Humour Books

Book SynopsisThe best of the best from the Comedians' Comedian 2020'If you loved Jeremy Hardy, or if you know anyone who did, this is the most brilliant present because it's got every part of his voice in it' DAWN FRENCH'Well good evening, my name is Jeremy Hardy and I'm a comedian who likes to make wry witty satirical observations about the society we live in -- but I prefer to keep them to myself, thank you very much.'Edited by his wife, Katie Barlow and his long-time producer David Tyler, this comprehensive celebration of Jeremy Hardy's work is introduced by Jack Dee and Mark Steel. Further reflections on Jeremy come from Rory Bremner, Paul Bassett Davies, Jon Naismith, Francesca Martinez, Sandi Toksvig, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Andy Hamilton, Graeme Garden and Hugo Rifkind. Katie Barlow also provides a moving Afterword.Jeremy Hardy, who died in February 2019, was perhaps the most distinctive and brilliant comedian to arise from the 80s Alternative Comedy circuit. He regularly entertained the millions who heard his outrageous rants on The News Quiz, his legendary singing on I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, or his hilarious monologues and sketches on the award-winning Jeremy Hardy Speaks to The Nation and Jeremy Hardy Feels It.Often referred to as 'the comedian's comedian', Jeremy's comedy could be both personal and political, ranging in topics from prison reform to parenting, from British identity to sex. His comedy could be biting, provocative and illuminating, but it could also be surreal, mischievous and, at times, very silly. And while Jeremy's unwavering socialism was a thread that ran throughout his comedy, his greatest skill was that, whatever their political beliefs, Jeremy always brought his audience along with him.Jeremy Hardy Speaks Volumes is a fitting celebration of this brilliant comedian. Introduced by Jack Dee and Mark Steel and containing material from his stand-up to his radio monologues and political satire to the joyfully silly gems, as well as tributes from his friends and fellow comedians, it is curated to encompass everything about Jeremy that fans adored. Edited by Katie Barlow and David Tyler, Jeremy Hardy Speaks Volumes is wise, daft, outrageous, personal and, above all, very funny: like Jeremy himself.'Ground-breakingly brilliant, off-the-register funny' JACK DEE'A one-off. Part genius, part naughty schoolboy' SANDI TOKSVIG'Unfussy, unshowy, principled, self-deprecating, hugely loved and admired by his fellow comedians and funnier than the lot of us put together' RORY BREMNERTrade ReviewIf you loved Jeremy Hardy, or if you know anyone who did, this is the most brilliant present because it's got every part of his voice in it * Dawn French *Ground-breakingly brilliant, off-the-register funny, compassionate and caring * Jack Dee *A glorious friend and a mischievous comedian - a clown and a commentator all at once * Mark Steel *Jeremy Hardy was a one-off. Part genius, part naughty school boy . . . there was no one to match him for his brilliant understanding, his satire and his straightforward ability to make us sob with laughter. How many evenings he made the radio theatre rock with delight * Sandi Toksvig *Jeremy Hardy was so special and brilliant and mischievous, a miracle of a person * Victoria Coren-Mitchell *Unfussy, unshowy, principled, self-deprecating, hugely loved and admired by his fellow comedians, and funnier than the lot of us put together. A unique comedian and a lovely man * Rory Bremner *He chose to use his comedy to change the world, rather than to fill stadia * Richard Osman *He would light fires of indignation with his blazing wit * Independent *[A] fine and fitting collection . . . poignant * Chortle *Brings together the late comedian's musings on both the personal and political * Choice *

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Book Synopsis'As informative as it is entertaining - read it, you won't regret it' Paula GooderBeards have had cultural and religious significance for thousands of years. A fascinating story is to be told of the religious significance of beards from the ancient civilisations to today. This book will survey beard theology from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Mesopotamia, to the Jews of Jesus's day and through to the early Church fathers who strongly promoted the beard, the Latin church which outlawed it leading up to and after the Great Schism of 1054. We will pursue the story of the protestant reformers and leaders of the evangelical revival of the 19th century all had plenty to say about the beard.This largely untold and intriguing story of the religious significance of beards and will containa series of entertaining true historical stories, such as the cardinal who lost the papacy due to his beard, the female pharaoh who wore the fake beard and how beards were cited in the papal bull of excommunication that formalised the split of the Eastern and Western churches in the great schism.As well as providing a unique historical narrative, it also provides a subtle basis for reflection on current theological disputes and debates, gently inviting you to consider what parallels there areto the historical theological disputes which today seem trivial but caused heated passions in their day. It will entertain and inform in equal measure.'A profound exploration of the way beliefs turn to rules . . . smart, funny and absolutely fascinating' Cole MoretonTrade ReviewEver wondered about beards and their theology? No, me neither, but this little book has persuaded me that Ishould have. It is as informative as it is entertaining - read it, you won't regret it. * Dr Paula Gooder, Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, London *I love this hirsute "horrible history" of the Church. It's funny, enlightening and completely novel - which is some achievement given the history of Christendom! * Revd Dave Tomlinson, vicar & author of Black Sheep and Prodigals *On the face of it, tracking the history and theology of men's facial hair throughout the Bible and the historyof the Church may "be-a-rd-iffi cult" concept for some of us to take seriously. But I "moustache-sure" you that itleads to an unusual yet intriguing read. Beyond the fuzz Mouse helps us to explore male identity,gender disparity, cultural appropriation and the contextualisation of the gospel. This book does notshortcut the issues, trim off the rough bits or split unnecessary theological hairs. Razor sharp in its wit andcharm, it off ers us a whisker-stop tour of all sorts of hairy and prickly issues. * Dr Krish Kandiah, Founding Director of Home for Good & author of God is Stranger and Paradoxology *Despite not having a beard (the occasional pre-menopausal random chin hair aside) this is a hairy good read.Beard theology? I mean, who knew? A must-read for everyone from 70s-style Oxbridge chin-stroking theologiansto church-in-an-industrial-unit hipster evangelicals. * Revd Kate Bottley, priest in North Nottinghamshire & BBC Radio 2 presenter *'Smart, funny and absolutely fascinating. Lurking behind all that facial hair is an unexpectedly profound exploration of the way beliefs turn to rules and change the way we look and act. You'd think a man calling himself Mouse and writing about beards would be hiding something, but this book is wonderfully revealing about human nature.'Cole Moreton, writer & broadcasterIt's in the book's many diversions that the real joy is to be had * Premier Christianity *

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Book Synopsis'As informative as it is entertaining - read it, you won't regret it' Paula GooderBeards have had cultural and religious significance for thousands of years. A fascinating story is to be told of the religious significance of beards from the ancient civilisations to today. This book will survey beard theology from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Mesopotamia, to the Jews of Jesus's day and through to the early Church fathers who strongly promoted the beard, the Latin church which outlawed it leading up to and after the Great Schism of 1054. We will pursue the story of the protestant reformers and leaders of the evangelical revival of the 19th century all had plenty to say about the beard.This largely untold and intriguing story of the religious significance of beards and will containa series of entertaining true historical stories, such as the cardinal who lost the papacy due to his beard, the female pharaoh who wore the fake beard and how beards were cited in the papal bull of excommunication that formalised the split of the Eastern and Western churches in the great schism.As well as providing a unique historical narrative, it also provides a subtle basis for reflection on current theological disputes and debates, gently inviting you to consider what parallels there areto the historical theological disputes which today seem trivial but caused heated passions in their day. It will entertain and inform in equal measure.'A profound exploration of the way beliefs turn to rules . . . smart, funny and absolutely fascinating' Cole MoretonTrade ReviewEver wondered about beards and their theology? No, me neither, but this little book has persuaded me that Ishould have. It is as informative as it is entertaining - read it, you won't regret it. * Dr Paula Gooder, Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, London *I love this hirsute "horrible history" of the Church. It's funny, enlightening and completely novel - which is some achievement given the history of Christendom! * Revd Dave Tomlinson, vicar & author of Black Sheep and Prodigals *On the face of it, tracking the history and theology of men's facial hair throughout the Bible and the historyof the Church may "be-a-rd-iffi cult" concept for some of us to take seriously. But I "moustache-sure" you that itleads to an unusual yet intriguing read. Beyond the fuzz Mouse helps us to explore male identity,gender disparity, cultural appropriation and the contextualisation of the gospel. This book does notshortcut the issues, trim off the rough bits or split unnecessary theological hairs. Razor sharp in its wit andcharm, it off ers us a whisker-stop tour of all sorts of hairy and prickly issues. * Dr Krish Kandiah, Founding Director of Home for Good & author of God is Stranger and Paradoxology *Despite not having a beard (the occasional pre-menopausal random chin hair aside) this is a hairy good read.Beard theology? I mean, who knew? A must-read for everyone from 70s-style Oxbridge chin-stroking theologiansto church-in-an-industrial-unit hipster evangelicals. * Revd Kate Bottley, priest in North Nottinghamshire & BBC Radio 2 presenter *'Smart, funny and absolutely fascinating. Lurking behind all that facial hair is an unexpectedly profound exploration of the way beliefs turn to rules and change the way we look and act. You'd think a man calling himself Mouse and writing about beards would be hiding something, but this book is wonderfully revealing about human nature.'Cole Moreton, writer & broadcasterIt's in the book's many diversions that the real joy is to be had * Premier Christianity *

