Three piles of books (fiction, nonfiction, middle years novels) are staring at my from my bookshelves. Reading memoirs is a genre of choice I particularly enjoy these days and on a recent trip to London i acquired some titles by some distinguished authors. Other nonfiction titles seemed to appear on top ten lists at the end of the year. Moving into 2026 had me immersed in nonfiction and I still have ten other nonfiction titles awaiting me when spring comes. Spring is coming… Yes?
MEMOIRS
DEPARTURE(S) by Julian Barnes
At 80 years of age (born 1946), distinguished British author Julian Barnes (The Sense of an Ending, Flaubert’s Parrot) declares that Departures will be the last book he will publish in his lifetime. In the opening section, ‘The Great I Am’ Barnes talks about about memories, specifically involuntary autobiographical memory (IAM) where a single memory triggers memories of all experiences connected to that memory. For example, tasting apple pie would trigger memories of all pies that have been tasted. The second section of the book is a story “lived in two parts, with a long gap beween them.” Barnes tells the story of a man called Stephen and a woman called Jean, who fell in love when they were young and again when they are old. The author played a part in both episodes of the couple’s lives. In the later part of he slim book (158 pages), the author shares his experiences of aging where illness and fading memories ultimately help he author – and the reader – to consider what really matters in life and what the meaning of happiness and fulfillment might mean. The book jacket tells us that “Departure(s) is a work of fiction – but that doesn’t mean it’s not true.” This clever book seems to be a blend of novel, autofiction, and philosophy, narrated by a clever man named Julian.
Excerpts
“I have been keeping back something Jean said to Stepheb, she never spoke these words o me, but I very much doubt he misheard them, or misreported them. Here we go; ‘Happiness,’ Jean said, ‘doesn’t make me happy.’ It is a thought – also a rebuke to centuries of ficion, = which I have been turning over in my mind ever since.” (p. 109)
“There is memory, and then there is death, which erases all memory. Leaving survivors with memories of the dead, which seem at fist as vivid and full of motion as when the person was alive. Btut this is a brief illusion.” (p. 144)
FUNNY THING, GETTING OLDER by Michael Morpurgo
I am a Michael Morpurgo fan. So are hundreds of thousands of others. I haven’t read teh 100+ titles by the award-winning, British Children’s Laureate author, but after being knocked out by War Horse, i sought out many other titles by this remarkable author. His new book is a gathering of essays, public speeches and reflections from a lifetime of writing. This book is a collection of thoughts about nature, childhood and old age, writing and reading, peace and war. The collection includes essays, poems, a play and stories that shine a shine a light on Morpurgo’s personal, political and life as an author. The book is divided into five sections: Childhood, Peace and War, Telling Tales, Searching for Wonder. The following quote is one to savour – and act upon.
“To give up on books is to give up on education, and if you give up on education then you can easily give up on hope, give up on your future. This way, you can so easily urn children away from books and feading, and that can be a life sentence, a life without books. So many avenues are barred, so many possibilities never imagined, so many discoveries never made, so much understanding of yourself, of others stunted for ever. “(p. 201)
LEAVING HOME: A memoir in full colour by Mark Haddon
Mark Haddon’s claim to fame was the publication of the brilliant award-winning 2003 book “The Curious Incident of the Dog In he Night-Time’. He has since published other books (A Spot of Bother (2007), The Porpoise (2019), Dogs and Monsters (stories) (2024)) . Leaving Home offers a unique approach to memoir publications. It is filled with over 100 drawings and photograph and images from the author’s. childhood and artistry. Haddon presents an honest account of a remarkable life lived as an independent creative spirit who seems to have survived living under a mother and father who didn’t really know how to love their children. Haddon also recounts his experiences as a cartoonist, a care assistant, a teacher, a runner, someone who is afraid of flying, a person who survived heart surgery and a brother, father and husband. Leaving Home is not a ‘typical’ chronological account of a life, but is presented as 87 passages (vignettes) that tell fascinating stories of a fascinating creative author and artist.
