Articles by Alice McGurran

28Aug

Book of the Month: The Nervous System Reset by Jessica Maguire

Alice McGurran

body, bookofthemonth, chronicpain, health, nervoussystem, stress, trauma, vagusnerve

Body

We're thrilled to announce our Book of the Month for August 2024 is Jessica Maguire's Nervous System Reset. The physiotherapist went on a mission to understand how the nervous system played into so many of her client's problems – the book is the culmination of that work
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10Jul

Coming of Age: The Life-Long Impact of Adolescence

Alice McGurran

adolescents, school, teenagers, youth

Mind

Adolescence is one of our most pivotal developmental stages, and yet many of us are yet to understand its full impact. Dr Lucy Foulkes takes a deep dive into the latest research in her new book Coming of Age
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26Jun

Book of the Month: Broken Threads by Mishal Husain

Alice McGurran

bookofthemonth, culture, family

Soul

Our Book of the Month for June 2024 is Broken Threads by Mishal Husain. A gripping and compassionate memoir describing the tumultuous and painful history of Partition through the experiences of the author's grandparents
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05Jun

The Types of Narcissism and The Impact of Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships

Alice McGurran

abuse, couples, narcissism, relationships

Relationships

As a society we seem somewhat fascinated by narcissism – but what about those who have suffered in narcissistic relationships? Dr Ramani Durvasula offers a deep dive into the impact of narcissistic abuse and how to recover
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21May

Book of the Month: You Don't Have to be Mad to Work Here by Dr Benji Waterhouse

Alice McGurran

bookofthemonth

Mind

Our Book of the Month is Dr Benji Waterhouse's You Don't Have to be Mad to Work Here. A candid behind-the-scenes look into NHS emergency psychiatry, Waterhouse also gets honest about his personal life and upbringing
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13May

Johann Hari Explores the Benefits and Risks of New Weight Loss Drugs

Alice McGurran

body, health, society, technology

Body

New drugs like Ozempic can suppress appetite and cause significant weight loss. Johann Hari's new book Magic Pill is a personal exploration of the benefits and risks of these drugs
» Read More

10Jan

Book of the Month: Break the Cycle by Dr Mariel Buqué

Alice McGurran

bookofthemonth, complexptsd, family, PTSD, trauma

Mind

Our Welldoing Book of the Month for January 2024 is Dr Mariel Buqué's Break the Cycle, which weaves research, clinical experience and practical exercises into a comprehensive guide to healing intergenerational trauma
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20Dec

Book of the Month: My Life is Art by Emmanuel Jal

Alice McGurran

bookofthemonth, books

Soul

We're thrilled to announce our December Book of the Month is My Life is Art: 11 Pillars for a Positive and Purposeful Life by Emmanuel Jal, former child soldier now international recording artist and peace ambassador
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29Nov

Book of the Month: How to Know a Person by David Brooks

Alice McGurran

bookofthemonth, books, communication, relationships, society

Relationships

Our November Book of the Month is How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks – watch our interview here
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26Jul

Book of the Month: Behind These Doors by Alex South

Alice McGurran

bookofthemonth, books, mensmentalhealth, society, violence

Work

We're thrilled to announce our July Book of the Month as Alex South's Behind These Doors. An empathetic, eye-opening, and important account of life in prison in the UK
» Read More

18May

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: Therapist Tips for Anxiety

Alice McGurran

anxiety, tips

Mind

The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is anxiety. We spoke to Welldoing therapists and counsellors to get their take on managing anxious feelings and thoughts
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20Feb

Watching Horrors Abroad: The Impact of Vicarious Trauma

Alice McGurran

PTSD, trauma

Mind

Witnessing or empathising strongly with events that happen to someone else can result in vicarious trauma. Welldoing therapists share their insights, focusing on the impact of the Ukraine war and earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
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28Oct

Understanding Different Types of Stress and Trauma Responses

Alice McGurran

stress, trauma

Mind

Psychotherapist Katy Georgiou has written a new book, How to Understand and Deal with Stress. Here she speaks to Alice McGurran about different forms of stress and trauma responses, and breaks down the different types of therapy.
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07Oct

Understanding Your Self-Critic and How to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself

Alice McGurran

selfcompassion, selfcriticism

Mind

Psychotherapist Julia Bueno talks to Welldoing's Alice McGurran about self-criticism: where it comes from, why it's so pervasive, and how to overcome the habit of negative self-talk.
» Read More

20Jul

Revealing the Mental Health Effects of Long Covid

Alice McGurran

body, chronicfatigue, coronavirus, health, illness

Body

There are more than 2 million people in the UK suffering the effects of Long Covid. Therapists Elizabeth Turp and Wendy Bristow discuss the mental health effects of this little-understood illness
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19May

Susanna Abse Tells Us the Truth About Love

Alice McGurran

couples, couplestherapy, love, marriage, men, relationships, therapistips, women

Relationships

Psychotherapist Susanna Abse's book Tell Me the Truth About Love is a collection of intimate and enlightening tales from the therapist's couch. Susanna speaks to Alice McGurran about what she's learned about relationships over her 30-year career.
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27Apr

Your Mum and Dad: When Unspoken Pain is Passed Down the Generations

Alice McGurran

childhood, family, film, racism, society, trauma

Relationships

Documentary Your Mum and Dad explores how unresolved pain can be passed down from parents to children. Alice McGurran talks to director Klaartje Quirijns and psychoanalyst Michael Moskowitz about their family stories of grief and trauma.
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28Feb

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2022: A Therapist and A Client Share Their Expertise

Alice McGurran

anorexia, bingeeating, body, bulimia, eatingdisorders, health

Mind

Alice McGurran speaks to eating disorder specialist therapist Harriet Frew and founder of #dumpthescales campaign Hope Virgo for Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2022.
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23Feb

The Mental Health Impact of No More Covid Restrictions

Alice McGurran

coronavirus, society

Mind

All Covid restrictions are being lifted in England from Thursday. We spoke to welldoing.org therapists and counsellors to find out how this might affect the nation's mental health.
» Read More

23Feb

Michelle Elman: Why You Need to Set Boundaries

Alice McGurran

boundaries, experienceofcoaching

Relationships

Life coach Michelle Elman first learnt about setting boundaries in her own coaching experience. She has now written The Joy of Being Selfish to help others.
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21Jan

Jo Love Tells Us Why Therapy is Magic

Alice McGurran

experienceoftherapy

Mind

In this interview with Welldoing's Alice McGurran, Jo Love explains the impact therapy has had on her life. Jo offers tips to anyone wondering how to find the right therapist, and for anyone struggling in therapy.
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05Jan

Jonny Benjamin and Beyond: The Importance of Protecting Young People's Mental Health

Alice McGurran

children, coronavirus, society, teenagers, youth

Mind

Alice McGurran spoke to Jonny Benjamin MBE and CEO Louisa Rose about youth mental health charity Beyond's upcoming mental health festival.
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08Sep

Why Do We Still Get that Back to School Feeling As Adults?

Alice McGurran

self

Mind

Even as adults, we might get that back-to-school feeling, keen to embrace new routines and a fresh start. This time of year also sees an increase in people seeking therapy and counselling – Alice McGurran spoke to some of our members to find out more.
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31Jan

An Interview with Dr Ryan Martin: Why We Get Angry

Alice McGurran

anger, emotions, society, video

Mind

In this interview, we talk to Dr Ryan Martin, an anger researcher and psychology professor, about the individual, social and gender-based dynamics that contribute to our different anger experiences
» Read More

26May

Tony Slattery and the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma

Alice McGurran

abuse, addiction, alcohol, bipolar, celebrity, childhood, CSA, trauma, TV

Mind

What's the Matter with Tony Slattery? is an exploration into the complexity of mental health issues. The documentary follows Slattery as he tries to understand his mental health: what is at the root of his long-term struggles?
» Read More

01Apr

Welldoing.org Coronavirus Mental Health Advice

Alice McGurran

anxiety, coronavirus, health, stress, tips, wellbeing

Mind

Our 8 mental health tips to help you manage the coronavirus crisis
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18Mar

Boosting Emotional Resilience in the Face of Coronavirus

Alice McGurran

anxiety, coronavirus, resilience, selfcare, wellbeing

Mind

At this time of the coronavirus pandemic, it's important to use tried-and-tested tools to calm anxious thoughts and boost emotional resilience
» Read More

17Mar

Therapist Advice if Coronavirus has Triggered Health Anxiety and OCD

Alice McGurran

anxiety, coronavirus, health, healthanxiety, OCD, selfcare, society

Mind

The coronavirus outbreak has triggered health anxiety and exacerbated OCD symptoms in many. Our welldoing.org therapists share their practical tips to managing health anxiety at this challenging time.
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04Jun

What is Burnout?

