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It’s blog time! I’m back at my desk after a very curious Easter break.

Our holiday flew in, surprisingly. For us, enforced home time means all the jobs around the small-holding that never get tackled are actually getting done. Painting stables, cutting back overgrown bushes in the hen run, sorting the hay shed… the list is never ending but it is getting smaller.

Summer term of home schooling begins today and I am back to editing my novel. It’s hard when the weather is glorious and outside is calling.

Before the holiday I shared my thoughts on “Surfacing” by Kathleen Jamie, today I’ll take you on a flying tour of “The Outrun” by Amy Tiptrot.

Of all the books I have read, this one has given me two of the strongest lasting impressions I’ve ever experienced from reading. My first enduring feeling about of this autobiographical story is admiration for Amy’s ability to tell her story in such a raw way.

Amy bravely shares her battle with alcoholism. She paints her journey on the backdrops of a London life spinning out of control and a return to her birthplace of Orkney. A place that brings its own challenges from her teenage years and early struggle with drinking. It’s a self effacing tale. No holds barred. At times it makes you cry with pity, at times the tears fall with joy.

Layered below this brutally honest portrayal of Amy’s struggle lies an uplifting story of hope. A story about the revitalising power of nature, the transformative power of the human spirit and what we can overcome when our backs are against the wall.

My second enduring feeling from is a real sense of how we can shape our lives beyond our wildest dreams. From such a dark, low place, Amy built herself a new life, a different life, a life full of options and opportunities. Most critically, a life without the demon of drink in control.

Following her story on social media I know her success has continued. She’s an inspirational writer and I can’t recommend “The Outrun” strongly enough. I’m looking forward to her next book. I’m sure she has much more to teach us. For now she’s left me knowing that no matter what I need to change, it’s possible. One step at a time.