Author:K. McCoy,Hardwick
Sleep smarter
‘The indispensable bedside classic’ Leland Carlson, Assistant Vice President of the Dull Men’s Club
This Book Will Send You to Sleep makes no claims to be fun or interesting. It is a book you can read in full confidence that you will find absolutely nothing to stimulate your brain. A book, like any other, that will afford you much sleep and copious amounts of pointless knowledge.
Where else will you read about the political crisis in Belgium 2007–2011 or the recent developments in the taxonomy of molluscs? And where else can you find, in one place: a summary of the administrative bureaucracy of the Byzantine Empire? A world almanac of pickled cucumbers? The measurement of the linear density of fibre?
'Prepare to fall fast asleep with the most boring book ever published' Tim Jones, sleep specialist
'Filled with lively stories and vivid examples (involving ants, monsters, mosquitoes and dust bunnies, as well as paltry humans) ... its central thesis is sharp and convincing ... the argumentative theory of reason makes sense of human irrationality.
—— Times Literary SupplementElegant and compelling ... Mercier and Sperber delight in turning conventional wisdom on its head ... A timely and necessary book
—— Financial TimesTimely ... an antidote to the dual-process models behind Kahneman's famous Thinking, Fast and Slow. We need a faith in reason, and this book provides strong arguments that such faith is reasonable
—— Times Higher EducationReason is more likely to confirm things that we want to be true, or which we already believe. So why does it exist? This new book provides the answer
—— ProspectIn this gorgeous kaleidoscope of a book, the neuroscientist Paul Broks takes us image by image, story by story, into an exploration of life with all its brilliant hues of grief and despair, joy and resilience, biology and society. There's science here, and curiosity, and humanity, all forming a remarkable portrait of who we are - and who we hope to be
—— Deborah Blum, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist , author of The Poisoner’s HandbookBroks weaves many threads - memoir, neuroscience, and metaphysics - into a rich fabric of reflection, speculation and deep feeling. This is a work that defies categorization, fusing non-fiction and imagination into a single instrument of piercing insight and emotional honesty
—— Charles Yu , author of How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional UniverseTruly remarkable prose . . . Throughout, Broks is like a naturalist taking you through the wilderness of the human mind, and he's a companionable guide.
—— Eben Schwartz , The Journal of the American Medical AssociationA beautifully written addition to brain literature ... will mesmerise anyone curious about the mass of goo inside our heads
—— John O’Connell on 'Into the Silent Land' , Time Out Book of the WeekFull of wonders and unsettling new perspectives
—— Review of 'Into the Silent Land' , Independent on SundayReads as light as a souffle, yet has the resonant depth to haunt you for the rest of your days
—— John McCrone review of 'Into the Silent Land' , GuardianRich with disturbing images, eerie characters, wistful philosophical reflection ... in terms of sheer prose ability he is a modern master
—— Andrew Marr , TelegraphIf you enjoy popular crime shows, the many true crime podcasts out there, and want to know what the reality that inspired Netflix’s Mindhunter series, this is the book for you.
—— Bleeding Cool BlogIf you’re blushing, you’re still human: why you should lean in to your embarrassment. A lively, funny and often deeply personal investigation into the things that make us shudder.
—— SalonCringeworthy is a scientific exploration of a specific human quirk in the vein of Mary Roach or Malcolm Gladwell, offering sharp insights into what we mean when we call ourselves “awkward”. Dahl writes with compassion and understanding.
—— BuzzfeedHow to embrace your awkwardness and feel better.
—— Today.comThe guide to awkwardness every Millennial wishes they had in college. An essential, accessible guide to figuring out WTF is the deal with the most painfully human and painfully embarrassing emotion: awkwardness.
—— BustleAwkward conversations can be valuable in the long run. Here's some psychology-based advice for dealing with uncomfortable subjects.
—— Tonic (Vice)The upside of awkwardness… Dahl explains why we cringe, and why it can be a good thing.
—— The VergeDahl explains what awkwardness feels like, what makes a situation awkward, and how to use awkwardness like a superpower for moving through the world.
—— AutostraddleIn a delightful romp through all manner of researches, Dahl explores the ‘odd little emotion’ to which each of us is prey.
—— SagaA wonderfully lucid, scholarly and witty account of the biological basis of human behavior… Once you have read it, you will see neither yourself nor your fellow humans in the same way as before
—— Henry Marsh , New StatesmanA masterly cross-disciplinary scientific study of human behaviour.
