Blog

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems," by Kevin McManus was published in December 2024 with an updated volume in June 2025 here at ShadowScript Publications. I'd like to focus in this second review post on aspects of home/belonging and displacement whilst again touching off some of the themes I reviewed in my last critique. The poet comprehensively explores the concept of home and belonging, presenting it not merely as a physical location but as a complex interplay of personal history, ancestral ties, memory, and emotional connection, often tinged with loss and the struggle for a sense of place. <figure id="figure-2hh7w7xkjmcrzkse7"><img id="2hh7w7xkjmcrzkse7" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2161615395/photo/tranquil-moments-at-the-cottage.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=mi1bcknq20WgwU93-wGl1OSnnD0rS10iAs1wau4QfXQ=" alt="Tranquil Moments at the Cottage" title="Tranquil Moments at the Cottage" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2161615395/photo/tranquil-moments-at-the-cottage.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=mi1bcknq20WgwU93-wGl1OSnnD0rS10iAs1wau4QfXQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Here are the key ways the book explores this concept: Home as a Personal and Familial Legacy: The dedication itself establishes a familial connection to the author's father, Kevin McManus (1939-2024). The poem "In your shadow, I walk" directly links the concept of home to the presence and memory of a father, where his boots "held the shape of him" and the spade leans idle, rough as his hand once was. The father's wisdom, a "baritone" and "low song of his unspoken care," advises, "Keep the ground close, boy, It will hold you when I cannot," suggesting that the land is a foundational aspect of belonging, even after death. What evocative writing! The Pain of Emigration and Displacement: <figure id="figure-8p6wt5ybaomcrzmar5"><img id="8p6wt5ybaomcrzmar5" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2086778196/photo/refugees-and-immigrants-looking-for-a-new-hope-in-life-silhouette-column-of-migrants-passing.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=xxPmk9xlqml2aJSUbgPNwZLdjJ_KmJAShH-EGkavNTw=" alt="Refugees and immigrants looking for a new hope in life. Silhouette. Column of migrants passing through a tunnel." title="Refugees and immigrants looking for a new hope in life. Silhouette. Column of migrants passing through a tunnel." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2086778196/photo/refugees-and-immigrants-looking-for-a-new-hope-in-life-silhouette-column-of-migrants-passing.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=xxPmk9xlqml2aJSUbgPNwZLdjJ_KmJAShH-EGkavNTw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Forced Departure: "The bridge of sorrows" vividly portrays the anguish of leaving Donegal, with "mother's cries upon the bridge" haunting emigrants in their new lives. This underscores home as a place of profound emotional attachment, the severance from which causes lasting pain. Struggle and Loss Abroad: Poems like "North wall" depict the difficult reality of Irish emigrants rebuilding post-war London, where "days blurred into nights in the haze of smoky bars". Home becomes "not a place, but a tapestry woven from the threads of half-forgotten memories," indicating an internal shift in the concept of home when the physical one is left behind. I know this is a theme Kevin has returned to in his recent writing. Lingering Displacement: "Lost souls" describes a man who left Mayo for London, facing hardships and eventually succumbing to alcohol, unable to return home for holidays or funerals, his "dreams of a long-gone family" persisting in doss houses. This portrays a tragic loss of belonging, where the emigrant is neither fully at home in the new land nor able to return to the old. Ambiguous Homecoming: The conversation in "Sacred Heart" between a visitor and his brother, with questions like "Are you home for long?" and "Come home to what? Where is that?" highlights the complex and often painful reality that even returning physically does not guarantee a return to a lost sense of belonging. Home as Memory and the Weight of the Past:<figure id="figure-ltodxgqgt9mcrzmvy0"><img id="ltodxgqgt9mcrzmvy0" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2159146217/photo/blur-interior-design-background-illuminated-by-sunlight.