Swimming like Vikings or sleeping like cavemen, ruling the tennis court and romping with royals: when it comes to non-fiction...We've Got Your Summer Reading Sorted!
What is worse than being sunburnt, all your clothes smelling of suncream, and finding sand in every crevice? Being sunburnt, all your clothes smelling of suncream, finding sand in every crevice... and not being able to sleep. Happily, Merijn van de Laar can provide the solution to this holiday nightmare: be more caveman. Discover all the ways our forebears got it right (sleeping when tired, rather than when they thought they should, for example) and the fascinating fact that, until the enforced working routines of the Industrial Revolution, people didn't really experience insomnia. KS
Swimming With The Viking Of Skye Richard Waters (Aurum £17.99, 256pp)
When Richard Waters discovered his Viking lineage in a DNA test he decided to plunge himself into one of the less violent traditions of his ancestors: cold-water swimming. Diagnosed with Parkinson's in his early 40s, he finds unparalleled relief for his physical and mental health in the chilly waters of the Highlands. In this moving book Waters swims us through the rockpools, waterfalls and coves of Skye, as well as introducing us to a man as hardy as the Norsemen who conquered the island so many centuries ago. JCD
No Filters by Christie Watson and Rowan Egberongbe (Chatto & Windus £14.99, 192pp)
Having a teen in the house all summer might feel daunting but this book is an insightful, if tough, read for any struggling parent. When Christie Watson's 16-year-old daughter Rowan was refusing to speak to her, she had to learn a whole different means of communicating. What began as a daily Snapchat message evolved into a new-found closeness. This engaging book sheds light on the boggling number of mental health issues faced by today's teenagers, many of which most parents know little about. KS
John & Paul by Ian Leslie (Faber & Faber £25, 432pp)
Music history is full of relationships that crash and burn in a cacophony of vicious headlines, backstabbing and (if we're lucky) a revenge song or two – Sonny and Cher, ABBA and perhaps the most spectacular break-up of them all, John and Paul. This spellbinding biography of the two men behind The Beatles takes you through the dizzying highs and crashing lows of their 13-year bromance and the break-up that changed the course of music forever. JCD
How Not To Be A Political Wife by Sarah Vine (HarperElement £20, 320pp)
As a Mail columnist and former political wife, Vine is a force to be reckoned with – no wonder her memoir sent shockwaves through British politics. She gives us a fascinating insight into being raised by a narcissistic father, her 20-year marriage to Michael Gove as he rose from Tory MP to Cabinet minister and prime ministerial contender, and the explosive end to her friendship with Samantha Cameron. Funny and heartwarming, this is a revealing, and riveting, look behind the scenes of the personal politics of Westminster. KS
Going Nuclear by Tim Gregory (Bodley Head £25, 384pp)
For most of us, nuclear means mushroom clouds, Chernobyl and Mr Burns. Certainly, something to be afraid of, not welcomed. However, in this delightful book by nuclear scientist and apologist Dr Tim Gregory, we are urged to reframe our relationship with nuclear power or face extinction. He peppers his convincing argument with surprisingly enchanting anecdotes from the glowing history of nuclear power. JCD
The Warrior by Christopher Clarey (John Murray £22, 368pp)
This is the first year since 2004 that the King of Clay has not graced Paris's Roland Garros with his presence. Christopher Clarey's comprehensive biography of Rafael Nadal's career takes us from his early days in Majorca being coached by his Uncle Toni to his dominance as part of the big three alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, proving himself as one of the greatest players of all time. Rafa's humility and sportsmanship shine in this glowing portrait that also abounds with wider tennis trivia. KS
The Slow Road North by Rosie Schaap (Mariner £20, 272pp)
When Rosie Schapp found herself a widow at 39, she didn't know where to turn. Eventually, she decided to pack up her troubles, and her flat in New York, to travel through Europe. Still weighed down by grief, a chance conversation with a stranger in Belfast somehow lightened her sorrow. Before long she had traded the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for a Georgian cottage in Glenarm, Northern Ireland. This gentle memoir shows how her new friends and neighbours helped dig her out of her grief and made her capable of love again. JCD
Queen James by Gareth Russell (William Collins £25, 496pp)
Not many wives would be pleased to hear that their husband had embarked upon an affair with someone much younger who was said to possess 'the finest legs in Christendom'. She might be doubly irritated to discover that these fabulous legs belonged to a man. However, Queen Anne, wife of King James I, was delighted. Anything to keep temperamental James happy. This is just one of the fantastic tales in this royal romp through the treacherous and flagrantly gay court of King James I. JCD
Shaolin Spirit by Shi Heng Yi (Particular Books £25, 288pp)
