David Vance SubstackRead More
My choices of reading material this past year are as eclectic as my music tastes and I thought I would share some of the books which gave me great pleasure in 2025.
First up, Queen James by fellow Ulster man historian Gareth Russell.
This is a fascinating history of King James which I really enjoyed reading. I actually bought in the shop of a local Royal Palace! James fell in love three times – with a Scottish lord, a knight and George Villiers, ‘the handsomest man in the whole world’. He was infatuated three more times – with a Highland earl, a Welsh lord and an English spy. And of course, he also had a Queen! I came away with a great sense of respect for James who gifted us the King James Bible amongst other things.
I read another book by Gareth Russell on the absolutely tragic life of young Katherine Howard, Henry VIII’s 5th wife. This book is really well paced and comes hurtling to the events that culminated in her execution. She was married circa 17 years old and only last a little over a year. I came away feeling so sorry for her even though she was young and very foolish (We all were that)
My third selection for 2025 is by one of my favourite musicians. His name is Bruce Thomas and he was the bass player in the Attractions, Elvis Costello’s band
The idea of the book is that the greatest ‘myth’ in rock and pop is the story that, in 1966, Paul McCartney was replaced as a member of the Beatles. It’s a story that just doesn’t go away. Many simply say ‘Ridiculous!’ ‘Impossible!’ or ‘Not That Again!’ yet have never bothered looking into it. But really, how can you have any opinion until you do? Bruce knew McCartney and makes some interesting points. Is McCartney actually the same guy that started the Beatles?
Next up, I was fascinated to read the Book of Enoch. Have you heard of it? It is excluded from The Bible but I think it is actually very helpful to understanding the Bible and provided a wealth of knowledge.
The essence of this book is that heavenly beings known as the Watchers descended to earth, crossing boundaries God had set. They revealed forbidden knowledge and fathered giants—creatures of immense strength and destructive pride. Corruption spread, judgment followed, and the world teetered on the edge of ruin. Yet in the midst of it all, God gave a vision of what was still to come.
Finally, at a complete tangent, I enjoyed reading this book by my friend Abi Roberts.
It’s a memoir of sorts, and is funny and sad and raunchy in different parts, just like Abi! Comedians are often complex people and Abi is no exception.
What were your favourite books of this past year?