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=WbZHFFSNp5S_zrU5JaaXyASTjJEYMLpx2SfhDKipL3A=" alt="Blur interior design background illuminated by sunlight" title="Blur interior design background illuminated by sunlight" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2159146217/photo/blur-interior-design-background-illuminated-by-sunlight.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=WbZHFFSNp5S_zrU5JaaXyASTjJEYMLpx2SfhDKipL3A=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Fading Memories: "Like dust in the wind" describes a childhood departure, a scene replayed "over and over again until the picture would finally fade," emphasising how memories of home, though cherished, can be lost to time. Haunting Absence: "Lost places" describes a house where "childish laughter echoed through its halls" and "secrets shared at the fire," which eventually becomes "no longer a home" due to emigration and abandonment. The absence of people transforms the physical structure, demonstrating how belonging is tied to shared human experience. Loneliness of a Lost Home: In "A Winter's Tale," an old man returns to a home devoid of loved ones, finding "no cards upon the floor" and only "photos of loved ones no longer there," illustrating that home is profoundly defined by the presence of people. "A distant prayer" similarly shows a man lost in a London pub, haunted by "memories of home," reinforcing that belonging is often tied to people and past moments. Decay and No Redemption: "No redemption" paints a stark picture of a dilapidated home and barren land, a "place where love was lost, and hope was torn and exiled". The decay of the physical space mirrors the internal desolation, suggesting that some homes are beyond repair, and the land itself can embody pain and decay, offering no solace or belonging. Home as a Sanctuary and Source of Solace: <figure id="figure-almdhmlizhmcrzny44"><img id="almdhmlizhmcrzny44" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2170930763/photo/patio.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=sqKQ6hseq1UTPypwx8tp0qnG1nAso6MAP25uyJMzy10=" alt="Patio" title="Patio" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Quiet Respite: "Querencia" evokes a serene connection to a garden and land, treasuring "the evanescent time we shared," implying that home is a place of peace and cherished moments. Intellectual and Emotional Comfort: "The bookshop" is described as a "sanctuary from the storm," where one can "lose oneself" in the "warm word embrace," suggesting that belonging can also be found in spaces that offer intellectual and emotional comfort, providing a temporary escape from the "daily grind". Resilience and Light in Darkness: In "In the deep dark Winter," the instruction to "keep the light within, hang on to each other, carry each other through, find the pathway home" implies that home and belonging can be maintained through community, resilience, and inner strength during difficult times. The "Candle" in the window serves as a "beacon for the lost and the alone," symbolising hope and guidance for those seeking a sense of home. Rootedness in Place: "On Garadice shore" concludes with a desire "to try and make sense of self, to be rooted to this old ground on a lake shore," explicitly stating the yearning for a firm sense of belonging to a specific place. -Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, PhD ©

