Duncan Porter
@misterduncan.bsky.social
Environment, nature, tech, music, bikes. Bristol based and born at 330PPM
I should also add: the cover design of this edition is a travesty.
Just finished To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Another classic lit book I skipped in my youth, but I wish I'd read it long ago.
Loved every moment of how this story unfolded. Captivating writing & a fascinating cast of characters that creates something really special.
But...
#booksky
1/3
Another classic lit book I skipped in my youth, but I wish I'd read it long ago.
Loved every moment of how this story unfolded. Captivating writing & a fascinating cast of characters that creates something really special.
But...
#booksky
1/3
November 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
I should also add: the cover design of this edition is a travesty.
Just finished To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Another classic lit book I skipped in my youth, but I wish I'd read it long ago.
Loved every moment of how this story unfolded. Captivating writing & a fascinating cast of characters that creates something really special.
But...
#booksky
1/3
Another classic lit book I skipped in my youth, but I wish I'd read it long ago.
Loved every moment of how this story unfolded. Captivating writing & a fascinating cast of characters that creates something really special.
But...
#booksky
1/3
November 14, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Just finished To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Another classic lit book I skipped in my youth, but I wish I'd read it long ago.
Loved every moment of how this story unfolded. Captivating writing & a fascinating cast of characters that creates something really special.
But...
#booksky
1/3
Another classic lit book I skipped in my youth, but I wish I'd read it long ago.
Loved every moment of how this story unfolded. Captivating writing & a fascinating cast of characters that creates something really special.
But...
#booksky
1/3
November 12, 2025 at 9:19 PM
My birthday is imminent, so I need to avoid eating interesting things I find at the back of the cupboards & fridge, unlike last year.
November 12, 2025 at 2:13 PM
My birthday is imminent, so I need to avoid eating interesting things I find at the back of the cupboards & fridge, unlike last year.
Just finished reading Trust Exercise by Susan Choi.
I looked at reviews after reading this & could see it's a bit of a love it or hate it book. I thought this book was incredible. Susan's prose is remarkable. The structure was critical to the narrative.
#booksky
1/3
I looked at reviews after reading this & could see it's a bit of a love it or hate it book. I thought this book was incredible. Susan's prose is remarkable. The structure was critical to the narrative.
#booksky
1/3
November 12, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Just finished reading Trust Exercise by Susan Choi.
I looked at reviews after reading this & could see it's a bit of a love it or hate it book. I thought this book was incredible. Susan's prose is remarkable. The structure was critical to the narrative.
#booksky
1/3
I looked at reviews after reading this & could see it's a bit of a love it or hate it book. I thought this book was incredible. Susan's prose is remarkable. The structure was critical to the narrative.
#booksky
1/3
Just finished reading Death and the Penguin Andrey Kurkov.
A satire about post-Soviet Ukraine in the 90s, about a writer creating obituaries for the not yet dead.
I wanted to like it, but I found it a bit flat & empty. I felt like I was missing some absent context.
#booksky
A satire about post-Soviet Ukraine in the 90s, about a writer creating obituaries for the not yet dead.
I wanted to like it, but I found it a bit flat & empty. I felt like I was missing some absent context.
#booksky
November 10, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Just finished reading Death and the Penguin Andrey Kurkov.
A satire about post-Soviet Ukraine in the 90s, about a writer creating obituaries for the not yet dead.
I wanted to like it, but I found it a bit flat & empty. I felt like I was missing some absent context.
#booksky
A satire about post-Soviet Ukraine in the 90s, about a writer creating obituaries for the not yet dead.
I wanted to like it, but I found it a bit flat & empty. I felt like I was missing some absent context.
#booksky
Why is my willow branch grey? An infection?
Closer look: giant willow aphids!
The wasps seemed very interested in them.
Closer look: giant willow aphids!
The wasps seemed very interested in them.
November 8, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Why is my willow branch grey? An infection?
Closer look: giant willow aphids!
The wasps seemed very interested in them.
Closer look: giant willow aphids!
