The Weight of Angels by John Boyne
The Holt Bookshop presents John Boyne in conversation about his new book Wed 7 October 6.30pm for 7pm. THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.

‘Be More Human : Why Mental Health Care is Broken – and What We Can Do to Fix It’ by Sir Norman Lamb
The Holt Bookshop is delighted that Sir Norman Lamb is coming to St Andrew’s to talk about his new book on Thursday 12th November at 7pm.
Why do people with mental health conditions die 15-20 years earlier than people without? Why is £100 million spent every year placing patients far from their homes? How did the question, ‘What matters to you?’ transform mental health care in Norway? We live in a country in which community is fading, inequality is growing, and discrimination is still far too common. At the same time, services dedicated to our wellbeing and mental health can feel less than human – ignoring or even adding to this growing crisis. Sir Norman – former Health Minister, NHS trust chair, and dedicated mental health campaigner – has seen the cracks in the system up close.
In this book, he sets out to answer the questions above, and many others, uncovering the real reasons why our mental health services are failing. In its pages you’ll read eye-opening stories from patients who have been let down, but you will also hear inspiring tales from trailblazers who are shaking things up with creative, community-first solutions. Sir Norman is clear – we need a mental health revolution – but what can we do to create mental health care which is more human? Be More Human is a timely, compassionate and necessary book exploring the mental health care system.
‘Norman Lamb is always worth listening to on mental health.’ – Alastair Campbell, broadcaster and journalist
‘This book is a call to arms for those urgently needing help’ – Ruby Wax, performer and mental health campaigner
‘Compelling and compassionate, holistic and humane, Sir Norman Lamb’s book is an informed and impassioned call for change’ – Dr Sian Williams, author of The Power of Anxiety
Location & Tickets
St Andrew’s Church, Holt, NR25 6BB
Tickets are £8 and available from the bookshop or online
We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news…
The Holt Bookshop has received a major grant from Penguin Random House UK to launch a new children’s reading programme with the Holt Youth Project.
This autumn, we’ll be launching R.E.X. – Read, Examine, eXplore: a fun, creative reading programme for children aged 5–7 and 8–11.
With free books, themed activities, author visits and support from older youth mentors, R.E.X. is designed to help children discover the joy of reading — especially those who may not see themselves as “book club” readers.
We’re hugely grateful to Penguin Random House for supporting this project and delighted to be working with HYP to help make reading joyful, accessible and part of everyday life.

