Mild, Mild West

At this time of year, and especially with the rotten weather we've been having, it's very easy to suffer a bit of the winter blues.  In the hope of a pick me up, I started reading 'Once Upon a Time in the West... Country' by fridge-towing funny man Tony Hawks.

'Once Upon a Time in the
West... Country'
by Tony Hawks
(Hodder & Stoughton, 2015)

In his early 50s and on holiday with the love of his life Fran, Tony has an epiphany: He doesn't have to live in London any more!  As a writer, radio show panelist and frivolous bet accepter, he can live anywhere, not just the Big Smoke.  In search of something more than the anonymity of the city, Tony and Fran make the move to Devon to start a new life.  But how will Tony cope with the sudden friendliness, expansive scenery and unexpected demands of country living?

Conflict Resolution

So, in my 2017 review, I said that I wanted to read some more of the books I'd been given in 2018.  I've made a start with 'The Reason You're Alive' by Matthew Quick, sent to me at the end of last year by Picador.

When Vietnam veteran David wakes from a serious brain operation with one name on his mind -

'The Reason You're Alive'
by Matthew Quick
(Picador, 2017)

'Clayton Fire Bear', a fellow soldier he wronged long ago - he realises that he must make amends before it's too late.  But first he has to recover, which means spending more time with the son he doesn't see eye-to-eye with over politics, relationships, food... well, pretty much anything really.  Fortunately, he'll also get to see more of his adored granddaughter Ella and David's friends are happy to help.  There are surprises all round as their worlds collide and old wounds as well as eyes are opened, but ultimately, David mustn't lose sight of the one final mission that must be completed despite his reservations...