Derry youth worker launches new book

One Derry wag said of author Fergal Barr’s new book ‘50 Years, 50 Lessons!’ - “Forget Jordan Peterson and his 12 rules. Fergal’s 50 lessons are much better.”

Local youth Worker Fergal launched ‘50 Years, 50 Lessons!’ in the cosy surroundings of Jenni Doherty’s Little Acorns Bookshop on Wednesday evening.

No stranger to the world of publishing, ‘50 Years, 50 Lessons!’ is Fergal’s fourth book. Subtitled ‘a middle-aged man's suggestions for not fecking things up’, Fergal said the book provided a unique look at how to avoid “many of the mistakes I’ve made”.

Fergal Barr at his book launch with Brendan McGinn.

“My motivation for writing the book was a combination of factors,” he added. “‘50 Years, 50 Lessons!’ started out as something else entirely. Ironically, it was meant to be my next book - ‘Nothing is Black or White’ – which I hope to publish next year.

“For different reasons I had to pause that book but I didn’t want to lose momentum nor the lessons that I had built up and as I was approaching my 50th birthday.

“I thought, ‘Well, why not do something to mark the occasion? It’s a landmark birthday after all’.

Fergal Barr at his book launch in Little Acorns Bookshop.

“Originally it was going to be called ‘50 Years 110 Lessons’ but that never felt quite right to me. ‘50 Years, 50 Lessons!’ rolls off the tongue much more easily and if it went well, there might be a sequel - ‘52 Years, Another 50 Lessons’.  Watch this space,” said Fergal.

Apart from drinking copious amounts of tea, Fergal described himself as an avid book collector of non-fiction.

“Over time I noticed many book shops and in particular airport bookshops had what I would label ‘Fix You’ sections,” said Fergal.

Fergal Barr with Tommy Van Wyk.

“Most bookshops sell titles aimed at how to fix you.  Whether it’s leadership, management, self-help or therapy, fitness or food, alternative lifestyle, or mindfulness, so much of what’s offered is geared towards reinforcing the message that you need to change, that you’re living your life the wrong way, or that you’re not fulfilling your potential.

“Books designed to help have the potential to end up making people feel even worse. Maybe the idea of airport bookshops is that if you read one of these books during your flight, you forget you’re hurtling along at over 400 mph in a metal tube a few miles above the earth.”

What makes ‘50 Years, 50 Lessons!’ different is “It doesn’t tell anyone to change,” said Fergal.

Fergal Barr (right) in conversation with Brian McGilloway, award winning best selling author , at the launch of '50 Years - 50 Lessons'.

“Its purpose is to encourage reflection, nurture curiosity, and challenge assumptions.

“Of course, some people might change but there is no direction or obligation to do so. There is no 12-point plan and no 40-day programme.

“Some people will also find it thought-provoking, and maybe even disagree with some of what’s written, but if it challenges readers to reflect upon their own values and beliefs, and, in doing so, consider their own approaches to different issues, then it will have been successful.”

Fergal has outlined 50 lessons, each of which is underpinned by a set of values and beliefs gained directly from his own lived experiences.

He said himself he had made “plenty of mistakes” and through the suggestions he makes in his book, he aims to help people avoid landing themselves in “uncomfortable situations”.

Fergal added: “I have a firm belief that every day should be a school day and I am fully committed to learning as I go. I try to be better than I was the day before and if I can help others avoid similar mistakes, I’ll be more than satisfied with that.

“There was a nice crowd and a good vibe at the launch. Brian McGilloway was great with his questions and Jenni at Little Acorns was a great host.

“I'm feeling positive about the book. I have had lots of good feedback from those who read it already and lots of good energy from people towards the launch.

“I’m hoping now that it gains a bit of traction so I can retire at 74 instead of 75,” smiled Fergal.
We’ll leave the last word to Max Fas who wrote: “What an amazing read to take on tour of Morocco - can confirm Fergal’s lessons work very well under the African sun.”

Addressing everything from social technology, knowing your brain and daydreaming to the power of humour, the problem with absolutes and how context is everything, ‘50 Years, 50 Lessons!’ is now available to buy at Little Acorns Bookstore.