Autobiography: arts and entertainment Books

Book Synopsis'An extraordinary life, depicted with searing honesty ... A colourful journey sprinkled with delicious anecdotes' Daily Express 'Extraordinary ... You'll be ugly-sobbing at the end' Graham Norton ‘It tells not just the story of his life, but also the battle for LGBT equality in the UK’ Guardian 'A memoir to cherish' Ian McKellen 'A book to be savoured' Alan Johnson 'There are so many reasons to love this book' Armistead Maupin ‘A beautifully written, funny memoir’ Jo Brand Growing up in post-war East London, the son of a docker and an office cleaner, young Michael Cashman’s life changed when he was discovered, aged twelve, and transported to the West End stage. Cashman would make history – first as an actor, one half of the first gay kiss broadcast on a British soap, BBC TV’s EastEnders, and then as a campaigner and politician, founding Stonewall with Ian McKellen, and embarking on a fight for gay rights across the world that would lead him and his partner Paul Cottingham from tea in LA with David Hockney to flying the rainbow flag over the Royal Albert Hall with Elton John. One of Them contains as many multitudes as its author: glorious nostalgia, showbiz gossip and a stirring history of a civil rights movement. And above all things, it is a love story – a tender account of a partnership that changed the world. ‘Passionate and true … A great book about love, pain and the whole damn thing’ Simon Callow 'Brutally frank and brave' i 'A brave, good man' Sheila Hancock Trade ReviewBeautifully written, it moves with ease from a tough childhood in the East End of London through the bohemian life of an actor ending up in the world of politics, all knitted together with an unpredictable and moving love story. It made me happy and sad and all points in between -- JO BRANDBrutally frank and brave * i *Tells not just the story of his life, but also the battle for LGBT equality in the UK * GUARDIAN *Poignant reading * OBSERVER *A powerful account of public life, love and loss … Passionate and true, illuminating, bright and breezy … In the league of My Early Years, Charlie Chaplin’s great account of late 19th-century south London – graphic, filled with smells and tastes and strange encounters … A great book about love, pain and the whole damn thing -- Simon Callow * GUARDIAN *There is brilliance in his memoir, One of Them, and darkness, too, enough to raise it far above the normal standard of celebrity biography … Stunning … The lucidity of the writing is breath-taking … He could never be accused … in life or literature, of not doing enough * HERALD *With this memoir Michael Cashman can add "writer" to a CV that already includes "actor", "politician" and "campaigner". Apart from its important contribution to British social history, this is a book to be savoured for its own sake as a wonderful piece of descriptive writing and a rollicking good read -- ALAN JOHNSON, author of the bestselling This BoyMichael Cashman's beautifully crafted memoir left me in tears and grateful that he had the courage to lay out his almost unimaginable life with such impressive honesty ... Above all, however, this is the tenderest of love stories, a proud testament to a decades-long queer romance. There are so many reasons to love this book -- ARMISTEAD MAUPINThis book, unlike any other I’ve read, is a true portrait of a brave actor/politician/Lord. Michael Cashman shares his most private feelings in a memoir to cherish -- IAN McKELLENMichael Cashman describes his journey from a cruel Dickensian childhood to the dignity of the House of Lords with brutal honesty. I was shocked, amused, and deeply moved by this life of a brave, good, man -- SHEILA HANCOCKIn February, Michael Cashman, now Lord Cashman of Limehouse, tells his life story in One Of Them: From Albert Square To Parliament Square … from East End boy and child actor to soap star, Stonewall founder, MEP and now member of the House of Lords * SUNDAY EXPRESS *[A] roller coaster memoir … Peppered with delicious anecdotes of his encounters with celebrities * SCOTSMAN *An extraordinary account of improbable leaps of faith and changes of direction ... An amazing, complicated love story * RADIO TIMES *

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Book SynopsisWinner at the 2022 Parlimentary Book AwardsBaroness Floella Benjamin is an inspiration, an actress and much-loved children’s television presenter who is a member of the House of Lords. But how did the girl from Trinidad end up lunching with the Queen?In What Are You Doing Here? Floella describes arriving in London as a child, part of the Windrush generation, and the pain caused by the racism she encountered every day. It was offset by the love of her parents, who gave her the pride in her heritage, self-belief and confidence that have carried her through life. From winning a role in groundbreaking musical Hair (while clearly stating she would not take her clothes off) to breaking down barriers on Play School, from refusing to be typecast in roles to speaking out for diversity at the BBC and BAFTA, she has remained true to herself.She also reveals how she met husband Keith, became a mother of two, was befriended by Kenneth Williams, hugged President Obama, and found a purpose that would underpin everything she did – campaigning for the needs of children. Sharing the lessons she has learned, imbued with her joy and positivity, this autobiography is the moving testimony of a remarkable woman.

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Book SynopsisDenise Van Outen, original 90s 'ladette', West End star and primetime TV favourite, reveals for the first time the true story of grit and graft beneath the famous Essex sparkle.In this refreshingly candid memoir, Denise speaks openly and sensitively about her rollercoaster career, her struggles in a past high-profile relationship and the betrayal she suffered at the hands of those once closest to her, with the hope that in doing so, she can help empower others to avoid and overcome any similar difficulties they may face.Denise shot to fame on The Big Breakfast in her early twenties. After a decade grafting through theatre jobs and children's TV shows, she was finally living the dream. However her life soon turned into a nightmare off-screen and behind the headlines as her heart was broken in a very public relationship, whilst her every move was printed in the tabloids thanks to her phone being tapped. After receiving a panning by the critics for her late night TV show aimed at the post-pub crowd, she then auditioned for and accepted an offer to play Roxie Hart in Chicago, which turned out to be a life-changing experience. The role took her to Broadway, where she caught the eye of one Andrew Lloyd Webber, eventually landing a judging role on Any Dream Will Do, which saw her rise back to primetime and the career that she loves, where she has stayed and flourished. Now, in her first memoir, Denise tells her story with disarming candour, unafraid to reveal vulnerabilities beneath the cheerful exterior. Tackling difficult subjects of corrosive self-doubt, betrayal, invasions of privacy and professional struggles, interjected with the familiar humour that we all know and love, A Bit of Me is personal, at times raw, often mischievous and always compelling. Denise has lived the life, learned the lessons, and Basildon to Broadway and back is a hell of a journey.

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Book Synopsis'That night, I'd survived my life flashing before me, with my dignity intact. Yes, this chaotic life has always been a gamble. ... But what a gamble.'Paul Sinha is an award-winning comedian, a quizzing mastermind and a happily-married husband. But for much of his life none of these seemed remotely imaginable. As a boy, Paul struggled to find his place in a world where he didn't quite fit. Who was he? An over-achieving schoolkid with the world's knowledge at his fingertips? A traditional Bengali son, destined for a career in medicine that he never once craved. A young gay man yearning to breathe freely? Or was he yet another flawed human being on a self-destruct mission?Amid life's mayhem, it was frequently Paul's love of facts in which he found solace, whether funding his lifestyle through quiz machines or simply trying to show off to his mates. Stumbling serendipitously into both a career in stand-up and the clandestine network of competitive quizzers introduced him to a new sense of purpose, a new identity, and, eventually, new love... A hilarious and moving coming-of-age memoir of one man's search for fulfilment, One Sinha Lifetime is an unconventional odyssey through love, family, and the joy of general knowledge.

