57 Books: The List
by Mr Fables (Founder of The Encouragement Manifesto)
Time to read more books
“A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.”
Over the course of 2022, Mr Fables will be reading 57 books in the calendar year that includes his 57th birthday. One a week and a few extras for luck.
#57Books
The List
1. Big Panda and Tiny Dragon (James Norbury)
A gentle way to start a year of reading. James Norbury has created a thoughtful, soothing book in the spirit of Charlie Mackesy’s ‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse’. Beautifully illustrated wisdom
2. The Almanac 2022 (Lia Leendertz)
How have I taken so many years to slip into the Almanac’s time, tides and traditions? Biscuit of the Month, folk songs, all the tips you need for seasonal growing, and much more. Beautiful; unwrapping 2022 month by month
3. DO/Earth (Tamsin Omond)
Do Earth is about collective action and community engagement. It’s about healing our relationships with nature, each other, and ourselves; and feeling inspired about what the next phase of human evolution might be. Timely
4 + 5 Inspector Rebus novels (Ian Rankin) including Strip Jack, Dead Souls
Complex crimes are investigated by John Rebus, a complex man with flaws just like the lawbreaking characters he pursues in these dark tales set against the gritty backdrop of Edinburgh
6. The View from the Hill (Christopher Somerville)
Folk reconnected with nature as the pandemic narrowed horizons; our eye for the details sharpened. This is the perfect book to reflect that time and our new connections. Nature Notes to nudge you outdoors
7-10. James Bond (Ian Fleming) including Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, From Russia With Love
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the Bond books. The Daniel Craig-era movies capture something of the darkness in his soul but no film offers the layers, rich details and nuances of Fleming’s writing. Shaken and stirred
11. The Moth and the Mountain (Ed Caesar)
A book from our Adventurous Ink subscription. A tale of derring-do, investigated with a journalist’s curiosity and thoroughness, written as a heart-in-mouth thriller set in the high Himalayas. Gripping. Moving
12. Taste (Stanley Tucci)
A memoir that straddles the intersection between life and food. Stanley Tucci grew up in an Italian/American family that gathered around the dining table every evening. Replete with anecdotes and recipes, this is a generous helping of family life and pasta-based tales
13. How Not to be Wrong (James O’Brien)
In an ever more polarised world, we are expected to somehow be either ‘for’ or ‘against’ an issue, group, viewpoint. No room for nuance. This book argues for listening, learning, and adjusting our stance. Much needed
14. English Pastoral (James Rebanks)
A re-read from 2021. This is a beautiful book that draws on the rich history of a family farming through the generations. It explores what has been lost to meet the demands of a voracious scaled-up food system; but rather than pining for the past, the book is a call to arms for a farming future more in tune with the environment within which it sits
15. Bothy Tales (John D. Burns)
This is a brilliant collection of tales, the perfect follow-up to ‘The Last Hillwalker’. Delightfully disarming, constantly self-deprecating, the author guides us, his rucksack filled with coal and whisky - and always with a wry smile - to warm tales of highland bothies
16. Peaks and Bandits (Alf Bonnevie Bryn)
We were in the hills, looking out on the snow-capped Picos de Europa, when I re-read this gorgeous short read from our Adventurous Ink subscription. The author takes us with him on a formative expedition to Corsica, adventures and amusing tales at every turn. A book celebrating the innocent age of travel in the early 20th century; a reminder of the timeless joy of adventure
17. Feast Days (Ian Mackenzie)
I rarely pick up a novel but a friend sent this one. Sharply observed writing about an intelligent young wife living a privileged ex-pat life in Brazil. Keen (and timely) insights and observations on race, politics, class and relationships. Excellent
18. The Cure for Sleep (Tanya Shadrick)
I knew this treasure of a book would be beautifully written; and it is - exquisite phrasing and delicious sentences, often in the parts of the book that describe the toughest of moments - but I kind of thought it 'wouldn't be for me', however daft that sounds. I thought it was a strong woman's book for women. It turns out it is a strong woman's book for all of us; for anyone wanting to understand the complexity of humans; for those of us wanting to learn of the impact of the past on the present and future; for mums, dads and grandparents; for those of us seeking purpose in midlife, in later life. It's brimful of lessons, tough lessons, generously-shared lessons, life lessons; we all just need to be open to the learning. The author’s skills of observation and openness are an inspiration not just for aspiring writers but for all folk who want to gently improve themselves, all the better to live a life of value. My favourite book of the year so far
19. Summer’s Lease (Thom Eagle)
