DavidK

An stimulating, intelligent and at times astonishing read by a musical producer-turned-psychological researcher that turns on its head many of conventional theories about the impact of music on the brain. If you have ever wondered why music can so powerfully evoke memories, and is so pleasurable, this is the book for you. In addition, he explains musical 'genuius' - it's not something you are born with. Behind every virtuoso is 10,000 hours of practice. Three hours a day for ten years!

One of Mike's latest books, a very funny read that grabs you from the very beginning. Angel is one of the best characters in detective fiction - a shame that he has never made it to television

A fabulous read in which Doyle spins a classic detective yarn, but also creates a totally entralling atmosphere through both the geographical wildness of Dartmoor and the hint of supernatural menace. And in the end, it's all human. Or is it?

I read it at 20, 26, 30, 40, 50 - and every time, it's completely different! An amazing book.

A really good, practical and simple cook book with some brilliant ideas.

Exactly my experience; I tried very hard to overcome the dislike, but in the end, decided they deserved their fate (whatever it was!). A huge disappointment, given the hype.

One of Mark Twain's lesser known books, but it's a great example of his writing and analytical skills. One of my all-time favourites.

Revolutionary when it was first written - one of the first clinicians to synthesize for a general audience some of the tough and complex issues of psychological malais; but the science has moved on.

An astonishing read. Sereny goes forensically through Speer's deeds and claims about his personal life, and aims to answer big questions about human responsibility, fallibility, motivation, self-delusion and much more. In doing so she takes you deep into the mind of one of the leading Nazis.

If ever you are feeling that life is tough, read this. Shackleton's journey from Elephant Island to South Georgia to rescue his men has to be one of the greatest, bravest, toughest, scariest tasks ever undertaken. Shackleton tells his own story with astonishing grace and humility.