Reading John Connell’s 'The Running Book' with its evocative portrayal of the Irish landscape

I have been interested in Permaculture since 1980 when I stumbled upon a copy of Permaculture 2 in our local bookshop.

I am reading a new book by Gary Marcus a scientist who in his professional life studies languages and cognitive science. In this book he explores the research behind the popular belief that its much more difficult for adults to learn a musical instrument compared to the ease with which children can pick it up.

I love books, i enjoy being given them at this time of the year and I enjoy buying them at any time. Unfortunately I sometimes fall behind with reading them.

Just bought a bundle from A Book Apart, excellent value - especially as eBooks. I particularly like their condensed focused works.

Fascinating photos of bookshops from around in the world in this article in Salon via Twitter from Mark Bertstein who has been to 3 of them.

Nice to see Pamela Slim's book in the shops, I am looking forward to giving it a read after enjoying her blog for some time.

Reading Alan Watts in my teens I experienced my first taste of eastern thinking which has led to a life long interest. In his essays on Zen and the Tao I could feel deep truths were lurking just beyond the words.

When I considered which of my favourite books to write about for this blog, one of the first to come to mind was William Paul Winchester's wonderful memoir of life on his 20 acres - A Very Small Farm.

A look at George Monbiot's compelling new book 'Bring on the Apocalypse - Six Arguments for Global Justice' and his fearless writing style.