Memoirs Books

Book SynopsisWhen we spend so much of our time immersed in books, who's to say where reading ends and living begins? The two are impossibly and gloriously wedded, as Hill shows in Jacob's Room Is Full of Books. Considering everything from Edith Wharton's novels through to Alan Bennett's diaries, Virginia Woolf and the writings of twelfth century monk Aelred of Rievaulx, Susan Hill charts a year of her life through the books she has read, reread or returned to the shelf. From beneath a shady tree in a hot French summer, or the warmth of a kitchen during an English winter, Hill reflects on what her reading throws up, from writing and writers to politics and religion, as well as the joy of dandies or the pleasure of watching a line of geese cross a meadow. Full of wry observations and warm humour, as well as strong opinions freely aired, this is a rare and wonderful insight into the rich world of reading from one of the nation's most accomplished authors.Trade ReviewHill is wise, affectionate, insightful. Here is a distillation of a lifetime of reading, writing, editing, publishing, buying, hoarding, lending, borrowing and dog-earing books * The Times *The bookworm in your life will be champing at the bit to read [Hill's] recommendations * Saga *This thought-provoking book gives both inspiration on new titles to explore and a soothing sense that reading is indeed a vital and central part of living * Press Association *

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Book Synopsis'Go to your "books to read" list and place Elisabeth's Lists right at the top' Damian Barr The vivacious and moving true story of a lost era and a lost grandmother, pieced together from an inherited book of handwritten lists Many years after the death of her grandmother, Lulah Ellender inherited a curious object - a book of handwritten lists. On the face of it, Elisabeth's lists seemed rather ordinary - shopping lists, items to be packed for a foreign trip, a tally of the eggs laid by her hens. But from these everyday fragments, Lulah began to weave together the extraordinary life of the grandmother she never knew - a life lived in the most rarefied and glamorous of circles, from Elisabeth's early years as an ambassador's daughter in 1930s China, to her marriage to a British diplomat and postings in Madrid under Franco's regime, post-war Beirut, Rio de Janeiro and Paris. But it was also a life of stark contrasts - between the opulent excess of embassy banquets and the deprivations of wartime rationing in England, between the unfailing charm she displayed in public and the dark depressions that blanketed her in private, between her great appetite for life and her sudden, early death. As Lulah learns that she is losing her own mother, she finds herself turning to her grandmother's life, and to her much-travelled book of lists, in search of meaning and solace. Elisabeth's Lists is both a vivid memoir and a moving study of the familial threads that binds us, even beyond death. 'This is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on life and death' GuardianTrade Review[A] tender memoir... A moving, evocative read. Five stars -- Eithne Farry * Sunday Express *Go to your "books to read" list and place Elisabeth's Lists right at the top. It is charming without ever being whimsical and a vital voice as Elisabeth asserts her right to be more than simply a diplomat's daughter or ambassador's wife. A valuable record from a woman we are only now getting to know -- Damian BarrThis is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on life and death -- PD Smith * Guardian *With great compassion and imagination, Elisabeth's grand-daughter Lulah tenderly brings to life the grandmother she never knew -- Elisa Segrave, author of * The Girl from Station X: My Mother's Unknown Life *A lovely read * BBC Radio Scotland *Varied, revealing, sad and funny. It wears its research lightly but still manages to inform and delight. I expect [...] readers will thoroughly enjoy it -- Gill Davies * Shiny New Books blog *Vivid and atmospheric -- Martin Gayford * Chap *Extraordinary... A love letter to the grandmother the writer never knew * People *A perceptive and original first book, it is as much a meditation on the meaning of lists as it is a biography -- Bee Wilson * LRB *An intelligent and moving family narrative -- Selected by Honor Clerk as a book of the year * Spectator *

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Book SynopsisWhen Kristin Kimball fell in love with a farmer and left behind her life in Manhattan to start a new farm with him in the Adirondacks, she had to learn a lot about farming - and fast. But, it turns out that starting a farm is not as challenging as sustaining it. Over the next five years, as two children are born and more land is acquired, the farm has its ups and downs, but then the downs keep on coming. Kristin's husband gets injured, the weather turns against them, the financial pressures mount. Suddenly, Kristin is facing not only the daily juggle of planting and milking and putting dinner on the table, but bigger questions about the life she has chosen. Is she still a farmer or is she now a farmer's wife? What does the farm need in order to survive? What does a family need in order to thrive? Beautifully written and refreshingly honest, Good Husbandry is about farmers and food, friends and neighbours, love and marriage, birth and death, and about how to grow and harvest the good things in life.