Excerpts
“The people we interact with every day aren ‘t just actors in our lives; they are, for better, or worse, the means by which our names will loive on in the world. And it’s especially true of parents.” (p.74)
“Blessed as I am, I can’t help but think it’s intimately connected to our ability to tell stories, not primarily about gods and heroes but those about ourselves, hwat we might do tomorrow, what we should or could have done yesterday… As soon as we are able to tell these kinds of stories we all enter the Garden of Forking Paths. Life is no longer a single track but a journey through branching junction after branching junctiion, towards multiple unpredictable futures…” (p. 118)
POWSELLS AND THRUMS: Tales from a Creative Life by Alan Garner
Alan Gsrner is a British author of distinction whose books (The Owl Service, Treacle Walker). In this distinguished memoir, the author reflects on the creative journey and the influences that have shaped his life. The title of the book is a salute to his great-great-grranfather’s trade of handloom weaving. Powsells and Thrums are the snippets of leftover fabric and threads that can be brought together “to make something whole and new. As with weaving, so is writing.” Garner shares experiences growing up as a working-class child during World War II, being educated at Oxford University, an encounter with a mathematician (Alan Turing) and life at Blackden, a medieval hall nestled beside a giant telescope and shares how this ancestor’s craftsmanship and folklore influenced his life. As good memoirs about creative artists do, this book provides Alan Garner to share his process, his influences and his tales from a creative life.
Excerpts
“Creativity, whether in the humanities or in the sciences is play. The creative mind keeps hold of childhood.” (p.151)
“I remember a single instance of conversation about his (Turing) work. He asked me whether, in my opinion as a classical linguist, artificial inelligence was possible. Could a mchine be made to think? I said that, in my opibionb, it could no. And that was that, He said no more.” (p. 44)
TELL MY MOTHER I LIKE BOYS by Suvir Saran
Im not a foodie, so I’ve never actually heard of Suvir Saran, particularly known for his owning Devi, the firt Indian restaurant in North America to earn a Michelin star. In my quest to find some intriguing memoirs, the title of Saran’s autobiography drew my attention. However, I would say that the title Tell My Mother I Like Boys does not exactly tell the truth of the book. Though the author speaks of his coming out, it doesn’t seem to have been troublesome for his mother, nor his family. The author recounts experiences of living in New Delhi, Bombai, Brooklyn and Manhattan and conveys how each of thse settings influenced him. He aptly recounts his journey of becoming a celebrated chef who took great care to prepare Indian dishes often influenced by the mentorship of others. Along the way, Saran speaks of his gay relationships, in particular, his life with Max, completely devoted to him as they shared life on a farm. Gazing into a mirror is an image sustained throughout as the author questions his identity, his talents, his relationships, his desires as a citizen of India and as a U.S. Immigrant. I found, however, that Suvir Saran’s narrative has as more holes than a colander. Characters and events are often introduced but they seem to be pieces of a life, without unpacking the story behind these people and events. Mention is made of a passionate relationship with Robert but this merely takes up one page and we don’t much about their time together. He introduces people that were important to him personally and professionally but doesn’t give much story about their connection. Saran tells but doesn’t show and I was often left wondering about the mention of fragments that helped shaped his life. We are provided details of his partnership with Charlie, but when the author (spoiler alert) heads back to India it seems that he merely abandoned Charlie. An epilogue does not wrap up or extend Suvir’s life story. Interesting enough, an acknowledgement section is almost 20 pages. It seems that Suvir owes a lot to friends and family. I don’t think his mother needs to be told that he likes boys.
Excerpt
“And so, I walked on, one step at a time, willing to live, willing to grow, willing to dream. Becaue if Manhattan had taiught me anthing it ws this: the rhythm of life is relentless, but if you learn to dance to its beat, the possibilities are endless.” (p. 100)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NONFICTION
EVERYDAY I READ: 53 ways to get closer to books by Hwang Bo-Reum, Translated from the Korean by Shanna Tan
I brush my teeth everyday I read every day Those in schools and businesses certainly read every day. However statistics inform us that the habit of reading for pleasure is declining both for both adults and young people. Research studies claim that daily reading as a primary leisure is declining year by year and fell by 40% in the past twenty years. (Note: data was taken from more than 236 000 Americans who participated in the American Time Use survey. The 2023 study was published in the journal of iScience) .Hwang B0-Reum offers a list of 53 strategies presented as mini essays to help us consider how to move towards a life habit of daily leisure reading, no matter the genre. Sample tips include: Read Bestsellers (1) , You Don’t Have to Finish It (17); Read to Seek Answers (22);Read Widely, Then Deeply (39)Read Book Reviews (42) Write Book Reviews (43); Read Books That Preserve Your Sense of Self (51). Notable too, are book recommendations are blended within each piece. Each essay invites readers to reflect on their reading habit and explore ways to encourage bookloving.
