Conversations at the Pond by Henry Slator | Book Review
A book blog tour from Literally Public Relations.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Helen at Literally PR for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
Conversations at The Pond by Henry Slator Published by Cherish Books on 09/23/2021
Genres: Fiction, Humorous, Short Stories, Self-Help / Motivational & Inspirational
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 104
While undergoing chemotherapy after his colon cancer operation in early 2020, Henry Slator knew he was missing his usual light-hearted outlook on life. But what to do if you're missing a little bit of humour?
He found it by imagining conversations with creatures in and around his large garden pond and adding buckets of fun. He created the entertaining Conversations at the Pond with its mass of colourful illustrations. By taking you along his journey and through these enjoyable stories he hopes to inspire delight and cheer you up too.
The book is perfect for anyone who might need a little laugh to get through tough times or simply to boost their spirit and take a different, more humorous approach to life.
Source: Literally PR, Received from the author or publisher for review.
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Excerpt from Conversations at the Pond
Introduction:
Since being in self-isolation from just before the start of lockdown, I found that I often talked to myself. Toward the end of the second week, I was receiving an increasing amount of verbal abuse. I now avoid this by talking to the wildlife in the garden, especially around our large pond.
Early on, I had a chat with a frog who told me about her family, who were currently hatching on the bottom of the pond. She stated how difficult it was going to be to name them all.
A few days before that, a newt and I had a long conversation. To be honest, I found it difficult to get away as he did ramble on a bit! Apparently, all newts have problems with alcohol and attend weekly AA meetings on the pond’s island. They are chaired by a formidable toad called Gina, who begins to despair at this time of year. Why? Because of the tradition that newts run the bar for the annual Water Beetle Water-Skiing Championships on the pond.
Rowdy sticklebacks provide the towing power throughout the event; it’s thirsty work and they are always encouraging the newts to join them for a drink or two after a hard day’s swimming. This fun competition lasts for five days. By the end, all resistance to joining them has failed the newts and they attend the subsequent AA meetings crestfallen.
So, don’t talk to yourself, talk to the wildlife.
It works wonders for your mental wellbeing.
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Purchase Links for Conversations at the Pond
The Book Depository Waterstones
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My thoughts on Conversations at the Pond
This wonderfully, imaginative collection of the conversations Henry has with the inhabitants of his pond should be in every waiting room, library, and home.
Cheyenne Hardwick’s illustrations are spot on and add so much enjoyment to the stories.
The author has a way of constructing the conversations so the reader feels like they are sitting right here on the bench absorbing every detail.
I found the entire book to be inspiring and uplifting. I highly recommend Conversations at the Pond to anyone facing difficulties or feeling down. It is sure to bring a smile to your face and raise your spirits.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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About Henry Slator
Henry Slator lives in north Cornwall with his wife of 40+ years Margaret.
A part-time writer for 35+ years and more recently finding himself enjoying life as a pensioner, Henry is fascinated by nature and can be regularly found out and about with his most treasured possession-his
binoculars.
Getting lost in his imagination and looking for the bright side in life are hugely important to Henry, particularly since 2020 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer and had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy.
Prior to that, Henry was fit and healthy. At that time,
Henry had no idea that his garden pond would take centre stage in his story until walking the 130 paces to the bench on its island became a major part of his coping-with-chemo fight.
Three months after his final chemo, the first draft of Conversations at the Pond was complete. The chemo nurses of The Royal Cornwall Hospital will be given copies from the first print run. As Henry writes, 'I would not have written this story and felt mentally
better because of it, if it hadn't been for their encouragement.'
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I read as many books as possible through the Amazon Kindle Unlimited program.
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This sounds so good, thanks for sharing Gina.
It’s very uplifting. I enjoyed it immensely. I bet you would too.