Alice McGurran

burnout, stress, therapy, work

Mind

WHO has recently recognised burnout as a syndrome, characterised by exhaustion and reduced professional efficacy. We spoke to welldoing.org therapists who specialise in burnout
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04Mar

The Prodigy Front Man Keith Flint Takes Own Life

Alice McGurran

men, mensmentalhealth, suicide

Mind

Keith Flint, frontman of pioneering The Prodigy, has taken his own life. What are the symptoms of depression, and what makes someone vulnerable to suicide?
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20Feb

Q&A with Phoebe Smith: Calm's Sleep Storyteller in Residence

Alice McGurran

health, insomnia, sleep, wellbeing

Soul

Calm is a hugely popular meditation and mindfulness app, with a library of sleep stories designed to help you get the best rest. We spoke to Calm's sleep storyteller-in-residence Phoebe Smith
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15Feb

Young&Mindful: Magazine Dedicated to Teens and Young People

Alice McGurran

health, society, teenagers, wellbeing

Soul

Young&Mindful, from the creators of Planet Mindful, is dedicated to supporting teenagers and young people with mental and emotional health, relationships, and more
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17Jan

Celebrities Talking about Mental Health: Does it Help?

Alice McGurran

campaign, experienceoftherapy, society, therapy

Mind

We're seeing more and more celebrities talking about mental health and therapy: does this help others who are struggling? We speak to therapists and therapy clients
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15Jan

Are More Men Seeing Therapists?

Alice McGurran

men, mensmentalhealth, society, therapy

Mind

Welldoing.org therapists are seeing more men enter their therapy rooms: why the change?
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30Nov

New Research Shows Benefit of Mindfulness Techniques in Schools

Alice McGurran

children, education, health, mindfulness, school, society, teenagers

Mind

Classes on mindfulness, relationships, resilience, emotional health and wellbeing are improving teenage mental health across schools in England
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26Oct

Tyson Fury Opens Up About Struggles With Depression

Alice McGurran

addiction, depression, sport

Mind

2015 heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has spoken about his battle with depression and substance abuse, which overwhelmed him after personal success
» Read More

03Oct

Jonny Benjamin's New Charity to Bring Mental Health into Schools

Alice McGurran

campaign, charity, children, education, school, society, teenagers

Mind

Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn have founded a charity, Beyond Shame, Beyond Stigma, to help schoolchildren deal with mental health problems
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06Jul

Domestic Violence Spikes During World Cup

Alice McGurran

abuse, domesticviolence, relationships, society, sport

Relationships

The World Cup sees huge increases reports of domestic violence, whether or not England lose. What are the warning signs of domestic abuse, and where can you find support?
» Read More

12Jun

How Do I Know Which Type of Therapy is Right for Me?

Alice McGurran

anxiety, cbt, counselling, depression, emdr, hypnotherapy, PTSD, therapy, trauma

Mind

There are hundreds of different types of therapy, and many of us are confused about how to choose. Alice McGurran outlines the different options
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16May

Why Do Some People Get More Stressed Than Others?

Alice McGurran

brain, childhood, emotions, health, neuroscience, relationships, self, stress, wellbeing

Mind

We all experience stress, but why do some people seem to get more stressed than others? Alice McGurran explains
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27Apr

Wellcome Book Prize 2018: With the End in Mind

Alice McGurran

death, Wellcomebookprize

Soul

Wellcome Book Prize 2018 finalist, With the End in Mind, is a beautifully crafted collection of stories about dying and death in the present day
» Read More

27Mar

This is Why We Need to Talk More about Grief

Alice McGurran

bereavement, family, grief, men

Relationships

Bereavement counsellor Julia Samuel and marital therapist Andrew G Marshall were two speakers at a ground-breaking event on grief
» Read More

08Nov

Why We Feel Shame and How to Let it Go

Alice McGurran

anger, childhood, emotions, guilt, parenting, relationships, self, shame

Mind

How do you know the difference between guilt and shame, and why is shame such a stumbling block in our lives? Alice McGurran reports
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17Oct

The Neuroscience of Emotions

Alice McGurran

anger, anxiety, brain, emotions, love, neuroscience, self

Mind

What are the physical changes that lead to your emotions? Alice McGurran provides a short guide to the neuroscience of emotions
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26Sep

Am I Addicted to My Phone?

