A book written by a native Mandarin speaking author about a protagonist who sets off from her village in China for the bright lights big Beijing. I identified with many themes of longing, loss, romance and dreams. I especially liked the style and I felt it retained the particular essence of a English book written by a native Mandarin speaker. Short excerpt reading included on the part about leaving her hometown. I hope you pick up this book and tell me your thoughts too.

I give my personal thoughts for the repetition of the first stanza in this famous poem, as we celebrate the lunar year of the Tiger. The idea of symmetry signalling genetic superiority is a well-accepted theory, but in this poem I argue that it is through deciphering the tiger’s intention that the unsuspecting man deduces the symmetry of the tiger’s piercing gaze, finding the tiger more fearsome than before.

I think it is important to dream. Sending a little encouragement to all who are struggling to realise their dreams.

The eyes are the windows to your soul. A gaze or a look speak a thousand words. I have found the description ‘your eyes have their silence’ to be a deep comfort in the gaze of strangers whom we never speak to, but understand and are understood by.

My favourite short story from Glennon Doyle’s book “Untamed”. All too often we are quick to judge without first putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. If we did the latter first, we will find that judgment falls away.

From the Tao Te Ching. This poem taught me the method of resilience through inventive ways of thinking and doing about things. Keeping flexible in the spirit is a supreme strength that can be incredibly powerful in these times.

War hero T E Lawrence starts his book 7 pillars of Wisdom with this poem. A poem by a man of wisdom, borne of love for the country he fought for. Admirable qualities of heroism, sacrifice, duty and pride are great human qualities and ones that we should not forget.