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Book Synopsis* THE INSTANT NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER *''To be different is to be the best f*cking thing here and you''ll be celebrated for that!'' Written and illustrated by global phenomenon YUNGBLUD, this interactive journal is packed with never-before-seen art, exclusive lyrics, poems, creative prompts, and incisive questions that will push you to dig deep and celebrate what makes you different.Who are you?For most of us that is the hardest question in the world.This book is designed to help guide you on a journey to find out. To confess what you love about yourself, destroy your deepest insecurities and face your darkest fears.This is a book to rip, draw, burn, bury and create. A book that will end up in tatters if you do it right. This is a book of you.So, I'll ask you again Who are you?It's time to find out.Dom xo

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Book SynopsisUNLOCK THE MAGIC OF THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS - GO BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH WEST END LEGEND, MICHAEL BALL IN HIS FIRST MEMOIR 'Love, laughter and tears abound in this warm, entertaining read' Woman and Home 'Glittering' Daily Mail'Wonderful' The SunIn 1989, a young Michael Ball landed the lead role in the musical Aspects of Love. It was a moment that changed his life forever. It was the first time he worked with legends of the stage like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn; the show featured his smash hit song, Love Changes Everything, which rode high in the charts for 15 weeks; it was then, also, that he first met his long-term partner Cathy McGowan and battled back against the stage fright that had threatened his career. Over three decades later, Michael returned to a new production of the same show where he made his name, and with a lifetime's worth of stories to tell.In Different Aspects, Michael takes us backstage inside the making of a West End hit, while also diving back into his memories to share untold anecdotes and explore a glittering career that has made him a household name - from his first stage experiences in Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, to delighting and shocking his audiences in equal measure in Hairspray and Sweeney Todd, as well as his chart-topping musical success (and some howlers too!). Exploring Michael's life, career and relationships alongside the pitfalls and pratfalls of modern theatre, Different Aspects is the story of a life lived on the stage. There will be laughter, tears and an abundance of heart. There's even some Roger Moore, though, famously, not quite enough.Take your seats ladies and gentlemen, the lights are dimming, the performance is about to start.Readers are loving Different Aspects...'A very funny, insightful glimpse of the highs and lows of a musical theatre star''If you love Michael Ball, you'll love this''His story made me smile''Filled with wonderful little stories''Interesting, honest and revealing'Trade Review'This wonderful memoir is an insight into the world of theatre and Michael's life.' * The Sun *'There is much to enjoy about Different Aspects as Ball is such an unaffected, enthusiastic ambassador for musical theatre.' * Daily Mail *'Love, laughter and tears abound in this warm, entertaining read' * Woman and Home *

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Book SynopsisWhether in Yes, Asia, GTR, ABWH, Tomorrow or the Steve Howe Trio and – there's more – Steve Howe has continually proved himself to be one of the world's greatest guitarists. Here, for the first time, he looks back on his five-decade long career. From jamming onstage with Jimi Hendrix to sharing Abbey Road studios with The Beatles, Steve's stories are steeped in rock 'n' roll history. Including a number of unseen photographs and a full discography, All My Yesterdays is a must-read for fans of Yes, one of prog rock's most legendary bands.

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Book SynopsisAs seen in The Last Movie Stars documentary - the raw, candid, unvarnished memoir of an icon. The greatest movie star of the past 75 years covers everything: his traumatic childhood, his career, his drinking, his thoughts on Marlon Brando, James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, his greatest roles, acting, his intimate life with Joanne Woodward, his innermost fears and passions and joys. With thoughts/comments throughout from Joanne Woodward, Tom Cruise and many others.In 1986, Paul Newman and his closest friend, screenwriter Stewart Stern, began an extraordinary project. Stuart was to compile an oral history, to have Newman's family and friends and those who worked closely with him, talk about the actor's life. And then Newman would work with Stewart and give his side of the story. The only stipulation was that anyone who spoke on the record had to be completely honest. That same stipulation applied to Newman himself. The project lasted five years.The result is an extraordinary memoir, culled from thousands of pages of transcripts. The book is insightful, revealing, surprising. Newman's voice is powerful, sometimes funny, sometimes painful, always meeting that high standard of searing honesty. The additional voices - from childhood friends and Navy buddies, from family members and film and theater collaborators such as Tom Cruise, George Roy Hill, Martin Ritt, and John Huston - that run throughout add richness and color and context to the story Newman is telling.Newman's often traumatic childhood is brilliantly detailed. He talks about his teenage insecurities, his early failures with women, his rise to stardom, his early rivals (Brando and Dean), his first marriage, his drinking, his philanthropy, the death of his son Scott, his strong desire for his daughters to know and understand the truth about their father. Perhaps the most moving material in the book centers around his relationship with Joanne Woodward - their love for each other, his dependence on her, the way she shaped him intellectually, emotionally and sexually.THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF AN ORDINARY MAN is revelatory and introspective, personal and analytical, loving and tender in some places, always complex and profound.Praise for Paul Newman'One of the greatest screen actors of all time and a beautiful man.' Daniel Craig'He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us.' George Clooney''He was my hero.' Julia Roberts'Paul was an American Icon.' President Bill Clinton'The ultimate cool guy, who men wanted to be like and women adored. He was an American icon, a brilliant actor, a Renaissance man and a generous but modest philanthropist ... Newman entertained millions in some of Hollywood's most memorable roles ever, and brightened the lives of amny more, especially seriously ill children, through his charitable works.' Arnold Schwarzenegger'Sometimes God makes perfect people and Paul Newman was one of them.' Sally Field'One of the very finest screen actors of our time. Newman spanned the gap between the golden days of Hollywood, the 40s and 50s with actors like Cary Grant and James Stewart and Clark Gable, and the present lot represented by Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise' Sir Michael Parkinson'Newman was a fine driver, who was famous in Hollywood for doing his own stunt driving as often as not.' Ron Dennis, Formula 1's McLaren Chief'To say he was an extraordinary man would be an understatement. he saw himself as a working actor, not a movie star, and insisted that everyone else did the same. There was no ego, no entourage, no hangers on. Only Paul, his script and his incredible spirit. One can say this about very few people, but he was a truly great man. It seems to me to be one of the great 20th-century lives: he was famously generous, with his extraordinary and unstinting work for his charities, he was a shining example of how to use global fame for the greater good, and most of all he was one of the great movie actors of this or any other age. [Directing Newman] was the highlight of my professional life.' Sam MendesTrade ReviewEye-popping...Astonishing naked honesty * Telegraph *Newman at his best...Twice the book one could have dared to hope for, a narrative that is astute, introspective and surprisingly graceful. * Wall Street Journal *A stunning memoir...stuns with brutal honesty...smolders with introspection * Daily Mail *It's never not psychologically fascinating - a compelling insight into how profoundly right Philip Larkin was about the power of bad parents * The Times *Paul Newman is worthy of canonisation * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisIn this series of letters to William Townend, a fellow-writer and friend since their schooldays at Dulwich College, Wodehouse discusses in some detail his literary outlook, writing methods and constant hunt for new plots. Characteristically modest and lightly humorous in tone, the letters are nevertheless revealing of a dedicated, practical and scrupulous craftsman whose most brilliant inspirations were grounded in decades of unremitting hard work.The letters are introduced and annotated by the editor, who provided Wodehouse with the idea for one of his most famous characters, Ukridge.

