by Simon Guerrier and Peter Anghelides

BBC Books, out now

A page-a-day guide to living your best Time Lord life, staying serene with your daily dose of the inspirational plans, pronouncements and principles that bring order this crazy and chaotic universe. 

The title of this Doctor Who book continues as  ‘365¼ Whoniversal Meditations on Life and How to Live it’, which pretty much sums up all you need to know. Authors Simon Guerrier and Peter Anghelides suggest that whether you’re facing a major crisis or the flotsam of an ordinary day, using the Doctors’ philosophy can bring you succour.

Every day of the year is represented by a motto or thought to live by, some script dialogue from a credited episode story and then a discussion on how to apply the learning. As an example, 31st August (publication day) is about having a positive perspective – using the ‘daisiest daisy’ of The Time Monster as its subject. And because it’s set ‘in-universe’ don’t expect significant production dates like 23rd November to be celebrated as special days.

There are of course two ways to approach a book like this, the authors offering that you could be like companion Mel Bush and read in sequence, or alternatively you could be more Doctor and flip through in any order. Or just have it on your bedside cabinet, opening it every day for a year and taking on board the Gallifreyan wisdom.

Verdict: I think a trick has been missed in not releasing this thoughtful collection just in time for Christmas – it would make for a unique festive gift for a Doctor Who fan. But as it’s still summer, just treat yourself. 8/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk