Book reviews

The Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Tao of Pooh is a charming and uplifting introduction to Taoist philosophy, using Winnie the Pooh to illustrate life’s simple wisdom. One quote from Chuang-tse about the well-frog and the summer insect particularly struck me: ‘A well-frog cannot imagine the ocean, nor can a summer insect conceive of ice.’ It made me reflect on how my past understanding of a better life prevents me from accepting my current situation. Hoff speaks about working with life’s circumstances, turning them into something sweet, but I find that challenging, given the difficulties I face daily. Perhaps something to work on.

The Te of Piglet, by contrast, was a disappointment. Instead of continuing with the gentle philosophy found in The Tao of Pooh, it reads more like a personal rant against industry, government, and Western culture. The charm and insight of the first book are overshadowed by Hoff’s critical tone.

In conclusion, The Tao of Pooh is a delightful, insightful read, while The Te of Piglet feels heavy and judgmental, rather Eeyore-esque. I’d highly recommend The Tao of Pooh, but The Te of Piglet may be best left unread.

With Pooh, the Tao shines bright and full of grace,
A wisdom simple, sweet, in every place.
Yet Hoff’s own voice in Piglet turns so grim,
It’s not the character, but the author’s whim.

Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I may be a little biased as a huge fan of Susie Dent, but Guilty by Definition was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The story follows Martha Thornhill, who returns to her role as Senior Editor at the Clarendon English Dictionary after spending years abroad. When an anonymous letter filled with cryptic clues arrives at the dictionary, it stirs memories of Martha’s sister, Charlie, who went missing years ago. As more letters appear, Martha and her team of lexicographers work to unravel a mystery that’s been buried for years.

Dent’s love of language shines through in every chapter. Normally, I’d find an author showing off with big words a bit much, but in Dent’s case, it feels entirely natural. The way she plays with words is clever and engaging, and it makes the story that much more fun to read.

I also loved the cryptic clues scattered throughout the book, which gave the mystery a more interactive feel. It’s a well-crafted, entertaining read that anyone with a love for words and puzzles will enjoy.

Susie Dent’s words dance and twist with grace,
A tale of mystery and hidden space.
With cryptic clues and language as her art,
She weaves a story sure to steal your heart.

And Away by Bob Mortimer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

And Away... is an absolute delight, packed with humour, charm, and the wonderfully absurd stories you’d expect from Bob Mortimer. He has a natural gift for storytelling, weaving together the highs and lows of his life with an honesty that makes even his wildest tales feel relatable. Bob is so funny, and this book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and stories that are completely bonkers.

But alongside the humour, the book delves into more serious and heartfelt territory. Mortimer opens up about his heart condition and battles with depression, sharing deeply personal and vulnerable moments. These reflections give the book an emotional weight that balances the chaotic fun, making it not just a hilarious read but also a poignant one.

What makes And Away... even more special is the audiobook version, narrated by Bob himself. His voice brings the stories to life. It’s a genuine treat, and whether you’re a fan of Mortimer or just in need of something to brighten your day, this is one you’ll want to revisit again and again.

With humour bright, Bob weaves both joy and pain,
His tales of life, both bonkers and humane.
Through heart and mind, he shares his deepest fight,
Yet leaves you laughing, warmed by his own light.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a heartwarming novel set in a quaint Tokyo café that allows customers to travel back in time, but only under strict rules. The novel comprises four interconnected stories, each exploring themes of regret, forgiveness, and human connection.

The novel is structured into four interconnected stories, each focusing on a different customer of the café who wishes to travel back in time. The narrative can feel a tad repetitive due to this structure.

Kawaguchi’s writing is simple and elegant, capturing the complexity of emotions and relationships. Each character's journey is relatable and poignant, reminding readers of the importance of embracing life's fleeting moments.

For those who enjoy magical realism and introspective storytelling, Before the Coffee Gets Cold offers an entertaining and moving experience.

In a quaint Tokyo café, where time can be undone,
Four stories of connection under a fleeting sun.
Regret and forgiveness, where emotions unfold,
In Before the Coffee Gets Cold, tales of life are retold.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dolly Alderton’s ‘Good Material’ offers an engaging exploration of love and relationships with her characteristic wit. The story is mostly told from the perspective of Adam, whose self-pitying voice can be off-putting. However, the narrative gains depth when we hear Jen’s side of the story.

Despite my reservations about Adam, the audiobook narration was outstanding and added an extra layer of enjoyment. Alderton’s prose is effortless, capturing contemporary issues with insight and humour.

Overall, Good Material is enjoyable enough for its humour, heart, and commentary on modern life, even if it’s not a must-read.

In ‘Good Material’, Adam’s voice,
Full of self-pity, not my first choice.
But when Jen’s tale is told,
The story unfolds,
In a way that makes readers rejoice.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang left me with mixed feelings, and I found myself unsure whether I liked or disliked the overall experience. The story follows June Hayward, a struggling white author who seizes the opportunity to steal the manuscript of her deceased Asian-American friend and literary rival, Athena Liu. June publishes the work under a pseudonym, and the novel becomes a sensational bestseller, catapulting her into literary fame.

The characters are unlikable, and the narrative voice didn't quite resonate with me. Despite these issues, there was a peculiar sense of satisfaction in reading it. The protagonist's journey sometimes felt overshadowed by the numerous Twitter storylines, which I found overly prominent. These elements could have been toned down to allow for a more balanced narrative.