If the 'cultivation of vitality and strength' appeals to you this summer, be prepared to push 'physical and mental limits you will never have encountered before'. Or at least that is the promise of Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi. Through his meditative practices that reconnect the mind and body, you can tap in to a 1,500-year-old way of life to discover more energy and greater peace of mind. Although you might not be able to bend a spear by pressing down on the pointed end with your throat, as Shi Heng Yi himself can, by September. KS
Story Of A Murder by Hallie Rubenhold (Doubleday £25, 512pp)
More often than not, True Crime is more gory than fiction, and that is certainly the case with the tale of Dr Crippen. Medical fraudster, terrible husband and murderer – is there anything this man can't do? Rubenhold chooses to focus on the women in the doctor's life: the wife he murdered, music-hall starlet Belle Elmore, and his typist and lover Ethel Le Neve. Not one for those with a weak stomach, this uncovers a dark side to humanity that many will find fascinating. KS
Dave & Me by Lili Myers (Ebury Spotlight £22, 304pp)
The Hairy Bikers, made up of Dave Myers and Si King, were hugely loved as much for their humour and camaraderie as their cooking. When Dave died last year after suffering from cancer, 46,000 bikers drove from London to Barrow-in-Furness in tribute to him. Now his widow, Lili, gives an emotive and intimate account of the love and life they shared for 20 years. KS
Allies At War by Tim Bouverie (Bodley Head £25, 688pp)
Defeating the Nazis required the UK to make strange bedfellows. An otherwise inconceivable alliance had to be hastily made with Stalin, while even the 'special relationship' with America was fraught with difficulty and ended up costing Britain an awful lot of money to maintain. This glorious book alters the focus of the war and reveals that navigating the many traps and pitfalls in the shifting diplomatic sands imposed by friends and allies was almost harder than actually confronting the enemy. JCD
Affairs by Juliet Rosenfeld (Bluebird £20, 288pp)
Do you fancy a clandestine summer fling? You're not alone. As Juliet Rosenfeld reveals, one in five of us will have an affair at some point. Putting her psychotherapist skills to good use, Rosenfeld takes us through five different adulterous scenarios and examines what pushes people to commit this greatest of relationship sins. Not a guide for cheaters, but this book might help you spot one... KS
The Buried City by Gabriel Zuchtriegel (Hodder £22, 256pp)
If you're heading for a scorcher in the Italian sun, spare a thought for the poor people of Pompeii. There was no sun cream strong enough or sun hat wide enough to protect them from the fiery heat that pummelled their city into oblivion. The city, frozen in time, is still bursting with undiscovered secrets and at the helm of these discoveries is Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii archaeological park. This is an unparalleled tour through a city that has fascinated and bewildered us for 2,000 years. JCD
The Ageless Brain by Dale Bredesen (Vermilion £22, 384pp)
It is never too early to start looking after your brain's health. In clear steps Dr Dale Bredesen explains exactly how to keep your brain just as sharp at 100 as it was at 20. From actions as simple as maintaining your oral hygiene or completing a daily sudoku, to learning a new language and cutting out sugar – there are so many things we can all do to retain our cognitive function. KS
Source Code by Bill Gates Allen Lane £25, 336pp
How do you become the richest man in the world? In this memoir of his early years, Bill Gates makes it seem easy. Key ingredients include cleverness, awkwardness with a sprinkling of ferocity, and most importantly of all, a reliance on the beneficence of adults. Turns out a tragic backstory certainly isn't necessary. Bill Gates, King of Nerds, was even popular at school! JCD
The Light Of Day by Christopher Stephens (Headline £20, 400pp)
'Sir, we are homosexuals…'. So began the letter that scandalised Britain in 1960. This criminal confession (homosexuality wasn't decriminalised until 1967) was sent to several newspapers and signed 'Roger Butler'. This is the story of the heroism and fierce battles fought by the first man in England to choose to publicly come out. The author, while still at university, befriended the aged Butler and has faithfully and beautifully told the story of this extraordinary man. JCD
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
Police have ‘proportionate and considered' plan ahead of Glasgow Kneecap gig
Police Scotland say they have a 'proportionate and considered policing plan' ahead of Kneecap's gig in Glasgow, which replaces their cancelled slot at the TRNSMT festival. Kneecap were axed from the line-up of TRNSMT in the city amid a row over an investigation by counter-terror police into rapper Mo Chara, who is accused of terrorism offences related to a Hezbollah flag he allegedly held up on stage. The satirical Belfast rap group, who perform in Irish, have been outspoken critics of the war in Gaza and said the prosecution – following an investigation by the Met Police – is linked to their views on Palestine. TRNSMT cancelled Kneecap's performance at the end of May over safety concerns by Police Scotland. On Tuesday, they are set to perform a sold-out gig at the O2 Academy in Glasgow, days before TRNSMT begins on Friday. As well as Kneecap, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar are also performing in Glasgow on Tuesday. Police Scotland say they will aim to minimise disruption in the city. In May, First Minister John Swinney urged for TRNSMT to cancel the performance on July 11, saying that 'organisers of TRNSMT have got to consider that