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Book Synopsis*From the star of CUNK ON EARTH - BBC's landmark mockumentary, now on Netflix!*'This book is great because it covers everything in existence apart from the 95% of stuff not worth bothering with' Philomena Cunk, star of Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe, Moments of Wonder and Cunk on Earth, Cunk & Other Humans'Essential reading for these slipshod times' Al MurrayOnce in a blue moon, a book comes along that changes the world. The Origin of Species. War and Peace. 1984. The World According to Danny Dyer. And now, Cunk on Everything: The Encyclopedia Philomena, by Philomena Cunk.Philomena Cunk is one of the greatest thinkers of the 21st century, and in Cunk on Everything she turns her attention to our biggest issue: why are there so many books? Wouldn't it be better if there was just one? This is that book - an encyclopedia of ALL HUMAN KNOWLEDGE, from sausages to Henry of Eight to Brush Strokes to vegetarian sausages. Read it, and you'll never have to read another book again.'This is a book' Philomena Cunk'Never contact me again' Professor Rupert Delgado, MBE'Cunk for PM' Rachel Riley'. . . book . . .' Guardian'Truly the intellect for our baffling times' The Times'This book is absolutely stupid' The PoolTrade ReviewEssential reading for these slipshod times -- Al MurrayLiterally had me in tears . . . Cunk for PM -- Rachel RileyTruly the intellect for our baffling times * The Times *Unpacks some of culture's biggest phenomenons * The Guardian *Television's most notorious wide-eyed idiot presents her guide to everything, providing an insight into her mind along the way * Independent *Cunk has fronted her own documentaries on Christmas and Shakespeare, and now finally arrives in print, recording her decidedly confused opinions on all manner of subjects for the ages. -- Joe Sommerlad * Independent *In a world of fake news, spin and propaganda, one figure can be relied on to cut through the noise: Philomena Cunk * Radio Times *This book is absolutely stupid - and if you know the work of Philomena Cunk, you'll understand that this is exactly what makes it so hilarious . . . there's nothing you won't understand after a quick flick through Cunk's encyclopedia -- Emily Baker * The Pool *As comprehensive as it is ridiculous * Funny Women *if you like to be told what you already know by a complete moron, you're in for a treat * Strong Words *An astute parody of cynical talking heads * Chortle *

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Book SynopsisIf making the school lunches, doing the Jaysus homework and dodging the guards because of your long-overdue NCT is sending you over the edge, you are not alone. DirtBirds are here to help, with their guide to just about anything that can send a woman reaching for the bottle well before cocktail hour.Discover survival strategies for: When stress wrecks your face When kids wreck your head How to love your body even when nobody else does How to deal with a 'Yummy Mummy' when you meet one When marriage drives you over the edge How to manage your moola Surviving dry January - an alternative approach And much more!With advice ranging from the slightly unorthodox to the barely legal - along with case studies, cocktail recipes & questionnaires - there's hardly a situation in life that DirtBirds' wisdom won't change for the better!Trade Review "Their comedy is based on observing normal-life situations and turning them into very intelligent quips, sketches and stories." - The Independent"Sinead and Sue identify a gap in comedy that women can relate to, they are passionate mothers themselves and have first hand experience of life's challenges." - The Independent"Irish comedy duo's hilarious tips from the town beauty tutorial will have you in stitches" - The Sun

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Book Synopsis'I don't think that loving yourself is a choice. I think that it's a decision that has to be made for survival' - LizzoLizzo is without doubt the self-love preaching, flute-playing, feel-good superstar the world needs rights now! Whether you stan her for her unforgettable lewks, body positivity or not giving a single f*ck about haters... this book of pocket wisdom is the perfect companion.The Little Book of Lizzo is a collection of the pop goddess's most iconic quotes, fiercest advice and boundary pushing wisdom, sure to leave you feeling good as hell.

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Book SynopsisYou've got questions: about space, time, gravity, and the odds of meeting your older self inside a wormhole. All the answers you need are right here.As a species, we may not agree on much, but one thing brings us all together: a need to know. We all wonder, and deep down we all have the same big questions. Why can't I travel back in time? Where did the universe come from? What's inside a black hole? Can I rearrange the particles in my cat and turn it into a dog?Physics professor Daniel Whiteson and researcher-turned-cartoonist Jorge Cham are experts at explaining science in ways we can all understand, in their books and on their popular podcast, Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe. With their signature blend of humour and oh-now-I-get-it clarity, Jorge and Daniel offer short, accessible, and lighthearted answers to some of the most common, most outrageous, and most profound questions about the universe they've been asked.This witty, entertaining, and fully illustrated book is an essential troubleshooting guide for the perplexing aspects of reality, big and small, from the invisible particles that make up your body to the identical version of you currently reading this exact sentence in the corner of some other galaxy. If the universe came with an FAQ, this would be it.Trade ReviewDelightful, funny, and yet rigorous and intelligent: only Jorge and Daniel can reach this exquisite balance -- CARLO ROVELLI, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and HelgolandEasy-to-understand explanations of complex scientific theories and concepts. . . . This quirky, easily digestible book makes for a fun read * Library Journal *Cham and Whiteson use nontechnical language and humor to discuss the most up-to-date theories about the cosmos and humans' place in it. Illustrated with Cham's science-themed cartoons, the book is both educational and entertaining * Physics Today *Amusing intro to the mysteries of the cosmos. . .The authors' answers always feel fresh, and Cham's fun cartoons are a treat. Entertaining and satisfying, this is sure to please * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *The authors' work fits neatly into the recently burgeoning market of breezy pop-science books full of jokes, asides, and cartoons that serve as introductions to concepts that require much further study to fully understand. A solid foundational education in a handful of lively scientific topics * Kirkus *These are some of the biggest questions humanity has ever asked and the authors tackle them with wit, humor, expertise, and humility . . . an excellent, easy-to-understand resource for curious people who want to start learning about cosmology * Booklist *A treat of a read * The Sun *

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Book SynopsisFAKE NEWS AND COMMENT FROM IRELAND'S NUMBER ONE TRUSTED SOURCE @MALLOWNEWSLocal and national news, sports, entertainment, highlights from Ireland's literary scene, parish notes, obituaries and more!-No vaccine found for second wave of coalition government -Dublin man happy he's solved health crisis by clapping-St Anthony arrested after gardaí recover €200,000 worth of stolen goods-Five ways to turn your uncommunicative, GAA-loving husband into an uncommunicative, GAA-loving CONNELL-Rogue Siege of Ennis maims four-Man about to serenade apartment block with 'Galway Girl' taken out by sniper-Irish government agrees Mrs Brown's Boys sufficient reparations for occupation-Exclusive extracts from literary sensations Jesus Christ What a Complete Gobnait and Ordinary Shams

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Book SynopsisFrom dress sense to the drinking dens, history to haircuts, the customs and, of course, the caps, The Peaky Blinders Compendium is a celebration of the swagger and cool of the Shelby family enterprise and the era that made their name. An in-depth, entertaining, alphabetical guide that embraces the life and style, faces and places, along with the major events and big ideas that defined the world of Tommy Shelby in the early decades of the twentieth century. This book is packed with practical guides throughout, whether you're aspiring to steep your own backroom gin or seeking to pick up a period pocket watch. Providing cultural, sartorial and historical insight, this is an essential guide for the Peaky Blinder enthusiast or anyone in search of a razor-sharp edge to their identity.

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Book SynopsisFrom dress sense to the drinking dens, history to haircuts, the customs and, of course, the caps, The Peaky Blinders Compendium is a celebration of the swagger and cool of the Shelby family enterprise and the era that made their name. An in-depth, entertaining, alphabetical guide that embraces the life and style, faces and places, along with the major events and big ideas that defined the world of Tommy Shelby in the early decades of the twentieth century. This book is packed with practical guides throughout, whether you're aspiring to steep your own backroom gin or seeking to pick up a period pocket watch. Providing cultural, sartorial and historical insight, this is an essential guide for the Peaky Blinder enthusiast or anyone in search of a razor-sharp edge to their identity.

