A few weeks back (or more) I was visiting the local library with Emma when I noticed this book featured on a prominent entrance shelf. I was drawn to and intrigued by the idea as the book came with a special, The ONE Book bookmark where the back is left blank for people to fill in and return to the library with their impressions. The bookmark had also a couple of links and details for YourHealthInMind website which made me even more intrigued and curious for a nosey.

Boy, am I glad I picked it! I have read over 100 books this year but this made the most optimistic and invigorating read I had in absolute ages!

An absolute gem of a book centered around the “ordinary” story of a retiree which turns extraordinary by one simple choice: his decision to visit an old friend dying of cancer…Layer upon layer of significance, pain and then redemption and healing are brought upon by Stephen Fry’s spontaneous decision to take a walk across the country to see his friend for the last time. Lives are changed, behavioural patterns are challenged and finally modified. Human character is revealed simply and beautifully, in all its beauty, ridiculousness, tenacity, vulnerability and humour. All in one brilliantly well written, easy to read and deceptively simplistic story line.

I rarely talk about my reads with hubby. But The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry provoked some of the deepest, most meaningful conversations we had post-children :-). And if I was to pick one single thing I found most encouraging in the book is the possibility of redemption, reconciliation and hope even after a tragedy that shatters a family into shards.

YourHealthInMind has a wealth of information for people struggling and being affected (directly or indirectly) by mental illness.  It also has a page that features, among other useful links and resources, mood-boosting book links. If like me, you have been affected by depression but find relief in reading, here is a good place to start, books that give you hope and joy and lift your spirits!