Editor’s Diary: Four Non-fiction Summer reads

I’ve often shared book recommendations with readers of this Editor’s Diary.

Most recently, I wrote about novels by women writers that I’ve particularly enjoyed.

Much of the time, I immerse myself in fiction. But I do like non-fiction, too, and have read some crackers over the past few years.

One of my favourite non-fiction genres is travel writing. It’s a great way to learn more about other countries and cultures. And perfect holiday reading if you are heading to the place in which the book is set!

I have a holiday to the south of France on the horizon, which reminds me of just how much I loved Carol Drinkwater’s series of books about her olive farm.

You might remember Carol from her acting days on TV’s “All Creatures Great and Small” – the original version!

Her tales of her life in France on an idyllic olive farm are well written and hugely enjoyable. First in the trilogy is “The Olive Farm” – perfect for a sunny day in the garden!

Another travel trilogy ideal for summer reading is by Chris Stewart. “A Parrot In The Pepper Tree” follows on from “Driving Over Lemons”. It charts the story of Chris’s move with his family to a remote mountain farm in Spain’s Las Alpujarras.

Nature writing

I also love nature writing, and few people do it better than our very own Polly Pullar! “A Scurry Of Squirrels” is Polly’s loving tribute to red squirrels. As a bonus, it contains some wonderful colour photographs of squirrels and other animals.

The last of my four non-fiction recommendations is a bit off the wall!

Shaun Bythell is by the owner of the well-known and enormous second-hand bookshop in Wigtown. “Confessions Of A Bookseller” is a hilarious account of Shaun’s days in the shop and the many memorable customers who pass through its doors. Though it’s perhaps not for those who are easily offended!

I hope you enjoy trying my recommended non-fiction reads!

Read more of Angela’s Editor’s Diary entries here.