Thom Eagle writes cookbooks that aren’t cookbooks. Beautiful, lyrical celebrations of seasonality which encourage you to relish what you put on your plate and the processes that get it there. Delicious writing
20. Shuggie Bain (Douglas Stuart)
1980s Glasgow. Tough, uncompromising times. Thatcher’s Britain of unemployment, unrest and a sharpening of divides. A series of family portraits, stunningly painted. The rough, brutal realities of lives lived; characters you can’t help wishing the best for. Sad, but uplifting
21. Kings of the Yukon (Adam Weymouth)
One of the books I most enjoyed in 2021 gets a worthy re-read in 2022. A tale of adventure as the author navigates the mighty Yukon. But also a lament for loss of cultural resulting from environmental change. Epic
22. Out There (Chris Townsend)
Published in 2016, this collection of tales from a lifelong love of the outdoors feels timeless; a passion for nature bursts out from every page. An inspiration to get off the beaten track and walk; to get ‘out there’
23 + 24. The Snowman (and other novels) (Jo Nesbo)
Harry Hole, exactly the kind of anti-hero I warm to. Flawed, haunted … intelligent, driven. As the first snows fall, evil stirs. A diverting trip into Scandi crime. Dark, compelling, rich in characters and facts. As chilling as the first snow fall
25. Wolf of the Plains (Colm Iggulden)
I love a ‘swords and sandals’ historic fiction, rich in authentic facts and plausible made-up bits. Colm Iggulden lends the early days of Genghis Khan the perfect balance of tension, bloodletting and intrigue. A real page-turner. A feast fit for a khan
26. Breath (James Nestor)
There is nothing more essential to our health and well-being than breathing. Take air in, let it out, repeat 25,000 times a day. Yet, as a species, humans have lost the ability to breath correctly. Mrs Feasts has been championing this book for months. I’m diving in. Breathe in, breathe out
27. The Great North Road (Steve Silk)
The notion of setting time aside to explore appeals to the cyclist in me. Gentle meanderings. Pausing for chips. Point North and pedal. Which is what Steve Silk did, gently unlocking history. Spellbinding
28. Reading to Reading (Tim Millikin)
Around the World. On a bike. A personal tale of a life affirming (and life changing) epic journey on two wheels. Stories that celebrate human kindness and community. Redoubtable spirit; the spirit of adventure
(Tim and I are connected on Twitter. He very generously offered me a free copy of his book, which he is (justifiably) very proud of. I very much look forward to passing it on to another cycling enthusiast. Many thanks for sharing your story @timmillikin1)
29. Still Life (Sarah Winman)
This book is richness almost beyond measure. It is a soaring, glittering, heartstring-tugging tale of life and love … it is the most beautiful celebration of people and place. A cast of wholly believable players, all of whom find their moment in the sun … exquisitely drawn characters whose journeys intertwine throughout the 20th century; a story born in the dark days of wartime Italy, illuminated by a chance meeting … paths crossing as the decades unfold. And, cast centrally, the golden hue - the golden thread - of the city of Florence. Deep love, playful love, unspoken love, passing love. But love, always love. Deliciously written, this is a book that makes you smile, laugh, nod gently in recognition … and, of course, it makes you cry. It is a tale to move you, deeply. Clever, intelligent, but gently educating too; we learn through the eyes and minds of protagonists on journeys of personal growth. I adore this book. It may just be my all time favourite. I’ll tell you for sure when I have re-read it. Very soon.
30. Snow Blind (Ragnar Jónasson)
Dark and claustrophobic, ‘Snow Blind’ traps the reader in a remote fishing village in Northern Iceland where long-held secrets threaten to thwart a young policeman’s first investigation in his new posting. A tense and gripping thriller
31. In Siberia (Colin Thubron)
Travel writing that gets right under the skin of a place. Thubron’s rich language and immersive roamings truly unlock hidden knowledge; investigative, well-read, informed, the author invites you to explore too. Revealing
32. Fledgling (Hannah Bourne-Taylor)
This is the most beautifully written book. Part nature notes, part revelatory human tale, these are words to lose yourself in. You learn, you connect, and you feel for humans and wildlife alike. Deeply touching
33. 365 Ways to have a Good Day (Ian Sanders)
Upbeat, positive and celebratory of others, this is a book* brimful of good habits, rituals and ways of living your best life. I love it.
* The author very kindly gave me a copy. I shall be buying copies for others
34. Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)
What makes a classic? Who knows. I know this is brilliant. Dark, plausible. Astonishingly contemporary almost 70 years after it was written. Fresh, sharp language. Dystopian themes which might yet unfold. Compelling
35. The Thursday Murder Club (Richard Osman)
I put this off with preconceptions (too hyped, too ‘book club’, probably too clever by half). But, it’s a such a fun read. Clever, yes, but brimful of great characters - with hidden corners to be explored in future novels -sharp plot lines and sensitivity.
