Archives

Carlos Sainz: A Legacy Of Champions by Carrera Publishing

Mar18

Getting To Know The Man Under The Helmet

Carlos Sainz: A Legacy Of Champions by Carrera Publishing is a great little book that looks at the life, both personal and professional, of the F1star. We glimpse the man under the helmet.

His father, Carlos Sainz senior, is a famous Spanish rally champion, meaning that Carlos Sainz junior grew up surrounded by cars and competitions. He began his own competitive journey in karts aged seven. “In karting, Carlos learned how to win without arrogance, and how to lose without drama.”

Progression into F1 came in 2015 with Torro Rosso.

Along the way, Carlos Sainz has had his father with him, analysing and supporting him, giving wise advice and lessons. “It doesn’t matter what’s happening around you. What matters is what you do with it.”

Moving to Maclaren, Carlos Sainz immediately bonded with the young Lando Norris. “CarLando. Their relationship, built on trust and mutual respect.” The pair knew how to support each other when driving, and also how to have fun.

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Little Black Dog by Kerk Murray

Jan16

Adorable Bundles Of Fluff

Little Black Dog by Kerk Murray is a most charming nonfiction tale of Maximus (Max) a black Yorkipoo and Spartacus a white and copper Morkie.

The reader is delighted by the antics of both dogs. These bundles of fluff are proper bundles of energy. Their enthusiasm for life has been perfectly captured by the author. It is easy for us to ‘see’ and empathise with their actions.

Both dogs have beautiful bonds with their dog parents. They wait for them to return, as soon as they leave! “To them, every return is a miracle.”

We see that where there are dogs, there are rules to be broken! Any human willpower disintegrates once one gazes upon their furry faces!

Food is something the dogs really love. The following resonated with me: “When she bakes these muffins, both boys camp out by the oven. Max whines, paces, and generally acts like he’s never been fed in his life.”

The author wrote this book as a tribute to Max, who at seven-year-old is still very much with us. “I don’t want this to end. But one day it will. Time will run out… I hope my heart remembers the love that never will.” This brings a lump to my throat. It is always too soon to say goodbye.

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Tina: The Dog Who Changed The World by Niall Harbison

Nov19

Inspiring & Heartbreaking

Tina: The Dog Who Changed The World by Niall Harbison is an inspiring and heartbreaking read. I read the children’s version which is suitable for ages ten years and over. Whatever your age, if you are an animal lover, you will enjoy this book.

Niall Harbison is a Brit who lives in Thailand. Here, he has set up Happy Doggo Land which helps and rescues street dogs. He has done this for over twenty years. His mission has always been “to make a hands-on difference to dog’s lives.”

Happy Doggo Land is small, able to house just sixteen dogs but Niall Harbison has big plans to build a hospital just for street dogs. Niall Harbison’s inspiration and guide is rescue dog, Tina. “She was a beacon of hope, kindness and love.” And for dogs, Niall Harbison is also a beacon of hope, kindness and love.

Tina was rescued from the streets. She was bound by a chain. She was a poorly soul who instantly took up residence in Niall Harbison’s heart. In fact, for anyone reading her story, Tina will come and lodge in their heart. Though her life was short, her impact has been huge – and soon there will be a hospital named after her.

Niall Harbison is an inspiration. He rescues the street dogs and also believes that “educating kids about animal welfare is vital.”

The dogs that are rescued are given a bandana to wear. “These bandanas actually gave the street dogs a sense of belonging.” It is also “giving them an identity, as well as some love and affection.” It says: You are seen. You matter. You are loved. There is hope.

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Went To London, Took The Dog by Nina Stibbe

Nov9

Very Engaging

Went To London, Took The Dog by Nina Stibbe is a very engaging book that is set over a year, starting in March 2022. It is written in the form of a diary.

The reader draws close to Nina Stibbe as she writes in a very personable style. Reading this book is equivalent to reading a letter from a close friend. She is easy to empathise with as a sixty-one-year-old woman with a love of books.

During the year, we see her settling into London life after leaving her house in the South West. We hear of her success at pub quizzes, and her interactions with her family and friends.

The whole book is easy to read and very humorous. There are pearls of wisdom too. My favourite is: “The best things in life aren’t things.”

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