Artist

Alexander Averin

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Counting Steps






A Journey through Landscape and Fatherhood

Cinnamon Press


There is a new book out written by Mark Charlton of the fine blog Views from the Bike Shed fame. I finished the book this morning, somewhat sadly really as I would have liked it to have been longer.  You know what it’s like when you have a really good book, you sometimes want to make it last and to savour it slowly.  The writing was very fine and the book is full of emotion.   I can recommend it highly. Particularly poignant was one of the pieces the author wrote about his father, it had forgiveness, wisdom and understanding within and Mark’s words will stay with me. It is a worthy book for that alone but also for the writings about Wales, many areas of which I know well, (but not all which was a bonus). I am not into climbing, I love walking but unfortunately my husband, because of health problems, is not up to long walks any more. However I could visualise many of the more remote places he visits which was an added bonus.

There is everything I love in this book;  nature and very personal reflections combined – this appeals to me as I too find it easier to reflect amongst nature and do not feel happy if I am away from it. Put me in a town or a city and I do not feel the same ease.  These places are fine to visit but I cannot stand crowds and traffic for too long any more.

So this book will appeal to many: walkers, climbers, lovers of Wales, wildlife and nature, fathers,  husbands ........and wives too.  

For sons of fathers and fathers of sons, there is much that is touching within it.

(There is a quiet humour too).

Most of all I love the book for its honesty.

I look forward to another.



Cait O’Connor

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I also read and reviewed this book for Mark on my book blog, it would make a lovely gift don't you think?

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

Sounds like I'd like this...adding it to my wish list. :)

helen tilston said...

Dear Cait

This book is one I will enjoy and have added it to my list.

I just found your blog and immediately signed up - I am looking forward to reading your past posts and will welcome "a cuairt" (visit in Gaelic) from you

Helen xx

The bike shed said...

What can I say? Thank you Cait for this unsolicited review - I'm so pleased you enjoyed the book.

Chris Stovell said...

This sounds like one for me too. Thank you, Cait and congratulations, Mark.

Vee said...

Oh you have created a great curiosity in me. That's a good review! (I feel the same way about traffic and crowds.)