The wasps seemed very interested in them.
Just finished reading Black Rain by Masuji Ibuse - a novel based on factual accounts of the bombing of Hiroshima.
An incredible piece of work, but it broke me. Anyone who advocates for nuclear weapons should read this.
#booksky
An incredible piece of work, but it broke me. Anyone who advocates for nuclear weapons should read this.
#booksky
November 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Just finished reading Black Rain by Masuji Ibuse - a novel based on factual accounts of the bombing of Hiroshima.
An incredible piece of work, but it broke me. Anyone who advocates for nuclear weapons should read this.
#booksky
An incredible piece of work, but it broke me. Anyone who advocates for nuclear weapons should read this.
#booksky
There’s a Buddhist ritual called mushi kuyō - a mass for dead insects - an atonement for those killed in farming.
It’s a gesture of respect for the ecosystems we depend on, from the belief that every living thing has a spirit.
Our relationship with nature might benefit from that reverence.
It’s a gesture of respect for the ecosystems we depend on, from the belief that every living thing has a spirit.
Our relationship with nature might benefit from that reverence.
November 5, 2025 at 12:57 PM
There’s a Buddhist ritual called mushi kuyō - a mass for dead insects - an atonement for those killed in farming.
It’s a gesture of respect for the ecosystems we depend on, from the belief that every living thing has a spirit.
Our relationship with nature might benefit from that reverence.
It’s a gesture of respect for the ecosystems we depend on, from the belief that every living thing has a spirit.
Our relationship with nature might benefit from that reverence.
Don't have a will?
Get one done professionally, save money & the solicitors waive their fee if you donate to charity!
Will Aid runs throughout November & you can book your appointment here:
www.willaid.org.uk
Get one done professionally, save money & the solicitors waive their fee if you donate to charity!
Will Aid runs throughout November & you can book your appointment here:
www.willaid.org.uk
Will Aid - The Charity Will Writing Scheme
Get a professionally written Will with Will Aid, the charity Will writing scheme. With Will Aid, everyone benefits. You get a professionally drawn-up Will and peace of mind, while the charities receiv...
www.willaid.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Don't have a will?
Get one done professionally, save money & the solicitors waive their fee if you donate to charity!
Will Aid runs throughout November & you can book your appointment here:
www.willaid.org.uk
Get one done professionally, save money & the solicitors waive their fee if you donate to charity!
Will Aid runs throughout November & you can book your appointment here:
www.willaid.org.uk
Just finished reading Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by @emilyraustin.bsky.social
I connected with this book in ways I never expected. It was warm, funny & had an unusual heart to it.
It was an amazing portrayal of anxiety, depression & chronic people pleasing.
#booksky
1/2
I connected with this book in ways I never expected. It was warm, funny & had an unusual heart to it.
It was an amazing portrayal of anxiety, depression & chronic people pleasing.
#booksky
1/2
November 4, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Just finished reading Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by @emilyraustin.bsky.social
I connected with this book in ways I never expected. It was warm, funny & had an unusual heart to it.
It was an amazing portrayal of anxiety, depression & chronic people pleasing.
#booksky
1/2
I connected with this book in ways I never expected. It was warm, funny & had an unusual heart to it.
It was an amazing portrayal of anxiety, depression & chronic people pleasing.
#booksky
1/2
Just finished reading English Pastoral by @herdyshepherd.bsky.social
An absolute must read for anyone managing land or involved in ecology in the UK. I was blown away by the honesty & pragmatism in this book.
#booksky
1/3
An absolute must read for anyone managing land or involved in ecology in the UK. I was blown away by the honesty & pragmatism in this book.
#booksky
1/3
November 3, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Just finished reading English Pastoral by @herdyshepherd.bsky.social
An absolute must read for anyone managing land or involved in ecology in the UK. I was blown away by the honesty & pragmatism in this book.
#booksky
1/3
An absolute must read for anyone managing land or involved in ecology in the UK. I was blown away by the honesty & pragmatism in this book.
