Continuing our autumnal posts, let ÒR inspire you:But what to read? we stock a lovingly curated collection of fiction and non-fiction books, so we’ve compiled an autumn reading list fresh for 2019.

The six books, chosen personally by our founder Jen, are a diverse selection with something for everyone: travel writing, poetry, children’s books – they’re all here.

But for all their differences, a certain type of magic weaves its way through every single one of them: all are so beautiful they almost tingle in your hands, and all are infused with a spirit of adventure and creativity. Perfect for a bit of armchair exploring on an autumn afternoon.

And maybe good for Christmas presents too?

They’re all (plus more!) in the bigger Portree shop

ÒR AUTUMN READING LIST

Walking

One Step at a Time

by Erling Kagge

For: outdoorspeople with a philosophical bent

‘Life is prolonged when you walk. Walking expands time rather than collapses it.’ – Erling Kagge

Translated from Norwegian, this small book is formed into something like a diary, an ongoing think-piece on what the simple act of walking really is. And Erling Kagge should know: he’s the first explorer to reach the North Pole, the South Pole and the summit of Mount Everest!

Great Goddesses

Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters

by Nikita Gill

For: all women; lovers of modern poetry and Greek mythology

‘After all, what is more powerful than

women who know all about

the blessed fires inside them that grow’ – Nikita Gill

A work of powerful magical creativity, poet Nikita Gill has reworked Greek myths into dreamy modern poetry, prose & illustration exploring women’s power. The figures of Persephone, Athena and Medusa are all conjured up, as well as lesser-knowns like Hippolyta (Amazon queen) and Metis (Goddess of Cunning).

The Frayed Atlantic Edge

A Historian’s Journey from Shetland to the Channel

By David Gange

For: adventurers through place & history

‘Coastal pasts allow us to recognise the intertwining of human and ocean worlds as well as the many trajectories that have led our communities to this fractured present.’ – David Gange

In this intrepid travel book historian David Gange kayaks around the Atlantic coast of Britain and Ireland. A journey from north to south, it’s Scotland that we are most fascinated by: follow as he weaves through the sea caverns of Shetland, sleeps among crofting ruins on Barra, and paddles with otters around the west of our island, Skye. Discover the bedrock of history, poetry and people as he goes.

Scotland’s Winter Mountains with One Axe

By Garry Smith

For: mountaineers, climbers & experienced hill walkers

‘The inexplicable feeling of wellbeing that only occurs during periods of high pressure in Scotland’s winter mountains’ – quotation from Garry Smith

This book is so wintry it’s practically blue. Calling itself ‘a guidebook of sorts’ mountaineer Garry Smith details 30 one day single axe climbing itineraries up Scottish mountains (including two on Skye) that look breath-taking in every sense of the word.

The Fate of Fausto

A Children’s Fable

By Oliver Jeffers

For: children – partly

‘There was once a man who believed he owned everything…’ – Oliver Jeffers

A children’s tale that stays with you regardless of your age, The Fate of Fausto is the gorgeously illustrated allegorical story of Fausto, a moustachioed man of apparently unlimited machismo who sets out to own the world. A profound children’s fable with grownup implications, the lithographic illustrations are pieces of art.

Creative Spaces

By Ted Vadakan & Angie Myung with Gregory Han

For: interiors buffs

‘A creative’s space is a living and breathing thing, evolving and reflective of its occupants.’ – Ted Vadakan & Angie Myung

The founders of a successful US art & design firm Poketo travel to the homes of designers, ceramicists, architects and more to peek into their interesting, endlessly stylish lives, revealing just a little of what makes them tick. Inspiring.

Which one of our Autumn reading list interests you? Come to our shop in Portree to browse the full collection and many more.

-ÒR x