—— New York Times Top Books of 2017Excellent – we get fascinating analysis of how we think, how we emote, how we act.
—— William Leith , Evening StandardIt's that combination of fierce compassion and unflinching honesty about the human cost of nursing which makes this such a compelling and universally relevant book. It couldn't be more topical, or timeless, and the fact that it's written with an elegant grace that makes it a joy to read doesn't hurt either
—— Eilis O'Hanlon , Irish IndependentThere is so much love in this book that it makes the tears bearable. Christie Watson has written a beautiful and lyrical account of the true meaning of a nurse’s life
—— Amanda ForemanChristie Watson shines the wisest of lights on the daily practice of caring for others. She celebrates kindness that is rooted in true respect for human dignity and equality – a kindness without which society would be a much sadder place. This piercingly tender book will make you laugh, cry and reflect on what life is all about
—— Nicky Parker, publisher at Amnesty International UKMoving, eloquent, funny, inspiring -- an urgent book for our times
—— Sarah Bakewell, author of At the Existentialist CafeTerrifically moving memoir of caring and compassion on the nursing front line
—— Sunday TimesA remarkable book… Watson illustrates why a nurse has a harder job than 99 per cent of lawyers (I am one) and deserves to be paid more. Absolutely brilliant!
—— Clive Stafford Smith OBE, human rights lawyerMore than a memoir, The Language of Kindness exerts the power of a gripping novel threaded with science, philosophy, history and ethics. Like poetry, it resists paraphrase. A quick summary is out of the question, this brilliant life-changing book has to be experienced ... Watson is a funny, totally loveable narrator but this book is a serious shock to the system -- a journey to the underworld, our hard-working guide an observant Virgil to the 21st century
—— Martina Evans , Irish TimesIf you want to know what nursing is, then read this book
—— Robert Sowney, Chair, RCN FoundationThis is a phenomenal book, a love song for the NHS and its staff - the hundreds of millions of us who have gained from it throughout our lives have Christie Watson to thank for delivering it on our behalf. Passionate, political, heartbreaking, it is beautifully written in the fiercely honest language of kindness itself
—— Stella DuffyProfoundly moving... urging us all to lead a life of greater compassion
—— Charlotte Heathcote and Jon Coates , Daily ExpressAn astonishing account of a profession defined by acts of care, compassion and kindness, and an urgent reminder of the need for these qualities in the NHS - and everyday life - from a nurse with 20 years' experience
—— Red MagazineA remarkable book - intelligent, impassioned, consistently moving - that can’t help but make readers revisit the sharpest spikes of life, where nurses often are. Christie Watson looks directly at the fragility of human existence, and the importance of what we choose to value. I can't think of many better uses of writing, nor of writing more likely to make me a better person
—— Richard BeardI defy anyone to finish this without weeping and giving thanks to the NHS ... An important book that should be on every reading list
—— Fanny Blake , Woman & HomeChristie Watson’s book brings home the incredible strength and determination that nurses working in our critically underfunded NHS must possess – and how wildly underappreciated they are
—— Rachael Jolley, Editor, Index on CensorshipGripping and tender
—— Radio TimesA remarkable reflection on care, empathy and compassion ... packs massive emotional impact ... I urge you to read it
—— Caroline Sanderson , The BooksellerThis tender, truth-telling memoir will break your heart into little pieces ... This book is a salient reminder that at some point we are all going to need care and we can only hope we'll get someone like Christie who understands the need for "sympathy, compassion, empathy" in our most vulnerable moments
—— Eithne Farry , The Simple ThingsThe award-winning novelist writes about her 20 years as a nurse, taking us from life to death of the wards in a moving account
—— Hannah Beckerman , Sunday ExpressAs Watson observes, the ability to step into another’s shoes is essential for both nurse and novelist. So too is an eagle eye, and it is the details that prove so unforgettable ... I found myself compelled to go back, and freshly moved and humbled
—— Stephanie Cross , The LadyA highly emotional and eloquent retelling of different patients, staffers, experiences and departments ... A much-needed human voice
—— Tanya Sweeney , The Irish Times[Watson] writes with such considered awareness of medical procedure and resources, human frailty and resilience, that you know she dug deep for this book ... You are also privy to an extraordinary world and appreciate Watson's lasting belief: that most of us are inherently kind - and the better for showing it
—— Kerry Fowler , Sainsbury's MagazineThe Language of Kindness is teeming with humanity ... [It] puts other memoirs to shame, by narrating an ordinary working life which nevertheless confronts the dark, the sublime, the transcendental
—— Roisin Kiberd , Sunday Business PostHer book makes harrowing, heart-rendering reading.