EVERYTHING IS TUBERCULOSIS: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green
The title of this book the precise truth of what this this remarkable nonfiction publication is about. For John Green, “everything is tuberculosis, and tuberculosis is about everything.”. This is an A+ thesis about a disease that has resulted in death for millions of victims throughout the world, for many centuries. The thoroughly researched book expertly tells scientific facts about the history of the disease and it’s impact on humanity. Green delves into such topics as TB being a malady of poets, a disease of poverty, diagnosing the disease, the significance of having sanitoria, the quest for a cure, the stigma of having TB, noncompliancy of taking drugs, classism, racism, inequality associated with the disease. In 2019, The author became acquainted with A young tuberculosis patient named Henry Reider that he met in Sierra Leone and it is Henry’s story, woven throughout that brings a certain humanity to Green’s account. Curable, preventable and deadly, tuberculosis continues to kill over a million people each year. John Green is a renowned author of Ya books (Looking for Alaska; Turtles All the Way Down and the Fault in Our Stars). His 2021book The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centred Planet was a a terrific read shining a light on human behaviours and interests. The book showed John Green to be a master at tackling nonfiction topics. High praise now goes to this for an astonishing book about the past, present and future where “everything is tuberculosis.”
Excerpts
“People who are treated less than fully human by the social order are more susceptible to tuberculosis. But it’s not because of ther moral codes or choices or genetics; it’s because they are treated as les than fully human by the social order.” (p. 86).
“In the long history of tuberculosis in man, despair follows hope, triumph and tragedies succeed each other (Annik Rouillon, researcher, 1991) Here again we see the cost of human biases, and how the repercussions of hose biases are borne by the poorest and most marginalized among us. Even as TB became curable, he cure oftendid not reach the places that needed it the most.” (p,. 116)
HIDDEN LIVES: Stories from Child Survivors of the Holocaust, Second Story Press
Since its inception in May 1971, “The Hidden Child Foundation” has been committed to adding the accoutns of Child survivors to the annals of Holocaust history. From 1991-2020l an annual bulletin, THe Hidden Child has published articles that have been contributed by Child survivors. Hidden Lives is a collection of stories from Hewish children who escaped death and survived after being hidden in such places as convents, orphanages, haylofts and forests. These remarkable stories are testimonials of perseverance, resilience and courage painting a strong picture of desperation which compelled parents to make the agonizing decision to leave their children with strangers or left them to fend on their own. Most children were orphaned, nay were reunited with family. The book is divided into ten sections (e.g. ‘Separation and Displacement’; ‘The Youngest Survivors’, ‘The Teenagers’, The Liberation’, ‘The Rescuers’). Each of the 50+ harrowing accounts is led by a title that encapsulates how these Jewish men and women came to survive: Am I Still a Little Catholic Inside?; Still Searching for the Hidden Child; A Survivor’s Affirmation of Life, Jews Rescuing Jews; Escape to Russia and Beyond etc. One and a half million were murdered in the Holocaust. The recorded memories that appear in this collection honour a commitment to remembrance and commemoration.
A MARRIAGE AT SEA by Sophie Elmhirst
The words on the cover of his book read “A true love of love, obsession, and a shipwreck.” What a story this is, a harrowing story of a man and wife survival in the depths of the Pacific. The reporter, Sophie Elmhurst has done extensive research to tell Maurice and Maralyn’s perilous adventures at sea for 117-118 days (March 4 – June 30, 1973). When a whale strikes the British couple’s boat, it slowly sank and the husband and wife are adrift in the deep Pacific, hoping that one day they will be rescued from their tiny rubber raft. How they survived makes for a compelling, mind-boggling read. This is not just the story of a battle against nature, but is tale of a husband and wife’s marriage put to the test. Maurice is a loner and obsessive, Maralyn is resourceful and ambitious. That they found each other is a marvel. But there is no doubt that they depended on each other with deep devotion as they fulfilled a daydream to sail across the world and were put under horrifying circumstances. We know that they survived and the aftermath of the experience, the publicity, social interactions, health and continuous pursuit of dreams is the stuff of a ‘true story of love.’ A Marriage at Sea is a staggering strange but true, tale of interdependency, courage, and Tenacity, with a capital T.