issue.' Mo Chara, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna by the Metropolitan Police in May, over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. The furore led to calls from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for Glastonbury to cancel a performance from the Belfast rappers on June 28, which the festival organisers did not do. Despite being cancelled from TRNSMT, Kneecap are still due to perform scheduled shows at 2000trees rock festival on July 10, Wythenshawe Park in Manchester on August 15 and Belfast Vital on August 29 – nine days after O hAnnaidh's next court appearance. At the last hearing, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: 'It's not about Mr O hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel. 'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else. 'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'.' Kneecap have said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. Superintendent Paul Douglas said: 'We are aware of a number of events and concerts due to take place in the Greater Glasgow area in the week beginning Monday July 7 2025. 'A proportionate and considered policing plan is in place within the city and we are working with a number of stakeholders to ensure the safety of all those attending these events and where possible minimise disruption to the people of Glasgow.'
BBC News
8 hours ago
- BBC News
Kneecap to play Glasgow after TRSNMT gig cancelled
Irish rap trio Kneecap will take to the stage in Glasgow on Tuesday after months of controversy over their public statements and police safety group were originally slated to headline the King Tut's stage on Friday at they were dropped from the bill after a public outcry following the emergence of footage showing band member Mo Chara holding a Hezbollah flag. The group were then booked to headline the city's O2 Academy instead - a show that sold out in 80 seconds. The group will arrive in Glasgow fresh from being one of the hottest topics at Glastonbury, where they led expletive-laden chants about Sir Keir prime minister had previously called for the band to be dropped from the chants occurred again at the weekend when the trio - consisting of Chara, DJ Provai, and Moglai Bap - supported rock band Fontaines D.C at London's Finsbury Park. Attention now turns to whether they will react to comments previously made by Scotland's political Minister John Swinney was among those who said Kneecap should not be allowed to perform at TRNSMT earlier this year, when the controversy first began. Kneecap are no strangers to political statements or clashes with governments. The band's name is a reference to kneecapping, a punishment deployed by paramilitaries during the Troubles when they would shoot people in the recent months have seen the group's notoriety dramatically was charged with a terror offence over the display of a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig in November last was released on unconditional bail after appearing in a London court on 18 band also faced criticism after footage emerged from a 2023 gig appearing to show one member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." Those comments were condemned by Katie Amess, whose father - Conservative MP Sir David Amess - was murdered in 2021 while holding a constituency group apologised to the families of Sir David and Jo Cox, the Labour MP murdered in 2016. Kneecap said footage of their comments and of them holding the Hezbollah flag had been taken out of group claim the controversy is part of a smear campaign against them, due to their support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which they describe as band said they received death threats and were dropped by their booking agent after displaying messages about Gaza during a set at US music festival Coachella in April. Why were Kneecap dropped from TRNSMT? The row over Kneecap's MP comments saw Swinney intervene to say the group had "crossed a line" and should not play TRNSMT, which takes place on Glasgow Green every said: "It would be unacceptable to perform on such a stage given the fact their comments are so beyond the pale."Organisers DF Concerts did not comment at the time but Police Scotland became involved on 22 force said a "significant policing operation" would be required if the trio were allowed to play at the festival. It also insisted any decision on who performs at TRNSMT was for organisers to days later, Kneecap posted on social media: "Due to concerns expressed by the police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT."To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry... it is out of our hands."Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many many times, with no issues - ever. Make of that what you will."DF Concerts said it had made the decision due to the concerns raised by police. The group and their furious electro-rap have attracted praise and criticism in equal measure since they emerged on the music scene. They became involved in legal action against the UK government after the then Conservative administration blocked them from receiving a £15,000 funding had successful applied for a grant to support UK-registered artists in global markets in December intervened to stop this, saying the group behind songs such as Get Your Brits Out should not benefit from British a court hearing sided with the group and awarded them the original amount of £14, well as music, the band also released an acclaimed film last year, which was nominated for six Baftas.