—— Helen Brown , Daily MailAn engaging and authentic portrait of modern care ... Through Watson’s inclusion of relevant statistics and historical facts, as well as her meticulous observation skills, readers will better understand the value of nurses
—— Library JournalHypnotic prose ... quiet brilliance ... This is a wake-up book in the best possible way, a study in-the-round: amusing, hilarious even, enthralling and sad, and definitely an indictment of our time
—— The Arts DeskWe hear far less often from nurses and therapists… It’s time we heard their side of the story. And who better to tell it than this nurse-turned-award-winning literary novelist.
—— Charlotte Heathcote , Sunday ExpressAnecdotal story-telling wrapped up in hypnotic prose… This is a wake-up book in the best possible way, a study in-the-round: amusing, hilarious even, enthralling and sad, and definitely an indictment of our time.
—— Marina Vaizey , The Arts DeskA remarkable book. I learned more in chapter 3 than I have in all the other books I’ve read this year. Watson illustrates why a nurse has a harder job than 99 per cent of lawyers (I am one) and deserves to be paid more. Absolutely brilliant!
—— Clive Stafford Smith OBE, human rights lawyerThe Language of Kindness flows so beautifully, and naturally. Christie adds real warmth to very factual, and medical information … I urge all of you to read this book
—— Five Little Doves[Watson] beautifully describes the life-affirming impact of nurses doing and saying the right thing
—— Strong Words[Watson] tells us things we need to know
—— Chisholm , The Tablet[The Language of Kindness is] a tender and beautifully written account of how this process – learning how to be kind – challenges, teaches, sometimes harms, and then completes a person
—— Peter Dorward , TelegraphAt the heart of Christie Watson’s philanthropic memoir…lies a remarkable thesis on life, death and the kaleidoscopic narratives…that weave us together
—— Kat Lister , The PoolThis stunning read reminds us that nurses are human after all
—— Jude Rogers , Mail on SundayChristie Watson's memoir of 20 years as an NHS nurse is completely absorbing. The best books tell us about life as well as lives and I've read nothing recently that I found so moving and, even in its descriptions of suffering and death, so uplifting. Watson has an eye for detail that is practical, compassionate and very often funny
—— Lucy Lethbridge , The TabletChristie captures life as a nurse in the humblest manner, and anyone in or considering nursing is encouraged to read it
—— Julia Williams , Gastrointestinal NursingWatson’s prose…fizzes with real life, each story and encounter containing its own epic narrative sweep
—— Lucy Lethbridge , The OldieThis brilliant and profound book left an indelible mark on me this year
—— Ian Birrell , iMoving and compassionate…The Language of Kindness… is a sensitive, perceptive and blunt account of a nurse’s journey
—— Richard Barr , Solicitors JournalAn astounding account of life as a nurse
—— Liz Nice , Eastern Daily PressThe Language of Kindness exerts the power of a gripping novel threaded with science, philosophy, history and ethics. Like poetry, it resists paraphrase. A quick summary is out of the question, this brilliant life-changing book has to be experienced.
—— Martina Evans , Irish TimesWatson evokes the topography of each arm of nursing in vivid detail.
—— Irish TimesI defy anyone to finish this without weeping and giving thanks for the NHS… An important book that should be on every reading list.
—— Fanny Blake , Woman & HomeThe Language of Kindness could not be more compelling or more welcome. It's about how we survive, and about the people who help us do so
—— Roxana Robinson , New York Times Book Review[A] powerful account of her life as a nurse… reading her memoir is a truly uplifting experience.
—— Jacqueline Wilson , The WeekA nurse’s voice has never really been heard before on this scale. Now’s the time for it to ring loud.
—— Stylist[Watson] is an elegant, eloquent writer who brings an immediacy to her work. You are right there beside her all the way as she provides a fascinating insight into the trails and triumphs of life in an NHS hospital… a rallying call for kindness and compassion that every one of us should embrace.
—— Mernie Gilmore , Sunday ExpressThrough Watson, we are taken on an absorbing, all-seeing tour through the doors of the hospital
—— Molly Case , Guardian