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Book SynopsisWhat do Postman Pat, Tommy Cooper, Norman Wisdom and George Best have in common with being abandoned in a Costa Rican jungle after a severe bout of flatulence? Indeed, how are they also connected to trying to buy an Australian brewery just to get a beer, owning twenty-two cars, an American soccer team and a Swiss mail-order pornography company?The common feature is of course a certain Richard Wakeman.The Further Adventures of a Grumpy Old Rock Star takes you, the privileged reader, on a trip of absurd excess, a cultural car crash of side-splitting hilarity and an unforgettable glimpse (again) into the life of one of Britain's most legendary showmen, rock stars and all-time great raconteurs.Trade ReviewThis highly entertaining read gives an unforgettable glimpse into the life of one of the UK's most legendary showmen, rock stars and raconteurs ... A light-hearted romp through the pomposity of the music business and the joy of being alive * RAF News *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewJohn Romero’s remarkable memory called up names and events that I hadn’t thought about in a very long time, taking me back to the stress and joy of throwing everything we had at projects that truly did break new ground and touched millions of people. It was an amaz- ing mad dash from humble beginnings to the well-known classics Wolfenstein 3-D, DOOM, and Quake, filled with exploration, learning, and the sharing of knowledge. For years, I thought that I had been born too late and missed out on participating in the heroic eras of computing. Only much later did I realize that Romero and I were at the nexus of a new era—the 3D game hackers. -- John Carmack, cofounder of id Software and founder of Keen TechnologiesDOOM made gaming cool and transformed game developers from nerds into rock stars, and John Romero’s brazen public persona defined the era. Reconciling the legend of John Romero with the warm, supportive game designer with whom I met as an unknown young programmer is a mystery that this book finally reveals in a wonderful narrative following Romero from modest game programming roots to the apex of video game stardom. -- Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic GamesA fascinating deep dive into one of the game industry’s greatest success stories, Romero’s autobiography does for aspiring game designers what Stephen King’s On Writing did for budding writers. DOOM Guy is an engaging account of Romero’s extraordinary life and career. A must for industry professionals, newcomers, and enthusiasts. -- Rhianna Pratchett, writerJohn Romero is a gaming legend and seminal figure in video game history, known for his prodigious technical and design skills. In DOOM Guy, John offers valuable game design lessons, but as important he introduces readers to a man with a real commitment to helping others achieve their dreams. Deus Ex, the game I always dreamed of making, wouldn’t have been possible if John hadn’t lived up to every promise he made to me (a story you’ll read about in the pages of DOOM Guy). John’s games have inspired countless gamers and game developers. In his memoir you’ll learn that his life is as inspirational as his work. -- Warren Spector, creator of Deus ExYou know John as the designer of seminal games Wolfenstein 3-D, DOOM, and Quake, but this memoir also captures the essence of John as an innovator and business leader. While John tells the behind-the-scenes stories about making many elements of today’s gaming industry—first-person shooting style games, multiplayer games, free-to-play games, to name just a few—it’s the personal stories about his challenges, his choices, and his relationships that I love in this book. -- Reggie Fils-Aimé, former president and COO of Nintendo of America“The video game–creating legend recounts a life in the programming trenches…Students of game-making and business alike will find useful, sometimes rueful lessons.” * Kirkus *“[a] surprisingly moving autobiography…[Romero] manages to appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike with this celebration of triumphing over adversity.” * Publisher's Weekly *“DOOM GUY: Life in First Person is the best piece of historical nonfiction that has been written about video games to date and everyone should read it.” * Screenrant *??“a straight-talking insider account of an inspiring self-made career marked by amazing highs and difficult lows.” * Daily Beast *"Romero’s Doom Guy: Life in First Person is not only among the most interesting windows into the rapidly evolving videogame scene of the 80s and 90s–it’s arguably the best non-fiction gaming book of all time, giving a unique insight into one of the industry’s most transformative eras through the eyes of one of its groundbreaking pioneers.” * Forbes *“Enthralling, informative, entertaining, exciting, mesmerizing, jaw-dropping, a wild ride, brilliant, well-written, fun, and so much more. These are just some of the terms I can use when describing John Romero’s new book.” * Native Viewpoint *“[a] highly entertaining and thoughtful memoir” * The Wall Street Journal *“[an] exuberant firsthand account” * Wired.com *“Doom Guy tells the fascinating story of the life and times of one of the greatest PC game developers of them all.” * New York Journal of Books *“It’s this openness that makes Doom Guy absolutely necessary reading for anyone with even a passing interest in the history of the video game medium.” * Comic Book Video Games *

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Book SynopsisWhen Alexander McQueen committed suicide in February 2010, aged just 40, a shocked world mourned the loss of its most visionary fashion designer. McQueen had risen from humble beginnings as the youngest child of an East London taxi driver to scale the heights of fame, fortune and glamour. He designed clothes for the world's most beautiful women including Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. In business he created a multi-million pound luxury brand that became a favourite with both celebrities and royalty, most famously the Duchess of Cambridge who wore a McQueen dress on her wedding day. But behind the confident facade and bad-boy image, lay a sensitive soul who struggled to survive in the ruthless world of fashion. As the pressures of work intensified, so McQueen became increasingly dependent on the drugs that contributed to his tragic end. Meanwhile, in his private life, his failure to find lasting love with a string of boyfriends only added to his despair.

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Book SynopsisElizabeth Jane Howard was the author of fifteen highly acclaimed novels, including the five volumes of The Cazalet Chronicles, as well as After Julius, Falling, Getting It Right, Love All, and Odd Girl Out. The Cazalet Chronicles The Light Years, Marking Time, Confusion, Casting Off and All Change have become established as modern classics and have been adapted for a major BBC television series and for BBC Radio 4. She had one child, Nicola, and married three times lastly to fellow author Sir Kingsley Amis. In 2000 she was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, and in 2002 Macmillan published her autobiography, Slipstream. She died, aged ninety, at home in Suffolk on 2 January 2014.Trade ReviewHer talent seemed so effervescent, so unstoppable, that there was no predicting where it might take her -- Hilary Mantel, author of Wolf Hall

