October book of the month: The Outrun by Amy Liptrot. Join the discussion and meet the author- Wednesday, 9pm

[RachelMumsnet]

We're delighted to announce that our October book of the month is The Outrun. Amy Liptrot's stunning memoir recounts her return to her childhood home in Orkney after falling into a chaotic and dangerous life controlled by alcoholism in London.

We rarely select a non-fiction title as book of the month but we all felt this book was so powerful and beautifully written that it triumphed over all the fiction we'd considered. Amy has kindly agreed to join us for a webchat on Wednesday 2 November, 9 - 10pm so apply now for a free copy before 10am Friday 23 September, read the book over the next few weeks and join us back here to discuss it and put questions to Amy.

If you're not lucky enough to bag a free copy, you can still join in the discussion - buy the book here.

[marinaii]

I was really sceptical about this book. Non-fiction? Hmm, I don't know... But it turned out to be an excellent read. Yes, it's quite gloomy and sad but there is so much hope and brightness behind the darkness. I was not that interested in the depictions of Orkney, although they are very good too, but rather in the heroine's inner world. She is a confused young woman, lost and wounded. But the broken can be mended and her determination is amazing. The main reason I love this book though is the author's writing style - brilliant, profound and honest. A truly gripping book, I highly recommend it.

[RachelMumsnet]

Ayelet and Sondra; We would like to put our standard questions from Mumsnet HQ to you both:

Which childhood book most inspired you?

What was the last book you gave someone as a gift?

What was the best book you have recently read?

And finally - to Ayelet - can you describe the room where you wrote Waking Lions - and to Sondra - the room where you wrote the translation?

[FernieB]

Sorry I couldn't join the Webchat with Amy this week but I loved the book. The descriptions of Orkney were beautifully vivid and i know it wasn't intended as a guidebook but I think it's had that effect on me!

Glad to read Amy's feeling well (I'm also a fan of a tartan blanket)

[user1478203920]

As a parent of a writer myself I wonder whether your dad should cause a commotion in the hall if you don't win the Saltire Award?

[domesticslattern]

Thankyou Amy for answering our questions. I bought the book today and am really looking forward to getting stuck in.

[RachelMumsnet]

I've been so engrossed in the webchat that I didn't realise it's gone 10pm. We're sorry to draw the chat to a close but I realise Amy has an event tomorrow so we must leave it here.

Thank you very much for joining us Amy - as you can see the book had a huge impact on so many of us at Mumsnet. It was such a unique and incredibly brave book and we're really honoured that you've given us your time tonight. Thanks to everyone who joined in and for such interesting questions. Goodnight all x

[AmyLiptrot]

Ok wow. Thankyou so much Mumsnet Books and Rachel for inviting me and to all the posters for reading and your attention and thoughtful questions. It's an absolute privilege.

[AmyLiptrot]

@RachelMumsnet

I love the story of the estate agent using The Outrun as a marketing tool. I'm sure there will be Outrun tours up in Orkney before long - or Corncrake safaris

I realise we're coming to the end of the chat now but wondered whether you could look back at our standard Mumsnet questions:

Which childhood book most inspired you?
HARRIET THE SPY by Louise Fitzhugh.

What was the last book you gave someone as a gift?
THE ECONOMIST STYLE GUIDE

What was the best book you have recently read?
THE ABUNDANCE by Annie Dillard

And finally - can you describe the room where you wrote The Outrun?
Ohhhh that kitchen in my little cottage on Papay, wind and sea spray hitting the windows, open fire where I burned driftwood, my glowing laptop, ashtray, big glass of Coke and much anguish and magic. It was a special time.

Thanks so much!

[halfgirlhalfturnip]

Hi Amy
I am mid way through listening to your book on audible and am enveloped in your story.
You evoke an honest image of Orkney and north Scotland and subsequent tourism is a generous byproduct of your raw and compelling story.
Congratulation on your life and literary achievement! Looking forward to your next book.