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Book SynopsisPoliticians are weird - we can all agree on that. But do you know how much weirder they used to be? If not, Honourable Misfits is the book for you. Spanning from the past seven hundred years, this is a celebration of the oddest and most eccentric MPs the House of Commons has ever seen. From mad inventors and fearless adventurers to machiavellian villains and mavericks with more money than sense, it offers sixty-five pen portraits of the unique, the mysterious and the downright deranged.There is the one who built a complex network of tunnels and underground rooms underneath his estate; the one who liked to go hunting naked; the one who set himself on fire to cure his hiccups, and the one who invented a very small gun with which to kill flies.Still, they weren't all useless; there was also the MP who invented weather forecasts, and the one who documented more animal species than nearly everyone else. They weren't all good either; between the fascist turned Buddhist monk and the spy who faked his death, there are more than enough villains to go around. They also weren't all lucky; included in Honourable Misfits are tributes to MPs with tragic deaths, from falling on a turnip to getting in a car accident the day after getting elected. This is a book to celebrate human nature in all its odd, compelling complexity.Trade ReviewAt a time when British politics is so depressing, it's a joy to read about the follies of MPs in the past written with such gusto and elan. Every politician should have a copy of this by their bed and by the side of any other bed they may use -- Tony RobinsonWhat a brilliant collection of characters - the wacky, the weird and (occasionally) the wise. Marie makes history more fun than it's meant to be. Dip in, and you won't be able to dip out -- Evan DavisThis is something you didn't know you needed: a book to make you strangely fond of MPs. At least, some MPs - and all of them dead. At heart it is a very entertaining, affectionate celebration of weirdness, and a memorial to many people who have almost completely been forgotten (some of them rightly). And it will almost certainly make you feel better about how YOUR career's going -- Mark Watson

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Book SynopsisPoliticians are weird - we can all agree on that. But do you know how much weirder they used to be? If not, Honourable Misfits is the book for you. Spanning from the past seven hundred years, this is a celebration of the oddest and most eccentric MPs the House of Commons has ever seen. From mad inventors and fearless adventurers to machiavellian villains and mavericks with more money than sense, it offers sixty-five pen portraits of the unique, the mysterious and the downright deranged.There is the one who built a complex network of tunnels and underground rooms underneath his estate; the one who liked to go hunting naked; the one who set himself on fire to cure his hiccups, and the one who invented a very small gun with which to kill flies.Still, they weren't all useless; there was also the MP who invented weather forecasts, and the one who documented more animal species than nearly everyone else. They weren't all good either; between the fascist turned Buddhist monk and the spy who faked his death, there are more than enough villains to go around. They also weren't all lucky; included in Honourable Misfits are tributes to MPs with tragic deaths, from falling on a turnip to getting in a car accident the day after getting elected. This is a book to celebrate human nature in all its odd, compelling complexity.Trade ReviewAt a time when British politics is so depressing, it's a joy to read about the follies of MPs in the past written with such gusto and elan. Every politician should have a copy of this by their bed and by the side of any other bed they may use -- Tony RobinsonWhat a brilliant collection of characters - the wacky, the weird and (occasionally) the wise. Marie makes history more fun than it's meant to be. Dip in, and you won't be able to dip out -- Evan DavisThis is something you didn't know you needed: a book to make you strangely fond of MPs. At least, some MPs - and all of them dead. At heart it is a very entertaining, affectionate celebration of weirdness, and a memorial to many people who have almost completely been forgotten (some of them rightly). And it will almost certainly make you feel better about how YOUR career's going -- Mark Watson

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Book Synopsis'Do you need a human in the first place? If you do, do not adopt a human on impulse. You may not get the right one for your lifestyle.'George the Cat is the feline world's favourite agony aunt. Now he brings us his irresistible, hilarious A-Z guide for fellow felines to help them navigate the human world, understand their sometimes weird and idiotic behaviour, and help turn human failings to feline advantages. Includes advice on how to move a sleeping human to the very edge of their bed, enjoy the use of their empty boxes before they're thrown out, and to get doors opened for you whether or not you have a private catflap.George also has a word of advice for humans: 'Don't let your cat get his paws on this book!'For fans of Secret Thoughts Cats Have About Humans and 100 Ways for A Cat to Train Its Human by Celia Haddon.

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Book Synopsis'An outpouring of truth, wit, and beautiful comedic wisdom.' Katherine Ryan'Such a funny and interesting book.' Sara Pascoe'Finally my vagina has a voice!' London Hughes'Powerful, bold, vulnerable, beautiful, hilarious, universal, unique.' Scarlett Curtis**********************************************For as long as she can remember, Grace Campbell has been told that she doesn't suit her name. But being graceful is no fun anyway.Growing up in a world of privilege and politics, she had a lot to feel confident about. But she was also a record-breaker when it came to feeling shame. Shame about sex, shame about rejection, shame about mental health.But over time, and with a 24 carat gold dose of female friendship, Grace has turned shame into a defiant sense of self. At only 27, Grace has got a lot to learn about being an adult, but she's already got a lot to share about being a disgrace, and how she came to be utterly, disgustingly, disgracefully proud of it.This is the book every young woman should read, and every young man should worry about.Trade ReviewIt wins my prize for "best cover art of the year"... -- Caitlin MoranThis book is hilarious, Grace is a bloody badass, finally my vagina has a voice! -- London HughesAn outpouring of truth, wit, and beautiful comedic wisdom from the hilarious and laudably liberated Grace Campbell. As I feel the echoes of my ancestors' shame, Amazing Disgrace assured me that this inspirational new generation of young women are so much more than their fathers' daughters and their husbands' wives. They're honestly fucking MERCILESS. It's about time. I loved it. -- Katherine RyanGrace has written such a funny and interesting book, partly because she has a unique perspective of the world, but mostly because of her own brilliant mind -- Sara PascoePart of me wishes I'd never met Grace, read this book and then dedicated my life to being her number 1 fan girl. This book is revolutionary. It's powerful, bold, vulnerable, beautiful, hilarious, universal, unique. It's going to change people's lives -- Scarlett CurtisFuriously funny, gloriously frank and surprisingly relatable. For a book about shame, Grace Campbell is unashamedly herself -- Amelia DimoldenbergAn absolute riot. Brash, candid and casually obscene, this part memoir, part manual is a high octane adventure * Evening Standard *Revealing and amusing memoir * Times Radio *Nothing's off-limits in Amazing Disgrace * Metro *

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Book Synopsis'One of the funniest books of the year' - GuardianA collection of hilarious personal essays, poems and even amusement park maps on the subjects of insecurity, fame, anxiety, and much more from the charming and wickedly funny creator of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. "It's nice to know someone as talented as Rachel is also pretty weird. If you're like me and love Rachel Bloom, this hilarious, personal book will make you love her even more." - Mindy Kaling "Rachel is one of the funniest, bravest people of our generation and this book blew me away." - Amy SchumerRachel Bloom has felt abnormal and out of place her whole life. In this exploration of what she thinks makes her 'different', she's come to realise that a lot of people also feel this way; even people who she otherwise thought were 'normal'.In a collection of laugh-out-loud funny essays, all told in the unique voice (sometimes singing voice) that made her a star, Rachel writes about everything from her love of Disney, OCD and depression, weirdness, and female friendships to the story of how she didn't poop in the toilet until she was four years old. It's a hilarious, smart, and infinitely relatable collection (except for the pooping thing).Readers love I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are'I adore Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and this book was exactly what I needed it to be. Would highly recommend.' 5*'Rachel's voice is loud and clear from the first lines of the book. I've been missing it since Crazy Ex-Girlfriend . . . this time she's talking right to me, in my head, and it is like being part of this newfound Friendtopia.' 5*'Heartfelt. Honest. Genuine. And funny as hell . . . Rachel writes about the things that could have broken her, but didn't, in a very funny and raw way, and she doesn't hold back.' 5*'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a hilarious and honest show which does not hold back when confronting the truth of sex, love, mental illness and life. This same comedic and chaotic energy is channelled in Bloom's wonderful book which I would highly recommend, whether you are a previous fan of hers or not.' 5*Trade ReviewOne of the funniest books of the year * Guardian *With one of the best covers of the year, Rachel Bloom (creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) delivers her first collection of hilarious personal essays... As you might expect, her riffs on everything from fame to imposter syndrome are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the book even includes various amusement park maps as a bonus * Irish Independent *Rachel is one of the funniest, bravest people of our generation and this book blew me away -- Amy SchumerRachel Bloom looks at our 'normal' world through the point of view of a confused, hopeful alien with a huge heart and a raging, quirky creativity. I will never look at amusement park maps the same way -- Patton OswaltIt's nice to know someone as talented as Rachel is also pretty weird. If you're like me and love Rachel Bloom, this hilarious, personal book will make you love her even more -- Mindy KalingPainfully funny (and funnily painful) -- B.J. NovakThere's something I love a lot that people don't acknowledge as a thing and it's heartbreaking comedy. This book is that. Read it. You will laugh while you're crying and cry while you're laughing. Treat yourself to the heartbreaking comedy that is the life of Rachel Bloom -- Sarah SilvermanMy podcast made Rachel Bloom cum and it'll make you cum too -- Dan SavageWith one of the best covers of the year, Rachel Bloom (creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) delivers her first collection of hilarious personal essays... As you might expect, her riffs on everything from fame to imposter syndrome are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the book even includes various amusement park maps as a bonus * Irish Independent *