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems," by Kevin McManus (Review 2)

Poetry - dictionary definition highlighted

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems," by Kevin McManus was published in December 2024 here at ShadowScript Publications. The book is structured thematically by season, moving from January-February through to November-December, with each section containing multiple poems. The verses frequently explore Irish landscapes and cultural touchstones, reflecting on themes of loss, memory, nature, the passage of time, and spirituality. Additionally, the document includes an author biography, highlighting McManus's other published works and literary awards, and noting that one of the poems, "Lost Souls," was adapted into a short film. The poems in the collection are deeply shaped by the interwoven themes of nature, tradition, and personal loss, demonstrating how these elements define human experience, memory, and the spiritual landscape.<figure id="figure-650v0u9kymcnrpq7i"><img id="650v0u9kymcnrpq7i" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/492099924/photo/trees-in-spring-summer-autumn-and-winter.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Y6ERgu8CloMBBYGh8jxkWW3Y2y6YgqTVLXvDAhjeRNQ=" alt="Trees in spring, summer, autumn and winter" title="Trees in spring, summer, autumn and winter" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/492099924/photo/trees-in-spring-summer-autumn-and-winter.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Y6ERgu8CloMBBYGh8jxkWW3Y2y6YgqTVLXvDAhjeRNQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Nature's Pervasive Presence and CyclesNature is not merely a backdrop but an active participant and mirror in the poems, reflecting human emotions and the relentless passage of time. Seasonal Rhythms and Life Cycles: The book's structure itself follows the months of the year, from January-February to November-December, emphasising nature's cyclical patterns. Poems like "January sky" depict "life sleeps within branch and black earth" and "the days duel against the retreating night, a sabre raised towards the Spring light". "Brigid’s day" celebrates the "earth is slowly reawakening," with "green shoots pushing up through the frozen earth" and "Spring is closer". "The death of a daffodil" explicitly states the cycle of life and return: "I must die and return, when the harsh winds will blow once more". "September" marks the "light is weakening, with the sun retreating" and "Growth is slowing as the leaves are falling," signifying autumn's arrival. The "Autumnal equinox" in "The light of the water" notes "the darkness is consuming the light" but promises "the light, it will return". The "Solstice, the feast of the risen sun," celebrates "the shortest day, the darkness before the dawn," symbolising rebirth and the continuation of the "cycle continues, the wheel keeps turning". Landscape as Companion and WitnessThe natural environment frequently serves as a setting for reflection and solace. "Our lakes are our seas" describes inland waters as a source of "solace in the quietude of ripples" where "its ebb and flow synchronise with the tone of our thoughts". A shed, with its "weathered boards sag[ging] under the weight of years," and "paint peeling away like memories of fading moments," shows "a quiet kind of poetry in the shed's slow surrender to time, a poignant beauty born from the graceful acceptance of impermanence". Even in decay, nature claims its stake, with "tenacious vines snake their way through cracks in the wood" and "a family of sparrows deliver life within the dying walls". This highlights nature's relentless process of decay and renewal.<figure id="figure-2xslygvsc8mcnrqp3h"><img id="2xslygvsc8mcnrqp3h" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2184971805/photo/mature-couple-hike-in-meadow-in-autumn.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=awqdMSKL_laOUH7S-SOQ-jbtqc60kt1UvF-i8-LBP14=" alt="Mature couple hike in meadow in autumn" title="Mature couple hike in meadow in autumn" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2184971805/photo/mature-couple-hike-in-meadow-in-autumn.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=awqdMSKL_laOUH7S-SOQ-jbtqc60kt1UvF-i8-LBP14=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Sensory Engagement with NatureThe poems often evoke nature through vivid sensory details. "A cold wind from the lake" brings a "bitter wind coming up from the lake would skin you". "The smell of opened earth, stained with blood and diesel" in "Opened ground" roots the narrative in a raw, physical landscape. The "heavy smell of damp burning wood" drifts across the valley in "The hare’s corner". Enduring Threads of Tradition Tradition, encompassing ancient beliefs, cultural practices, and historical echoes, deeply grounds the collection in a sense of place and heritage. Pagan and Ancient Lore: Many poems connect to pre-Christian Irish and other ancient traditions. "A pagan place" describes "hallowed ground" where "the veil is thin at the borderlands," fostering a "connection with those who were rooted to the same places in the past," listing significant historical sites like Uisneach, Tara, and Bru na Boinne. Samhain is presented as "the thinning of the veil," the "end of the old year" where "time is entangled in the spiritual demesne" and "the fairy host and the faithful departed gather as the portals are opened". Brigid's Day (Imbolg) is celebrated as the "reawakening" of the earth, invoking the "exalted goddess of healers and poets". Bealtaine involves lighting "fires on Uisneach hill to purify the driven herd and preserve the ancient lore" and "maypole dancers". Lughnasadh is an "assembly for the sun god Lugh," a "celebration of the battle won for the harvest" with "an offering of the first fruits" and "tying clooties to the hawthorn branch for healing". The Solstice is presented as a "feast of the risen sun," marking the "rebirth of Mitra" and the Yule log's fire to "sanctify the dying year," aligning with practices like Odin's nocturnal flights and animal slaughter for winter feasts.<figure id="figure-p9vkvzeahomcnrro8c"><img id="p9vkvzeahomcnrro8c" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1756055247/photo/lit-menorah-on-dining-table-with-jewish-family-celebrating-hanukkah-in-the-background.