The book certainly stirred emotions, even if those emotions are conflicting. However, it's perhaps important to acknowledge that satire often walks the fine line between being annoying and enjoyable, and Yellowface exemplifies this well. The exploration of themes like cultural appropriation, identity, and the cutthroat nature of the publishing industry adds depth to the narrative, even if it sometimes feels heavy-handed.

It was worth my time, but I won't be rereading it.

Yellowface left me with feelings unclear,
characters unlikable, voice not quite right.
Twitter's tales overshadowed, I fear,
yet reading brought a strange sense of delight.

Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent is a masterful blend of darkness, melancholy, and unexpected humour. The story follows Sally Diamond, a reclusive woman living in a small Irish village who becomes the centre of attention after her father’s death. Following his peculiar instructions to "put him out with the bins," Sally inadvertently sparks a police investigation and media frenzy, forcing her to confront her troubled past and the secrets it holds.

The narrative's darker themes are balanced by moments of heartwarming comedy, providing a welcome respite from the novel's more harrowing scenes. Despite its unsettling elements, Strange Sally Diamond is a relatively easy read, drawing readers in with its captivating and engrossing storytelling. The story maintains a certain distance between the reader and the characters, allowing for an immersive yet comfortably detached reading experience. This balance of dark themes with unexpected humour and the exploration of complex psychological issues makes it a compelling and unique read.

Sally Diamond's tale, dark yet laced with cheer,
in her small village, secrets start to bloom.
Her father's death brings chaos, draws us near,
a blend of humour, darkness, and her gloom.

One Tiny Fault: An Extraordinary Ordinary Life by Abigail Halstead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One Tiny Fault by Abigail Halstead is an exceptionally moving and relatable biography that provides an intimate glimpse into the life of someone living with cystic fibrosis (CF). As a fellow CF patient, I found her experiences deeply resonant, despite the differences in our individual journeys. Her chapters detailing the chaos with her children were highly entertaining and often made me laugh, adding a delightful balance to the book's more serious themes.

Abigail's ability to articulate the complexities of CF in a clear, non-sentimental manner is truly commendable. She adeptly explains the medical and emotional facets of the condition without sugar-coating the harsh realities, which I greatly appreciate. This approach makes her story not just informative but refreshingly honest.

Her candidness extends to the dilemmas faced when disclosing the nature of CF to others. She doesn't shy away from describing the disease's often unpleasant and serious aspects, and the challenges in deciding how much to share with those around us. This is a real and constant struggle for many of us, and her insights on this topic are both validating and enlightening.

Abigail's bravery in addressing the topic of death, dedicating an entire chapter to it, is both poignant and necessary. Her reflections on mortality are handled with grace and honesty, offering a comforting sense of solidarity for those of us who live under its shadow.

In One Tiny Fault, Abigail Halstead has not just told her story; she has given voice to the shared experiences of many living with CF. Her book is a testament to resilience, understanding, and the unvarnished truth of life with a life-limiting condition. For anyone seeking an authentic portrayal of life with cystic fibrosis, this biography is an essential read.

In Halstead's tale, CF's truth is told,
her life laid bare with honesty and grace.
With laughter mixed in stories she unfolds,
a journey shared, her courage we embrace.

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a masterful exploration of fate, honour, and communal responsibility. Set in a small Colombian town, the novella recounts the events leading up to the murder of Santiago Nasar, pieced together through a non-sequential narrative and multiple perspectives. This storytelling approach immerses the reader in a meticulously constructed puzzle, revealing the inevitability of Santiago’s tragic fate.

The book dives into the profound impact of societal norms and expectations on individual actions. The Vicario brothers’ determination to restore their family’s honour by killing Santiago underscores the destructive power of honour-based revenge. Despite the widespread knowledge of the impending crime, the townspeople’s collective inaction highlights themes of shared guilt and responsibility.

Gabriel García Márquez’s prose is both lyrical and incisive, blending precision with the rich, evocative style characteristic of magical realism. The result is a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, prompting readers to question the nature of truth and the reliability of memory.

The Periodic Table by Primo Levi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tis is a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and scientific reflection. Levi uses elements from the periodic table as a springboard to explore various facets of his life, from his career as a chemist to briefly touching on his harrowing experiences in Auschwitz. This book reminds us that life's imperfections and diversity make it richer and more meaningful. It gently underscores how, even in the darkest times, we can find strength and insight through our memories and relationships, and telling the stories. The writing is both beautiful and contemplative, elegantly demonstrating how science and life are deeply intertwined.

Levi's wisdom and resilience permeate the narrative, making this one of my favourite books, which I've read and reread several times. Each reading brings new insights, deepening my appreciation for his remarkable perspective. His writing evokes a profound sense of kinship and connection, making it incredibly relatable despite the extraordinary circumstances he describes.

I have also read his other memoirs about Auschwitz. Although challenging to read, they provide a vital window into the depths of human resilience and the darkest aspects of humanity. Most of us will never experience such horrors, but Levi's eloquent prose offers the opportunity to understand and reflect on these profound truths. The Periodic Table, like his other works, is essential reading for its insight into the human spirit and the enduring strength of the human condition.

In Levi's pages, tales entwine,
Elements dance, memories shine,
From chemist's lab to Auschwitz' night,
He finds in darkness a flicker of light.

His book, a blend of science and lore,
Unveils life's depths and so much more,
Through anecdotes and elements’ grace,
He shows us strength in the bleakest place.

With each chapter, wisdom blooms,
From test tubes to humanity’s glooms,
Life's quirks and flaws make it rich,
In Levi’s words, we find our niche.