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Book Synopsis'One of the funniest books of the year' - GuardianA collection of hilarious personal essays, poems and even amusement park maps on the subjects of insecurity, fame, anxiety, and much more from the charming and wickedly funny creator of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. "It's nice to know someone as talented as Rachel is also pretty weird. If you're like me and love Rachel Bloom, this hilarious, personal book will make you love her even more." - Mindy Kaling "Rachel is one of the funniest, bravest people of our generation and this book blew me away." - Amy SchumerRachel Bloom has felt abnormal and out of place her whole life. In this exploration of what she thinks makes her 'different', she's come to realise that a lot of people also feel this way; even people who she otherwise thought were 'normal'.In a collection of laugh-out-loud funny essays, all told in the unique voice (sometimes singing voice) that made her a star, Rachel writes about everything from her love of Disney, OCD and depression, weirdness, and female friendships to the story of how she didn't poop in the toilet until she was four years old. It's a hilarious, smart, and infinitely relatable collection (except for the pooping thing).Readers love I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are'I adore Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and this book was exactly what I needed it to be. Would highly recommend.' 5*'Rachel's voice is loud and clear from the first lines of the book. I've been missing it since Crazy Ex-Girlfriend . . . this time she's talking right to me, in my head, and it is like being part of this newfound Friendtopia.' 5*'Heartfelt. Honest. Genuine. And funny as hell . . . Rachel writes about the things that could have broken her, but didn't, in a very funny and raw way, and she doesn't hold back.' 5*'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a hilarious and honest show which does not hold back when confronting the truth of sex, love, mental illness and life. This same comedic and chaotic energy is channelled in Bloom's wonderful book which I would highly recommend, whether you are a previous fan of hers or not.' 5*Trade ReviewOne of the funniest books of the year * Guardian *With one of the best covers of the year, Rachel Bloom (creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) delivers her first collection of hilarious personal essays... As you might expect, her riffs on everything from fame to imposter syndrome are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the book even includes various amusement park maps as a bonus * Irish Independent *Rachel is one of the funniest, bravest people of our generation and this book blew me away -- Amy SchumerRachel Bloom looks at our 'normal' world through the point of view of a confused, hopeful alien with a huge heart and a raging, quirky creativity. I will never look at amusement park maps the same way -- Patton OswaltIt's nice to know someone as talented as Rachel is also pretty weird. If you're like me and love Rachel Bloom, this hilarious, personal book will make you love her even more -- Mindy KalingPainfully funny (and funnily painful) -- B.J. NovakThere's something I love a lot that people don't acknowledge as a thing and it's heartbreaking comedy. This book is that. Read it. You will laugh while you're crying and cry while you're laughing. Treat yourself to the heartbreaking comedy that is the life of Rachel Bloom -- Sarah SilvermanMy podcast made Rachel Bloom cum and it'll make you cum too -- Dan SavageWith one of the best covers of the year, Rachel Bloom (creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) delivers her first collection of hilarious personal essays... As you might expect, her riffs on everything from fame to imposter syndrome are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the book even includes various amusement park maps as a bonus * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times bestseller: the unflinching, raw and utterly hilarious book about parenthood that everyone should read'Very, very, very funny' JO BRAND'Bloody hilarious' CARIAD LLOYD'Full of honesty, heart and humour' JASON MANFORD'Raw, honest and hilarious' ROSIE RAMSAY'Refreshingly honest' ROMESH RANGANATHAN'Consistently funny and life affirming' JOSH WIDDICOMBE'I want my daughters to read this book' SINDHU VEEMy Child and Other Mistakes is the honest lowdown on Motherhood and all its grisly delights, asking the questions no one wants to admit to asking themselves - do I want a child? Do I have a favourite? Do I wish I hadn't had one and spent the money on a kitchen island instead? Stand-up comic, broadcaster and actress Ellie Taylor is relatable, clever and interested in how women can have it all. Her honest, hilarious and moving account of the whys and hows of having a baby makes perfect reading for expectant mothers and fathers everywhere, as well as those who've been there, done that, and wonder how on earth they did. In this very funny book she writes candidly about her own personal experience exploring the decision to have a baby when she doesn't even like them, the importance of cheese during pregnancy, why she took hair straighteners to the labour ward, plus the apocalyptic newborn days, childcare, work and the inevitable impact on life and love and most importantly, her breasts.READERS ARE LOVING MY CHILD AND OTHER MISTAKES***** 'Should be given out by health visitors to new moms'***** 'It's like Ellie dove into my brain and wrote about my own personal experience of motherhood'***** 'The comfort I took knowing I'm not alone has been like therapy!'***** 'I have recommended it to all my child raising friends'***** 'An absolute must read'Trade ReviewBloody hilarious. Whether you're about to pop, thinking about it or staring at the ruins of your social life and watching CBeebies, this book is essential reading. Ellie jumps from the seriousness to the ridiculousness of parenting with ease and unbridled joy -- Cariad LloydNot just a very honest book about becoming a mother but a very very honest book about being a woman and navigating all the choices and not-choices that this involves. Ellie has unpacked so much about what motherhood takes from us, even as it hands marvellous things to us.She has written a book that made me feel an incredible surge of love for myself and for all the mothers who have gone before me. I want my daughters to read this book -- Sindhu VeeFinally a parenting book full of honesty, heart and humour - I loved it -- Jason ManfordEllie Taylor's writing is as consistently funny and life affirming as looking after a toddler, but not as exhausting -- Josh WiddicombeRaw, honest and hilarious. -- Rosie RamsayEllie has written a refreshingly honest take on parenting that will make you both laugh out loud and cry tears of relief that it's not just you. -- Romesh RanganathanVery, very, very funny. This took me back to the horror and the joy and then added big laughs. A really bloody good read. -- Jo Brand

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Book SynopsisA Comedian's Prayer Book. The title is a worry, isn't it?...God is a tough audience as far as audible response is concerned, but at least you don't have to explain the references. In this collection of prayers, much-loved comedian, broadcaster and radio host Frank Skinner has tried to retain the bare candour of the rehearsal-room improvisation - to show what faith feels like, from the inside - but infused it with all the production values required to make it a passable public entertainment. In it are his convictions, his questions, his fears, his doubts, his elations - all presented in an eavesdropper-friendly form. Hell, Judgement, atheism, money, faith and the X-Men all feature: it's a bit like reading the Bible, except you only get one side of the conversation, and all the jokes are left in.Trade ReviewThis is a fine, brave book, beautifully expressed. Richard Dawkins had better look to his laurels. * Daily Mail *It's far from being a comfortable read, though it never ceases to be amusing and thoughtful. * Christian Today *The book is a simple, unpretentious invitation to kneel alongside someone who has experienced the lows and highs of life, who has grown up through that experience, and has found that a conversational relationship with God is essential to living kindly, thoughtfully and well. Anyone new to faith or for whom prayer has become jaded and routine may well find in it an unconventional yet rich source of encouragement to keep on keeping on * Reform *Skinner's thoughts on religion are far more than just amusing: there is a bold freshness to his voice. * Times Literary Supplement *'Skinner's tome also asks some big questions, but is ultimately a prayerbook with a small p. You mightn't hear God laugh at the jokes, but surely He approves.' * Irish Examiner - Weekend Supplement *Skinner uses the book to open up about his ongoing relationship with God and the Catholic Church - and his words make very compelling reading. * Sorted *The questions he raises are serious, and central to Christian theology, and he expresses them much more pithily than most professional theologians...This is a fine, brave book, beautifully expressed. * The Mail on Sunday *He takes laying bare your soul to a level I've never come across before by a well-known name. * The Tablet *

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Book SynopsisViral Scottish yoga star Finlay Wilson is back with Wild Kilted Yoga. Get ready for more tartan, more dramatic scenery and more tips and tricks to make your yoga practice extra special. This beautiful book features four special yoga sequences that can be done alone, plus a bonus fun sequence for couples to do together. Finlay's book will take you on a journey through some of Scotland's most stunning locations and will leave you feeling zen and grounded. Building on the foundations of yoga from his bestselling first book, Kilted Yoga, Finlay guides you through unique yoga sequences which are suitable for all levels: strong heat-building poses for Fire, flowing and graceful movements for Water, steady and grounded poses for Earth, and lightness and poise for Air.All you have to do is enjoy the stunning photography, feel at one with nature and roll out your yoga mat - kilt optional! 'Yoga and kilts in a Perthshire forest has proved to be just what the world was waiting for.' - BBC

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This new gift edition is a must-have for Pam's many fans - and for anyone who enjoys beautifully crafted stories and poems to make you laugh and make you think.Pam Ayres is one of our most widely-adored poets throughout the world and is nothing less than a national treasure. Her work is popular with fans of all ages, and her wry observations on the peculiarities of modern life will raise a smile from even the most hardened cynic.