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Book SynopsisFrom much-loved documentary maker Louis Theroux comes a funny, heartfelt and entertaining account of his life and weird times in TV.The Sunday Times Bestseller.'Honest and soul-searching' - Sunday Express______________In 1994 fledgling journalist Louis Theroux was given a one-off gig on Michael Moore’s TV Nation, presenting a segment on apocalyptic religious sects. Gawky, socially awkward and totally unqualified, his first reaction to this exciting opportunity was panic. But he’d always been drawn to off-beat characters, so maybe his enthusiasm would carry the day. Or, you know, maybe it wouldn’t . . .In Gotta Get Theroux This, Louis takes the reader on a joyous journey from his anxiety-prone childhood to his unexpectedly successful career. Nervously accepting the BBC’s offer of his own series, he went on to create an award-winning documentary style that has seen him immersed in the weird worlds of paranoid US militias and secretive pro-wrestlers, get under the skin of celebrities like Max Clifford and Chris Eubank and tackle gang culture in San Quentin prison, all the time wondering whether the same qualities that make him good at documentaries might also make him bad at life.As Louis woos his beautiful wife Nancy and learns how to be a father, he also dares to take on the powerful Church of Scientology. Just as challenging is the revelation that one of his old subjects, Jimmy Savile, was a secret sexual predator, prompting him to question our understanding of how evil takes place. Filled with wry observation and self-deprecating humour, this is Louis at his most insightful and honest best.______________'Funny, engaging' - Sunday Times'Gripping' - Daily Mail'Absorbing and surprisingly candid' - Telegraph MagazineTrade ReviewAn absorbing and surprisingly candid book . . . * Telegraph Magazine *Gripping * Daily Mail *Engaging, funny * Sunday Times *If you are a fan of Louis Theroux's self-deprecating humour and relaxed broadcasting style, you will enjoy this honest and soul-searching account of his life so far. * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisI was only sixteen when I bought an electric guitar and joined a band. A year later, I formed an all-girl band called the Marine Girls and played gigs, and signed to an indie label, and started releasing records. Then, for eighteen years, between 1982 and 2000, I was one half of the group Everything But the Girl. In that time, we released nine albums and sold nine million records. We went on countless tours, had hit singles and flop singles, were reviewed and interviewed to within an inch of our lives. I've been in the charts, out of them, back in. I've seen myself described as an indie darling, a middle-of-the-road nobody and a disco diva. I haven't always fitted in, you see, and that's made me face up to the realities of a pop career - there are thrills and wonders to be experienced, yes, but also moments of doubt, mistakes, violent lifestyle changes from luxury to squalor and back again, sometimes within minutes.Trade ReviewThe Alan Bennett of pop memoirists. I loved her book so much I wanted to form a band, too. Preferably with Thorn -- Caitlin Moran, bestselling author of How to be a Woman As distinctive and lovely as its author's singing voice, Bedsit Disco Queen isn't just a wry and wise memoir of a unique career: it acts as a kind of eulogy for a forgotten era of British pop -- Alexis Petridis As a witty and wise chronicle of a life spent dipping in and out of the limelight, this is second to none -- Fiona Sturges Independent on Sunday Beautifully written, dryly funny and searingly honest Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller Have you ever wished you could get the dog in your life to behave better?With experience of training over 5,000 dogs of every breed, Graeme Hall has formulated the golden rules that every dog owner needs to know and he's here to share them with you.In chapters on getting a puppy, kids and dogs, separation anxiety and so much more, Graeme recounts his hard-won, often hilarious success stories and reveals a solution for every dog-related worry. His simple, tried and tested lesson will help you understand your dog and drive better behaviours.The Dogfather has seen it all and he's here to share his secrets.Trade ReviewFunny, enlightening and incredibly moving at times, this absolute joy of a book tells you everything you ever wanted to know about our relationship with dogs. Every four-legged home should have a copy -- Emily DeanInstantly likeable * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis'The life-affirming expression of an artist engaged in living to the full' The Times Smiling in Slow Motion is Derek Jarman's last journal, stretching from May 1991 until a fortnight before his death in February 1994. Jarman writes with his trademark humour and candour about friends and enemies, as he races through his final years of film-making, gardening and radical political protest. Written from Jarman's Charing Cross Road flat, his famed garden at Dungeness, and finally from his bed in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Jarman meditates on his own deteriorating health and the loss of his contemporaries. Yet Smiling in Slow Motion is not simply a chronicle of illness and regret: it is, at its heart, one of endeavour, determination and pride.WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY NEIL BARTLETTTrade ReviewGossipy, candid, funny, and, as Jarman’s illness takes hold, powerfully moving * Choice Magazine *Present on every page is the creative sparkle and compellingly generous spirit of a man who was in every way an uncompromising individual * The Times *In these diaries... the artist and film director emerges as a down-to-earth visionary... this perceptive and enjoyable work is something of a miracle * Independent *For all his anger, Jarman never seems brutalised. He retains his humanity and his good humour. His is a wonderfully garrulous, mercurial, polymathic daemon * Literary Review *Jarman [is] the sort of troublemaking visionary who one day may be compared with Blake -- John Gill * Time Out *

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Book SynopsisWith hits including `Child in Time’, and the iconic `Smoke on the Water’, Deep Purple established themselves as one of Britain’s greatest rock bandsFrom the moment he saw Elvis Presley on screen, Ian Gillan, a working class teenager from Hounslow, was inspired to become a rock star. That wish was to come true when the opportunity arose to join Deep Purple, and global fame soon followed. The ensuing years were thrilling but punishing. The band recorded six albums in just four years and tensions within the band, as well as issues with alcohol, brought Ian to breaking point. Ian describes the rock `n’ roll lifestyle in disarming detail while never taking himself too seriously, making this an entertaining read for any rock fan.

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER'A fascinating demythologising of the Playboy brand and Hefner himself' - Pandora Sykes'A raw, honest unveiling of the misogyny and darkness of the Playboy Mansion. . . I almost feel compelled to send a copy to every young woman who still believes the legacy of Playboy holds some glamour or promise' - Ellie FlynnOne of Stylist’s 'best non-fiction for 2024'One of the Independent’s 2024 'must-reads'One of The Sunday Times 'most exciting memoirs' for 2024'I was 21 years old when I found myself on the front stoop of the Playboy Mansion. I want to tell the real story of my time there - the good and the bad, the dark and the light.'In 2008 the Playboy mansion became Crystal Harris's sanctuary - a shimmering vestige of opportunity. Within months she had ascended its hierarchy to become Hugh Hefner's top girlfriend. But her new home came at a cost. Forced to follow strict rules that governed everything from her appearance to behaviour, she began to lose her identity. By the time she married Hef in 2012, the mansion had become her prison.Having made a promise to Only Say Good Things, for years Crystal suppressed the truth of what really happened behind the mansion's closed doors. Now, in this raw and honest memoir, she's finally ready to expose it all.Laying bare the devastating impact that a culture of relentless objectification and misogyny had on her health, Crystal's extraordinary story carries powerful lessons that are relevant to us all.Trade ReviewLifts the lid on the bleak truth of the inside story of the Playboy empire * Stylist *A fascinating demythologising of the Playboy brand and Hefner himself - who is revealed to be an agoraphobic megalomaniac incapable of real emotion.What drew so many women to him? And why did they stay? In this absorbing memoir, Crystal Hefner grapples with these questions and many more, with admirable candour -- Pandora SykesThis was such a raw, honest unveiling of the misogyny and darkness of the Playboy Mansion. Crystal reflects on both the vulnerabilities that led her into Hugh Hefner’s orbit, and the impact that his empire had on society and other young women with such candour that I almost feel compelled to send a copy to every young woman who still believes the legacy of Playboy holds some glamour or promise. Crystal’s ability to question her own complicity in Hugh Hefner’s misogynistic world, while also reflecting on all the complex factors that led her there is refreshing, and relatable for so many women and young girls who are still sold the lie that our self-worth is tied to our appearance or attractiveness to men. -- Ellie Flynn * Investigative journalist and broadcaster *

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Book SynopsisChris Kamara, known to millions as Kammy', is one of Britain's best-loved television presenters. A former professional football player and manager, he worked as a pundit and football analyst at Sky Sports for twenty-three years, achieving cult status for his off-the-wall catch phrases and irrepressible enthusiasm. In 2022, he left his post at Sky Sports after being diagnosed with the neurological condition apraxia, which impacts his speech. He continues to present a number of television programmes and podcasts, including Ninja Warrior, Cash in the Attic, UK's Strongest Man and Proper Football.He joined the Royal Navy at the age of sixteen, before signing up with Portsmouth FC in 1974. He went on to represent several other clubs, including Swindon Town, Brentford, Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Luton Town, Sheffield United and Bradford City, before he retired in the mid-1990s. Following his retirement from playing, Kamara became a