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Book SynopsisLate one night, Rebecca Fogg's hand is partially amputated in an explosion in her flat. Quick thinking saves her life, but the journey to recovery is a slow one. As the doctors rebuild her hand, Rebecca (who also survived 9/11) rebuilds her sense of self by studying the physical and psychological process of recovery. Interspersing the personal with the medical, Rebecca charts her year of rehabilitation, touching on the marvellously adaptable anatomy of the hand; how the brain's fight or flight mechanism suppresses conscious thought so we can react instantly to danger; and why trauma causes some people to develop PTSD, while giving others a whole new lease of life. Told with great emotional and intellectual clarity, BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA explores the resilient nature of the human spirit and the power we all hold in our hands.Trade ReviewA cheering, upbeat story of recovery from life-threatening injury; Beautiful Trauma frames healing as a dance of acceptance and readjustment, of effort and reward, as well as the exploration of new possibilities. Fogg's journey back to health is an inspiration -- Gavin FrancisA powerful account of the human capacity for healing. It speaks to the deep reservoir of resilience in all of us -- Dr Anna Lembke, bestselling author of Dopamine NationCaptivating and insightful, Beautiful Trauma will have you rapt from the very first page. An extraordinary celebration of the human spirit - [it] will stay with you long after you turn the final page -- Adrienne Brodeur, author of Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and MeA compelling story of gain from loss. It describes Fogg's personal quest to understand the objective basis of her physical and subjective torment, and how, using introspection and science, she emerged as a new person -- Joseph LeDoux, author of The Deep History of Ourselves: The Four-Billion-Year Story of How We Got Conscious BrainsA celebration of the adaptability of the body and the resilience of the mind. Fogg has retained her awe of the human experience, despite it all, and the result is a truly special book' -- Susannah Cahalan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Brain On Fire: My Month of MadnessThis is a book of grace and hope. Grace in the recovery from pain and fear, and hope in the acceptance of a new, fascinating life -- Dr Emily Mayhew, author of Wounded

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Book SynopsisPart memoir, part medical investigation, this is a compelling account of surviving a freak accident, and a fascinating exploration of the science of trauma and recovery

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Book SynopsisA heartfelt hymn to the sea and an unforgettable introduction to one of the most gifted nature writers of the new generation The seas cover over two thirds of our planet and yet most of us live our lives on land, creatures of a different element, at once fascinated and terrified by the beauty and power of these great bodies of water. There are some, though, who go to sea, who get to know its many moods -- the tranquil and mirror-like, the raging and ripple-swept -- and who bring back with them their stories of wonder and warning. Hannah Stowe is one such sea-goer and one such storyteller. Drawing on her expertise as a marine biologist and sailor, and her experiences in the North Sea, the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the North Sea, the Celtic Sea, and the Caribbean, Move Like Water is an exploration of the human relationship with the sea, the powerful impression it has made on our culture, and the terrible damage we have inflicted upon its ecosystems. In shimmering, fluid prose, Stowe introduces us to five keystone marine creatures - the sperm whale, the humpback whale, the orca, the albatross and the firecrow - encouraging us to fall in love with the seas as she has, to appreciate their majesty and their vulnerability.Trade ReviewElegant, enthralling... There are plenty of books about the sea, but few, if any, have the lyrical, almost visceral intensity of this one... Stowe's shimmering prose - and her exquisite line drawings - make us feel the majesty of the sea and its creatures. It also reveals their terrifying vulnerability * Daily Mail *Above all a sensuous book, more felt than described, more described than explained, more painted than penned: part memoir, part journal and - with each chapter named for a creature the author encountered either in real life or in dreams - part natural mystery tour * New York Times Book Review *A haunting evocation of [the sea's] power and beauty, and an exploration of its wildlife... [Stowe's] prose is beautiful, conjuring the storybook setting of her upbringing, the salt spray of the sea and the wonder of travelling alongside whales and sea birds while also imparting scientific knowledge * Western Mail *A briny love story... Stowe wistfully explores the mysteries of water as she navigates the sometimes turbulent, often rousing flow of her life * Booklist *Stirring... Fascinating... Unforgettable... Stowe immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the ocean in her spellbinding debut -- Starred review * Publishers Weekly *Exquisite in its intelligence and boundless in the fetch of its wave -- Jay GriffithsThe shelves are awash with sea books. But Stowe is different. She doesn't just watch and describe the sea; she's part of it. It surges inside her and crashes out onto the page. The book's drenched with salt water. It fizzes, clicks, booms and screams. Tremendous -- Charles Foster, author of Cry of the Wild and A Little Brown SeaInspiring... Hannah Stowe recounts her lifelong love affair with the sea and illuminates the complexities of our relationship with ocean ecosystems... An urgent call to address the damage we're doing to the oceans, and a siren song to the beauty and power of the sea -- Lulah Ellender, author of GroundingLet Hannah's captivating prose transport you on a journey across the waves, feeling the wind and salt on your skin, and always watching out for the tantalising glimpse of a whale. You will be enthralled by her personal story, invigorated by her energy and determination, and persuaded to think deeply about the ocean, its living treasures and the human troubles they face -- Dr Helen Scales, author of The Brilliant Abyss and Scientists in the Wild: GalápagosThis is [Stowe's] personal, poetic and heartfelt story, sharing the lessons the sea has taught her * BBC Wildlife magazine *A gem of a book - a must-read for anyone interested in the sea or marine life, and highly recommended for those who enjoy top-notch memoirs. Stowe's exquisite prose makes this a book to be savored * Bookbrowse *This is Stowe's love letter to the sea -- Best Nonfiction Book of September * Book Riot *Beautifully evocative, Stowe's memoir captures the emotional and physical pull of open waters in a visceral and compelling way. A book that can be read on many levels- memoir, a natural history guide, a call to care-with it's strength in the intersection of all. If you love oceans, women explorers and artists, or just a book to challenge your mind and soul, this one is for you * Southern Bookseller *Not only do readers get to spend time sailing the North Sea, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Celtic Sea, and the Caribbean in this memoir, but they are led by the rhythmic prose of a deeply invested and poetic marine biologist. Great for people who love marine animals too! -- Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2023 * Independent Book Review *

