MSB Book Club – November
The MSB Book Club has turned one! This month some of our book club members attended an author event at Oh Me Oh My in Liverpool, and the team share why they joined the book club and what their favourite reads have been over the past year.
October’s book
This month’s book was chosen by Nicola Hunt. She chose “Let me be Frank”, a biography written by British former WBC heavyweight champion, Frank Bruno. This will be the Book Club’s 3rd biography.
About the book: Let Me Be Frank is Bruno’s own account of his battle with mental illness, his time inside a mental facility, the impact his illness has had on his family and his career – and his long road back to stability.
Now ready to talk about the condition that devastated his world, Frank’s story offers his own unique perspective on living with bipolar disorder. His fears, his triumphs, and the great affection he feels for the legion of fans he has to this day. His aim is to give others hope and inspiration.
“Ever since I retired, one thing has stood between me and being the man I want to be. My mind. In the end it saw me locked up against my will and pumped full of so many drugs I didn’t have the strength to stand. When I am in the grip of my bipolar disorder and the drugs are pickling my brain I am unable to stand for days. But I will always get back up. It is the only way I know.”
Nicola said:
“I’ve chosen this book as it covers the racism that Frank and his mother endured during the early years of his boxing career, as well as him discussing his bipolar disorder and mental health issues. Personally, I found this a great and easy read – bit of a tearjerker in some parts, but well worth a go.”
Nicola said: “I’ve chosen this book as it covers the racism that Frank and his mother endured during the early years of his boxing career, as well as him discussing his bipolar disorder and mental health issues. Personally, I found this a great and easy read – bit of a tearjerker in some parts but well worth a go.”
In a wonderful coincidence that for Black History Month, MSB Solicitors held a raffle with Frank’s signed boxing glove as one of the prizes! The raffle raised over £720 in ticket sales and all proceeds will be going to Mandela8’s Roots and Wings initiative. To date, MSB has raised £1,222 for Mandela8.
Staff Reviews
“This is a deeply personal story and one which provides a graphic and unique insight into mental illness and bipolar disorder. Bruno is honest about his fears, lack of initial insight and battle with his illness, whilst also offering hope and inspiration to others who may be suffering. I would give it five stars, a “must read”!”
Louise Murphy, Partner and Head of Social Housing *****
“I would rate Let Me Be Frank four stars. I thought that it was an important and insightful book: Frank emphasises how men often feel unable to talk about their mental health, so it was admirable to see him being so open with the aim of helping others. I must admit to knowing very little about sport, so I am not familiar with Frank’s career, but this did not impact on my enjoyment of the book and I wish him the best.”
Michelle Summers, Solicitor ****
“This was my first biography, and I couldn’t have chosen a better one. Frank is literally quite ‘frank’ about his journey dealing with racism and mental health. A truly inspirational man who, even though he is retired, continues to be a champion in fighting for those who cannot and have not been heard. A truly personal experience. I would give the book five stars.”
Nicola Hunt, PA to Managing Partner *****
November’s book
This month’s book has been chosen by Matthew Park, who chose Daisy Jones and the Six.
About the book: A gripping novel about the whirlwind rise of an iconic 1970s rock group and their beautiful lead singer, revealing the mystery behind their infamous break up.
Everyone knows Daisy Jones & The Six, but nobody knows the real reason why they split at the absolute height of their popularity…until now.
Matthew said: “I really enjoyed this book and have loved most of the author’s other novels, so hopefully it’s a good read. I also think there’s a series about it coming out soon so at least there’s that if people can’t get through the book!”
An evening with Lindsey Kelk and special guests Mike Gayle and Lizzy Dent
On 10th November some of the MSB Book Club attended ‘In Conversation with Lindsey Kelk’ at Oh Me Oh My in Liverpool, organised by Waterstones. Authors Mike Gayle and Lizzy Dent joined Lindsey to discuss her latest book “The Christmas Wish” which was published that day, as well as discussing their latest books “The Museum of Ordinary People” and “The Setup”.
The staff who attended thoroughly enjoyed their time listening to the authors discuss their own books as well as discussing their favourite songs, films, books and food at Christmas time. The discussion was followed by a Q&A with members of the audience before a book signing.
