17/08/2026
Recommended Reading: A New Playing Field
First things first, full disclosure: David is my son, so there is bound to be a little bias in this review!
A New Playing Field: A Blueprint for a New Model of Housing, Finance & Freedom is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that challenges us to look at housing, money and the way we live from a different perspective.
I particularly like the sentiment behind the quote, “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels…” because daring to think differently is at the heart of David’s ideas.
David explores some of the biggest challenges facing the housing market today, including high rents and the barriers many people face when trying to own a home.
Drawing on his own experiences of stealth camping, living on and converting boats, he introduces his vision for intentional tiny home communities, with shared facilities designed to encourage connection and community.
I’m also delighted to be involved in the project, designing the area David has named the “Gardenheart”. This will include a fantastic range of community facilities, including a splash park and permaculture plots.
The book also looks at our financial system, homelessness, the fundamental need for shelter and how we might create a different approach to housing and community living.
There’s plenty of David’s own story too, including some of the things he has done that I might describe as “crazy”... although, as his mum, I probably have no room to talk!
For me, this is ultimately a book about challenging the status quo, having the courage to think differently and believing that change really is possible.
If you’re interested in housing, community, finance or simply enjoy ideas that challenge conventional thinking, I’d recommend giving A New Playing Field a read.
And if you want to delve even deeper, David’s new book, What a Difference a Dave Makes, takes his experiences and ideas further.
I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what comes next!