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Book SynopsisFizzing with energy, hilarity and charm, the Sunday Times bestseller from Countryfile's Anita Rani:'Beautiful' Caitlin Moran'Brilliant' Lemn Sissay'Filled with hope' Nikesh ShuklaAnita Rani was a girl who didn't fit in anywhere. She was always destined to stand out: from playing Mary in her otherwise all-white nursery nativity to growing up in eighties Yorkshire with her Punjabi family. After spending her childhood in her parents' factory and teenage years figuring out how best to get rid of hair that seemed to be growing EVERYWHERE, Anita writes for anyone who has ever felt different or alone.Sharing the lessons she wishes her younger self could have known: 'Freedom is Complicated', 'Your Anger is Legitimate', and updated with a new chapter, Anita shows how she became the powerhouse she is whilst battling against being too white inside her home and too brown outside of it.'A must-read' Viv Groskop'A joy from start to finish' Emma Kennedy'Extraordinary' Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisTHE TIMES #1 BESTSELLERTHE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLEROne of Vogue's Best Books to Read in 2021One of O Magazine's 55 Most Anticipated Books of 2021One of Marie Claire's 25 Best 2021 Memoirs to Pre-Order Now'Electrifying.' The Sunday Times'A glorious, rogue, raw account ... It is funny; it is shocking; it is good.' The Times'Dangerous, alluring and misunderstood: Sharon Stone remains one of our best ever movie stars ... Her new book serves as a spectacular reminder of the outrageous fun of her Nineties fame and why she is more than due for contemporary respect.' Independent'Brawler, hillbilly, misfit, thief - the actress's memoir of her hardscrabble life, The Beauty of Living Twice, is a feast of yarns and jokes.' Daily Telegraph'While [The Beauty of Living Twice] contains some startling personal revelations, equally affecting is Stone's warmth and grace, qualities that, by the end, feel quite miraculous . . . Writing with zeal and urgency, Stone argues for a stronger legal system, for rape kits on police shelves to be processed, for better training for teachers and paediatricians. Above all, she offers a hopeful glimpse of life beyond trauma . . . The Beauty of Living Twice promises the possibility of improvement or redemption, of compassion and understanding, of living honestly.' The Washington Post Sharon Stone, one of the most renowned actresses in the world, suffered a massive stroke that cost her not only her health, but her career, family, fortune, and global fame. In The Beauty of Living Twice, she chronicles her efforts to rebuild her life, and the slow road back to wholeness and health. In an industry that doesn't accept failure, in a world where too many voices are silenced, Stone found the power to return, the courage to speak up, and the will to make a difference in the lives of women and children around the globe. Over the course of these intimate pages, Stone talks about her pivotal roles, her life-changing friendships, her worst disappointments, and her greatest accomplishments. She reveals how she went from a childhood of trauma and violence to a business that in many ways echoed those same assaults, under cover of money and glamour. She describes the strength and meaning she found in her children, and in her humanitarian efforts. And ultimately, she shares how she fought her way back to find not only her truth, but her family's reconciliation and love. Stone made headlines not just for her talent and beauty, but for her candour and her refusal to "play nice," and it's those same qualities that make this memoir so powerful. The Beauty of Living Twice is a book for the wounded, and a book for the survivors; it's a celebration of women's strength and resilience, a reckoning, and a call to activism. It is proof that it's never too late to raise your voice, and speak out.Trade ReviewIn this courageous, daring and tender-hearted memoir, Sharon Stone interrogates her own trauma and a myriad of losses and discovers the gift of clear seeing. The Beauty of Living Twice is so much more than a celebrity tell-all. It is an act of reckoning, contrition, and above all, love. -- Dani Shapiro, author of INHERITANCEStone's memoir opens with a scene in a hospital bed, where the iconic actress is battling a brain bleed. That near-death experience and its aftermath is a jumping off point, an opportunity to reflect on the jagged, unlikely path that led her from a small town in Pennsylvania to becoming one of America's hottest stars. But this is not your typical Hollywood autobiography. Brutally honest, restless and questing, Stone bravely grapples with her own imperfections with courage and candor. * O Magazine, #33 of Top 55 Most Anticipated Books of 2021 *Elegantly written with her wicked sense of humour on full display, the memoir is catnip for fans who have never managed to crack the exterior of the elusive star. * US Vogue *wonderfully sardonic -- Lynn Barber * Daily Telegraph *Table of Contents1: Death Becomes Me 2: What Is Home 3: Style 4: Kitchen-Sink Irish 5: An Education 6: Work 7: Role Models 8: Basic 9: Invisible 10: Dreams 11: Dancing Lessons 12: Answered Prayers 13: Cages 14: Choices 15: Karma 16: Hope 17: The Bull 18: Me Too 19: The Beauty of Living Twice i: Acknowledgments ii: Resource Guide

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Book Synopsis?Powerful and thoughtful? Don McRae, Guardian?A fascinating and incredibly honest insight into the pressurised life of an elite athlete, on and off the pitch? Piers MorganRAW. REVEALING. REFLECTIVE. The candid autobiography.Danny Cipriani has always been searching for something. On the pitch, it was a line-break or space. A chink of light to dart through. An angle that no one else could see. Off the pitch, it was seeking a path through the pressure, fame and chaos that came with being anointed the ?Saviour of English Rugby?.Who Am I? is the raw and powerful memoir of a man of mercurial talent who, with the world at his feet, made his England rugby debut aged 20. A man who, just a year later, contemplated suicide. A man whose safe space was on the field, away from the drink, the women and the drugs he turned to in an attempt to escape his thoughts.Now, for the first time, one of the most compelling personalities in the sport reflects on who he was, where he?s come from and the man he?s become. Alongside his astute insight into playing under Martin Johnson, Stuart Lancaster and Eddie Jones, Danny also talks about chasing his dreams, his desire and passion to represent England, and his drive to become the best player he could be.This is the story of a once complicated man. A man searching for answers. A man trying to understand who he is.

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Book SynopsisI've fallen in love with this fabulous foursome They are a phenomenon!' Drew BarrymoreFrom @theoldgays, the internet's most beloved foursome, a book of inspirational stories and aspirational advice for living life at the fullest.The Old Gays have taken TikTok by storm with their viral videos, by turns outrageous and hilarious, fashionable and fierce. But as four gay men, aged from 67 to 80, Mick, Jessay, Robert, and Bill have lived through decades of momentous change and they've got stories that take more than three minutes to tell.They grew up in the closet, experienced Stonewall, lived large during the gay sexual revolution, lost friends during the AIDS crisis, dealt with their own HIV+ diagnoses, and saw gay marriage became legal. Between them, they've been through it all divorce, depression, bankruptcy, near-death experiences. And then there's the dinner parties, the nudism, the professional bodybuilding, the orgies and the matter of church.These are the tales sometimes scandaloTrade Review‘I need to be a part of their friend group, STAT … I’ve fallen in love with this fabulous foursome … They are a phenomenon!’Drew Barrymore ‘LOVE The Old Gays … Love them so much!’Paula Abdul ‘Upbeat [and] witty … though irreverent humor is the Old Gays’ bread and butter, they also reflect on faith, their struggles with homophobia, and surviving the AIDS crisis. The authors inspire fearlessness with their own exuberant attitudes. This risqué rule book celebrates making the most of life at any age’Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisA deadly memoir about being bold, Black and brave in work, life and love''Sharing my story is important ... I think it is true that you don''t aspire to be what you cannot see. I would like this book to show you that you can push yourself to do things you never dreamed you would do.''As a young Larrakia Tiwi girl Miranda Tapsell often felt like an outsider. Growing up, she looked for faces like hers on our screens. There weren''t many. And too often there was a negative narrative around First Nation lives, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women especially. As she got older, Miranda stopped expecting others would help change things and set about doing something herself. Combining her pride in her Aboriginality and passion for romantic comedies with her love of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands and the Top End, Miranda co-wrote, produced and starred in the box office hit Top End Wedding.In this engaging memoir, Miranda shares the path she t

