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The untranslatable word ‘ama’, which in Japanese means ‘women of the sea’, refers to the legendary female free divers of Japan and Korea. I spotted it in one of my favourite bookshops in Bristol: Arnolfini. I love going there to leaf through their books and magazines (and the children’s literature...

I reviewed Adam Beck’s book on bilingualism four years ago (here) and recently came across another of his publications titled Bilingual Success Stories Around the World. This time the author interviewed 26 families for tips and advice for their bilingual success. It’s divided into three main sections: early years, primary...

After reading the books about Steep Holm and Weston-super-Mare by Rosie and Howard Smith, I was very intrigued to read their other publication on the north part of the Somerset coast.  The story starts in Worlebury, then moves to Kewstoke, Sand Bay through to Yatton, Clevedon, and Ladye Bay. Then...

“When it comes to bilingualism, something is always better than nothing.” (p. 127) I like reading books on bilingualism; they provide me with inspiration and motivation when it comes to raising my own children bilingually. This book reminded me that bilingualism doesn’t just happen, it requires parents and family to...

When you think about Weston-super-Mare, you don’t think about it in terms of a holiday riviera or the most sought-after sea-side town. However, the book Western-super-Mare by Rosie and Howard Smith, is a beautifully illustrated alternative guide, which may inspire you to visit, and look at it from a completely...

To be honest with you, I wasn’t expecting much from The Lido. I read a short synopsis and wasn’t intrigued by it, but decided to read it anyway, as I love swimming. However, when I started reading the novel, on almost every page, I became more and more interested in...

After reading Peter Wohlleben’s first publication The Hidden Life of Trees (reviewed here), I wanted to learn more about his second book The Inner Life of Animals. And I wasn’t disappointed. The Inner Life of Animals is a fascinating read, a true eye-opener to the world of animals. The book...

What travel guides / reading companions did I use for my travels to North Wales? I read a couple of books and analysed the OS map. I also checked online reviews, websites, blogs and forums, but the paper books were my main source of inspiration. Wild Guide to Wales This...

Language learning never stops. No matter how much you know, there will always be more to learn. (p. 2) I had been waiting to read / use such a book for a while. It’s a very pleasant read yet it contains all the essential practicalities of foreign language learning. One...

“When I go around Poland my impressions are shallow. They are handicapped by my incomprehension. I’m locked-out from the poetry, from the small print. Being an outsider here is good for some things – I’m curious, unjaded, on edge – but bad for one thing in particular: I can’t hear...