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Legendary cricket broadcaster Henry Blofeld takes the reader on a journey from A-Z through the world of cricket. In his trademark charming style, Blowers goes through the alphabet, explaining some of the puzzling cricket terminology and regaling his favourite anecdotes from his fifty years in the sport, covering the most important moments in the sport's history as well as the most entertaining and amusing. The book will also contain a glossary for those who want to make sure they know their googlys from their bouncers. This gift book is perfect for fans of cricket who want to understand the sport from Henry's unique point of view, it is a humorous and entertaining jaunt through the cricket landscape.

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Book Synopsis'MAGIC' JO BRAND'HAPPIFYING' STEPHEN FRY'SUSIE DENT IS A NATIONAL TREASURE' RICHARD OSMANWhether it's the distress of a bad haircut (AGE-OTORI) or longing for the food someone else is eating (GROAKING), the pleasure found in other people's happiness (CONFELICITY) or the shock of jumping into icy water (CURGLAFF), there are real words to pinpoint exactly how you feel and Susie Dent, Queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner and lexicographer extraordinaire, is going to help you find them. Here are 1001 terms everyone needs, whether it's the best kind of hug (CWTCH), the relief found in swearing (LALOCHEZIA), or the ability to endure till the end (PERTOLERANCE). It's time to rediscover the lost positives of language (and be more GORM); find out how a stork gave us the word for the love between parent and child, and who the first MAVERICK was. Packed with unexpected stories and unforgettable words, on a mission to describe the indescribable, this life-enhancing book will deepen your vocabulary as much as it extends it. Welcome to the first truly human dictionary, as idiosyncratic and unusual as you are.

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Book SynopsisA compendium of slimy and repulsive facts from the authors of Does it Fart?What is hyena butter, and would you want to put it on toast? A hagfish can produce how much slime in 60 seconds? Which animal produces a snotty sleeping bag? How does a bubble snail use mucus to get around? Which organism is the slime champion?Find out the answer to these and other slimy facts and more in Believe it or Snot, the new book from the authors of the New York Times bestseller Does it Fart? and the follow-through True or Poo. Slime, sludge, mucus, ooze, goo - it's all covered in here (but at least you're not covered in it).Trade Review'A very necessary book' - New York Post on Does it Fart?

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER! (June 2020)'If you're after an in-depth medical or psychological insight into the menopause, I'm afraid you've opened the wrong book - I'm not a doctor . . . However, I am a woman and I do know how it feels to be menopausal, so this book is written from experience and the heart and I hope it makes you laugh and feel better.' JEOlder and Wider is Jenny Eclair's hilarious, irreverent and refreshingly honest compendium of the menopause. From C for Carb-loading and G for Getting Your Shit Together to I for Invisibility and V for Vaginas, Jenny's whistle-stop tour of the menopause in all its glory will make you realise that it really isn't just you. Jenny will share the surprising lessons she has learnt along the way as well as her hard-won tips on the joy of cardigans, dealing with the empty nest (get a lodger) and keeping the lid on the pressure cooker of your temper (count to twenty, ten is never enough).As Jenny says, 'I can't say that I've emerged like a beautiful butterfly from some hideous old menopausal chrysalis and it would be a lie to say that I've found the 'old me' again. But what I have found is the 'new me' - and you know what? I'm completely cool with that.'

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Book Synopsis'The perfect gift for anyone who loves all things Christmas ... it's a festive gem' Woman & Home'A beautiful, funny and soulful collection of personal essays' Prima___________The perfect gift book, featuring the writing of Meryl Streep, Bill Bailey, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, Caitlin Moran, Richard Ayoade, Emily Watson and others, to coincide with the upcoming movie Last Christmas, starring Emma Thompson, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding.When you think back to Christmases past, what (if anything) made it magical? Looking towards the future, what would your perfect Christmas be? What would you change? What should we all change?This is a beautiful, funny and soulful collection of personal essays about the meaning of Christmas, written by a unique plethora of voices from the boulevards of Hollywood to the soup kitchens of Covent Garden.Away from the John Lewis advert, the high street decorations and the candied orange in Heston Blumenthal's Christmas pudding, this gem of a book introduced and curated by Emma Thompson and Greg Wise celebrates the importance of kindness and generosity, acceptance and tolerance - and shows us that these values are not just for Christmas.Trade ReviewA beautiful, funny and soulful collection of personal essays * Prima *The perfect gift for anyone who loves all things Christmas ... it's a festive gem * Woman & Home magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to sheds from the renowned presenter of Shed and Buried.When it comes to truly finding out who you are and what makes you tick, there is one thing that needs no online subscription to a cloud-based server with a password you keep forgetting. That, my friend, is a shed.Your shed is your refuge. It's the place where you go when you need a break from this mad, crazy world. But a shed can only help you if it's not attached to the house. The minute you attach the shed to the gaff, or confuse the concept of a shed with the concept of a conservatory, or a home office or a Shepherd's Hut, you're doing yourself over. You're never, ever going to get spiritual enlightenment in a lean-to. That's like going to find yourself in Thailand, and staying in the airport.You need to make that pilgrimage to the bottom of the garden. Whether you're walking down a muddy track or crunching along a perfect gravel path, you have to get out of the house. Breathe in the fresh air. Then pull open the door, grapple for the light switch, fire up the heaters and turn on the kettle.Once you're inside the four walls of your shed, you can do whatever you like. You're the king in there.

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Book Synopsis'Deliciously funny and highly impudent' - Jon Culshaw FEATURES ILLUMINATING NEW MATERIAL about the original Partygate: a boozy shindig Boris threw while Eton was in the grip of a flu epidemic. Read on for deeper insight into Johnson's psychology, and the hubris and hedonism that would characterise his premiership. Unfortunately for Britain, the teenager isn't too different from the man... ___'My dearest, darling, dapper, dashing Diary,What ho! 'Tis I, the man of the moment (and, indeed, of every moment), Boris Johnson. Today was a balmy summer one, and so your devoted diarist opted to recline upon the bank of the Thames, reflecting on glories of the previous twelvemonth. Naturally, my second year at Eton has been an unbroken string of victories and vindications. I outwitted my rivals, wrote every essay at the last moment, and snuck a metric tonne of Curly Wurlies from the tuck shop. And I only expect to achieve more in the coming year. To paraphrase that fine Olympic slogan: Citius, Altius, Fortius, Borius!'

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Book SynopsisWhat does it take to climb the world's highest mountain? This delightful short book reveals everything you need to know about climbing Mount Everest - and who better to tell you than Kami Rita Sherpa, a Nepali guide who holds the record for most ascents to the summit of this extraordinary mountain. In May 2019 he scaled the mountain for the 24th time. From practical considerations to mental preparation, Kami Rita Sherpa leans on years of experience to disclose his secrets. He tells you what to pack, how to train, how to embrace pressure, how to persevere when exhaustion threatens to take over you, how to deal with panic, how to know when to stop and how to cope with defeat. Drawing on observations he's made from watching people fall apart, he delves into the human psyche to reveal what it takes to climb Earth's highest mountain.Along the way, he offers moments of spiritual wisdom, and explains why sherpas always pay homage to the mountain deity through the Purja ceremony. You will find out how to listen to what the mountains are saying, and how to appreciate the silence in this age of noise.

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Book Synopsis'I squealed laughing at this but now worry that my knowledge of history has been dangerously ruined' Matt FordeA fascinating and hilarious gallop through twentieth-century British history, by comedian Al Murray.An awful lot has happened in the last 100 years or so. In fact, when you look at how much went on in the 20th century, it's amazing it didn't take longer than that. And what have we learnt? A few obvious lessons include: megalomaniac men with moustaches in charge of countries tend to turn out to be BAD; anyone who thinks they can explain let alone sort out the Middle East is WRONG; France simply cannot be relied upon; America may or may not be the cause of everything GOOD and BAD in the world (depending on who you ask).This isn't your bog-standard history book. We all know that history books (Which Shall Not be Questioned because they ARE ALL TRUE according to our History Teachers of Yore) are dry and dull, and they go on as if there's only ONE version of history (spoiler: it's all about perspective). Enter Al Murray, alter-ego of everyone's favourite Pub Landlord.Al knows his way around 20th century Britain, and he's good enough to illuminate it for you. From the Big Bang of the 20th Century, DOUBLEYOUDOUBLEYOU ONE, to the eve of the new Millennium (when all the computers in the World DIDN'T stop working and the Queen had to do the Hokey Cokey with Tony Blair) and all the forgotten tales in between, this is a brilliantly funny, irreverent and eye-opening whistle-stop tour of Britain since 1914.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating and hilarious gallop through twentieth-century British history, by comedian Al Murray.An awful lot has happened in the last 100 years or so. In fact, when you look at how much went on in the 20th century, it's amazing it didn't take longer than that.And what have we learnt? A few obvious lessons include: megalomaniac men with moustaches in charge of countries tend to turn out to be BAD; anyone who thinks they can explain let alone sort out the Middle East is WRONG; France simply cannot be relied upon; America may or may not be the cause of everything GOOD and BAD in the world (depending on who you ask).This isn't your bog-standard history book. We all know that history books (Which Shall Not be Questioned because they ARE ALL TRUE according to our History Teachers of Yore) are dry and dull, and they go on as if there's only ONE version of history (spoiler: it's all about perspective). Enter Al Murray, alter-ego of everyone's favourite Pub Landlord.Al knows his way around 20th century Britain, and he's good enough to illuminate it for you. From the Big Bang of the 20th Century, DOUBLEYOUDOUBLEYOU ONE, to the eve of the new Millennium (when all the computers in the World DIDN'T stop working and the Queen had to do the Hokey Cokey with Tony Blair) and all the forgotten tales in between, this is a brilliantly funny, irreverent and eye-opening whistle-stop tour of Britain since 1914.