#booksky
1/3
11am on Sunday & I receive this from the Homework app the school insists that we use - a regular occurrence & added stress, anxiety & noise for parents & students.
It can get in the sea as far as I'm concerned.
#enshittification
It can get in the sea as far as I'm concerned.
#enshittification
November 2, 2025 at 11:13 AM
11am on Sunday & I receive this from the Homework app the school insists that we use - a regular occurrence & added stress, anxiety & noise for parents & students.
It can get in the sea as far as I'm concerned.
#enshittification
It can get in the sea as far as I'm concerned.
#enshittification
Just finished reading There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak.
A tremendous book, following three main narratives linking water (physically, culturally & metaphorically) with the deep history of Mesopotamia & the Yazidi people of that area.
#booksky
1/3
A tremendous book, following three main narratives linking water (physically, culturally & metaphorically) with the deep history of Mesopotamia & the Yazidi people of that area.
#booksky
1/3
November 2, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Just finished reading There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak.
A tremendous book, following three main narratives linking water (physically, culturally & metaphorically) with the deep history of Mesopotamia & the Yazidi people of that area.
#booksky
1/3
A tremendous book, following three main narratives linking water (physically, culturally & metaphorically) with the deep history of Mesopotamia & the Yazidi people of that area.
#booksky
1/3
My daughter just put the Christmas tree up.
November 1, 2025 at 1:31 PM
My daughter just put the Christmas tree up.
Just finished reading Vermilion Sands by JG Ballard.
A collection of short stories based in a future desert community. I enjoyed the writing & some of the futurism, but the wealthy, privileged characters & the plots left me cold.
#booksky
A collection of short stories based in a future desert community. I enjoyed the writing & some of the futurism, but the wealthy, privileged characters & the plots left me cold.
#booksky
October 31, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Just finished reading Vermilion Sands by JG Ballard.
A collection of short stories based in a future desert community. I enjoyed the writing & some of the futurism, but the wealthy, privileged characters & the plots left me cold.
#booksky
A collection of short stories based in a future desert community. I enjoyed the writing & some of the futurism, but the wealthy, privileged characters & the plots left me cold.
#booksky
The last paragraph.
I don't really care if he doesn't have a title in a celebrity family anymore, but I do care that he isn't facing criminal charges.
RIP Virginia Giuffre.
I don't really care if he doesn't have a title in a celebrity family anymore, but I do care that he isn't facing criminal charges.
RIP Virginia Giuffre.
October 30, 2025 at 10:30 PM
The last paragraph.
I don't really care if he doesn't have a title in a celebrity family anymore, but I do care that he isn't facing criminal charges.
RIP Virginia Giuffre.
I don't really care if he doesn't have a title in a celebrity family anymore, but I do care that he isn't facing criminal charges.
RIP Virginia Giuffre.
A Bristol Labour councillor defecting to the Green Party is pretty significant, given the difficult relationship since the Greens ousted Labour as the dominant party here.
This now gives the Greens 35/70 seats in Bristol.
This now gives the Greens 35/70 seats in Bristol.
“I am incredibly excited to join the Greens to put hope back into the politics of Bristol.”
Welcome to the Green Party, Cllr Alsayed Al-Maghrabi 💚
Welcome to the Green Party, Cllr Alsayed Al-Maghrabi 💚
October 30, 2025 at 1:50 PM
A Bristol Labour councillor defecting to the Green Party is pretty significant, given the difficult relationship since the Greens ousted Labour as the dominant party here.
This now gives the Greens 35/70 seats in Bristol.
This now gives the Greens 35/70 seats in Bristol.
Unions thrive on diversity.
People like Vance seek to divide & diminish, because that's how the powerful maintain their power.
Our differences are our strengths, if we choose empathy, inclusion & connection to work together.
This thread is a must-read.
People like Vance seek to divide & diminish, because that's how the powerful maintain their power.
Our differences are our strengths, if we choose empathy, inclusion & connection to work together.
This thread is a must-read.