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Book SynopsisSheila Hancock's moving and compelling memoir of her marriage to John ThawTrade Review'A book of exceptional emotional candour' Sunday Telegraph 'Wise, witty and at times unbearably moving' Glasgow Herald 'Startlingly good ... Hancock is remarkably good at evoking period and place' Sunday Times 'Her honest, graceful account leaves nothing out - Thaw's alcoholism, his depression, their separation, their love' Dublin Sunday Independent

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Book Synopsis''My dad is a Man amongst men'' - Tyson FuryThis is the Gypsy Warrior, Big John Fury, standing his corner, totally unfiltered and in his own words.I'll have a fight with anybody. Win, lose or draw. I'm out there, shirt off, done and dusted. If you've got Fury DNA, you're not shy of a fight.Born into a family of Irish traveller heritage, Big John Fury descends from a long line of bare-knuckle fighters including King of the Gypsies, Bartley Gorman. So it's no surprise that he found himself fighting outside the ring at a young age.From his early years in Manchester, John learned to box by bare-knuckle fighting within the travelling community before graduating into the sport professionally. The ring has never been far from his sights, and John has played a crucial role as coach and cornerman for his two-time British heavyweight champion son, Tyson Fury.When Fury Takes Over is the real story behind the legend, from memories of growing up as a traveller to stories of boxing for a Sherpa van, via life lessons from his time in prison and finding balance as a fighter and a family man.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2025An autobiographical white-knuckle ride around the global fight game by the legendary Steve Bunce: the voice of the sport who is celebrating four decades of writing and talking about boxers and boxing.In Around the World in 80 Fights, let ''the Voice of Boxing'' take you on the ultimate sporting odyssey: to the rings of New York, to the makeshift rings of Bukom in Ghana, to the riches of Las Vegas, and to Riyadh, Atlantic City, Bethnal Green, Mexico City, Rome and Berlin.To the basement rooms in dingy pubs where old fighters chase the last round; a bullring in December under the stars; a small square on the outskirts of Naples with a ring obscured by a fountain; the abandoned centre of boxing excellence in a forest lost in East Germany; a railway arch in south London and a bin-bag packed with cash. Let ''Buncey'' tell you about the conversations with Mr. T at ringside; a meeting with the Pope''s people; the thoughts of Donald Trump when he had plans to make boxing great again; Don King in exile in his nineties; an overheard conversation with Fidel Castro; and a very real diplomatic incident.The hard conversations with a dead boxer''s mother in the hour after a machine had been switched off. The bravery, stupidity, guts, desire and glory of the boxers in the world''s most famous and unknown rings. They fought for millions, for pride, for their country and for nothing. They bled, cried and died in those rings.Around the World in 80 Fights vividly reveals the simple, wonderful and truly awful business of boxing. It is Buncey''s business and this is his story.

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Book Synopsis*THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER!*Champion dancer and Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe has captured our hearts with his mesmerising talent, bringing joy to millions of fans and wowing the most critical of judges. He is loved not only for his dancing, but for his beautiful, infectious spirit and energy.Jojo: Finally Home is his never-before-told story, where he shares the experiences and challenges he''s faced - from growing up in Zamdela, a township in South Africa, as a young boy with a passion for dance (and playing with Barbies), to becoming the star he is today. Dance transformed Jojo''s future, giving him a tool to express himself - but as you will learn, this was not always easy.Captivating and moving, these are Jojo''s tales of euphoric highs and all-time lows, of making history, of grief, love, family and opportunity. It is a celebration of him finally feeling at home in his own skin. These are

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Book SynopsisMistakes, Mayhem, and Massive Twattery - Welcome to The Twat FilesCharming and funny. A good reminder that nobody''s perfect and why would you want to be anyway?' IndependentGreat fun and highly-entertaining' The Times----When I was younger I wanted to be an interesting, sophisticated, semi-heroic, multi-layered person. But being an actual twat is much more the real me.In The Twat Files I will tell you about all the times I''ve been a total and utter twat. The moments where I''ve misunderstood stuff and messed up. In my life these have been key because mistakes tell us about ourselves and others. They are hilarious and expose our flaws. They are gloriously human.My hope is that these stories remind you of just what a massive twat you also are . . .---''Dawn French is a wonderful writer'' Daily MailEntertaining, endearing, tantalising. Fans of the national treasure will devour them' Daily MirrorHilarious and highly relatable. The perfect gift for anyone who loves a good laugh' Woman''s Own''This woman is a national treasure'' Mail on SundayHilarious. The laughs and life lessons are ten-a-penny' Stylish

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Book SynopsisNikki Sixx is one of the most respected, recognizable, and entrepreneurial icons in the music industry. As the founder of Mötley Crüe who is now in his twenty-first year of sobriety, Sixx is incredibly passionate about his craft and wonderfully open about his life in rock and roll, and as a person of the world.Born Franklin Carlton Feranna on December 11, 1958, young Frankie was abandoned by his father and partly raised by his mother, a woman who was ahead of her time in some ways and deeply troubled in others. Frankie ended up living with his grandparents, bouncing from farm to farm and state to state. He was an all-American kid-hunting, fishing, chasing girls, and playing football-but underneath it all, there was a burning desire for more, and that more was music. He eventually took a Greyhound bound for Hollywood.In Los Angeles, Frank lived with his aunt and his uncle-the president of Capitol Records. But there was no short path to the top. He was soon on his own.

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Book SynopsisAfter forty-six years of being on the road, now is the right time to look back in a way I''ve never done before: now and then. I''m looking forward to sharing it with you. Mick Fleetwood has been part of one of the world''s most successful and adored bands for over four decades. Here he tells the full and candid story of that life, and what it is to be part of the ever evolving Fleetwood Mac. His all-access autobiography spans the career of one of classic rock''s greatest drummers and band leaders, the co-founder of the deeply loved super group that bears his name. In this intimate portrait of a life lived in music, Fleetwood vividly recalls his upbringing in Cornwall, Egypt and Norway tapping along to whatever song was playing on the radio; his experiences as a musician in Sixties London; the early days of the band featuring Peter Green, and his close friendship with George Harrison and seemingly all of music royalty. Play On sheds new light Trade ReviewFleetwood's eye for this level of detail is what sustains the whole enterprise, not least when he attends a fairly typical west coast party to find his ex-wife's sister, Pattie Boyd, "dressed as Minnie Mouse" and Eric Clapton "in one of Pattie's see-through dresses with his Y-fronts showing underneath and a sponge on his head." - Australian Financial Review. . . an eye-popping new memoir - Adelaide Advertiser