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=i4BV4RV0RBrT5Q8lYL4crXfJhUg_dsXNFWHnI4BHnOE=" alt="Lit menorah on dining table with Jewish family celebrating Hanukkah in the background." title="Lit menorah on dining table with Jewish family celebrating Hanukkah in the background." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1756055247/photo/lit-menorah-on-dining-table-with-jewish-family-celebrating-hanukkah-in-the-background.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=i4BV4RV0RBrT5Q8lYL4crXfJhUg_dsXNFWHnI4BHnOE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Religious and Cultural PracticesChristian elements are also present, often intertwined with older beliefs. "A Wednesday of ashes" hints at the Christian season of Lent. "The holy well" describes rituals like "circling the stones in the direction of the sun, drinking or washing in the waters, a cloth, tied to the branch of the rag tree". "Sacred Heart" depicts "crosses and relics on the wall" and a "sacred heart lit up," indicating Catholic religious imagery. "All soul’s night" refers to "a prayer book bestrode a wooden hall stand" and "libations for the holy ground," acknowledging the departed. Folklore and MythThe collection features specific references to Irish folklore and mythology. "The grey ridge" mentions the "Tuatha de Danann," "Dobhar chu," "Fir Bolg," "Maeve," and "Fairies" from Sheemore and Sheebeg, grounding the landscapes in mythical narratives. The poem "Deirdre and Naoise" retells the tragic Irish myth of love and death.<figure id="figure-ej3ssizwrpmcnrsmi4"><img id="ej3ssizwrpmcnrsmi4" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/874231802/photo/cherry-blossom-trees.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TYXyL8Mm5bTlHU-yamweiBGNpwubyerHMIfzDdSqHEI=" alt="Cherry blossom trees" title="Cherry blossom trees" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/874231802/photo/cherry-blossom-trees.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TYXyL8Mm5bTlHU-yamweiBGNpwubyerHMIfzDdSqHEI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Everyday Cultural LifeTradition is also found in mundane details, like "the eighteen bells solemnly sway" on the radio in "Turn the radio on". "An Fainleog" evokes a sense of nostalgic Irish life with its reference to "Sunday roast" and the popular TV show Glenroe. The Weight of Personal Loss Personal loss is a profound and recurring theme, exploring grief, absence, the fading of memories, and the impact of separation and mortality. Grief and Absence: The book opens with "In your shadow, I walk," a poignant dedication to the author's late father. It describes the tangible absence: "his boots by the door, held the shape of him; silent, unmoving," and the earth that "holds him, soft earth cradling the weight of his years". "A Winter’s Tale" starkly portrays an old man's isolation, surrounded by "photos of loved ones no longer there," ultimately leading to his own demise. Fading Memories and RegretThe passage of time often brings the pain of fading memories and regret. "Time, the clock upon the wall" directly addresses the loss of youth and vitality in an aging woman, whose "precious memories fading slow," as "time it is a silent thief and old age has laid its hand upon her". In "A Wednesday of ashes," a man is haunted by "fragments of a past he can't quite escape," reflecting on "dreams shattered like shards of glass" and a lost love from "forty years or more" ago, lamenting "what could have been". "Like dust in the wind" encapsulates how childhood memories "disappeared like dust in the wind," replayed "over and over again until the picture would finally fade". Loss through Emigration and DisplacementThe collection powerfully captures the emotional toll of emigration. "The bridge of sorrows" describes the heartbreaking farewells and the "mother’s cries upon the bridge will haunt them, and come to them in the dark of a New York night". "North wall" details the emigrant experience of rebuilding London, where "home was not a place, but a tapestry woven from the threads of half-forgotten memories". "Lost souls" vividly portrays the decline of an emigrant, "missing home," with "drink taking hold," eventually dying alone in the cold. "Lost places" depicts houses where "sons and daughters moved abroad," leaving "nobody left to read them and the house was no longer a home".<figure id="figure-04vxtolqnxmcnruhzo"><img id="04vxtolqnxmcnruhzo" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/456868049/photo/portrait-of-elderly-man-lost-in-thought.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=4JZHHsjcHVkkJsz_n434AS317HamJ5h1k8ooEd4bIEY=" alt="Portrait of Elderly man lost in thought" title="Portrait of Elderly man lost in thought" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/456868049/photo/portrait-of-elderly-man-lost-in-thought.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=4JZHHsjcHVkkJsz_n434AS317HamJ5h1k8ooEd4bIEY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The Death of Place and Hope: Loss extends beyond individuals to places and collective hope. "The silent village" laments "the death of an island," where "Tears soaked into the island shallow soil" and "The last of the living... carried off". "No redemption" depicts a landscape of utter decay and despair, where "stone walls have collapsed," "apple trees...are hacked, no fruit will they bear, they are barren," and "all that was found was pain and decay". The poem explicitly states, "No redemption can be pulled from this hard, grey earth". In essence, the poems paint a rich tapestry where nature's relentless cycles provide a framework for understanding human existence, tradition offers deep roots and meaning, and personal loss, whether of loved ones, youth, home, or hope, leaves an indelible mark, often viewed through the lens of nature's impermanence and tradition's enduring spirit.-Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, PhD. ©<figure id="figure-it6buh3gmamcnrvsyc"><img id="it6buh3gmamcnrvsyc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3139S38A4lcOIikxJIGVQbjy55FIiyokFGLnflC1SXJrlqLvpEtUxCa73Q3kTLQo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3139S38A4lcOIikxJIGVQbjy55FIiyokFGLnflC1SXJrlqLvpEtUxCa73Q3kTLQo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems"

