I love The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy by Arik Kershenbaum. Although it sets out to be (and is) about alien life, what emerges is a wonderfully insightful sidelong look at Earthly biology

If you don't want to be surprised by extraterrestrial life, look no further than this lively overview of the laws of evolution that have produced life on earth.

A fun, and thoroughly biological, exploration of possible and impossible alien beings. If you'd love to know what real aliens from other planets might really be like, this is the book for you

Surveying the deep-time of evolution on Earth and his own cutting-edge research into animal communication, Kershenbaum provides a fascinating insight into the deepest of questions: what might an alien actually look like

When we search for aliens, what are we searching for? If life exists on other worlds, it might look very different to life 'as we know it', but Arik Kershenbaum makes a persuasive and entertaining case that we needn't be completely in the dark. There are some rules that all beings with a claim to be alive must observe, and for which life on our planet can serve as a guide. This is an eye-opening and, above all, a hopeful view of what - or who - might be out there in the cosmos

Evolutionary theory helps us explain patterns in the past, and combined with a rich understanding of natural history and biodiversity, predict what might be discovered in the future. Arik Kershenbaum takes us on a joyous voyage of animal diversity and illustrates the singular importance of natural selection in explaining life - here on Earth - and what will likely be discovered throughout the galaxy. A stimulating read!

This is no mere frivolous exercise in arm-waving (or tentacle-waving) and baseless speculation. Instead, what emerges is a fascinating plunge into the deep-time history of life on Earth and animal evolution in all its glorious diversity . . . To comprehend the alien is to know thyself

The book crawls with curious facts . . . [Kershenbaum] is fascinating on how aliens might communicate

A wonderful mix of science-based speculation and entertaining whimsy

This is a lovely, useful and much-needed book

From breathing exercises and one-minute mindfulness to how to prepare for a good night's sleep, this book is a collection of calming and soothing exercises for maintaining a happy mind, perfect for finding peace during stressful times

Curl up on the sofa with this must-have inspirational book, full of inspiring self-care tips to do alone and with your children of all ages to restore peacefulness and positivity amid the adventures of motherhood

A profound exploration of resilience in modern life - a much-needed reminder that we yield power over our lives, even when it feels like we don't. It's one of the most valuable books I've ever read and my respect for Julia Samuel and her work is immeasurable

Little bells of clarity and understanding chime throughout this book. At once intimate and universal, this is a lifesaver. Fascinating, rigorous and beautifully written, you can hear Julia's voice on every page

Relevant, wise and compassionate

This brilliant book does what no others do - it talks about the problems of everyday life, with grown-up children, complex families, the stresses of work, in a compassionate and truly insightful way. I would challenge anyone not to recognise themselves in at least one of the beautifully detailed case studies. It is a privilege to be able to listen in to a masterful therapist at work

The considerable force of this book lies in Julia's ability to listen completely. Being such an extraordinary listener she becomes an extraordinary storyteller

Wisdom and experience alone would make This Too Shall Pass essential reading for every single person - but, in addition, the extraordinary generosity of Julia's personality shines through every word, offering profound understanding and consolation

Moving and inspiring, Julia Samuel writes with the quiet clarity that comes with true wisdom. In her observations of the heart-breaking and life-affirming events that affect the lives of ordinary people, she has the ability to find the eye of the storm and to hold her clients in stillness there as they come to terms with the chaos of change. Reading This Too Shall Pass is illuminating and comforting. We all resist change, and Julia Samuel shows us how to find the courage to weather it and sail out into the calm beyond. She is honest, open and inspiring in her comments, like the best friend we all aspire to be. A life raft of a book, hold onto it and you will stay afloat through life's inevitable mishaps

A remarkable portrayal of how we need to understand ourselves to truly heal

This book is wonderful

[She] is a sort of human oxytocin