hungry!

I’ll admit it’s another one of my niche books, however judging by the reviews by an eclectic audience, she’s done very well. Based on the content of unfortunate situations, it is a difficult book to read when not in the mood. I often read it on the commute to and from work but i couldn’t always read it after a tricky teaching day. I’d recommend it as a holiday book surrounded in a happy environment to read in one go!

To Kill a Mockingbird Special

As you may have noticed, I can become rather obsessed and fixated on books I thoroughly enjoy (see my second post on A Clockwork Orange). So much so that I reread, purchase multiple copies, watch any films and in this case, even see a West End play!

My review below will contain teeny spoilers from the novel, theatre production and the second book “Go Set a Watchman”. I don’t usually like to do as I think the best cultural experiences are when you go in relatively open minded. Nonetheless, let’s begin with Harper Lee’s novel.

A rightful modern classic brimming with poignant themes of moral justice, class and race written in 1960. It is most definitely worth the hype due to her exploring topics which would have been taboo at the time including gender inequality, addiction and the concept of othering. Despite its heavy themes, the novel gained instant popularity which deservingly continues to this day.

The story is loosely based on her own experiences as a ten year old child in Alabama, much like her protagonist Scout Finch. A confident tom-boy dressed in overalls, extremely close to her older brother, Jem, we observe their tumultuous childhood in a small fabricated town of Maycomb, Alabama, over the course of three years. Almost feeling like a fly on the wall, readers observe how Scout, Jem and eventually their friend Dill, become exposed to the harshness of life through witnessing the lives of their vivid, complex neighbours and harsh impact of their father’s multifaceted rape trial case. Despite the abhorrent racial injustice, alcholism, drug abuse and murder, it is the character of Atticus Finch that reminds readers of morality in difficult situations. He is the epitome of goodness which many admire and aspire to be in the novel and in reality! The novel itself can be split in half; the first of which is the children’s fascination with the mystery of their infamous neighbour Boo Radley. The children re-enact his intriguing life story as they play and the other is the exceptional court case in which Atticus defends a black man on trial for raping a white young woman. It’s a read that tugs on your heartstrings whilst being unable to put down (I literally walked to work with book in hand!). I haven’t read anything so insightful, gripping and powerful in an exceedingly long time.

Having been unable to stop talking about how good the book is, my friend read it herself and then we ventured to the theatre! Thanks to Rush Tickets on ‘Todaystix’ the tickets were cheap and in such good seats. The stage itself was simple (as shown above), which became a mini Maycomb as actors brought on moveable sets based on the many locations in the novel. From the Finch household’s front porch, the impressive court case with racial segregation and their neighbour’s houses, each set helped to bring the book alive. We were initially taken aback by the change in narrative order, however they focussed on the ending, ‘How did Bob Ewell stab himself?” Then recreating the novel through flashbacks.

Despite by obsession with all things To Kill a Mockingbird, this sequel however was not welcome. I must admit I only read the first few chapters or so but there were too many changes, I refused to persevere. Number 1. Jem had died. Why on earth would she kill him off? Ok, fine it does make a nice plot twist to book readers since it’s set twenty years after the first. But since having a very close brother, I found this too heartbreaking. Number 2. Atticus is a racist. It’s absolutely absurd that he’d become a racist in his old age as it completely taints the themes in the original. Despite my opinions, there is a plethora of media controversies surrounding its release since it was published sixty years after the first, whereby critics believe Lee wasn’t in the right state to be agreeing to legal formalities that come with publishing. In addition, Go Set a Watchman was supposedly written before To Kill a Mockingbird and Lee’s publisher seemingly encouraged her to set the story through the eyes off child Scout. This can’t be the case as the second book is filled with references to the first. It’s got a lovely front cover, I’ll give it that! The concept of adult Scout returning to Maycomb with her mature perspective and the contention surround civil rights movement does make an intriguing plot. It’s unfortunate those changes make such an impact for me to continue. Let me know your thoughts if you persevered!

Whether you read the second book, watch the West End play (which ends in London this May 2023!) or most definitely read the novel, it will be worth it. Harper Lee’s novel is timeless and 100% worth the read.

Flushed by W. Hodding Carter

Before you think this’ll be a load of crap (pun intended) it was actually an interesting and insightful read into the history of plumbing. There’s something very British about waterworks being taboo, however it’s the one thing we all have in common! I borrowed this book from a friend at work as her father was intrigued by someone else reading it on the train. In this borrowed copy, I love how he folded down a page where the author wrote a paragraph collating all the euphemisms for using the toilet, “pee, poo, wee-wee, spend a penny etc,” very comical for a serious man!

Which goes to show that it’s a niche book but not a bad read! Carter discuss’ how his fascination (more like an obsession) about plumbing stems from trying to avoid paying for a plumber and thinking, “How hard can it be?”. When, in reality, it is way more intricate and complex than it seems. He appreciates the impact of early civilisations inventing methods for managing their waste, such as the Romans using efficient pipe work that we still use today. He was in awe of the clever engineering that has evolved over centuries. He was so committed to this book, he even took a trip from the USA to London just to take part in a sewer visit and invested in a Japanese toilet.

There was a lot of pages about various materials used for pipework and the science behind it, which reminded me of science lessons I tuned out of! However, it was written in a conversational way and overall easy to follow, with personal anecdotes and relatable comparisons.

Worth a read if you need a wild card!

3/5