Times
8 hours ago
- Times
Jim Moir: I like talking about teabags
Jim Moir, the comedian also known as Vic Reeves, will be in conversation with Hugo Rifkind at this year's Fringe by the Sea festival. What will he talk about? Moir gives us a sneak peak into how life as a painter has let him live on his own terms. And what else you should catch at the festival on the east Scottish coast. On one of his childhood holidays to Scotland, Moir climbed up the Scott Monument in Edinburgh with his grandfather. At the top, the older man pointed across Princes Street to the Jenners department store in its Victorian glory: 'I was born there, you know.' There's a good chance Moir will talk about art, comedy, wildlife and his childhood camping trips in Scotland (mostly to Loch Lomond and Kirkcudbright) at Fringe by the Sea. It depends on where Rifkind, and the audience, will take the conversation. 'I'll talk about anything,' he says from his home in Kent, birds chirping loudly in his garden. 'I like talking about teabags and stuff like that. I'm quite a connoisseur about tea. I say put milk in last because it has to be the exact right colour for me — it should look almost like coffee — and it either has to be Tippy Assam loose leaf tea or Yorkshire teabags. Or you can ask me about birds all day long because I know what I'm talking about.' (Top tip: if you're going to the show, ask him to do an eider duck impression — he nails it.) • Jim Moir: 'I'll only do a TV show if it's about birds and art' A benign brain tumour left Moir deaf in one ear and, although he can still hear pretty well, he can't always locate the source of noises. 'I always ask Nancy [his wife] where that sound is coming from. Even in the house, if she's calling me I can't always tell if she's upstairs or downstairs,' he says. Now 66, Moir had had enough of the entertainment world. But he is happiest when painting in his studio at the foot of the garden or out birdwatching with his wife, so Sky Arts's offer of Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir was impossible to resist. 'I could be retired but I don't think I ever will,' he says. 'I'm just doing what I like doing and making a living out of it so everything's great.' He actually makes more money from his paintings than he ever did from television — which tells you a lot about the nature of broadcasting and the public appetite for his works. His puffin prints sell particularly well and he currently has an exhibition called Dawn to Dusk at the Lady Lever Art Gallery Liverpool. One of the rooms of his show is dedicated to crepuscular birds, which are active at dawn and dusk. But for all the paintings of blackbirds, crows and curlews in his portfolio, it's not all ornithological. A lot of Moir's work embodies his peculiarly funny way of looking at life — the lens that helped make The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, Vic Reeves Big Night Out and Shooting Stars so special (and, to some, so baffling). • Jim Moir: 'I stopped wanting to play Vic Reeves' For £950 you can own the watercolour The Thirsty Walker (a tap coming out of the tip of a shoe) and a Pox Clinic poster fetches a similar price. One watercolour is of a dazed-looking Matt Damon, his mouth all smudged with lipstick after kissing someone, while Hot Dinghy Punch Up depicts a two-person scuffle in a boat. Of course it does. Moir's been quoted in the past as saying that his comedy career was something of a distraction from art but that's not entirely accurate. It was more a 'diversion from painting — I'd say I saw the kind of comedy I was doing as art anyway', he argues. 'I didn't really think of it like stand-up or being a comedian, more a new way of showing abstract art. I still do.' And will he take the opportunity to see some comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe while he's back in Scotland — not all that far from the birthplace of his granddad? Unlikely. As he puts it: 'I'd rather see a bunch of gannets than a bunch of comedians.' Aug 10, noon, The Big Top, £22.50 How did we manage without Joe Wicks's YouTube PE sessions during lockdown? The Body Coach continues to inspire thousands to take care of their bodies through healthy heating (via his bestselling cookbooks) and, of course, his jovial way of encouraging people to move more. In this session he'll be chatting about his life and 1, 11.30am, The Big Top, £20 Fancy listening in on some top-level showbiz gossip? Christopher Biggins — the panto dame and past winner of I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here — joins forces with the Bafta-winning actress Patricia Hodge for a chinwag in aid of Leuchie House, the East Lothian centre that provides respite care for people living with neurological conditions. A limited number of post-show meet-and-greet tickets are 5, 5pm, Lodge Stage, £20/£50 • Christopher Biggins: Joan Collins was mad at me for months Fringe by the Sea, Aug 1-10, North Berwick,