<h3>Book Reading in 2025: What the Data Tells Us and Why It Still Matters</h3>Let’s be honest. Most people tend to scroll more than they actually read, and our attention spans are under siege. But before we throw our books into the closest river, lake or sea, the global reading landscape in 2025 offers insights and some reasons for hope. As a researcher and indie publisher, I’ve been digging into global literacy and book consumption trends and the findings are essential for educators, content creators, policymakers, and parents alike. Here’s what we know.<figure id="figure-2llzk2fi3bmcm0ona3"><img id="2llzk2fi3bmcm0ona3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2177918860/photo/2025-technology-future-vision.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=K0Ma5RrS7yDBXbuXFoFZ-hQzDUTcxLxuXN2dEM9RlRQ=" alt="2025 technology future vision" title="2025 technology future vision" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2177918860/photo/2025-technology-future-vision.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=K0Ma5RrS7yDBXbuXFoFZ-hQzDUTcxLxuXN2dEM9RlRQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Globally, 87% of adults are literate, up from just 68% in 1979 (UNESCO, 2024) and that’s no small win. But 754 million adults, two-thirds of them women, still don’t have basic literacy skills. In the US, only 48.5% of adults read even one book last year. One book and that’s down from 52.7% in 2019 (Mastermind Behavior, 2024) so a real cause for concern. Young people are dropping off even faster. Closer to home, just 18.7% of UK children read daily for pleasure, which, again, is a record low (National Literacy Trust, 2025).Interestingly (and perhaps crucially), research shows that 80% of those who do read say it brings them calm, connection and clarity (Everand, 2025). So, while fewer people may be reading, those who do are deeply nourished by it.<figure id="figure-5q0ceh3bjomcm0pjfz"><img id="5q0ceh3bjomcm0pjfz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2164713771/photo/young-woman-in-lotus-position-on-dock-over-lake.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pAJQhUShfL-Tp_6ijhSAZ2emdN4xThhXkgWP5yAx5K8=" alt="Young woman in lotus position on dock over lake" title="Young woman in lotus position on dock over lake" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2164713771/photo/young-woman-in-lotus-position-on-dock-over-lake.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pAJQhUShfL-Tp_6ijhSAZ2emdN4xThhXkgWP5yAx5K8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>People aren't reading less because they can't. They're reading less because content has changed and so have the many platforms competing for our time. The behaviour isn't necessarily about laziness. It's about friction. But here's the upside: we're seeing a quiet, powerful shift. Communities like hashtag#BookTok and long-form newsletter culture are, slowly, pulling readers back in. Choice, voice and authenticity are driving a revival. And that’s where professionals, educators and publishers come in.Reading is mental health: Six minutes of reading can reduce stress by 68% (Magnet ABA, 2024) and, for me, audiobooks and eBooks are not enemies of literature: They’re allies to accessibility, neurodivergence and choice. In my own work with writers and creators, I’ve seen firsthand that reigniting reading habits is possible, but it must be framed as pleasure, not performance. It’s time to: Build reading habits, not just literacy skills. Promote stories that reflect diverse lives. Rethink “serious” reading. It’s the habit that counts.<figure id="figure-lkugf5uimcm0qb04"><img id="lkugf5uimcm0qb04" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1505228647/photo/relaxed-young-woman-reading-book-on-a-green-meadow-in-beautiful-summer-day-education-learning.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eMkn9wiZ7syIwPa_A1bPhtI6Lpn8jbPcwQxUkWs27eg=" alt="Relaxed young woman reading book on a green meadow in beautiful summer day. Education, learning and lifestyle." title="Relaxed young woman reading book on a green meadow in beautiful summer day. Education, learning and lifestyle." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1505228647/photo/relaxed-young-woman-reading-book-on-a-green-meadow-in-beautiful-summer-day-education-learning.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eMkn9wiZ7syIwPa_A1bPhtI6Lpn8jbPcwQxUkWs27eg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Want More Insight? If you're interested in: Reading behaviour and attention economy insights or connecting literacy to leadership, you can connect with me here. I’m always open to consulting and collaborating on reading strategies that cut through the noise. Let’s bring books back. With purpose.#FutureOfLearning #ReadingMatters #LeadershipDevelopment&nbsp;

