Inspiration

The Outsider by Stephen King

When Detective Ralph Anderson decides to arrest Terry Maitland, the town’s popular baseball coach, he’s convinced he’s doing the right thing. There is strong evidence – DNA, fingerprints and several eye witness testimonies – that Terry assaulted and murdered an eleven year old boy. The only problem is that Terry Maitland was somewhere else at the time of the murder and his alibi checks out.

This is Stephen King, so you know that the explanation to this mystery is going to be something supernatural. Stephen King creates real and believable characters and has very unreal things happen to them. You can’t help but to keep reading and be carried along with the adventure.

There’s usually an element of good versus evil to King’s books – real people versus unreal events and this is what I really like about them. I’ve been a fan of Stephen King since I was a teenager, and its very rare that he disappoints me.

It was difficult to pin down a time period for the story. There were few references to mobile phones and the internet, but in a way that was nice. A world away from the intensity of social media and the internet.

Dare to Tri – Louise Minchin

This is Louise Minchin’s memoir about learning to be a triathlete. In the book she talks about training, race days, coping with self doubt and even locking herself in a portaloo.

I don’t usually enjoy memoirs and biographies, but I found this extremely readable. Louise attended the Borderlines Book Festival in Carlisle last year and I went along to listen to her. she was wonderful and the her book has the same friendly and open conversational style.

I found this book inspirational. Louise copes with fears and self doubt, but never gives up – giving examples of world famous athletes who experience the same feelings. Most importantly, its not about winning, or being the best, its about being the best you can be.

I loved the fact that her best, most loyal and dedicated training partner is her dog, Waffle!

Some quotes that I’ve taken away:-

“Winning isn’t everything, and losing shouldn’t stop you trying.”

“Volunted” – Spanish word – sort of meaning willpower, doing anything you set your mind to.

This is a great message for this time of year, with everyone trying to keep their New Year’s Resolutions.