Many of us have suddenly found ourselves with a lot of spare time on our hands, and there’s no better way to spend a day than by tucking into a good book and getting lost in a whole new world. Reading is the perfect form of escapism: it has so many benefits, from improving your mental wellbeing to helping you relax and taking the stress of the day off your shoulders. The best part is there are no limits to who can gain enjoyment from reading - old or young, there is something for every age and every interest. We’ve compiled together a list of some of the most popular books floating around this year...happy reading!
All available to buy on amazon.co.uk as a hardcopy or eBook
FOR CHILDREN
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
by Charlie Mackesy
Charlie Mackesy’s heartfelt work has laid claim to a spot on the bestseller list for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today, and it was also named as Waterstones’ Book of the Year for 2019. The illustration book tells a beautiful story of friendship and kindness; the message is simple, the morals are poignant and the book itself is an excellent read for all ages as a reminder that we must be gentler to ourselves and others.
The Proudest Blue
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Somerset Life.
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This story is from the May 2020 edition of Somerset Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Up on the Down
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Shop until you drop
It’s Somerset’s county town, it’s the place to go for the big shops, but Taunton is also home to a thriving independent scene, discovers CATHERINE COURTENAY
Creatures of the night
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Bowled over
Now that we can return to skittle and bowling alleys - albeit with new rules BERNARD BALE reveals that the sport of bowling has many Somerset links
Trackway through time
In the Somerset Levels SIMONE STANBROOK-BYRNE discovers a place where our Neolithic heritage rubs shoulders with the present day
SAVING THE SPLENDOUR OF EXMOOR
The splendour of Exmoor National Park may appear timeless and untroubled, but a new book reveals the long and often bitter struggle conservationists faced to save the landscape from the twin threats of afforestation and the plough
Decorative art
Not simply functional, treat your walls like an extension of your personality
Charity starts at home
How do we teach our children the importance of giving back?
Blooming brilliant
Will and Lauren Holley purchased a four-acre field in Somerset, converted it into a nursery, opened during lockdown and now their perennial plants are flying off the shelves. JULIE HARDING meets the go-getting couple
Age-old advice
Just become a grandparent for the first time? Perhaps you need a little guidance, so here are some top tips about how to embrace your new family role