Book Reading in 2025: What the Data Tells Us and Why It Still Matters

Blue megaphones in a row with one of them is in orange color on blue background.

Singularity. The hypothetical future moment when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, transforming civilisation in ways we can’t accurately predict...It’s a concept that’s as speculative as it is seismic.&nbsp;Futurist Ray Kurzweil (2005) brought the concept to mainstream attention in 'The Singularity Is Near', a doorstop of a book I'm currently reading that projected exponential technological growth culminating in a moment where machine and mind become indistinguishable. In fact, the term technological singularity was popularised by mathematician and science fiction writer Vernor Vinge, who in 1993 predicted that within thirty years we would create a superhuman intelligence that would signal the end of the human era (as we know it). Ahm, worrying...<figure id="figure-9kn26ymhy5mckdcdsp"><img id="9kn26ymhy5mckdcdsp" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1780302708/photo/diverse-identity-design.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=zXKmWlJPy4vTIYJihY0i9FvfEmCnx_Shat0wbABm9_8=" alt="Diverse Identity Design" title="Diverse Identity Design" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1780302708/photo/diverse-identity-design.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=zXKmWlJPy4vTIYJihY0i9FvfEmCnx_Shat0wbABm9_8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>A couple of hundred of pages into his book, I feel Kurzweil’s version of the singularity is oddly optimistic. He envisions a future where AI merges with human biology, enabling radical life extension, enhanced cognition, and solutions to problems like disease and poverty. To him, the singularity is not the end, but a new beginning. That view is echoed in transhumanist circles where merging with machines is seen as not only inevitable but desirable. Is it though?&nbsp;Computer scientist and AI pioneer Jaron Lanier (2010) has pushed back against the deification of machines, arguing that such narratives erase human agency and lead to a dangerous abdication of moral responsibility. Similarly, philosopher Nick Bostrom (2004) earlier warned that the singularity could come with a price. Later, in 'Superintelligence', Bostrom (2014) explores the risks of creating an AI that could rapidly outpace human control and pursue goals misaligned with our values. But, what are 'our' values in the global 2025? Here we are in 2025 with no sentient machines, no digital godheads, just LLMs busy, busy, busy spewing and mimicking (our) scraped words.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-1ll1g35gtchmckddg5n"><img id="1ll1g35gtchmckddg5n" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2174551157/photo/cyber-security-data-protection-business-technology-privacy-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QAoCav7ko3pJ3n1bmS07GhtUBQZtpLN_wemLhcdCQIA=" alt="Cyber Security Data Protection Business Technology Privacy concept" title="Cyber Security Data Protection Business Technology Privacy concept" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2174551157/photo/cyber-security-data-protection-business-technology-privacy-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QAoCav7ko3pJ3n1bmS07GhtUBQZtpLN_wemLhcdCQIA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>So what might we make of the singularity now? Is it imminent? Is it hype? Well, current literature suggests that while progress in AI has been impressive especially in natural language processing and generative design, we’ve still a fair bit to travel to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the type of intelligence required for a true singularity. It seems fair to suggest that most modern systems, even the most powerful ones, are currently narrow specialists rather than adaptable thinkers and there’s a gap between intelligence and consciousness that remains deeply mysterious. More to the point, the singularity may be less of a moment and more of a gradual drift. Automation, algorithmic bias, and surveillance capitalism may prove to be more immediate threats than robot overlords.<figure id="figure-pdzut4iv0vmckde8xs"><img id="pdzut4iv0vmckde8xs" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1550901370/photo/magnifying-success-powerful-red-wooden-businessman-leading-way-human-resource-empowering.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oPDy8LqZ76CR9ypEdJ_s6qF2lIAjiXsv-_TPdzm_jEQ=" alt="Magnifying success powerful red wooden businessman leading way. Human resource empowering corporate strategic teamwork unlock potential find perfect fit HR employment discovering unique talent concept" title="Magnifying success powerful red wooden businessman leading way. Human resource empowering corporate strategic teamwork unlock potential find perfect fit HR employment discovering unique talent concept" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1550901370/photo/magnifying-success-powerful-red-wooden-businessman-leading-way-human-resource-empowering.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oPDy8LqZ76CR9ypEdJ_s6qF2lIAjiXsv-_TPdzm_jEQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>#singularity #ai #futureBostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, dangers, strategies. Oxford University Press.Brynjolfsson, E., &amp; McAfee, A. (2014). The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies. W. W. Norton &amp; Company.Cellan-Jones, R. (2014, December 2). Stephen Hawking warns artificial intelligence could end mankind. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30290540Goertzel, B., &amp; Pennachin, C. (Eds.). (2007). Artificial general intelligence. Springer.Kurzweil, R. (2005). The singularity is near: When humans transcend biology. Viking.Lanier, J. (2010). You are not a gadget: A manifesto. Knopf.Vinge, V. (1993). The coming technological singularity: How to survive in the post-human era. In Vision-21: Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in the Era of Cyberspace (pp. 11–22). NASA.