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER'A virtuosic memoir . . . elegant, frank and well-structured, that entirely resists cliche . . . readable for both diehard classical music fans and complete newcomers alike . . . A rare feat.' - The GuardianA uniquely illuminating memoir of the making of a musician, in which renowned pianist Jeremy Denk explores what he learned from his teachers about classical music: its forms, its power, its meaning - and what it can teach us about ourselves.In this searching and funny memoir, based on his popular New Yorker article, renowned pianist Jeremy Denk traces an implausible journey. Life is difficult enough as a precocious, temperamental, and insufferable six-year-old piano prodigy in New Jersey. But then a family meltdown forces a move to New Mexico, far from classical music’s nerve centers, and he has to please a new taskmaster while navigating cacti, and the perils of junior high schoTrade ReviewDenk . . . has written a book that shows what it’s like to be a pianist, but also what it’s like to be Jeremy Denk. As if that were not enough, it is also about the elements of music, and beyond that an account of the ways in which music and life mirror each other. It is a book like none other. -- Simon Callow * New York Review of Books *I can't stop telling everyone I know about it . . . It's one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. * Los Angeles Review of Books *A treasure . . . Denk addresses quite complex issues with extraordinary clarity, illustrating musical points with (frequently very witty) similes and metaphors. He informs, reminisces and entertains in equal measure. -- Steven IsserlisWonderful . . . a lesson for the reader in how to listen with more care and wonder to what’s behind the notes we hear. It also makes a strong case for why classical music, with its beauty and ecstasy, matters more than ever. -- Stephen HoughJeremy Denk really is that rarest of finds . . . An absolute must read for beginners and experts alike who wish to further explore the soul of the greatest music ever written in the company of a fine and virtuoso guide. -- Edward DocxA love letter to the art of paying deep attention. -- Susan TomesA one-of-a-kind musical autobiography by one of our most brilliant and perceptive classical musicians. -- John Adams, composer of Nixon in ChinaAmong the many virtues of this funny and moving book - its frankness, its generous preservation of wisdom from mentors past, its breathtaking insights about how and why music affects us - one stands out above the rest: it makes me want to practice. -- Conrad TaoSometimes you read the first paragraph and know you’ll read to the end. They say writing about music is like dancing about architecture. Jeremy Denk’s book reminds us that dancing about architecture sounds sort of great. -- John Jeremiah Sullivan, author of PulpheadJeremy Denk’s writing is as engaged and probing as his playing. Every Good Boy Does Fine hits the spot - a scintillating account of his way into music. -- Ian BostridgeLike Bach . . . Denk knows how to spin rich counterpoint out of multiple lines. And like Mozart . . . Denk knows how to make art out of 'a love for the steps, the joys of growing and outgrowing and being outgrown'. * The New York Times *Denk . . . has thought deeply and creatively about what a memoir is, and how to write it. By turns hilarious, original, and painfully revealing, Every Good Boy Does Fine is both an open-hearted coming-of-age story and a meditation on music’s inner secrets . . . Denk . . . is a dizzyingly inventive writer . . . That inventiveness is evident in the book’s conceit — its use of the piano lesson as the vehicle with which to tell his story. * The Boston Globe *

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Book SynopsisNow Michael, you''re the son of a naval officer, you must behave like a naval officer at all times...What Captain William Rutherford told his seven-year-old son Michael was to stay with him all his life. Born in 1950, Michael was truly his father''s son, even serving in the naval section of the student cadet corps at one of England''s top public schools, Charterhouse. Mike''s future lay in the civil service: it was a subject that he discussed with his father at Captain Crawford''s gentlemen''s club. But then something happened. Mike discovered rock music. As one of the founder members of Genesis, Mike was to tour the world and achieve international fame. From unpromising beginnings - demonised by his teachers as a fomenter of revolution, driving to gigs in a bread van - Mike would go on to crisscross the globe with bandmates Peter Gabriel and, later, Phil Collins, playing to packed-out stadiums and achieving record sales of over 150 million. Swapping

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Book Synopsis''Wonderful - such a terrific read. Brilliantly captures the passion, commitment, searing self-knowledge and dizzy happiness that comes with loving music. An enchanting book'' STEPHEN FRY***Following a formative encounter with the British pop movie Slade in Flame in 1975, Mark Kermode decided that musical superstardom was totally attainable. And so, armed with a homemade electric guitar and very little talent, he embarked on an alternative career - a chaotic journey which would take him from the halls and youth clubs of North London to the stages of Glastonbury, the London Palladium and The Royal Albert Hall. Hilarious and blissfully nostalgic, this is a riotous account of a bedroom dreamer''s attempts to conquer the world armed with nothing more than a chancer''s enthusiasm and a simple philosophy: how hard can it be? *** ''At the heart of this entertaining memoir is a little boy in his back garden in Finchley, banging out a rhythm on sauceTrade ReviewWonderful - such a terrific read. HOW DOES IT FEEL? hit me right between the eyes. It brilliantly captures the passion, commitment, searing self-knowledge and dizzy happiness that comes with loving music. An enchanting book -- STEPHEN FRYMark Kermode's warmly salubrious memoir reveals, unexpectedly, a teenager who found skiffle as addictive - and sometimes as dangerous - as crack -- CAITLIN MORAN[A] witty, self-deprecating account . . . at the heart of this entertaining memoir is a little boy in his back garden in Finchley, banging out a rhythm on saucepans with a couple of wooden spoons * Daily Mail *Mark Kermode's wonderful and wry book is a compelling combination of heartfelt enthusiasm, merciless self-analysis and a pleasingly full Rolodex of terrible band names. A true fan, he has the rare gift of making you want to discover things from the margins while never looking down on the mainstream. His writing feels like one of those letters you always wish to receive, one whose sole purpose seems to be to increase your zest for life -- RICHARD AYOADEMark Kermode deftly and winningly manages to have one foot in knotty film criticism and one in popular entertainment . . . If you enjoyed [Danny] Baker's various volumes of autobiography, Kermode's romp through his own 'back story' will appeal too, since he has much of his mentor's style: breezily anecdotal, big on dialogue and set-pieces * New Statesman *Kermode's insistent perfecting of musical failure is madly funny. I loved this book and cringed at every awful stage fail, but his passion shines through. His unrequited desire to be a rock star in a time when every idiot had a band is bum-clenchingly funny and forensically recalled. How life isn't always the movie in your mind -- GARY KEMPEntertaining . . . wry . . . rendered with self-deprecating humour. Overwhelmingly, what comes through every anecdote is the author's genuine enthusiasm for music * Spectator *A delight. If Nick Hornby's HIGH FIDELITY and the Kinks' greatest hits had a baby, and that baby could play skiffle, it would be this book -- HADLEY FREEMANAn entertaining read by anyone's standards, but if you've ever been in a band, if you understand the idea of throwing yourself body and soul into making music with the absolute surety that what you're doing amounts to genius, even - and especially - when it definitely, definitely doesn't, then it's a book you're going to adore * Drowned in Sound *Oh boy! A rocking whirlwind of a tale. People get into bands originally for the sheer love of the life and the music. Few manage to retain that dizzying adolescent crush like Mark Kermode -- DANNY BAKERAn engaging tribute to the under-sung glories of skiffle, written with the joyful enthusiasm of someone clearly dedicated to making music -- JONNY GREENWOODFrom a garden with one person and a cat, to the Barbican Concert Hall. From a cassette recorder in a bedroom in North London to the legendary Sun studios in Memphis, Mark Kermode's self-deprecatory wit exemplifies and celebrates the wonderful unstoppable force of innocence and youthful dreams. Part Spinal Tap, part Nick Hornby, a rock'n'rollercoaster memoir of never giving up on your passions -- SANJEEV BHASKARYou know when you read a biography of your favourite band? And the best bit is the first few chapters where they're chancing it, sleeping on floors, borrowing amps and not believing they've blagged their way onto a bill with Rick Wakeman. Well, imagine that breathless, innocent excitement lasted their whole career. That's what reading HOW DOES IT FEEL? is like. It's the biography of your favourite band who never quite got famous -- JOHN ROBINS

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Book SynopsisFrom one of the stars of C4's Banged Up, this is Sid Owen's entertaining and poignant autobiography, as the troubled kid heading towards a life of crime found success in EastEnders.Sid Owen is best known for playing the hapless but loveable EastEnders character Ricky Butcher, one of Britain’s most enduring soap icons. What people don’t know is that Sid’s early life saw more drama than anything his character endured. His father was an armed robber who was sent to prison when Sid was very young. Sid went out 'on the rob' from an early age, breaking into shops and seeing it as a big adventure.Sid lived happily with his mum and siblings on a sprawling north London council estate until he was seven, when his mum died and the brothers were split up. Feeling confused, unloved and unhappy, Sid was heading towards a life of crime. Acting offered an escape from his troubled home life and his teen years played out between extremes – at thirteen he was working with Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland on the movie Revolution; at sixteen he was living in an Islington squat with his brothers when his work brought him to the attention of the EastEnders producers.From Rags to Ricky is Sid’s moving, unforgettable account of his north London childhood during the late 1970s and 80s. His natural storytelling skills, authentic voice, ear for dialogue and sharp eye for detail transform this story of loss and deprivation into a timeless tale of one individual’s struggle to defy the hand fate dealt him and come out winning.

