Tuesday 9 December 2014

Allotted Time

I was sorting through some cupboards the other day when I came across a book I'd read a number of years ago, Allotted Time by Robin Shelton.


"Robin Shelton was at a crisis point in his life - divorced, broke and suffering from depression - when he and his trusty mate Steve decided to take on a project, a chance to achieve something solid. They decided to rent an allotment.

What seemed like a good idea over a couple of beers became a daunting task in the cold light of day when faced with a patch of ground covered in grasses and weeds so wild Ray Mears might have found it intimidating. But through perseverance (and despite the baffling advice of their fellow allotment keepers) they managed to grow an impressive array of crops, and find a sense of purpose they had both been missing. Working the soil brought back happy memories of Robin's father who had died when he was sixteen, and drew him closer to his two sons. After months of hard work, both Robin and Steve ended the year wiser and much saner."

It's at this time of year, when unable to do much on the plot because of the weather, that I enjoy reading about other people's exploits. I thought that one of my readers might enjoy this book whilst taking a break from gardening, so if you fancy reading about Robin and Steve's allotment adventures, just leave a comment on this post by noon on Sunday the 14th of December 2014. A name will be drawn at random soon afterwards.


24 comments:

  1. Please add me to the list, sounds a good read

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  2. Ooh, I would love to read that. Being outside, working in the garden is incredibly therapeutic when life is throwing googlies at you

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  3. Hi

    I would love that book. Just my sort of thing!

    Donnax

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  4. I enjoyed reading this a few years ago and may even have it tucked away somewhere so please don't enter my name in the draw. Flighty xx

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  5. We've all been there starting out haven't we? On our site over the years we have seen many that didn't meet the challenge and fell by the wayside.

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  6. I believe that working an allotment is therapeutic. I am a volunteer on a plot for adults with physical and mental disabilities http://rainbowallotmentblogger.blogspot.co.uk/
    and we all get such satisfaction from time spent there.
    I would be interested in reading it.

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  7. I've read this a couple of times and really enjoyed it too, so don't enter me in the draw, thank you, I just wanted to say what an encouraging and inspirational book it is. CJ xx

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  8. That sounds like a very interesting book. Working in a garden or allotment is so good for us.

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  9. I think I would enjoy that book. I've always been of the opinion that hard work in the garden is therapeutic. I would love to be entered into your draw.

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  10. I've read this book Jo so please don't enter me for the draw. A perfect read for this time of year.

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  11. Oh that sounds like a great read, I'd love to be added.

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  12. That sounds like a great read Jo - count me in x Jane

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  13. I've suffered from severe depression myself and I know a project can definitely help. I'd love to read this!

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  14. Ooh, sounds right up my street, please put my name in, gardening books are pretty thin on the ground here, I seem to have lost a box when I moved.

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  15. Don't enter me as I have this book somewhere. It's a good read.

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  16. Ahhhh, that does sound like a lovely read. Please pop my name into the hat.xxx

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  17. I love the cover of the book....especially dog in wheelbarrow :)
    It is wonderful to stumble across books that gave us pleasure.

    One of my favourites is the magic apple tree.......
    can't part with it though, it is a keeper.

    Please enter me as I love to read about others achievements with regard to gardening in any way shape or form.....tku.

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  18. Sounds like a good read, Jo. I am reading a book about the wonderful effects of gardening. Seems Robin discovered them for himself. Sorry I can't be in your drawing. P. x

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  19. Looks so interesting! I will love to read this book.

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  20. Sounds like a great read. Might have to look it up as I think my mother in law would love it.

    X

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  21. That sounds like a great read, I would love to have the opportunity to win! Thank you!

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  22. Ohhh yes please, missing the allotment this time of year, this book will keep me sane!!

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