Alice McGurran

addiction, brain, neuroscience, self, socialmedia, society, technology

Mind

Reliance on smartphones is so intense that some people fear they have developed an addiction. Welldoing.org's Alice McGurran looks at the latest research in smartphone use
» Read More

18Sep

Common Relationship Problems: How Therapy Can Help

Alice McGurran

communication, couples, father, love, marriage, men, mother, relationships, sex, women

Relationships

Trust, communication, addiction, and parenthood: Alice McGurran talks to welldoing.org therapist about common relationship problems and couples counselling
» Read More

24Aug

Work-Related Mental Health Issues: How Therapy Can Help

Alice McGurran

anxiety, career, men, stress, therapy, women, work

Work

Therapy or counselling can help with issues that arise from work-related stress. Alice McGurran talks to experienced therapists about it.
» Read More

16Aug

6 Tips for Parents on A-Level Results Day

Alice McGurran

education, father, mother, parenting, school, teenagers, tips

Relationships

Tips for parents whose teenage children are getting their A-Level results this week, to help avoid conflict and offer support
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19May

Does Social Media Harm Teens' Mental Health?

Alice McGurran

anxiety, bodyimage, loneliness, parenting, socialmedia, society, technology, teenagers

Mind

Instagram and Snapchat have been identified as most harmful of the social media platforms in a survey of teens released by the Royal Society for Public Health
» Read More

04May

Aaron Lennon and the Fight for Mental Health

Alice McGurran

anxiety, depression, men, society, sport, stress

Mind

Footballer Aaron Lennon is currently being treated for a stress-related condition. Growing numbers of footballers are seeking support for anxiety, depression and stress. We explore why
» Read More

26Apr

The Lasting Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Alice McGurran

abuse, brain, childhood, CSA, films, health, parenting, resilience, science, stress, trauma

Body

A new film directed by James Redford, Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope, explores the childhood events that affect our adult health, from smoking to obesity to heart disease
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19Apr

How Bacteria and Microbes Protect Our Health

Alice McGurran

autism, book, depression, gut, health, science

Body

Ed Yong's I Contain Multitudes is a fascinating exploration of how microbes affect us and the world around us. It is shortlisted in the Wellcome Book Prize 2017
» Read More

12Apr

Wellcome Book Prize 2017: The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Alice McGurran

books, science, Wellcomebookprize

Soul

The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee is a non-fiction book shortlisted in the Wellcome Book Prize 2017. It explores the history of gene science, and the author's own family experience of genetic inheritance
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22Mar

Wellcome Book Prize 2017: Mend the Living by Maylis de Kerangal

Alice McGurran

books, Wellcomebookprize

Soul

Mend the Living is a novel shortlisted in the Wellcome Book Prize 2017. It focuses on the response to a life-threatening accident and takes place over 24 hours
» Read More

14Mar

Wellcome Book Prize 2017: Shortlist Announced

Alice McGurran

books, Wellcomebookprize

Mind

The Wellcome Book Prize celebrates works of fiction and non-fiction that touch on the subjects of science, medicine and health. The 2017 shortlist was announced today
» Read More

14Feb

Why it Feels Right to be Single on Valentine's Day

Alice McGurran

identity, relationships, self, single

Relationships

This is the first Valentine's Day Alice McGurran has been single since she was 17. But she's not sad; she has finally started to feel happy alone
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24Nov

Football Opens Up About Child Sex Abuse

Alice McGurran

abuse, CSA, society, sport

Mind

Following the revelations by footballer Andy Woodward about his abuse as a teen by paedophile coach Barry Bennell, therapists explain the long-term effects of child sex abuse
» Read More

09Nov

The Psychology of Donald Trump's Election

Alice McGurran

brain, psychology, society

Mind

The election of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States was a shock to many in the US and around the world. What do we know about the psychology of this divisive candidate and his followers
» Read More

11Oct

Why Peer-Support is Key to Mental Health

Alice McGurran

health, men, society, therapy, women

Mind

Talk for Health is a free programme that teaches peer-support groups the basics of therapeutic talk to improve emotional and mental health in the individual and the community
» Read More

03Sep

How Parkour Protects Mental Health

Alice McGurran

depression, exercise, men, women

Mind

Parkour is a free-ranging form of adventure and exercise. Having tried it, Alice McGurran believes parkour could be great for your mental health too
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29Aug

3 Signs You May Be Living with Chronic Guilt

Alice McGurran

family, guilt, relationships, self

Mind

If you are prone to feeling guilty even if it's not your fault, you may be suffering from chronic guilt. Alice McGurran, who struggles with guilty feelings, explains what to look out for
» Read More

