We’ve been delighted by the number of excellent books and meditations on the power of water as a positive force that have been published recently – stand outs include Deborah Cracknell's By the Sea and Why We Swim, by Bonnie Tsui, both of which came out last year.

But for a truly comprehensive look at the pull and power of water – and in particular, the sea – the one we return to again and again is  Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do. 

In it, scientist and author Wallace J Nichols takes a deep dive into neuroscience, cognitive psychology and more to reveal how and why our relationship with our oceans is so enduringly rich and life-enhancing. If you haven’t read it yet, now’s the time.