Opinion Peace

'How Not to Be Wrong: The Art of Changing Your Mind' by James O'Brien.

We live in complicated times.  Thanks to traditional and social media, we're not only more aware of socio-political issues than ever before, but also expected to have something to say about them all.  On top of everyday discussions with friends and family, it's become the norm for TV and radio presenters to ask us to text, tweet or email our opinions on the topic of the day.  But can we always tell which opinions come from facts and experience, and which are inspired by feelings and trauma?  And are we doing ourselves - and the wider debate - a disservice by not working out which is which?  These questions lie at the heart of James O'Brien's latest book, 'How Not to Be Wrong: The Art of Changing Your Mind'.

Bromin' in the Gloamin

'Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure like No Other' by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, with Charlotte Reather

Everyone has their favourite box set, and, if nothing else, lockdowns I, II, and III have given us plenty of opportunity to drink our fill of our favourite shows.  One of mine is the time-travel romance 'Outlander', and I've just finished 'Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure like No Other' by two of the show's stars, Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish.

The Final Count Down

'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas (Translated by Robin Buss)

Like any normal person, there's only so much nagging I can take.  "You must read 'The Count of Monte Cristo'!" my friend kept telling me.  In the end, I cracked.  When it arrived, too big to fit through the letter box, I wondered what on Earth I'd let myself in for.  Turned out to be 1300 pages of intrigue, adventure and revenge.