The Year I Stopped to Notice

The Year I Stopped to Notice is a book by Miranda Keeling that combines her observations of the magic, humor, strangeness, and beauty in ordinary life with stunning watercolour illustrations by Luci Power. It encourages readers to stop and notice the little surprises and fountains of pleasure and beauty that are all around them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Icon Books

This captivating book offers a delightful perspective on the world, revealing a multitude of unexpected surprises and fleeting moments of pleasure and beauty that are readily accessible to us if only we take the time to observe them as Miranda Keeling does. Philip Pullman describes it as an odd and beautiful masterpiece, urging readers to purchase an additional copy to share with someone they cherish. Neil Gaiman praises it as a unique and captivating read, noting that it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Year I Stopped to Notice, inspired by Miranda Keeling's popular Twitter account, is a collection of her observations of the magic, humor, strangeness, and beauty in everyday life. Throughout the changing seasons, on city streets, on buses, in parks, and in cafes, Miranda keenly notices the small details that surround us: fleeting moments between friends, the interactions between strangers, children's awe and wonder at the world, and the melancholic melancholy of lost items on the pavement. Accompanied by stunning watercolour illustrations by Luci Power, Miranda's poetic vignettes transport us on journeys of discovery, inviting us to revel in the joy of stopping to notice the world around us.

In January, a man walking along Caledonian Road accidentally falls over onto a large roll of bubble wrap he is hugging, perhaps anticipating such a situation. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected wonders that can be found in the most ordinary of moments.

In September, during a sweltering rush-hour train, Miranda experiences a delightful and unexpected sensation as her arm suddenly feels cool and refreshing. Looking down, she notices a shopping bag held by the woman beside her, filled with freshly purchased cartons of milk. This simple observation brings a moment of joy and warmth to Miranda's day, highlighting the unexpected surprises that can be found amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Through her poignant observations and poetic vignettes, Miranda Keeling invites us to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. The Year I Stopped to Notice serves as a reminder that the world is full of little surprises, moments of joy, and moments of connection that are waiting to be discovered if we are willing to open our eyes and hearts to them.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 124 x 168 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785787966