Funny AND touching
36. Time on Rock (Anna Fleming)
Exploring the connections between the physicality and technicality of climbing, which I know nothing of, and nature. It softens the rocks and connects we humans to them. Fascinating storytelling, through culture and geology. An expertly-written book for experts and non-specialist alike
37. Without Ever Reaching the Summit (Paulo Cognetti)
The author follows in the footsteps of Peter Matthiessen, a copy of ‘The Snow Leopard’ to hand on a pilgrimage to Dolpo, the Himalayan region where Nepal meets Tibet. Thoughtful, sensitive adventure writing
38. Thrilling Cities (Ian Fleming)
Fleming writes as brilliantly as ever but (as I was warned when it was recommended) this is a mighty dated collection of very English views from 1959/60, paid for by the Times and undoubtedly appealing to their readers. Still, some travelogue gems if this is read as a reconnaissance into the settings of some of the (far superior) Bond novels for which Fleming is rightly celebrated
39. My First Summer in the Sierra (John Muir)
Nature writing at its most effusive. Rich in detail and learning, this is a joyful account of Muir’s ‘Road to Damascus’ realisation of the wonder and beauty of Nature and his betterment for immersion in it
40. Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race (Reni Eddo-Lodge)
Such a hard-hitting book. Necessary. Eye-opening. Urgent. Brain-opening. This is making me reflect deeply on the way our society is shaped. To be armed to fight systemic racism, you have to recognise it and acknowledge it
41. The Farthest Shore (Alex Roddie)
A welcome re-read from 2021. Hiking the Cape Wrath Trail, a quest to explore wild places and our relationship with connectivity. A beautiful realisation that life is about connections and focusing on the things that matter, like lost winters
42. The Girl, The Crow, The Writer & The Fighter (George Paterson)
What a debut novel. Clever, intriguing and thrilling, this is a tale that spans the ages, perfectly evoking Henry Miller’s pre and post-war Paris and America through the ages. Outstanding
43. Solo (Jenny Tough)
Setting out to run across solo and unsupported across mountain ranges on 6 continents, Jenny Tough pushes herself to her limits, and beyond, learning incredible lessons about who she is and what is humanly possible. Brave, honest
44. Klara and the Sun (Kazuo Ishiguro)
Beautifully written, and cleverly imagined. This is a tale of love that challenges the boundaries of our knowledge. I'm torn. I truly wanted to love it but it never caught fire for me. Rich language. A little slow (this is on my re-read list; I read it when we were moving house, wrestling with ‘to do’ lists, and getting settled in a new country. I suspect I read it at the wrong time)
45. VOX (Christina Dalcher)
Another dystopian recommendation. All too plausible, utterly chilling. A book that made me angry, in a good way. A book that made me want to keep fighting for a world in which my granddaughters can thrive. Compelling writing
46. A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil (Christopher Brookmyre)
LOVED this re-read. Sharply observed, funny, dark; brilliant characters. From Primary School to prime suspects, this is a whodunnit born in playgrounds and classrooms, teased out cleverly
47. A Song of Stone (Iain Banks)
Incredible writing. Post-apocalyptic, perhaps. A time of war; this beautiful novel narrows in on the details, the rich layers of human interactions. A castle, its people and their history drawn into the dark ‘now’ of war
48. Black Car Burning (Helen Mort)
Absolutely blown away by this debut novel. The central character is Sheffield and the crags and peaks that surround it. Haunted by Hillsborough. A modern tale of love … of people and place. Richly written, poetic
49. Homesick (Catrina Davies)
The housing crisis is a symptom of the greed at the heart of our systems. This is the powerful story of one person's step off the unaffordable rollercoaster of life in private rentals and a journey to find a sense of home
50. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
An imagined world made chilling because of its plausibility. Religion interpreted literally to shape a disturbing patriarchal society in which women serve; choices they are left with are barely choices at all
51. Tin Man (Sarah Winman)
Moving, touching, a story gently unfolding. Sarah Winman writes exquisitely about love and loss, family, and friendships. I devoured this beautiful tale in two sittings. The characters are richly drawn, wholly believable
52. Consolations of the Forest (Sylvain Tesson)
Tesson spent 6 months in a cabin by Lake Baikal pondering solitude. Over 70 books, enough vodka to fill the lake, tales of nature and local folk, all seen thro a philosopher’s eyes. A remarkable experiment
53. The Warlord’s Son (Dan Fesperman)
A swirling tale of intrigue set in the borderlands of Pakistan and Afghanistan, where loyalty is traded. A battle-worn journalist seeks whatever passes for the truth as warlords jostle for post-conflict influence
54. Jolie Blon’s Bounce (James Lee Burke)
A dense, atmospheric thriller set in Louisiana, where the threads of history bind and divide communities and tensions simmer. Dark pasts bubble to the surface. Evil crimes expose deep fault lines and secrets.
55. Racing Through the Dark (David Millar)
I am absorbed by cycling, but hugely cynical about the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs within the professional sport. David Millar rose to the top at a very young age but gave in to the pressures to ‘prepare’ like so many of the other riders in the peloton. Unlike other dopers though, he faced up to his demons without trying to deny his mistakes. A totally open, honest, human tale of redemption
56. 1984 (George Orwell)
The most prescient of warnings from the visionary pen of Orwell. A dark, disturbing ode to the corrupting influence of power. As relevant - more relevant? - today as it ever was. Brilliantly imagined and written
57. The Way of the Runner (Adharanand Finn)
A great way to sprint to the finish line. A fascinating peek into the world of Japanese running (and culture) brimful of curiosity and energy. An adventure as much as an investigation. It makes you want to run
58. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
Thought-provoking and unsettling view of a dystopian future where life is evened out into constant happiness by a sinister programme of selective breeding. Brilliantly and persuasively written
59. On Writing (Stephen King)
Unpretentious storytelling that guides a would-be writer into a place of confidence built upon practical (experience-based) advice. No bullshit (read more to write more, 'to edit is divine'), brimful of humour (and humor)
