Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely

Predictably Irrational surprised me, but also disappointed me. Not because of the writing, I thought it was a very engaging read, but because of the discoveries that the author made… Read more about Predictably Irrational…

My Stroke of Insight, Jill Bolte Taylor

Jill Bolte Taylor, a brain scientist, experienced a stroke in her late 30s and observed her mind deteriorate in a few hours. Her story is about her recovery but also her insights into how the different sides of the brain works… Read more about My Stroke of Insight…

How to be Idle, by Tom Hodgkinson

I’ve always thought that being idle was just about doing nothing and achieving nothing, but Hodgkinson argues that doing nothing can actually be very productive. Doing nothing, having conversations with others, and resting allows you time to think and be creative.Read more about How to be Idle…

Find that illusive book at Abebooks

I’ve found a great place for buying second-hand (pre-loved) books and new ones, Abebooks. You can access the stock of booksellers from all over the UK and they will post it to you. I’ve used it many times and have always received the books as described. It is a great way to buy affordable textbooks too, if you are doing a course.Read more about Abebooks…

I luv u Banksy, Wall and Piece

Imagine a city where graffiti wasn’t illegal, a city where everybody could draw wherever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus top was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big business. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall – it’s wet…Read more about Banksy Wall and Piece…

Five must-have quilt-making books

If you’re wondering what to get a friend who loves quilt-making or a book about quilts to buy for yourself, then this selection of quilt-making books make great gifts. I sifted through a range of gift books at the local bookshop and also the library to come up with the following quilt selection (in no particular order). They all look excellent, so enjoy.Read more about must-have quilt-making books…

Quilts 1700-2010, Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Quilts 1700-2010 at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is a must-see exhibtion for anyone who loves quilts, is interested in social history or wants to find out more about quilt-making. Sue Prichard has written a book that accompanies the exhibition, Quilts 1700-2010: Hidden Histories, Untold Stories; a gem that replicates the exhibition well and is great to delve into for inspiration.Read more about Quilts 1700-2010 at the Victoria and Albert Museum…

Who moved my cheese? An amazing way to deal with change

Who moved my cheese?, written by Dr Spencer Johnson, is a simple story that reveals profound truths. It is quick and easy to read, in fact can take less than an hour, but is something that stays with you. Cheese is whatever makes you happy, whether that’s a career, family, personal relationships or health. The story asks, how do we cope with change? How do we find what we want again, when it has moved? Read more about Who moved my cheese?…

The Cosmic Ordering Service, Barbel Mohr

I came across The Cosmic Ordering Service by accident, it was sitting alone with no other contenders on a shelf, as if waiting for me to notice and pick it up. And I’m glad I did. It is quick to read and fun to follow and makes you feel as if anything can happen, if you let it. It also reminds you to be in a lighter mood, to focus on the positive. Read more about the Cosmic Ordering Service…

Crafting Creativity, Colin Salter

Crafting creativity, by Colin Salter, is a book of “52 brilliant ideas for awakening the artistic genius within”. Each chapter of the book is, according to its introduction, “designed to provide you with an inspirational idea that you can read quickly and put into practice straight away”.
Read more about Crafting Creativity…