SHOUT OUT
GOOD DAYS: An ABC of Hope and Happiness by Michael Rosen (26 essays)
From the introduction (p. 3)
“I’m going to make a big claim: we can’t do anything about the things that brign us don., if we are oppressed and depressed by hem. We have to have hope. We need to be hopeful creatures in order o live…
“I can’t make you feel hopeful. I can’t guarantee that you’ll be happy. What I can do (and it’s what ive tried to do is tell some stories and give some thoughts, which i hope, in themselves will give you a moment of cheer… I think having moments of cheer is one of the ways we can have hope. Happiness and hope are linked.”
This is a book filled with wisdom, inspiration and biography. Through 26 essays, Michael Rosen helps readers to consider how there is joy in living each day of our lives. Rosen’s musings are drawn from his experiences as a writer, teacher, father, brother, son, husband, academic and as a regular guy living from day to day. , The book is arranged alphabetically and to say the least the topics for each piece are unexpected. . (e.g. ‘A is for Arouet’ , apparently Voltaire’s real name ‘H is for Hummus’, ‘K is fof Kvell and Kvetch’, ‘V is for Van Morrison’.). Each essay stimulates reflection (Would that work for me?). I chose to read the book in chronological order but such titles as ‘ I is for If’; ‘G is for Grounded’, ‘L is for LIttle by Little’,. ‘M is for Memory’, ‘N is for Nights’ may seduce readers into dipping into a single essay. On a practical level, Rosen offers suggestions a the end of each essay for readers to consider: (e.g., “As an experiment, you can try writing a line hat begins ‘Every day is…” (p. 19) “Find time to play -trial and error withoug fear of failure. Something joyful, or silly or purposeless in any medium you like.” (p. 159); “The basic one is in his section – make your own lists. Then there’s the motehr of all lists, the list of lists: explore the possibility that life is a list.” (p. 169). Whether we (I) take action to implement each of Rosen’s treasures, the book does help us (me) consider that each day is filled with treasure (s) that can make lift the spirits and make us believe in hope – and happiness. Rosen claims that his book is not a guide but is designed to spark inspiration and help us consider, “I cold give that a go’ or ‘I could do something like that.’ Good Days is a wise and entertaining and funny book to make us appreciate what we have and do and to prod us into being optimistic and more fulfilled by small things. Shout out goes to Andrzej Krauze’s brilliant illustration that introduced each easy.
Excerpts
“…To experiment, is to do something new, its to discover someEvents themselves dont’ have feelings attached to them. What makes us human is that we have those feelings. When we something in the world around us, it’s to discover something about A yourself.”And a big discovery (or it may be a reminder) is that we don’t have to be passive receivers of what the world thross at us. We can take any part of the world and experiment with it, see what happens if…” (p. 48)
metme together and start taoking, we are in a way researching whehter my feelings are like your feelings are like his feelings are like her feelings. It’s a very tentative experimental time. This means that talking is a way in which we acquire a bit of wisdom.” (p. 187)
Hooray for Michael Rosen
Perhaps not as well known in North America, British author Michael Rosen is a star. He is smartHe has written over 200 books including titles for children and adults. My first introduction to the author was his first poetry anthology for young people entitled Mind Your Own Business followed by Wouldn’t You Like to Know. The picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (1989) would likely be considered hs most popular book. From 2007 to 2009 he was appointed Children’s Laureate. Some recent publications that I acquired convey the range of his talent: One Day: A True story of courage and survival in the Holocaust, illustrated by Benjamin Phjillips (picture book); Out of this World (poems to make uyou laugh, smile and think) and two staggering autobiographical accounts about his near death experiences surviving coronavirus; Getting Better: Life Lessons On, Going Under, Getting Over it and Working through It and Many Kinds of Love: a story of life, death and the NHS. Rosen is a journalist, a BBC broadcaster, a professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths (University of London), an activist. I can’t keep up with the author’s R prolific oeuvre and would sure like like to have any/all of Rosen’s work in my reading brain, but I am so grateful to be able dig into any new releases such as Good Days. Years ago, I met Michael Rosen on a trip to Toronto when he came to participate in the Ontario Ministry’s rich Oracy Research project (David Booth, Richard Courtney, Gordon Wells). I enthusiastically applaud Michael Rosen’s talent, storytelling, perseverance, intelligence, and humanity. And heart. You are a hero, Mr. Rosen.
P.S.I just ordered anoher batch of Michael Rosen titles.