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Book Synopsis'Funny, despite bloody everything' - Charlie BrookerAn indispensable handbook to see the nation through lockdown, breakdown and meltdown. As Britain enters a period of tremendous upheaval, your government has requested that everyone immediately undertake a series of life-style changes that may test the nation's resolve.Most of it is simple common-sense, but common-sense may be new to you, especially if you are young, wistful or an imbecile.Indeed, it should be noted that much of what is to come in the weeks and months (and months) ahead will be new to us all. But let us remember that, not so long ago, the same was true of pesto.We must not lose heart. With stoicism, courage and a substantial supply of alcoholic fortification, we will pull through this together and emerge from it a stronger (or weaker but more experienced) nation.Sir Clement Apricot-Wilson,Permanent SecretaryThe Department of Unforeseen CircumstancesTrade ReviewThis tongue-in-cheek handbook to see us beyond lockdown covers everything from working from home to persuading your family to heed advice * My Weekly *

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WHAT MAKES US HAPPY? BILL BAILEY PLAYS CRAZY GOLF AND HUGS TREES TO FIND OUT.'A warm, funny read, full of personal anecdotes and love letters to things that bring Bill Bailey pleasure' Sunday Mirror'Very thoughtful and written in a delightfully humorous and accessible way... Guaranteed to make [you] smile' Daily ExpressIs there a knack to being happy? From paddle-boarding down the Thames in a Santa hat, to wild swimming in a glacial river and cooking sausages on a campfire, Bill revels in the exhilaration of the outdoors, as well as the quieter pleasures of letter-writing, or of simple reflection.In this beautiful and uplifting book, Bill Bailey explores all this and more while delving into the nature of happiness, all in his own, remarkable, way.Packed with wisdom and humour, and with delightful illustrations by the comedian himself, Bill Bailey aims for the heart of pure joy and contentment - and how we can all achieve it.*Bill Bailey: Thoughtifier will tour UK arenas in February and March 2024*

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Book Synopsis'So funny, and so wise. Just like the man himself' Richard Osman 'I inhaled it. HILARIOUS. So sharp - it really made me laugh' Katherine Ryan''Morally bankrupt . . . Not a book to be seen on your shelves during a Zoom call' Jo BrandJack Dee is here to help. Too often today the emphasis in psychotherapy is on providing clients with a metaphoricalhug when what they so clearly need is good slap, so Jack Dee took the matter into his own hands and whilst everyone else was baking bread and clearing out their cupboards during lockdown, he retrained online as a psychotherapist. After an incredibly gruelling four hours of study, he got his certificate of completion from The Ruislip College of Advansed Learning (sic).So, with his training in hand, he's been expertly helping people with their problems ever since. What is Your Problem? is a compilation of readers' varied problems, be they about relationships, finances, nosey neighbours, coping with Christmas, teenagers or Mike from the accounts department, and Jack's very unique and very professional advice.What is Your Problem? is a book to turn to when life has taken a downward turn, or you just need a very good laugh.Trade ReviewSo funny, and so wise. Just like the man himself * Richard Osman *Morally bankrupt ... Not a book to be seen on your shelves during a zoom call * Jo Brand *Britain's foremost humourist and a compassionate counsellor have both told me Jack doesn't know what he's talking about * Graeme Garden *Funny, sometimes bracing * Spectator, Books of the Year *What Is Your Problem? is indeed very funny, and it's partly because much of Dee's advice is not at all helpful. But what's even better is that sometimes his advice is-albeit inadvertently-genuinely wise and illuminating * Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller *I recommend you read this. You'll thank me * Barry Cryer *I inhaled it. HILARIOUS. So sharp - it really made me laugh * Katherine Ryan *Jack dispenses advice exactly as you'd want him to: with both hilarious insight and healthy disdain for everyone involve * Romesh Ranganathan *A breath of fresh air * Sun *Timely resurgence of the pull-yourself-together school of therapy * The Times/Sunday Times *Absurd, occasionally useful, and always sardonic * Sunday Express *Morally bankrupt ... Not a book to be seen on your shelves during a zoom call * Jo Brand *

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Book SynopsisJack Dee has been very busy during lockdown and would like to update everybody on what he's been up to. While the nation has been baking bread and clearing out cupboards, Jack has retrained online as a psychotherapist and is now open for business. After FOUR HOURS study, he has a certificate of completion from The Ruislip College of Advansed Learning [sic].If you have an emotional, relationship, work or other issue that you need help with, or if you've just totally lost your sh*t and can't take it anymore, then he would love to hear from you.This book will be a rich compendium of your problems along with Jack's unique, very professional, advice.Trade ReviewSo funny, and so wise. Just like the man himself * Richard Osman *Morally bankrupt ... Not a book to be seen on your shelves during a zoom call * Jo Brand *Britain's foremost humourist and a compassionate counsellor have both told me Jack doesn't know what he's talking about * Graeme Garden *Funny, sometimes bracing * Spectator, Books of the Year *What Is Your Problem? is indeed very funny, and it's partly because much of Dee's advice is not at all helpful. But what's even better is that sometimes his advice is-albeit inadvertently-genuinely wise and illuminating * Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller *I recommend you read this. You'll thank me * Barry Cryer *I inhaled it. HILARIOUS. So sharp - it really made me laugh * Katherine Ryan *Jack dispenses advice exactly as you'd want him to: with both hilarious insight and healthy disdain for everyone involve * Romesh Ranganathan *A breath of fresh air * Sun *Timely resurgence of the pull-yourself-together school of therapy * The Times/Sunday Times *Absurd, occasionally useful, and always sardonic * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for your Friends-obsessed pals. We might not be able to meet at their favourite coffee spot, but Rachel, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe are (unofficially) here to help you to be the best friend you can be. A nostalgic and heart-warming homage to the world's most popular sitcom, Friends for Life distils the wisdom of the TV series, providing readers with advice and practical tips for pivoting - sorry, perfecting - the art of friendship. Having a group of ride-or-die mates has never been more important, because when life kicks you in the teeth (especially if they're luminous like Ross's), you know they'll help you come out stronger on the other side. This book takes lessons from the show on how to (and how not to) deal with issues such as living together, borrowing money, dating, arguments and knowing when to step-up or step away.With everything from actionable strategies, magazine-style quizzes, listicles and countdowns of the best cameos to the best insults, all beautifully emphasised with bespoke line illustrations, Friends for Life is the perfect book for new and returning fans alike.

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Book Synopsis'An uproariously funny collection of true stories from one of the comedy greats' - BILL BAILEY'I loved this book. Absolutely adored it. I devoured it and savoured every word. A wild and wonderful love letter to comedy' - ADAM HILLS'It's rare for comedians to be as funny on paper as they are on stage, but Rich Hall nails it' - CARL HIAASENA collection of hilarious and often absurd epiphanies in the legendary comedian's life that defined him - more in a for worse than for better kind of way - and all delivered in his unique deadpan style. Growing up, Rich Hall aspired to be a writer, and after school he trained to be a journalist. But after a stint at the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, he found himself trying to impress a girl by doing a one-man show in a state university campus in Kansas, armed with a bucket, a loudhailer and some dog biscuits. It wasn't exactly a triumph, and he didn't get the girl, but he had found his true calling.Nailing It is a collection of true stories from both Hall's professional and personal life where he really had to nail it. They're not about glitz, or fame, or how he met his seventh wife at the rehab clinic and found spiritual direction. None of that happened to him.They're about accidentally melting Kraft cheese at his first Edinburgh Fringe Festival, alienating an entire convention of RV holiday-makers in Las Vegas, singing The Who's 'You Better You Bet' at a charity gig and turning his performance into a legendary rock 'n' roll disaster, and attempting to seduce Karen, which must have been successful because she is now his wife. And other such escapades.Hall doesn't always come out of them all covered in glory - far from it - but if someone propped him up at the end of the comedy bar and put a 50p coin in him, these are the tunes he would spin. And you'd be laughing all night.Trade ReviewAn uproariously funny collection of true stories from one of the comedy greats * Bill Bailey *It's rare for comedians to be as funny on paper as they are on stage, but Rich Hall nails it. He is clearly a writer at heart, and his true tales about life on the stand-up comedy circuit are hilarious, touching, and bravely personal. I selfishly wish he had his own TV show here in the States, but this book will fill the void nicely until he does * Carl Hiaasen *I loved this book. Absolutely adored it. I devoured it and savoured every word. A wild and wonderful love letter to comedy * Adam Hills *Rich Hall is a comedic maverick with a laser eye for detail. He is as funny as he is fearless. This book is no exception... a kaleidoscopic journey through the twists and turns of his comedy and his life. * Lewis Black *So well written... Buy it right now and prepare to be amazed. * Merrill Markoe *Since 1978, Rich Hall has made me laugh with a most original and creative brand of stand-up comedy. Now the bastard has written the best comedy memoir I've ever read. I've about had it with this guy. * Ritch Shydner *Hall is good company... writing with wise-cracking, conversational ease... Will have you chuckling throughout with its amusing collection of well-spun yarns * Irish Times *