[TheCommoner]

Thank you so much, Amy, for your thoughtful answer.

[AmyLiptrot]

@MardyMary

Like others here I really enjoyed your book and found it hugely helpful as I've been through similar madness in my life. I found your description of your recovery really interesting. I'm interested to know whether cutting yourself off was a temporary thing? Do you socialise more now? I've recently stopped drinking altogether and have avoided any social event where I know there will be alcohol so far. I''m wondering whether it's possible to still go out to evening social events/parties etc and remain sober?

Hello MardyMary. Yes I am more social now but being quite solitary for a while was a good way to treat myself gently and build up my strength in my sobriety. It gets easier! Yes it it totally possible! Who knew?! And when you can do these things sober - still be fun but in control - that's when you've hit the sweet spot and you're unstoppable. Well done, and good luck and solidarity to you xxxx

[RachelMumsnet]

I love the story of the estate agent using The Outrun as a marketing tool. I'm sure there will be Outrun tours up in Orkney before long - or Corncrake safaris

I realise we're coming to the end of the chat now but wondered whether you could look back at our standard Mumsnet questions:

Which childhood book most inspired you?

What was the last book you gave someone as a gift?

What was the best book you have recently read?

And finally - can you describe the room where you wrote The Outrun?

Thanks so much!

[AmyLiptrot]

@BearAusten

A very powerful work, with a certain poetic element to it. Rather raw and bleak, but at times quite uplifting. Overall, I found the novel deeply interesting. It triggered some memories in terms of a family member's path with addiction, and indeed cross addiction.

How do you feel about somebody reading, and then potentially criticizing, what is the story of 'your' life?

Do you enjoy doing interviews for The Outrun or do you find it a necessary evil in order to make sure people are aware of its existence?

Do you think you will write any more books? What about fiction?

Hi BearAusten. Those are interesting questions and I'm still figuring it all out. I can say that I have to be able to think of the book as something a bit separate from my life - a piece of art with its own limits and rules - or else I'd go bonkers. And I'm proud of it and stand by it and am interested in criticism and questions! Doing interviews has shown me ways that people read my work that I never would have thought of, and it becomes something else in its relationship with each reader.

[TulipsInAJug]

Yes, I know recovered addicts are the minority, but thankfully there is help out there and books like yours are so helpful by raising awareness. A film would be fantastic too.

I was so impressed by the Orkney Polar Bears and I'm delighted to hear you continue to find swimming spots... I completely identified with the descriptions aboit the adrenaline rush, the sense of well-being it gives.

All the best with your future projects, and please keep writing and publishing!

[user1478122167]

Oh i'm so pleased to hear that! Yes - I loved it! It's been the most wonderful place for starters to outdoor swimming through to channel swimmers using it to help acclimatisation. I hope the petition/campaign to help save it works! Please sign the petition if you haven't already - www.change.org/p/argent-fusion-keep-kings-cross-pond-open-for-all-year-swimming-please-don-t-scrap-it
I loved all the chapters in the Outrun but especially the swimming one.
I can't remember if you swam in Fair Isle? Perhaps it should be the Fair Isle Puffins. I was lucky enough to swim in Orkney, Fair Isle and Shetland this year :). Where would you most like to swim in the UK that you've yet to visit?

[MardyMary]

Like others here I really enjoyed your book and found it hugely helpful as I've been through similar madness in my life. I found your description of your recovery really interesting. I'm interested to know whether cutting yourself off was a temporary thing? Do you socialise more now? I've recently stopped drinking altogether and have avoided any social event where I know there will be alcohol so far. I''m wondering whether it's possible to still go out to evening social events/parties etc and remain sober?

[AmyLiptrot]

@oneplus2is3

Like other's it's not something I would have chosen myself but really enjoyed it. I was born and bred in Hackney so was caught up in all the references to places I know and love. The descriptions of Orkney were very vivid and made me wish it wasn't as far away as it seems to us in the south. As a English teacher constantly on the search for literary non-fiction for my students extracts will find their way into my lessons no doubt. Congratulations on your recovery and thanks for the resources!