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Book Synopsis'As thrilling as a detective novel.' The Times'Powerful, moving and often captivating.' Financial Times'A compelling read for anyone who cares about fairness, justice and humanity.' ObserverThe Sunday Times bestseller ___Sarah Langford is a barrister. Her job is to stand in court representing the mad and the bad, the vulnerable, the heartbroken and the hopeful. She must become their voice. Sarah weaves their story around the black and white of the law and tell it to the courtroom. These stories may not make headlines but they will change the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary ways. They are stories which, but for a twist of luck, might have been yours.With remarkable candour, Sarah describes eleven cases which reveal what goes on in our criminal and family courts: these are tales of domestic fall out, everyday burglary, sexual indiscretion, and children caught up in the law. They are sometimes shocking and they are often heart-stopping. She examines how she feels as she defends the person standing in the dock. She also shows us how our attitudes and actions can shape not only the outcome of a case, but the legal system itself.___What readers are saying:***** 'Absolutely fascinating . . . thought provoking, powerful and a compelling read.'***** 'This book broke my heart at times but also contained humour and such poignant insights into the criminal justice system.'***** 'Sarah writes incredibly well - she's informative while maintaining suspense and tension, and conveys so much emotion in her writingTrade ReviewSarah Langford has reinvented a genre ... [as a barrister she has turned] her experience of 11 criminal cases into short stories that are as compelling as fiction, with the added fascination of being essentially true ... Immensely powerful. -- Jenni Russell * Sunday Times *A compelling read for anyone who cares about fairness, justice and humanity and should be on the reading list of all politicians and policy-makers. -- Catherine Baksi * Observer *[Langford] combines the demands of her job, the stories of those she represents and her own views and emotions with great skill...powerful, moving and often captivating. -- Barney Thompson * Financial Times *Vivid... surprisingly uplifting. A thoughtful, elegant book. ... it is often as thrilling as a detective novel. And sometimes it is moving: the last chapter had this reviewer in tears. -- Thomas Grant, QC - author of Jeremy Hutchinson's Case Histories * The Times *A riveting account of cases she's fought over nearly 10 years in the family courts. These are harrowing stories: of newborns taken by social services, of bitter divorces, of children trapped in the turbulence of addiction, gangs, or both, an unprecedented collection, moving, enraging and desperate, all told in Langford's cool, compelling prose. -- Charlotte Edwardes * Evening Standard *