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Book Synopsis'Equal parts insightful and entertaining - whatever your take on influencers, Bad Influence is a great read' YOMI ADEGOKE'Warm, juicy, and eye-opening, like having a chat with a best friend' ANNIE LORD'If ever a book captured the zeitgeist, this is it' GRACE CAMPBELL'Funny, warm and brilliantly engaging' LUCY VINEOenone didn't set out to become an influencer. The word barely existed when she started posting on Instagram at university to document her 'fitness journey' after a toxic relationship came to a messy end.In this humorous meditation on her digitized life, Oenone chronicles the pits and peaks of coming of age online. Grappling with modern-day issues on a public stage - from body image and personal boundaries to the limitations of online activism, Bad Influence examines what happens when your day-to-day reality becomes #content - and that #content pays your bills.It asks: can you truly be authentic online? Can social media be a force for good? Is it necessarily bad for our mental health?Written with wit, warmth and honesty, this is a candid account of what it really means to be an influencer, from someone still figuring it out: the good, the bad and the instagrammable.Trade ReviewA warm, witty peek behind the influencer curtain. Oenone is equal parts insightful and entertaining - whatever your take on influencers, Bad Influence is a great read * Yomi Adegoke *Warm, juicy, and eye-opening, like having a chat with a best friend * Annie Lord *Boldly unfiltered and beautifully written, Bad Influence is a fascinating peek behind the social media smokescreen. A smart and nuanced read for our extremely online times * Lauren Bravo *A brilliant and necessary look at an industry that is wildly misunderstood, as well as a thoughtful and self-aware interrogation of millennial culture, identity politics and contemporary relationships * Olivia Petter *Like a glass of wine with your most loveable, charming and vulnerable friend. Oenone brings so much nuance to the concept of influencing and living online...If ever a book captured the zeitgeist, this is it. * Grace Campbell *Bad Influence is witty, honest and refreshingly self-aware. It effortlessly encapsulates the experience of a generation fumbling through life against a backdrop of social media and explores what it truly means to be 'an influencer' in today's digital age. Oenone Forbat is one to watch * Hannah Skelley, Fashion Assistant at The Times *I absolutely flew through Bad Influence and loved every page. Oenone has written such a fascinating and self-aware dissection of what it's like to live life in this parallel online universe. It's not just an interesting and incredibly honest memoir, it's also funny, warm and brilliantly engaging. It will leave you questioning about so much - but definitely not how many stars this book deserves. Five stars! * Lucy Vine *A fun and frothy insight into what it really takes to game the algorithm. An ideal summer read * Evening Standard *Oenone writes with real honesty and authenticity, highlighting the good and the bad aspects of having a platform and exploring the life behind the grid squares - the anxiety, scrutiny, and judgement * Glamour *The strength of Bad Influence is its meditation on the deep-seated paranoia that comes with being constantly exposed to so many people * The Economist *

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Book Synopsis'It's a breeze to read and you won't feel so alone at the end of it' Marie Claire It's never too late to grow the f*ck up. And New York Times bestselling author Sarah Knight is here to help! With her no-bullsh*t bible for the modern adult, you'll become more self-aware, self-sufficient and resourceful - and turn grown-up responsibilities into exciting opportunities for making your life easier and more fun. You'll learn:- How to anticipate consequences and orchestrate outcomes- Four keys to effective communication- Strategies for slaying self-care- The perks of being independent and dependableAnd much more!Packed with practical advice and pro-dult tips for everything from balancing your budget to impressing your in-laws, Grow the F*ck Up is the perfect guide for anyone - at any age - who wants to be an adult and get treated like one.SARAH KNIGHT's No F*cks Given Guides have sold over 3 million copies and her TEDx talk has been viewed 10 million times.Trade ReviewJudgement-free and filled with all the advice you wish you'd gotten (or had listened to) from your parents, this is an expectedly irreverent guide to adulting that will help you get your grown-up life firing on all cylinders * Irish Examiner *Busy, breezy and sensible * Westmeath Examiner *Knight has the hard-earned wisdom to get you from total helplessness to reliable resourcefulness * Shemazing *Packed with practical advice tips for life, from balancing your budget to communicating better -- Women’s Running

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Book SynopsisA beautifully packaged collection of inspirational quotes with a hilariously explicit twist from Sarah Knight's beloved No F*cks Given Guides series In The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving A F*ck Sarah liberated you from people and things that don't make you happy; with Get Your Sh*t Together she provided a tough-love push towards getting organized to achieve your goals; You Do You offered a roadmap to embracing your individuality; Calm the F*ck Down delivered practical solutions for managing ever-more stressful times; and F*ck No! taught you to set boundaries and stick to them with confidence and flair. No F*cks Given: Life-Changing Words to Live By gathers the very best of this no-bullsh*t, life-changing advice into one must-have gift book that enlightens and entertains on every page.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling book everyone is talking about, revealing the surprising art of caring less and getting more. 'Genius' Cosmopolitan'The best book I have read recently . . . Absolutely blinding. Read it. Do it' Mail on Sunday'The anti-guru' ObserverAre you stressed out, overbooked and underwhelmed by life? Fed up with pleasing everyone else before you please yourself? Then it's time to stop giving a f**k. This irreverent and practical book explains how to rid yourself of unwanted obligations, shame, and guilt - and give your f**ks instead to people and things that make you happy. With a bonus section on how to save your sanity over the holiday season, the simple 'NotSorry Method' for mental decluttering will help you unleash the power of not giving a f**k and will free you to spend your time, energy and money on the things that really matter.'I love Knight's book before I even start reading it' Sunday Times Magazine'Life-affirming . . . The key practice she advocates is devising for yourself a "fuck budget" . . . It's a beautiful way of streamlining your psyche' Guardian Also available from Sarah Knight:You Do You: how to be who you are and use what you've got to get what you want Get Your Sh*t Together - Sarah Knight's must-have follow up to The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k. Trade ReviewThis book will help you redefine what really matters * Stylist *The best book I have read recently . . . Absolutely blinding. Read it. Do it * Mail on Sunday *Every woman's handbook * Evening Standard *Life-affirming . . . The key practice she advocates is devising for yourself a "f**k budget" . . . It's a beautiful way of streamlining your psyche * Guardian *I love Knight's book before I even start reading . . . the book works a charm * Sunday Times Magazine *Genius * Cosmopolitan *Her book wooed me with this line: "Hot yoga? Don't give a downard f***!" She has some frank advice . . . Bite me off a piece of that, I think * Style, Sunday Times *Yes, it's a parody of a cult book . . . but it's something more, too. Knight acknowledges the overwhelmingness of the modern world in a different way to many before her * Guardian *Changed my life. To this day, I think about how it schooled me in the fine art of giving less f*cks about people (and party invites) who don't really matter to me, and saving my precious time and energy for those who do. I wasn't alone - the book became an international bestseller * Vogue *My new saviour . . . hilarious * Psychologies *This kind-of-genius parody of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up might actually change your life * Women's Health *Light relief . . . thoroughly modern self-help book * Independent on Sunday *After reading this book cover-to-cover and compiling a list of ten things I don't give a f*** about (Kanye West and exfoliation figured pretty highly), I realise how wonderfully liberating it is to stop apologising for things I'm not sorry about * Red *Unashamedly funny, honest and practical book . . . sounds pretty darn tempting to us . . . And it makes you laugh. Bring it on! * Heat *[A] mix of Oprah Winfrey-style mantras and Amy Schumer-esque obscenities * Elle *Self-help with an edge * Vogue *A funny take on that very popular cleaning up book, but so much more. It's about taking care of yourself and not giving a f*ck what people think of your choices (but without being an a**hole). This book is kicking ass all over bestseller lists. Buy it. You won't be disappointedThis year's must-read [self-help] title * The Sun *The self-help equivalent of a Weird Al parody song. (That's a compliment.) * The New York Times Book Review *Hilarious and liberating * Fashion Me Now *There are some really genius life lessons to be learnt, such as ditching "bikini body" guilt and embracing the NotSorry Method. * Elle Australia *The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F--k stands out from the self-help pack not only for its frank language and sense of humour, but also because it is about less in a culture of more. * Daily Life *Perfect for any woman who's finding the festive season a bit too much * The Sun *Highly amusing * Mslexia *The missing life manual that everyone should get at birth. It should be required reading in school . . . Sarah Knight is like a modern-day Mary Poppins for mental clutter . . . And her spoonful of sugar is her wicked sense of humour. Every household needs her . . . or at least a copy of her book . . . Outstanding * How to GYST *For practical and sweary self-help advice with no bloody lectures, Sarah Knight is the bollocks * The Pool *

