Books of Self-Discovery

Books

Books of self-discovery

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy These illustrations of conversations between a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse have been shared across the world. As the author says, the characters “are all different, like us, and each has their own weaknesses. I can see myself in all four of them, perhaps you can too.” Personally, I challenge anyone to read it and not feel at least a tiny bit lighter, more hopeful and more connected to those around us.

A Street Cat Named Bob By James Bowen James had very little to give when he found an injured stray cat. A recovering drug-addict, James was living in sheltered accommodation and busking to earn enough money to eat. But it turned out that taking in the ginger cat, which he named Bob, would change James’ life. This true story is a few years old now, and you could just choose to watch the film adaptation. But if you want to curl up with a feel-good story full of hope, resilience and friendship, it won’t disappoint. Staying Alive: real poems times before, such as Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’, and also have your eyes opened to a whole Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow By Jessica Townsend Morrigan Crow is cursed to die on her eleventh birthday. And it seems that for those around her, her death can’t come soon enough. But then Morrigan is whisked away by the mysterious Jupiter Crow. She has the chance of a new life as a member of the Wundrous Society, but only if she can pass a series of trials. A fantastic book for children and adults alike, Nevermoor is a great reminder that we can be so much more than society expects us to be.

The Secrets of Sunshine By Phaedra Patrick After losing his wife a few years ago, Mitchell has withdrawn into his own small world – focusing on work and raising his daughter. But then an incident on a bridge leads Mitchell on a journey of self-discovery. Warm and light-hearted, without ever straying into saccharine-sweet territory, The Secrets

for unreal times Stories for Kids by Neil Astley Who Dare to be Different The five hundred poems in this By Ben Brooks anthology cover a wide range While this book is aimed at of subjects, from depression children, there are plenty of and death to joy, personal adults who will enjoy dipping quests and self-discoveries. into it. If you do, you’ll discover As the synopsis says, these are mini-bios of ordinary people poems that are “fired by belief who tend not to make it into the history books. in the human and the spiritual at a time when much And you might also learn a little bit more about in the world feels unreal, inhuman and hollow.” well-known figures, including Dr Seuss, Andy You’ll rediscover poems you’ve likely heard many Warhol, Whoopi Goldberg and John Boyega. of Sunshine is a cosy hug of a book. new legion of poets. By Kate Duggan 44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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