Recommended Reads
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Don't Expect a Standing Ovation
How shall I lead my life? What will bring me happiness (and can I possibly know this in advance)? Where do my ethical values, feelings and opinions come from? How do I know if I really understand something, or are my judgements always just opinions? Should I be optimistic or pessimistic about ‘human nature’ – including my own, of course? Finally, are there any ‘objective’ answers to all of this or is any answer always as good as any other?
If such questions seem important to you personally, then this book is written for you. Its focus is precisely on methods for understanding better the nature of our experience, behaving more ethically and with greater emotional awareness.
Don’t Expect a Standing Ovation is a reworking in contemporary terms of an ancient Buddhist teaching on meditation, but it is intended for readers of any ‘faith’ (or none), i.e., for anyone who is open to meditation as a possibly helpful practical response to the sense of unease arising from the questions listed above. Buddhist teachings are, therefore, introduced not as a ‘religion’ but as a combination of psychological, ethical and philosophical ideas that are nevertheless in themselves not unfamiliar.
The teaching consists of fifty-nine slogans or maxims, which taken together form a practical handbook of guidance in responding skilfully (and indeed, therefore, ‘wisely’) in our everyday interactions with others.
£8.99 -
Don't Forget to Bounce
For the grown-up people too.
Sometimes things other people say to us can really affect us and make us feel a little bit out of sorts.
Even if it’s from the people we love.
Clover the lamb realises, with the help of his friends, that he has to be true to himself and do what gives him joy and also embrace whatever makes his little heart soar.
And … never forget to bounce … Not ever!
£7.99 -
Double Trouble
Double Trouble, a large, brown, hairy, two-tailed loveable but irrepressible dog had been abandoned at a pet shop. He was discovered by two children, Emily, and Darcy, who took him home, to their mother’s dismay. DT, who loved everyone and everything, caused chaos wherever he went. With only the best of intentions, he wanted to be involved in every situation, but although he was adored by all children, he was not always accepted by adults. Underneath that hairy coat was a heart of gold which was invisible to most grown-ups. But, in the end, DT always managed to win over even the hardest of hearts because, just as he loved everyone, he wanted to be loved by others.
£8.99 -
Dragons Out!
Learn about software testing in a fun way, by reading stories about dragons and knights. The book is a great read for children on their own, with their parents, or as an additional reading in schools. It is also for anyone who wants to know what software testing is, they will enjoy this book tremendously.
The book talks about adventures of two children, Laura and Tom, who tumble into dragons annoying villages and castles. They learn about different dragons and how to defeat them with the help of knights. The children grow into exceptional dragon experts.
Stories are explained in information technology and software testing terms and concepts, e.g. a dragon represents a software defect, and knights represent testers and developers. Reading parallels is an easy-to-understand way of learning.
In this book, Kari Kakkonen combines his passion into fantasy and software testing in a new and fascinating way, creating an enjoyable experience for the readers.
The book is suitable for ages of 9-99, although it is written for children.
“I love the idea of bringing testing and dragons together. Explaining testing ideas in this way is great for new testers to give them a broad idea of the depth of testing. The stories can sit on their own for children as well, and may encourage them to think about how they could test some of the apps they use.”
Janet Gregory, DragonFire Inc, co-author of three books on agile testing.
£15.99 -
Dreams of Taboo
This book will entertain, inform, and emotionally move its reader and provide healing. It certainly is not a lecture but a look at a survivor’s struggle with certain areas in life that are not so easy for an abuse victim. It is a look at a person’s career in a very competitive job and spiritual growth. This is a troubling subject treated with sensitivity along with down-to-earth humour along the way. It would clear some of our jails and make a safer world, for our children. We’ve recognised, more or less, the existence of institutional abuse of children, but have a long way to go on the subject of familial abuse. It is prevalent and it won’t leave our lives unless light is shone on this subject, which nobody really wants to look at. We will, I’m sure.
£14.99 -
Driving a Cat to Portugal and Building a House When We Get There
While waiting to board a plane for our annual holiday, my wife and I exchanged a few words,Me: ‘Where’s Faro?’Wife: ‘Portugal.’Little did we know, that fleeting conversation would lay the blueprint for our future. Soon, the allure of Portugal would not only inspire our next holiday destination, it would beckon us to transform a passing fancy into a permanent address in the sun-kissed hills of São Brás de Alportel.Amidst our major life decisions, the laughs, the frowns, the ups and downs, Marli (our much loved cat, who was prone to car sickness) takes centre stage. From her early years in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, UK, to her sunlit retirement in Portugal, Marli’s journey mirrors our own, from idealism to realism, (with pit-stops at Bafflement, Bliss, Disappointment and Delight).Follow our tale from whimsical date-night daydreams to the concrete steps of buying land and building a home in a foreign country. This narrative isn’t just about relocating- it’s a candid and humorous exploration of love, hope, challenges, and the sheer unpredictability of life.We had a dream, we had each other, and we had Marli.What could possibly go wrong?
£9.99 -
Drop Dead Like Flies
An hour’s drive from the small town of Brumby Flat, a new murder mystery gradually reveals itself in a place where hushed whispers of lost people, secret loves and big ambitions collide and spark.