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Book Synopsis*The memoirs of Boris Johnson, complete and unabridged, including all the great material he had to take out for being either too incendiary or too obviously made up*Ghostwritten by Lucien Young, while Boris was sunbathing on a donor's private island.Offering a comprehensive account of his meteoric rise (and even more meteoric fall) we follow Boris from Eton and the Bullingdon club, via stints in journalism and as London mayor, before finally making it into Number 10 via slick and sophisticated campaign tactics such as lying and hiding in a fridge. It will outline in bonce-combusting detail the up and downs - but mostly ups! - of his tenure in Downing Street, from Getting Brexit Done and battling the Wizards of Woke, to nearly dying because he shook too many hands. This is BoJo as you've never seen him before.

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Book SynopsisWe''ve got rolling green fields filled with pylons delivering fresh electricity to our front doors, ancient woodlands ideal for dogging and dumping old fridges, service stations as far as the eye can see, and millions of citizens quite happy being miserable. Hell, there''s even a Greggs on every high street now. What more could Great Britain possibly want?To celebrate Britain achieving peak greatness - and we ain''t getting any better, let''s be honest - the Internet''s favourite meme account, @NoContextBrits, is here to help us navigate the weird world of modern Britain with Everything is Great, a banter-filled celebration of all that is awesome about Britain despite the nagging suspicion the nation is diving head first into a death spiral. Luckily, we''ve got the greatest cuisine, the greatest weather, the greatest drivers, the greatest police, the greatest criminals, the greatest pubs, the greatest language, and the greatest citizens in the world to help us keep ca

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Book SynopsisKenergy. The word on everybody's lips. But what actually is Kenergy? And how can you unlock your own Kenergy from within? Kenergy is main-side-kick-character energy. It's carrying someone's purse like your life depends on it. It's letting your girlfriend test out her makeup ideas on you first to check they look good. It's hiding in your girlfriend's suitcase to surprise her on vacation, then happily getting the 6 hour flight home alone when she says she doesn't want you there.Someone with Kenergy always takes care of his appearance, but only to make his girlfriend look even hotter - not that it's even possible. He's (somehow) always got a tan and his abs are so shredded you could grate cheese on them. And he polishes his motorcycle every morning just in case he learns to ride it one day. But Kenergy is not all smiles and sparkles. Sometimes he wants so badly to be admired and adored that he can barely carry on when he doesn't get the praise he craves so deeply. But he patiently waits for the crippling invasive thoughts to pass, then merrily resumes making his strawberry daiquiri.In a nutshell, Kenergy is joyful, whimsical and - above all - delights in the absurd. And with this book, you'll become an expert in identifying Kenergy, harnessing your Kenergy, embodying your Kenergy, and learning how to be the ultimate hype-man.*UNOFFICIAL AND UNAUTHORIZED*

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Book SynopsisWelcome to The Periodic Table of Cricket. Here you'll find the essential elements - batsmen and bowlers past and present - that have left a lasting legacy on this great sport.As with chemical elements, these international personalities have been arranged based on their characteristics in and out of play. Instead of metals and non-metals, here we have patient and determined defensive players, from Jack Hobbs to Hanif Mohammad and Alastair Cook transitioning to fast-paced and attacking players including Shane Warne, Fred Trueman and 'white lightning' Allan Donald with a whole host of others in between.See how the best international players stack up against each other in this original guide to cricket.

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Book Synopsis'FASCINATING' Guardian 'WE LOVE THIS BOOK' Blackwells 'THE BEST GIFT BOOK THERE IS' IndependentA GUIDE TO LIVING IN DARK TIMES, FROM PEOPLE WHO REALLY DIDBursting with wisdom and artwork from the Middle Ages, this handy guide will give you time-tested solutions for all of life's biggest problems. Whether it's choosing an appropriate dog name like Garlik or Filthe, becoming an irresistible suitor even though you can't joust, surviving encounters with rabbits and dragons, or coming to terms with your inevitable demise, this book is full of illuminating advice that is sure to brighten up the darkest of times.Full of quizzes, how-to-guides, diagrams, and flow charts that take you from birth to your gruesome death, this is the ultimate laugh-out-loud read for history buffs.Trade ReviewA gently fascinating insight into the marginalia of a lost era. -- Phil Harrison * The Guardian *Olivia Swarthout prowls the web for little-seen snippets of medieval art and life to share with the world. We love this book that is a result of her work - full of illuminating advice that is sure to brighten up the darkest of times. * Blackwells *[An] account of the most bizarre illustrations from the Middle Ages * The Art Newspaper *Brilliantly funny… Olivia celebrates the wonderful weirdness of the past… [in this] gleeful book * Simple Things, *Christmas Gift Guide 2023* *I have pondered meaningful poetry, those that challenge and change our view of the world. I have considered great design and art books, which offer a view of a better world. History that shows how this world came to be or fiction that conjures new ones. But I have settled on the best gift book there is: a collection of curious, stupid and perplexing little drawings from medieval manuscripts, accurately and straightforwardly titled Weird Medieval Guys. This is the rare book you can judge from its cover, and it’s exactly what it suggests. I genuinely struggle to think of a person who might not love it ... If they enjoy one picture of an army of knights attacking a giant snail then they’ll enjoy the rest of the book; if they don’t, then you should stop being their friend and you’ve solved the problem of buying them a gift either way. -- Andrew Griffin * The Independent 'Best Books to Gift (and gift again)' *The best gift book there is: a collection of curious, stupid and perplexing little drawings from medieval manuscripts… I genuinely struggle to think of a person who might not love it * Independent, *Christmas Gift Guide 2023* *Richly illustrated and lightly written… Weird Medieval Guys follows the tradition established by medieval preachers and artists themselves: laughter, wonder and a little shock now and then [that] can spark fascination * Apollo *Weird Medieval Guys is a riot ... It’s bright and colourful and would make a perfect gift for anyone with an interest in history. Full of stunning imagery, interactive maps and quizzes, and brilliant medieval facts, it is enticingly re-readable and will remain a favourite for the non-expert, while also being enjoyable to the specialist. -- Madeleine S. Killacky , PhD Candidate in Medieval Literature at Bangor University * Morning Star *

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Book SynopsisHeadache? Confusion? Waves of nausea and regret?Luckily, thanks to this handy book, a hangover no longer has to mean a ruined day.Use infographics and flowcharts to diagnose which hangover type you are suffering from and find the best treatments to help you on the road back to full health:The bottomless pitThe 'I'm still drunk'The ExorcistThe emotional boomerangThe lucky escapeThe undeservedIf you are spraying the walls with last night's kebab and this morning's Berocca, you are going to need a very big glass of water...With simple hangover cures and advice on how to tackle the clean-up (social AND physical) this book is the perfect remedy for all your 'morning after' regrets.

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Book SynopsisDon't let the normies get you downWednesday's withering stare, unflinching drive and macabre interests mark her as a true symbol of rebellion. Much like the rest of her iconic family, she celebrates what makes her different and she is always the master of her destiny.What Would Wednesday Do? will show you how to step into your villain era and thrive in every area of your life by adopting Wednesday's simple philosophy.Learn how to be the master of your own life, the Wednesday way, with quotes illustrations and practical tips: put yourself first, set boundaries, say goodbye to draining relationships, embrace the things that excite you, love yourself and live your life for you.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that the reason you can never find the end of a rainbow is because they are actually full circles? Or that our fingers shrivel up when they get wet because our bodies are adapting to give us a better grip in the water?Fascinating Facts to Blow Your Curious Mind features unlikely and hilarious trivia on everything from history and animals to the ocean and space, as well as a special section on little-known knowledge which one day just might save your life.Inside, you can also find answers to such key questions as:Are we all related?What is more dangerous, a koala or a crocodile?Did the Pope cause the Black Death?Why was 'New York' once known as 'New Orange'?Should you use spiderwebs as a bandage?How much bamboo would it take to cover the Taj Mahal?

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