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Book Synopsis'I drew my first breath on the 28th of January 1935, which was quite a good time for a future writer to be born in England...’ The only child in a lower-middle-class London family, David Lodge inherited his artistic genes from his musician father and his Catholic faith from his Irish-Belgian mother. Four years old when World War II began, David grew to maturity through decades of great social and cultural change - giving him plenty to write about. Candid, witty and insightful, Quite a Good Time to be Born illuminates a period of transition in British society, and charts the evolution of a writer whose works have become classics in his own lifetime.Trade ReviewWhat one takes away from this half-memoir is the self-portrait of an extraordinarily good, wrongly modest man; a distinguished scholar, and one of the finest of current novelists -- John Sutherland * Spectator *As a piece of reportage from the third quarter of the English 20th century this is a sociologist’s paradise * Guardian *An outstanding memoir... Lucid and witty * Irish Times *A fascinating and moving read * Financial Times *Quite a Good Time to be Born is a record of success, free of boasting or malice. Anyone with some knowledge of academia or the literary world will find it full of interest -- Allan Massie * Scotsman *

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Book Synopsis** BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week **Shark Drunk is, in part, the tale of two men in a very small boat on the trail of a very big fish. It is also a story of obsession, enchantment and adventure. A love song to the sea, in all its mystery, hardship, wonder and life-giving majesty.In the great depths surrounding the remote Lofoten islands in Norway lives the Greenland shark. Twenty-six feet in length and weighing more than a tonne, it can live for 200 years. Its fluorescent green, parasite-covered eyes are said to hypnotise its prey, and its meat is so riddled with poison that, when consumed, it sends people into a hallucinatory trance. Armed with little more than their wits and a tiny rubber boat, Morten Strøksnes and his friend Hugo set out in pursuit of this enigmatic creature. Together, they tackle existential questions, experience the best and worst nature can throw at them, and explore the astonishing life teeming at the ocean’s depths.Trade ReviewFull of personal anecdotes, facts on marine life and life in general along coastal Norway, and about the hunt for a big fish ... So, the book is much like fishing I guess — it’s not about the catch, it’s about just being there. -- Jo Nesbo * New York Times *A description of what happens to dead whales gives way to an impressively thorough history of the Aasjord family’s cos-liver-oil business… Shark Drunk does contain plenty of interesting stuff. -- James Walton * Daily Telegraph *Stroksnes’s sidelong approach to science is beguiling… There are moments of adventure… but the triumph of this book is it descriptions… Its beauty, undemanding science and soothing, musing qualities have made the book a bestseller in Norway and beyond. -- Horatio Clare * Observer *A fine book. A hymn of love to the sea. The story of a friendship. And a sad chronicle of so much that is wrong about our relationship with the oceans. Deserves to be read widely. -- James Rebanks, author of THE SHEPHERD'S LIFEMr Stroksnes beautifully describes the midnight sun, majestic fjords and moody stretches of sea, the changing light and the peaks that rise up out of the water, as well as the Moskstraumen, a system of whirlpools long feared by sailors… Putting "shark-drunk" man into perspective as the real threat to the ocean is one of the many threads Mr Stroksnes has pulled together in a narrative that takes in history and philosophy, mythology and folklore, from Norway's fishing past to science and the cosmos. Rather than an account of two men trying to catch a shark, it is really a homage to the sea and a call to arms to protect the ecosystem that humans treat so abysmally yet rely on so much. * Economist *

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Book SynopsisFormer Prime Minister and the country’s longest-serving Chancellor, Gordon Brown has been a guiding force for Britain and the world over three decades. This is his candid, poignant and deeply relevant story.In describing his upbringing in Scotland as the son of a minister, the near loss of his eyesight as a student and the death of his daughter within days of her birth, he shares the passionately-held principles that have shaped and driven him, reminding us that politics can and should be a calling to serve. Reflecting on the personal and ideological tensions within Labour and its successes and failures in power, he describes how to meet the challenge of pursuing a radical agenda within a credible party of government. He explains how as Chancellor he equipped Britain for a globalised economy while swimming against the neoliberal tide and shows what more must be done to halt rising inequality. In his behind-the-scenes account of the financial crisis and his leading role in saving the world economy from collapse, he addresses the question of who was to blame for the crash and why its causes and consequences still beset us. From the invasion of Iraq to the tragedy of Afghanistan, from the coalition negotiations of 2010 to the referendums on Scottish independence and Europe, Gordon Brown draws on his unique experiences to explain Britain’s current fractured condition. And by showing us what progressive politics has achieved in recent decades, he inspires us with a vision of what it might yet achieve today.Riveting, expert and highly personal, this historic memoir is an invaluable insight into our times.Trade ReviewMiles ahead of anyone you can name currently in office at Westminster. Brown thinks, and thinks profoundly. And by and large, over the last 30 years, what he has thought has turned out to be correct … thrilling … unexpectedly moving -- David Hare * Guardian *A protagonist of Shakespearian stature … The chapters on the crash are fast, tense and riveting … Like our times, Brown’s life is complicated, contradictory, full of irritations, frustrations and even rage. But as this absorbing memoir makes clear, he is also a man who, in both his willingness and ability to tackle the most pressing questions of our age, towers over those who currently fill the political stage … He is one of the giants of our recent political history – and this book explains why -- Jonathan Freedland * Prospect *A compelling story, well told … This is an important book that goes far to explain what made this enigmatic, solitary and intensely private man tick … an example of that rare species in Britain: the intellectual in politics … this book reminds us what a moderate politics of the left looks like and how much it can achieve -- Daniel Johnson * Sunday Times *Very good at describing the process by which an idea for reform is germinated, then shaped into a policy before being executed … He writes very movingly about the death of baby Jennifer Jane … You feel great sympathy and admiration for his tenacity … one of the most formidable chancellors that Britain has ever seen -- Andrew Rawnsley * Observer *In this fascinating book, Gordon Brown shares the experience and perspective of a lifetime spent in public service. Readers will come away with not just a deeper understanding of British and international politics but also the intellect and integrity of one of today’s great statesmen -- Kofi Annan

