Lesser Knowns You Should Own #1: Biographies & Memoirs

Welcome to our Lesser Knowns You Should Own series. All the books in this series have less than 1,000 reviews on Amazon and less than 1,000 reviews on Goodreads at the time of their selection.

The first book I read for this series is Bruised Sole by Graeme Parker and Robert Parker. Graeme, the narrator, makes it clear that his brother, Robert, is the author in the family and is serving as a credited ghost writer in this memoir. If that name sounds familiar to you, then you may also frequent the oddly satisfying portion of Youtube that is devoted to farming because this book is by none other than the Hoof GP himself. 

The Hoof GP aka Graeme Parker is a hoof trimmer based out of Scotland. His Youtube channel is composed of hoof trimming (which is the mesmerizing process of trimming cows’ feet), more vlog type content with his family, and gorgeous views of the Scottish countryside. He has the most soothing Scottish accent. I could honestly listen to him talk about cows or anything really all day.

In addition to some truly hilarious and heavy emotional moments, the book takes time to tell us about the setting and its history. Sections of it feel like a love letter to Scotland. Even my favorite Scottish lady, Nessie is mentioned. As well as the fact that apparently the first mention of her, or a creature like her, was by a man that used his servant as bait?!? Does Nessie have a taste for human flesh that I have never known about? I need answers, Graeme. 

His signature humor and good heart are evident throughout, but you get to read how hard he has fought, not only to be alive (seriously the amount of injuries this man has endured is insane) but to still be a good person. 

I have read several memoirs that have touched me. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is one that stands out. I mention this book because McCurdy and Parker have a very similar approach. Each book perfectly blends heart-wrenching, gut punching moments with elements of humor. You will laugh, but you might also cry. Even though this book did come out fairly recently, on November 11th, it is still baffling to me that it hasn’t received more attention. The HoofGP website states that the book sold almost 40,000 copies in its first month, but this hasn’t yet translated into reviews. More people need to be talking about this book.