JD Vance claims that diversity weakens unions, as people end up distrusting each other and not organizing.
Let me tell you two menswear stories related to this claim. 🧵
Let me tell you two menswear stories related to this claim. 🧵
October 30, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Unions thrive on diversity.
People like Vance seek to divide & diminish, because that's how the powerful maintain their power.
Our differences are our strengths, if we choose empathy, inclusion & connection to work together.
This thread is a must-read.
People like Vance seek to divide & diminish, because that's how the powerful maintain their power.
Our differences are our strengths, if we choose empathy, inclusion & connection to work together.
This thread is a must-read.
At a popular farm shop/cafe today for a family birthday lunch.
Nothing on the menu was vegan except for the an all-day veggie breakfast adaptation, so I asked if I was missing anything.
I was told "Obviously because we support British farming, it's difficult for us to offer vegan options" 😅
Nothing on the menu was vegan except for the an all-day veggie breakfast adaptation, so I asked if I was missing anything.
I was told "Obviously because we support British farming, it's difficult for us to offer vegan options" 😅
October 29, 2025 at 4:10 PM
At a popular farm shop/cafe today for a family birthday lunch.
Nothing on the menu was vegan except for the an all-day veggie breakfast adaptation, so I asked if I was missing anything.
I was told "Obviously because we support British farming, it's difficult for us to offer vegan options" 😅
Nothing on the menu was vegan except for the an all-day veggie breakfast adaptation, so I asked if I was missing anything.
I was told "Obviously because we support British farming, it's difficult for us to offer vegan options" 😅
Just finished reading Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute.
Another rec from the folks (they're big fans). Very very much of its age. I enjoyed it for what it is, but Shute seems uninterested in the big character development opportunities & female characters.
#booksky
1/2
Another rec from the folks (they're big fans). Very very much of its age. I enjoyed it for what it is, but Shute seems uninterested in the big character development opportunities & female characters.
#booksky
1/2
October 29, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Just finished reading Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute.
Another rec from the folks (they're big fans). Very very much of its age. I enjoyed it for what it is, but Shute seems uninterested in the big character development opportunities & female characters.
#booksky
1/2
Another rec from the folks (they're big fans). Very very much of its age. I enjoyed it for what it is, but Shute seems uninterested in the big character development opportunities & female characters.
#booksky
1/2
Just finished reading James by Percival Everett.
I absolutely love Percival's writing, but I was hesitant about a book reimagining Huckleberry Finn from Jim's perspective. I needn't have been, because this was just perfect.
I loved The Trees more, but this came very close.
#booksky
1/2
I absolutely love Percival's writing, but I was hesitant about a book reimagining Huckleberry Finn from Jim's perspective. I needn't have been, because this was just perfect.
I loved The Trees more, but this came very close.
#booksky
1/2
October 27, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Just finished reading James by Percival Everett.
I absolutely love Percival's writing, but I was hesitant about a book reimagining Huckleberry Finn from Jim's perspective. I needn't have been, because this was just perfect.
I loved The Trees more, but this came very close.
#booksky
1/2
I absolutely love Percival's writing, but I was hesitant about a book reimagining Huckleberry Finn from Jim's perspective. I needn't have been, because this was just perfect.
I loved The Trees more, but this came very close.
#booksky
1/2
Just finished reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
A loan from my sister. The plot was predictable, but I enjoyed the journey.
Nora was an interesting & likable character. It was an easy & fun read.
#booksky
A loan from my sister. The plot was predictable, but I enjoyed the journey.
Nora was an interesting & likable character. It was an easy & fun read.
#booksky
October 26, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Just finished reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
A loan from my sister. The plot was predictable, but I enjoyed the journey.
Nora was an interesting & likable character. It was an easy & fun read.
#booksky
A loan from my sister. The plot was predictable, but I enjoyed the journey.
Nora was an interesting & likable character. It was an easy & fun read.
#booksky
The previous owner of this JG Ballard book had opinions.
October 25, 2025 at 3:07 PM
The previous owner of this JG Ballard book had opinions.