Showing results by narrator "Tom McGairl" in All Categories

Some people are so stressful to be around they can actually make us ill. This book looks at the relationships that may drag us down and drain our energy. It gives us the tools to recognise toxic people and places so that we never need give in to them again. It explains that our freedom lies in our own hands and has to do with making choices and decisions, setting proper boundaries and drawing back from situations in which we tend to feel like victims. This may mean weeding out our address book and going lonely for a while - but never fear, says Dr Cantopher, givers will turn up once we eliminate the takers from our lives.

It is 878, and Wessex stands alone against Guthrum's Viking hordes as all England cowers beneath their raven banner. With most of his army destroyed following a surprise attack at Chippenham, Alfred, King of Wessex, retreats to the desolate marshes at Athelney. Whilst few believe he can ever restore the kingdom, he remains determined no matter the cost. Among the small band of weary survivors is Matthew, a novice monk who must learn to fight like a warrior if he, along with his brother and fellow Saxons, are to have any chance of defeating the Vikings.

Smell is the most emotional and evocative of our senses: it can bring back memories faster and with more immediacy than a photograph - so why is it so little understood? Armed with a hungry curiosity and a willingness to self-experiment, author Barney Shaw goes in search of the hidden meanings of smells. Using plain words to describe what he finds, he investigates the chemistry, psychology, history and future of this underappreciated sense.