The Singularity

Close up various fresh picked mushrooms on wood board

<h3>The mushroom farming industry in Ireland</h3>The mushroom farming industry in Ireland, while thriving, faces several key challenges that threaten its continued success. These challenges are both internal and external, ranging from economic pressures to operational hurdles. Here are some of the main challenges as identified by Anne Hayden MSc from The Informed Farmer Consultancy in her book, 'Aspects of Irish Agriculture' (ShadowScript Publications, 2024):<figure id="figure-lywfzckdt8mcjdy6tn"><img id="lywfzckdt8mcjdy6tn" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2012658225/photo/a-cup-of-coffee-with-mushrooms-and-coffee-beans-on-a-dark-background-with-copy-space.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=P8ZKtzbntyjc0ipAfk7HRFQEfFbqMZ-sheTsZkaxKFg=" alt="A cup of coffee with mushrooms and coffee beans on a dark background with copy space." title="A cup of coffee with mushrooms and coffee beans on a dark background with copy space." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2012658225/photo/a-cup-of-coffee-with-mushrooms-and-coffee-beans-on-a-dark-background-with-copy-space.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=P8ZKtzbntyjc0ipAfk7HRFQEfFbqMZ-sheTsZkaxKFg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>1. Over-Reliance on the UK Market: Ireland exports approximately 80% of its mushroom produce, primarily to the United Kingdom. This heavy reliance makes the industry vulnerable to fluctuations in the UK market and any disruptions in trade relations, such as those caused by Brexit. Potential tariffs, customs delays, and changing regulations could significantly impact the profitability of Irish mushroom exports.2. Labour Shortages and Rising Costs: Mushroom harvesting is a labour-intensive process that traditionally relied on a migrant workforce. However, changing immigration policies and rising labour costs have created significant labour shortages. This scarcity of skilled workers makes it challenging to maintain production levels and meet demand. Furthermore, the industry faces rising production costs, particularly for energy and raw materials like straw and chicken litter. Fluctuating energy prices and increased substrate costs impact profit margins, putting pressure on farmers.<figure id="figure-wpz4mxalfmcje02ab"><img id="wpz4mxalfmcje02ab" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/909106096/photo/eu-flag-and-shadows-of-people-concept-picture.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=PMd4X64Gl_jphKWjB9I-i2P5WHC-HpG-YZZOe6rBJNY=" alt="EU Flag and shadows of People concept picture" title="EU Flag and shadows of People concept picture" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/909106096/photo/eu-flag-and-shadows-of-people-concept-picture.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=PMd4X64Gl_jphKWjB9I-i2P5WHC-HpG-YZZOe6rBJNY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>3. Environmental Sustainability Concerns: As consumer demand for sustainable food production grows, the mushroom industry faces pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Key concerns include energy consumption in climate-controlled growing houses, waste generation from substrate, and the potential for pollution from agricultural runoff. Meeting these environmental expectations requires ongoing investment in research and development to implement more sustainable practices.4. Competition and Market Fluctuations: The mushroom industry is subject to global market fluctuations and increased competition from other mushroom-producing countries. Maintaining competitiveness requires constant innovation in production techniques, efficient cost management, and exploring new markets beyond the UK.5. Succession Planning and an Aging Workforce: Like other agricultural sectors in Ireland, mushroom farming faces challenges related to an aging workforce and succession planning. Encouraging younger generations to enter the industry and ensuring the smooth transfer of knowledge and skills are crucial for the long-term viability of mushroom farming.<figure id="figure-5ghg0sveuwmcje1dy2"><img id="5ghg0sveuwmcje1dy2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1495360162/photo/reflective-farmer-contemplating-his-rain-drenched-grain-field.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=bqJ-cXwTo9nFjMFLMy4GIDoI2zaIX2jEd_Z50WDX8dQ=" alt="Reflective farmer, contemplating his Rain-Drenched Grain Field." title="Reflective farmer, contemplating his Rain-Drenched Grain Field." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1495360162/photo/reflective-farmer-contemplating-his-rain-drenched-grain-field.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=bqJ-cXwTo9nFjMFLMy4GIDoI2zaIX2jEd_Z50WDX8dQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>How Irish Farmers are Adapting to these Challenges:Market Diversification: To reduce reliance on the UK market, Irish mushroom producers are exploring new export opportunities in other European countries and emerging markets.Product Diversification: Expanding into niche markets, such as organic mushrooms and value-added products like mushroom-based ready meals, can help buffer against market fluctuations and cater to evolving consumer demands.Automation and Technology Adoption: Investing in automation, particularly for harvesting, can help address labour shortages and improve efficiency. Additionally, adopting precision technologies to optimise resource use can contribute to both economic and environmental sustainability.Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient climate control systems, waste reduction strategies, and exploring alternative substrate materials, are becoming increasingly important for meeting consumer expectations and reducing environmental impact.Industry Collaboration and Support: Collaborative efforts within the industry and government support are crucial for navigating these challenges. Sharing knowledge, pooling resources, and accessing financial and technical assistance can help farmers overcome hurdles and ensure the long-term success of Irish mushroom farming.Hayden argues that by proactively addressing these challenges, Irish mushroom farmers can continue to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape.<figure id="figure-2w99orv7rbmcje2xdf"><img id="2w99orv7rbmcje2xdf" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2162230248/photo/wind-turbine-power-at-sunrise.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9LRbOeVaN4vSjFbh_C18qdJ0ROi9E1q7xyu6p8NeS8I=" alt="Wind turbine power at sunrise" title="Wind turbine power at sunrise" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2162230248/photo/wind-turbine-power-at-sunrise.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9LRbOeVaN4vSjFbh_C18qdJ0ROi9E1q7xyu6p8NeS8I=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>*You can purchase 'Aspects of Irish Agriculture' &nbsp;on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aspects-Irish-Agriculture-Year-Blogs/dp/1068563346/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LOVU43QOVP4X&amp;sprefix=apects+of+irish+agriculture%2Caps%2C443&amp;sr=8-1" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aspects-Irish-Agriculture-Year-Blogs/dp/1068563346/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LOVU43QOVP4X&amp;sprefix=apects+of+irish+agriculture%2Caps%2C443&amp;sr=8-1">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aspects-Irish-Agriculture-Year-Blogs/dp/1068563346/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LOVU43QOVP4X&amp;sprefix=apects+of+irish+agriculture%2Caps%2C443&amp;sr=8-1</a>&nbsp;