Thanks oneplus2is3, it's cool to hear from readers who know the territory.

[AmyLiptrot]

@SallySwann

What a fascinating book this is. It must have been a very difficult book to write but I wonder whether Amy found it to be a cathartic experience. I loved the descriptions of the Orkney Islands and the related wildlife. They were so well portrayed it was the equivalent if watching an episode of Coast. I very much hope that Amy is still enjoying life and wonder whether she is undertaking any more work or studies for the RSPB. Also do you still live in the Orkneys?

Hell SallySwann. I did go back and do another summer of the corncrake surveys after the winter on Papay - that was such a special job to be out in the gloaming. I keep in touch with my RSPB colleagues and the current Corncrake Wife - the birds managing to hang on in Orkney. But I've also had a job working in a warehouse in Berlin and as a writing tutor since then!

[AmyLiptrot]

@user1478122167

HI Amy - did you swim in Kings Cross Pond when in London?

I've been there once. A freshwater pond in the middle of a building site - felt unusual and refreshing. Have you been?

[AmyLiptrot]

@ataraxia

Thrilled to discover this book through the bookclub (and so glad for the focus on non-fiction). Beautifully written.

Would you want to see it made into a film? If so, who would you want to play you?

There have been meetings. Someone very cool and beautiful obviously. Do you have any suggestions?

[AmyLiptrot]

@TulipsInAJug

A really good read. My mum and I both enjoyed this book. The descriptions of alcoholism and recovery were so honest and powerful. We have been through it with a relative - and it all rang very true. Thankfully my relative is still in recovery and has not relapsed.

My question, as a cold-water swimmer, is how often and where do you get to swim outdoors these days? :)

Hi TulipsInAJug. Thanks for your comment - that means a lot. All the best to your relative, addicts who get sober are the lucky ones (and sadly the minority).

I've been travelling around book festivals this summer and trying to find swim spots - the River Wye, Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Portobello near Edinburgh. I love it.

[oneplus2is3]

Like other's it's not something I would have chosen myself but really enjoyed it. I was born and bred in Hackney so was caught up in all the references to places I know and love. The descriptions of Orkney were very vivid and made me wish it wasn't as far away as it seems to us in the south. As a English teacher constantly on the search for literary non-fiction for my students extracts will find their way into my lessons no doubt. Congratulations on your recovery and thanks for the resources!

[user1478122167]

HI Amy - did you swim in Kings Cross Pond when in London?

[AmyLiptrot]

@vikegirl222

Great book and well written. It kept me wanting to read more even though it's not the sort of book I usually go for. I was wondering if you are considering writing any fiction?

Hi vikegirl222. Thankyou very much. My background as a writer is as 1) a journalist and 2) a life-long diarist - and I think those two styles combined in The Outrun. I'm probably going to stick to non-fiction for now but might do some experimenting this winter.

[AmyLiptrot]

@Hygellig

I read The Outrun earlier in the year after seeing an article about Amy in the Radio Times. I found it very moving to read about her father's mental illness and how the Orkney Islands helped Amy to overcome her alcoholism.

I am now berating myself for never having been to Orkney to see the landscape and the wealth of wildlife there. I would like to ask if there has been an increase in visits to Orkney following the publication of the book. I was also wondering if The Outrun and other recent books - such as Richard Mabey's Nature Cure, Helen Macdonald's H is for Hawk and Cheryl Strayed's Wild - have increased awareness of the potential benefits of nature and the outdoors in helping people get through difficult periods in their lives.

Hi Hygellig. You should come to Orkney. I recommend the springtime when the seabird colonies are on the cliffs. And if possible get out to one of the smaller islands (like Papay!).

I have heard of a few folk who've turned up in Orkney after reading the book. I didn't write it as a tourist guide but it's a nice side affect. I actually saw it mentioned in an estate agent's listing of a property for sale the other day, which is a bit nuts! Often I wonder what the hell I've done.