Review: Number 10 by C. J. Daugherty

 Number 10 is a great crossover of genres between YA and thrillers, set in the seat of U.K. politics without taking a particular stance. 

Gray, the protagonist, is the daughter of the Prime Minister, and as such is of great interest to the press. The fact that she is a teenager doesn’t give paparazzi a moment’s pause in their pursuit of her. 

After she gets photographed leaving a party horrendously drunk, Gray’s mother grounds her for two weeks. However, it’s not long before Gray finds out there’s more at work.

She explores tunnels and corridors in the No 10 complex and, one night, ends up finding herself in the Houses of Parliament, during the time when her mother is leading an important debate. Cornered in an office, she hides and hears important members of the government plotting to kill her mother. Gray teams up with an unlikely ally - the son of the leader of the opposition. 

This is definitely YA genre I can get behind. I feel like I’ve read so much YA fantasy and dystopia, so the thriller sub genre feels fresh and different. The story is pacy and layered, with twists, turns, and unlikely betrayals.

My only question is this: will there be a sequel? A) because I have a lot of questions and B) there’s too much I don’t know that I feel I should at the end. 

Overall, a very enjoyable and quick read that I highly recommend for YA readers. 

Psychiatrist in the Chair, by Brendan Kelly and Muiris Houston

 This fascinating biography dives into the life and work of renowned psychiatrist, Anthony Clare. 

Growing up in Ireland, Clare had two paths expected of him by his parents: law or medicine. Clare didn’t want to do law so went down the medical route, even though he would have excelled at journalism. 

Having specialised in psychiatry, Clare sought to turn the world on its head. From research into mental health and illness, and the need for more community based support, to studying symptoms of PMS in women, Clare’s research was as wide as it was deep. 

Most known for hosting the show, In the Psychiatrist’s chair”, he became praised for interviews that were deft, deep, and insightful.

The authors have done a huge justice to Anthony Clare. I didn’t know who he was but having read this book, I can immediately see both the narrow and wider impact Clare had on the world of psychiatry, both with individual patients, students, and research and writing that still remains essential to this day. 

It’s a fascinating read with interesting surprises about a man who sought to, and did achieve, so much,