Conversations about Books

Have you ever loved a book, and in the rush of life lost your connection with what was special about it?

‘Conversations about Books‘ makes it easy to reflect on what you’ve read and gives you a record of your notes to refer back to, and to use as a starting point for a book review or discussion.

Looking for fresh ideas on what to read next?

Subscribe to my quarterly newsletter to catch up on the latest round of book reviews.

Recent Fiction Reviews

A book review for A Better Life, by Lionel Shriver
Book reviewsFiction

A Better Life: Lionel Shriver brings America’s immigration argument home

Nico is in his late twenties, five years out from an electrical engineering degree, and living rent free with his divorced mother in...

Book review of Ghalen, by Walter Mosley
Book reviewsFiction

Ghalen: Walter Mosley’s luminous portrait of a father and son

I finished Walter Mosley's Ghalen – A Romance in Black knowing I was leaving the glow that comes from the world Mosley builds...

Book reviewsFiction

The Emotional Punch of Colm Tóibín

I don't normally read short stories. I don't want to invest in characters who are only going to be with me for a...

Book reviewsFiction

Corruption, Betting and a Cricketer’s Secrets

Police corruption, rigged betting and a syndicate protecting its own means there's a lot going on in Hero, and DS Walker is the...

Book reviewsFiction

Humanity in the Dust

By the end of a working day, Constable Hirsch is bloated on cups of tea he didn't want, because he knows he's the...

Book reviewsFiction

The Mother Who Woke Up French

One morning Teresa wakes up speaking with a French accent, and her son Paddy – a speech therapist – can't explain it any...

Recent Non-Fiction Reviews

Book reviewsNon-fiction

Julia Cameron, and the art of paying attention

'The Listening Path' isn't a book to race through to reach the...

Book reviewsNon-fiction

Jo Brand Won’t Fix You (And That’s the Point)

'Born Lippy' doesn't feel like advice so much as a long, honest...

About Me

As a child I used to copy out four versions of a magazine for my family. I got such a buzz out of that publishing experience, and I feel the same way about this website.

I hope my book reviews help you choose your next read.

I've also included some personal stories about my family which I don't want to lose. I hope these examples encourage other people to record their family stories.