Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Book of the month

Find reading inspiration on our Book of the Month forum.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

MNHQ

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

72 replies

RachelMumsnet · 16/09/2016 15:27

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.

October book of the month: The Outrun by Amy Liptrot. Join the discussion and meet the author- Wednesday, 9pm
OP posts:
MermaidofZennor · 16/09/2016 17:23

Have just read this, last week. Thought it was brilliant, but found it quite upsetting. Reminded me of my dad's struggles with alcoholism, which ended in his death last year. But on a more positive note, I would love to see Orkney one day. Looking forward to joining in the chat :)

whatwoulddexterdo · 18/09/2016 22:33

Have applied, looks interesting

alialiath · 19/09/2016 20:19

I've applied for a copy of the book, as I think it will be an inspirational read, plus it's set in a beautiful part of the world.

tigerdog · 19/09/2016 21:07

I have just read this too and really enjoyed it - I picked it up after a recommendation on Mumsnet. I would definitely recommend it.

PhoenixRisingSlowly · 20/09/2016 11:48

Have applied. I've been aware of this book but haven't read it yet. It looks really good, and I'd love to get stuck into it as autumn draws in!

MNHQ
RachelMumsnet · 26/09/2016 16:59

The book giveaway is now closed and we'll be emailing those who have been allocated copies before the end of the day. If you haven't been successful then do buy a copy in paperback or Kindle edition and read before the discussion evening and webchat with Amy Liptrot on 2 November, 9-10pm

OP posts:
weathermum · 03/10/2016 17:47

Just received the book in the post many many thanks I look forward to reading it

southeastdweller · 03/10/2016 20:40

Just marking place as I've got a library copy. Looking forward to the web chat.

kateandme · 10/10/2016 19:36

beautiful book.very emotional and described perfectly

user1471457927 · 10/10/2016 20:14

Really enjoying this book, although it's probably not one I would necessarily have thought of reading. The descriptions of Orkney are so vivid that it's almost as if you're there, and make me wish to visit. The tale of recovery from addiction is moving too and has helped me perhaps to understand a little better

cambridgemumof4 · 11/10/2016 11:43

I agree - not one I would have picked up myself, but really enjoying it. Fabulous descriptions....makes me want to go to Scotland! Highly recommended!

StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 14/10/2016 14:26

If it wasn't for Mumsnet books I would probably never have read this book, but I'm very glad I have. It's a moving read and I'd definitely recommend it. I loved the descriptions of Orkney too.

P1nkP0ppy · 14/10/2016 15:12

I think I enjoyed this book, I think I probably need to re-read it because I loved the rich descriptions of the Orkneys but I felt strangely disturbed by Amy's recounts of her addiction. I've never read such an honest account and perhaps it's because of her ability to completely draw you in that I found it disquieting. I do hope she continues to grow and expand her horizons and I very much hope that there will be another book soon.

Good luck Amy 💐

aristocat · 18/10/2016 15:03

This isn't a book that I would have normally chosen for myself so huge thanks to Amy and mumsnet for a charming book.

Firstly, the Orkneys sounds like a place that everyone needs to visit. I love your writing, your descriptions are wonderful and very emotive. It must have been quite therapeutic to actually see the words written down.

Your openness and honesty really show through your writing. I hope you are working on another book ...... please Smile

Looking forward to the webchat soon.

weathermum · 19/10/2016 11:25

I would like to ask Amy if she is well now after all she has been through and if so is she finding it easier to manage her health problems?

starlight36 · 20/10/2016 11:40

This book was beautifully written and was a very honest account of Amy's addiction and healing. The descriptions of life in both London and Orkney were vivid and whilst I could already relate to elements of her London life I was left wanting to go and visit the Orkney islands.

I'm left curious as to what Amy is doing now. My question is whether you are still enjoying the 'freedom of sobriety'? Were you able to return to London living or has your time back in Orkney made you need to live life at a different pace?

Givemecoffeeplease · 23/10/2016 14:02

I want to know if you shagged the artist!!

What a lovely book. Congratulations on your sobriety. I know from family struggles how very very hard it is.

My question is - where are you now? London or Orkney? I hope you are happy and sober and I look forward to reading more of your work.

An aside - I live near London Fields and I loved reading about its chaos, canals and boozing in the park. A huge contrast to the wind and wilds of the islands.

dirtyprettything · 30/10/2016 12:10

I've spent time on Papay and loved feeling like I was back there.
The thought of a winter alone there seems romantic but I think the isolation would drive me mad!

TheCommoner · 31/10/2016 18:19

I loved hearing this serialized on Radio 4 and would love to read the book - must get it.

My question to Amy is: do you have any regrets about having bared your soul so honestly? Clearly it is what makes the book so amazing, but is there a downside?

Haggisfish · 31/10/2016 20:37

I love this book, too. I had tickets to see Amy in Edinburgh but couldn't make it. My question would be whether the ex boyfriend you wrote about had ever been in touch to say 'well done' on sobering up or whether it's just too painful all round. I adored your writing, Amy.

Bluetit · 31/10/2016 20:41

Wonderful book, very pleased to have been selected as not sure I would have chosen it. Someone compared it to H is for Hawk in terms of personal battles. I found this much easier to read and although very emotive was less unsettling. The landscape descriptions are inspiring - want to visit!

magolin · 01/11/2016 10:00

Powerful book with some beautiful insights. And yes, am inspired to visit the location too!

TulipsInAJug · 01/11/2016 21:35

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? :)

Belo · 02/11/2016 09:09

I loved this book. To me it felt just as much as a love story to nature as it was about the recovery from alcoholism.

My question is, where do you live now? Do you still live in the Orkneys? And if so, whereabouts?

weathermum · 02/11/2016 10:22

I would like to ask Amy if she is well now after all she has been through and if so is she finding it easier to manage her health problems?