Senior Detective Phillip Duncan is forced to come to terms with a personal tragedy which happened within Beecham’s Bridge National Park over 30 years ago.
As the thirty-second and third anniversary of the Park’s infamous folk festival begins, pure evil returns. When folk music legend Hannah Dee Wainwright arrives, her ‘Diva’ behavior rocks the festival staff and locals alike which leads to a quick earthly dispatch. Duncan encounters a motley new band of likely suspects.
Banksia Ava Peterson is a 20-something dynamo who runs the family roadhouse and motel single handed, dreaming of a better life somewhere far away. There’s the worldly new partner Duncan must learn to work with. And to add to Duncan’s inner turmoil, sparks fly with a sexy young firefighter which will test his new relationship, just as the body count starts to rise around him.
A cold-blooded killer is on the loose in the National Park and no one is safe. Is Detective Duncan too close to the truth this time to see the wood for the trees?
£9.99 -
Droppy Druppy
Have you ever gazed at a tiny droplet so intently that you could see your own reflection in it? What happens to that water droplet after you’re done marvelling at it? Do you wipe it away, cover it with a book, or let it slowly evaporate and ascend into the sky? In Droppy Druppy, the author invites you to see droplets as adventurous travellers – they turn into steam, soar to form clouds, cascade as rain, and ultimately join rivers flowing to the sea. These humble droplets experience incredible journeys, seeing wondrous places and performing important tasks. So why not befriend a droplet and let your imagination soar? Come along on this magical journey as we explore the life of a droplet and the fascinating places it visits. Are you ready for this captivating voyage? Let’s embark on this dreamy adventure together!
£8.99 -
DwarrowDelve: Paths of Rock and Shadow
In a world where Light threatens to corrupt and conquer, Taithe, a prisoner, possesses something invaluable: a formidable sword. This relic lures enemies from every corner – human, Effelin, and Dwarf alike – all desperate to claim its power and conceal their betrayals. But amidst this chaos, dark magic rises, vying to curb Light’s dominance.
Rescued from the clutches of the malevolent Spite and on the brink of death, Taithe is transported to Dwarrowdelve, the fabled lost mine of Dwarvern legends. Here, alongside the fierce Effelin Caliphe and the legendary Tunnel-Hunters, The Styx, he confronts a multitude of foes, from vicious black wolves to lurking Orcs and other treacherous beings.
But the most insidious threat of all is the Imp who shadows Taithe, hungry for the stolen treasure. In the depths of Dwarrowdelve, alliances will be tested, loyalties forged, and a choice must be made: to stand with the Light or embrace the Rock and Shadows. The balance of the world teeters on this decision, with Spite’s freedom – and the potential downfall of all – in the balance. The true enemy isn’t always as it seems; will they discern it in time?
£16.99 -
East Girl West Girl
This is a beautiful and touching short story about two young, highly impressionable females who are close friends in and out of school. The plot highlights their very different backgrounds, within two diverse cultures – one east, one west.
The story conveys tolerance, respect and love which the two girls have for each other, through obtaining the impetus to learn, understand and appreciate one another’s faith, customs and way of life.
£9.99 -
Echoes from a Time Passage: Book 3
Vasmox, ordinary fellow he believes himself to be, steps away from his Weaver class family background and fascinated by tales of reaching other planes by traversing the Great Waters, trains as a marine navigator. Despite not being at all religious he is drawn to the spiritual head of the Ezsk peoples, who spoke at his graduation, and from then on finds himself embroiled in an intriguing world of subterfuge and conspiracy in the midst of political upheaval. But as events unfold he comes face to face with a beautiful young woman, Thela, precociously clever musician, trainee swordswoman, and cousin of his friend and mentor, Rieyniz Xanders.
Thela, who with her brother and father Axzis and mother Rieyna are all part of the music makers in Temple, when political changes begin to undermine their way of life putting them in danger. Since she was a small child, Thela has had a passion for the handsome navigator Vasmox, friend of her cousin Rieyniz. But she is also fascinated by her grandfather’s huge sword which hangs on the wall of the family’s living room. So one afternoon she takes it down from the wall and swings it, an action which then leads to events she could never have imagined.
£9.99 -
Edna the Witch
Edna isn’t your ordinary witch; she’s mischievous and delightful in equal measure. With several centuries under her belt, she has a quirky perspective on life and often finds herself in humorous predicaments, especially when she regards the folks around her as the odd ones.
Unlike us mere mortals, Edna isn’t bound by the usual consequences. Groundings? Docked allowances? Confiscated gadgets? Not for Edna, who amusingly thinks a tablet is just a remedy for headaches. Running low on gold coins? A quick spell showers her with riches. If only ‘them humans,’ as she fondly refers to us, could have it that easy!
Edna has a soft spot for her menagerie of pets, whether it’s her playful dog, melodious budgie, cuddly cat, or even her massive dinosaur. (Who knew a brontosaurus could be so endearing?) While she often finds humanity a tad irksome, she’s managed to coexist with the teeming billions of us. As for humanity ever fully embracing Edna’s peculiar charm? Well, that remains to be seen!
£8.99
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