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Book SynopsisA Book of the Year in The Observer and The Times and winner of the Visionary Honours Award.'David Harewood writes with rare honesty and fearless self-analysis about his experiences of racism and what ultimately led to his descent into psychosis . . . This book is, in itself, a physical manifestation of that hopeful journey.' - David Olusoga, author of Black and BritishThis powerful and provocative memoir charts critically acclaimed actor David Harewood’s life from working class Birmingham to the bright lights of Hollywood. He shares insights from his recovery after an experience of psychosis and uncovers devastating family history. Maybe I Don't Belong Here is a groundbreaking account of the impact of everyday racism on Black mental health and a rallying cry to examine the biases that shape our society.As a young actor, David had a psychotic breakdown and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He was physically restrained by six police officers, sedated, then hospitalized and transferred to a locked ward. Only now, thirty years later, has he been able to process what he went through.What caused this breakdown and how did David recover to become a successful actor? How did his experiences growing up contribute to a rupture in his sense of his place in the world? David’s compelling story poses the question: Is it possible to be Black and British and feel welcome and whole?'One of the best books on mental health, race, Britain and the thrill of acting I have ever read.' – Stephen FryTrade ReviewOne of the best books on mental health, race, Britain and the thrill of acting I have ever read. You will fall in love with the miraculous David Harewood as he grows up, stumbles, falls and rises in triumph. This incredible, touching and inspiring story will change lives. -- Stephen FryDavid Harewood writes with rare honesty and fearless self-analysis about his experiences of racism and what ultimately led to his descent into psychosis at the age of twenty-three. With equal candour, David plots the story of his recovery. This book is, in itself, a physical manifestation of that hopeful journey. -- David Olusoga, author of Black and BritishHeartwarming, eye-opening, gut-wrenching... Maybe I Don’t Belong Here shines a light on the interplay between race, identity and mental well-being with tremendous moral courage. -- David Lammy, MPAn eye-opening read and a subject we don’t hear enough about -- The GuardianStartling and thought-provoking -- The Sunday TimesSuch a powerful and necessary read...Don't wait until Black History Month to pick up this book, it's a must-read just now. -- Candice Brathwaite, Sunday Times bestselling author of I Am Not Your Baby Mother and Sista, Sister

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Book Synopsis'This is an utter tonic. Lorraine at her most honest; a genuinely helpful book' DAWN FRENCH'I love this book!' DAVINA MCCALL________________________________Lorraine has been a fixture on our TV screens for 35 years and is beloved by thousands for her warmth and down-to-earth interviewing style. Whatever life throws at her, she always manages to keep that signature twinkle in her eye. Now, she's ready to share her life lessons.There's a lot to keep up with nowadays: family, home, work, social media, the news... It's all too easy for days go by in a blur and before you know it, you're exhausted and the year has passed in the blink of an eye. Despite her hectic schedule, Lorraine has learned how important it is to listen to your body and your heart, and to take control of your life. Whether making small changes to your daily routine or overhauling your lifestyle and achieving those bucket-list goals, Shine will show you how to live every day to the fullest. Let Lorraine guide you on the journey to your best self with candid anecdotes from her own life, tips from the experts and practical exercises. You'll learn how to:- Spark: how to stay positive, confident and calm whatever life throws at you.- Glow: encouragement and strategies for keeping your body healthy and your look fresh, whatever your age.- Dazzle: how to get the best out of your relationships, family and work and make a difference to the world, even if it's just your patch.Uplifting, warm, and with beautiful hand-painted illustrations, Shine is a self-help book told from the heart.Trade ReviewThis is an utter tonic. Lorraine at her most honest; a genuinely helpful book’ -- Dawn FrenchI love this book, especially the chapter on aging * Davina McCall *Very Lorraine: no psychobabble, no self-indulgence, no nonsense, just matter-of-fact advice. The book is based on her own experiences, from looking your best to dealing with bullying, anxiety, menopause, friendships, parents and parenthood. It is the sort of age-old female wisdom and compassionate common sense a mother would pass on . . . The message she puts across in her book [is]: be real, make the most of yourself and your opportunities, and have a blast * YOU magazine *A thoughtful, supportive guide to living your best life . . . Lorraine draws freely on her own challenging life experiences from menopausal anxiety and miscarriage to discrimination. And she offers tips on everything from ageing and sleep to developing confidence and building self-esteem, as well as suggesting practical exercises to help challenge negative thinking, all delivered with her trademark warmth. -- Charlotte Heathcote * Mirror *This is all about living life to the full. nurturing mind, body and relationships, with advice on everything from ageing to Zumba. Kelly's own life has had its trials, but her sunny optimism will ward off winter's chill. * Saga Magazine *

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Book SynopsisKate Adie's story is an unusual one. Raised in post-war Sunderland, where life was 'a sunny experience, full of meat-paste sandwiches and Sunday school', she has reported memorably and courageously from many of the world's trouble spots since she joined the BBC in 1969. THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS encompasses Adie's reporting from, inter alia, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Tiananmen Square and, of course, the Gulf War of 1991. It offers a compelling combination of vivid frontline reporting and evocative writing and reveals the extraordinarily demanding life of the woman who is always at the heart of the action. Although an intensely private person, Kate Adie also divulges what it's like to be a woman in a man's world - an inspiration to many working women.Trade ReviewSharp, witty and full of insights into the BBC and the sometimes crazed world of broadcasting - Daily Express

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Book SynopsisFollowing a number of sensationalist biographies of Marilyn Monroe in recent years, this comprehensive, meticulously researched volume brings an important fresh perspective on the many controversies in her life. It is essential reading for anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe and the Golden Age of Hollywood. This new edition of Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed has been thoroughly revised and expanded to include an additional 60,000 words. It reveals a very different Marilyn from the celluloid invention. For the first volume, Michelle Morgan interviewed approximately 100 people who knew or were related to Marilyn in some way, including key figures in her life - family and friends, as well as work colleagues, and more casual acquaintances. This new edition includes information gleaned from many more interviews, as well as additional family background and many new stories. Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed is the most comprehensive Monroe biography yet. It covers her trip to England in great detail and gives the true story behind the making of The Prince and the Showgirl.Praise for the 2007 hardback illustrated edition of Marilyn Monroe, Private and Undisclosed:'A gorgeous collection offering a fascinating insight into Monroe's personal life.' Woman & Home'A touching portrayal of the star in her more private moments.' Empire'This candid and often surprising study of the screen legend provides another view of her.' RedTrade Review[Of Marilyn Monroe As I Knew Her] A gorgeous collection offering a fascinating insight into Monroe's personal life. * Woman & Home *[Of Marilyn Monroe As I Knew Her] This candid and often surprising study of the screen legend provides another view of her. * Red *[Of Marilyn Monroe As I Knew Her] A touching portrayal of the star in her more private moments. * Empire *

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Book Synopsis

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