Todays Read Teamn 
Book Reviews: June 2023 Highlights
Date: July 15, 2023
Regenesis by George Monbiot
Regenesis examines the current issues within the food and farming industries through a critical lens. The author’s exploration delves into the detrimental impacts of livestock farming on land use, highlighting unsettling statistics that illustrate the environmental toll. Interestingly, Monbiot reveals that certain forms of organic farming may sometimes exacerbate these negative effects.
However, there is a shift in tone as the book progresses; the second half is dedicated to showcasing sustainable food production practices that offer hope for the future. While these methods are promising, the author underscores the monumental challenges in getting society to adopt them on a large scale. Monbiot not only focuses on agricultural practices but also discusses social issues such as food insecurity and advocates for reduced reliance on animal farming.
The Invention of Essex by Tim Burrows
In The Invention of Essex, Tim Burrows confronts the complex identity of Essex, challenging entrenched stereotypes. The narrative digs deeper than mere surface-level analysis, particularly regarding the county’s political leanings in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Burrows provides a historical context for how Essex has evolved, focusing on how migration patterns, especially from East London, have shaped its demographics and culture. The book also addresses the county’s environmental challenges and touches upon its portrayal in media, including the influence of reality TV. Burrows’ account is both thoughtful and engaging, painting a nuanced picture of Essex and its place within the broader UK landscape.
Attack Warning Red! by Julie McDowall
Attack Warning Red! presents a quirky yet unsettling examination of Britain’s Cold War preparations for a nuclear attack. Julie McDowall recounts her childhood trauma from watching the BBC film Threads, resonating with the chilling reality of governmental preparedness plans that often seem ludicrous in hindsight.
The book highlights various early emergency strategies, some humorously impractical, which included a call for local pub owners to act as alarmists. McDowall’s work serves as a thought-provoking “what if” scenario exploring a historical period that many hope to forget, articulating both the absurdity and the grim reality of these untested contingency plans.
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy offers a poignant monologue from a mother caring for her son, depicting the trials and tribulations of motherhood. The narrative oscillates between the mundanity of daily tasks and the anxiety surrounding a child’s safety, all while exploring the disintegration of her relationship with her husband.
Keenly using the stream-of-consciousness style, Kilroy captures the emotional highs and lows of parenting, presenting both humor and despair. As the story unfolds, the protagonist forges a bond with another caregiver, providing a glimpse into community and shared experiences among parents. This novel is Kilroy’s first in a decade, and it is poised for recognition in upcoming literary awards.