Baylis - Clock This - 05/05/07 - 11/05/07

Trevor Baylis, inventor of the clockwork radio (amongst a host of other things), is a very likeable bloke. His autobiography is an interesting read although there is too little detail about the work which went into the clockwork radio for my money. Possibly the most interesting parts of this book come right at the end when he outlines his thoughts about the way in which British inventors could (should?) be helped through an academy. Not many people like Baylis come along in each generation and his story is more evidence that success at school is not always a pre-requisite for being successful later in life. He has achieved success through hard work, some luck, some talent but most of all through being taught (by his father and through experimentation) a number of practical skills.

Goldberg - Bee Season - 30/04/07 - 05/05/07

It's hard to say that this book is an enjoyable read, even though it is undeniably well written. As we follow the journey of a young girl in the curiously American world of spelling bees we also experience the breaking up of her family. She replaces her brother in her father's affections, driving him away. The story of her mother is even more extraordinary - troubling and touching at the same time. If you like an emotional read then this book is for you.

Reynolds - Blood, Sweat and Tea - 29/04/07 - 30/04/07

This book is a collection of blog postings by Tom Reynolds a London Emergency Medical Technician (Ambulance driver). It's a fascinating account of his work and anyone reading it will be left in no doubt about the highs and lows of the work that he does. There are several recurring themes (which tend to be things which get on his nerves and/or make his job difficult) and for the non-healthcare professional many of these are surprising and worrying in almost equal quantities. Just as John Hoskinson's book Inside should be required reading for those involved in crime and punishment, this book should be required reading for those in charge of the Health Service.