The Mushroom Farming Industry in Ireland

General view of Milano Centrale railway station, Milan, Lombardy, Italy, Europe.

A Monument To Pomp and Power We’re in Milan on research for our forthcoming book, ‘Threads of Trauma’ and visited Milano Centrale, inaugurated in 1931 with bold Art Deco, Liberty, and Fascist-infused architecture, which was Mussolini’s showcase of national might. Yet during WWII, the station’s lavish arches also masked a darker role, as it became a gateway for deportations.<figure id="figure-66hqklp6xfmcbst1pg"><img id="66hqklp6xfmcbst1pg" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2181588708/photo/general-view-of-milano-centrale-railway-station-milan-lombardy-italy-europe.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=86dAye5Q90ZJNv9uYSAattwi_ITi7e1U-WxSReeFQfU=" alt="General view of Milano Centrale railway station, Milan, Lombardy, Italy, Europe." title="General view of Milano Centrale railway station, Milan, Lombardy, Italy, Europe." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2181588708/photo/general-view-of-milano-centrale-railway-station-milan-lombardy-italy-europe.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=86dAye5Q90ZJNv9uYSAattwi_ITi7e1U-WxSReeFQfU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Platform 21: A Hidden Hell Below the polished terminal lay Platform 21, an unassuming freight platform from which at least 23 trains departed between 1943 and 1945, deporting thousands of Jews and political prisoners to Auschwitz and other camps. • The first convoy left on Dec 6, 1943 with 169 deportees and only 5 survived. • A later train on Jan 30, 1944 carried 600 people, including children where upon arrival, 500 were murdered at Auschwitz. Since 2013, the Memoriale della Shoah at Platform 21 stands as a solemn tribute to the victims. Though spared the brunt of heavy Allied bombing, Milan and the station endured repeated raids targeting rail yards and suburbs. Passengers, trains, and infrastructure suffered disruption and human tragedy, but Milano Centrale’s core architecture remarkably survived. <figure id="figure-6kfysvkrjmcbsuj51"><img id="6kfysvkrjmcbsuj51" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/517751466/photo/milan-central-railway-station.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=kRL_aq3uNKH-Ppcodpfc4auJyy_eQRV5DFClWDn0v_4=" alt="Milan Central Railway Station" title="Milan Central Railway Station" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Now bustling with 320,000 daily passengers, Milano Centrale blends living history with modern transit. Hidden beneath its grandeur, Platform 21’s memorial invites reflection and contemplation. #HolocaustRemembrance #WWIIHistory #Milan #Platform21 #HistoryMatters #MemorialeShoah #ArchitecturalArchives

ShadowScriptPublications

Blog

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems," by K...

"A Cold Wind From The Lake: New and Selected Poems"

Book Reading in 2025: What the Data Tells Us and Why It S...

The Singularity

The Mushroom Farming Industry in Ireland

Milano Centrale:A Research Visit