The authors were happy to talk to all those in attendance and their passion for writing was wonderful to hear.
We hope to attend more events like this in the future and meet these authors again!
About the authors:
LINDSEY KELK
Lindsey’s books include the Sunday Times bestselling ‘I Heart’ series, as well as several standalone romcoms including ‘In Case You Missed It’ and ‘One in a Million’, and the children’s series, ‘Cinders & Sparks’.
A fan of lipstick, pro-wrestling and cats (although not necessarily at the same time), Lindsey also co-hosts the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, as well as Tights and Fights, a professional wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network. Born and raised in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, she worked in publishing as a children’s book editor before moving to New York and becoming a full-time writer. She now lives in LA.
You can find her online at lindseykelk.com and on Twitter @LindseyKelk and Instagram @lindseykelk.
MIKE GAYLE
Mike became a full-time novelist in 1997 following the publication of his Sunday Times top ten bestseller ‘My Legendary Girlfriend’. Since then, he has written 16 novels, including ‘The Man I Think I Know’, which was selected as a World Book Night title, and ‘Half A World Away’, selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages. In 2021, Mike was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
You can find him online at mikegayle.co.uk, Twitter @mikegayle and Instagram @mikegaylethenovelist.
LIZZY DENT
Lizzy (mis)spent her early twenties working in Scotland in hospitality. After years travelling the world making Music TV for MTV and Channel 4, and creating digital content for Cartoon Network, the BBC and ITV, she wrote three young adult novels as Rebecca Denton, published in the UK. ‘The Summer Job’ is her debut novel and ‘The Set Up’ is her latest novel. She lives between London, Austria, and New Zealand with her young family.
You can find her online at lizzydent.com, Twitter @dentlizzy and Instagram @lizzy.dent.
Celebrating one year of the MSB Book Club
To celebrate the MSB book club reaching its one year of existence, our members share why they joined the book club, what they have enjoyed about it and what their favourite read over the last year has been.
“I started the book club because I wanted to make time to read books again. I thought a book club would be ideal as I would try books I may have previously not considered, and I would be able to discuss them with others. I have enjoyed how much people have responded to the book club and the debates we have had over some of the books. My favourite has been The Midnight Library. The concept really stuck with me, and I really rooted for the main character even when she annoyed me. I would like to read more from the author.” Rachael Payne, Solicitor
“I was always read to as a child as part of my bedtime routine. I think my love of books has stemmed from this and it has become part of my night-time routine to read, it is something I really enjoy and helps me to relax. I wanted to join the book club to open me up to genres of books I wouldn’t usually consider. I particularly enjoyed Midnight Library and how thought provoking it was and it has shaped me as a person.” Emma Parry, Legal Assistant
“I joined the book club as I enjoy reading and liked the idea of making time for different books I may not have considered previously. I’ve only been a member of the book club for a short while and although my favourite book may be bias, it is ‘Let me be Frank’. It’s a book that kept me engaged and truly gave an honest insight into a very personal experience.” Nicola Hunt, PA to Managing Partner
“Although I have always loved reading, I hadn’t read much in the last few years, life and work had sort of got in the way! A book club seemed like a good way to get into the habit of reading again. I like the fact that I have read books that I would have totally overlooked in the past – I have always tended to stick to a small number of tried and tested authors and this made me spread my wings a little! My favourite reads so far have been The Midnight Library and Holy Island. I loved the concept of The Midnight Library, and the “what if” element, and just enjoyed a good old-fashioned detective read with Holy Island.” Amanda Ralph, Legal Assistant
“I have always liked to read – I currently commute on public transport so it keeps me entertained! I like being part of a book club because it encourages you to try new authors and genres which you might not ordinarily choose, and it motivates me to keep reading on a regular basis. My favourite read this year has been the Flatshare by Beth O’Leary.” Michelle Summers, Solicitor
“I joined the book club because I love reading and I wanted to challenge myself to read a wider variety of books than my usual psychological thrillers and ghost stories. My favourite book so far has been The Happiest Man on Earth as I didn’t expect it to be so uplifting whilst documenting something so harrowing.” Joyce Pink, Senior Associate Costs Lawyer
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