04Jul

How We Make New Memories

Alice McGurran

brain

Mind

Ever wonder why it's easier to remember some things than others? Recent research in neuroscience has shown you have to be in the right frame of mind to make new memories
» Read More

24Jun

What Anxiety Does to Your Brain

Alice McGurran

anxiety, brain

Mind

The Brexit referendum result will leave many feeling anxious, but what does anxiety actually do to your brain?
» Read More

10May

The Maya Centre: Helping Women Break Cycles of Abuse and Violence

Alice McGurran

abuse, counselling, therapy, women

Mind

The Maya Centre has recently launched the My Voice project, where women share their stories of abuse, violence and neglect, and how therapy has helped them break the cycle
» Read More

26Apr

Wellcome Book Prize 2016 Winner: Suzanne O'Sullivan

Alice McGurran

books, illness, Wellcomebookprize

Soul

Suzanne O'Sullivan's debut book, about psychosomatic illness, won the 2016 Wellcome Book Prize
» Read More

06Apr

Protecting Mental Health in the Startup World

Alice McGurran

anxiety, career, culture, depression, society, startups

Work

Welldoing held an event about mental health in the startup world at Campus London, to hear founders share their stories of mental health difficulties and give advice to others starting up
» Read More

31Mar

Wellcome Book Prize 2016: Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism by Steve Silberman

Alice McGurran

autism, books, Wellcomebookprize

Mind

Steve Silberman's enlightened and compassionate history of autism has been shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize 2016
» Read More

23Jan

Ruby Wax's Sane New World

Alice McGurran

brain, depression, meditation, mindfulness

Mind

Welldoing.org went along to see Ruby Wax's show Sane New World currently running at the Arts Theatre in London
» Read More

14Oct

Can Schizophrenia be Prevented?

Alice McGurran

brain, schizophrenia

Mind

A new study, published today in the American Journal of Psychiatry, has discovered brain activity which could make schizophrenia a preventable condition.
» Read More

13Sep

5 Tips if You Are Starting University This Year

Alice McGurran

anxiety, depression, society, student, tips, university, wellbeing

Work

You will have been told repeatedly that university will be the best time of your life. Fingers crossed that's true, but here's five things to know which will hopefully make your first year go smoothly.
» Read More

24Jun

The Value of Connection

Alice McGurran

couple, love, psychology, retreats, self, society, wellbeing

Soul

At Elena Angel's Ultimate Connection retreat at the Inner Guidance centre, I learnt how to enhance communication and connection with my loved ones, by connecting with total strangers.
» Read More

13May

Mental Health Awareness Week 2015: Q&A with Ed Halliwell

Alice McGurran

meditation, mindfulness, self, society, wellbeing

Soul

For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation is focusing on mindfulness. We asked renowned mindfulness teacher and author Ed Halliwell what he thought about this initiative, and for advice on successful mindfulness practice.
» Read More

29Apr

Wellcome Book Prize Winner 2015: The Iceberg by Marion Coutts

Alice McGurran

books, culture, family, Wellcomebookprize

Soul

Marion Coutts was tonight awarded the Wellcome Book Prize 2015 for The Iceberg, published by Atlantic Books. Welldoing attended the special announcement ceremony held in the Wellcome Collection's new Reading Room.
» Read More

26Apr

How Being Closer to Death is Good for Us

Alice McGurran

care, death, family, mortality, society

Soul

Mortician Caitlin Doughty spoke to Claudia Hammond at the recent Barbican Open Salon event, in association with Canongate books. Here is what she has to say about constantly evolving death culture in our society.
» Read More

23Apr

Wellcome Book Prize 2015: Bodies of Light by Sarah Moss

Alice McGurran

books, culture, family

Soul

The Wellcome Book Prize is an annual award, open to works of fiction and non-fiction which to be eligible must have a theme which focuses on health, illness or medicine. The last of our reviews of the shortlisted texts looks at Bodies of Light by Sarah Moss. The winner will be announced next week.
» Read More

17Apr

Wellcome Book Prize 2015: The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being by Alice Roberts

Alice McGurran

books, culture, Wellcomebookprize

Soul

Next in our series of Wellcome Book Prize Shortlist 2015 reviews, learn where you came from with The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being by Alice Roberts. It's an entertaining, mind-expanding romp through the fields of embryology, genetics and zoology, which will leave most readers far better-educated than they started out
» Read More