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Book Synopsis*THE TOP 10 BESTSELLER FROM THE MOST DECORATED BRITISH FEMALE OLYMPIAN IN HISTORY*'Refreshingly honest [...] a highly enjoyable, fascinating read.' Horse and Hound_______________________________________________"To ride into that arena, next to a sea of British flags and hear the roar of clapping and cheering, was so exciting. It's a sound I will never, ever forget."Charlotte Dujardin and her charismatic horse Valegro burst onto the international sports scene with their record-breaking performance at the London, 2012 Olympics. The world was captivated by the young woman with the dazzling smile and her dancing horse.But no one quite knew what it took to get there, nor how hard the path to success would be - until now. Dujardin began riding horses at the age of two, but dressage was firmly the domain of the wealthy, not the life of a girl from a middle-class family. Her parents sacrificed all and with a undeterred focus, Charlotte left school at 16 to follow her dream. When she was invited to be a groom for the British Olympian Carl Hester, she began to ride Valegro, a dark bay gelding and an unbreakable bond was formed. This is their incredible story.Trade ReviewFor anyone who has followed Charlotte and Valegro’s journey — and let’s face it, who hasn’t — this refreshingly honest autobiography will prove a highly enjoyable, fascinating read. * Horse and Hound *Fascinating stuff - 4 Stars * Love It! Magazine *An emotive memoir … a powerful story * Harrods Magazine *Fascinating – 4 stars * OK! *Her long-awaited autobiography is finally here. Dressage star, Charlotte Dujardin, offers a glimpse into the magical journey that she and Valegro went on to become one of the world’s most famous duos * Your Horse Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times top ten bestseller'Lost Dog is already one of my books of the year. Spicer writes like a dream...You will love it.' India Knight, Sunday Times 'Sharply observed and deeply funny, it's one of the best, most enjoyable books of 2019 so far' British VogueWhat did Fleabag do next?One morning, you wake up and wonder what has happened to your life. Then you realise: you happened to yourself.Kate is a middle aged woman trying to steer some order into a life that is going off the rails. When she adopts a lurcher called Wolfy, the shabby rescue dog saves her from herself. But when the dog disappears, it is up to Kate to hit the streets of London and find him. Will she save him, as he has saved her - or will she lose everything?As she trudges endlessly calling his name in the hopeless hope she may find him, she runs into other people’s landscapes and lives, finding allies amongst psychics, bloggers and mysterious midnight joggers. Trying to find her dog tests her relationship, and her sanity, to its limits – and gets her thinking about her life, and why things have turned out as they have for her. A brilliant, life-affirming memoir, Lost Dog is a book like no other about the myth of modern womanhood.Trade ReviewLost Dog is already one of my books of the year. Spicer writes like a dream, and her unblinking appraisal of her world and of her place in it feels like an act of generosity towards the reader. You will love it. -- India Knight * Sunday Times *Kate Spicer made me care about a f***ing dog. I don't know who I am anymore. * John Niven *Part love letter, part tribute to the power of never giving up hope, Lost Dog is not simply for those who like dogs. It’s a mature piece of writing that never falters... It hits you right in the heart. * Literary Review *Sharply observed and deeply funny, it's one of the best, most enjoyable books of 2019 so far * British Vogue *Amazing... so much more than a lost dog. * Grazia *

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Book Synopsis*FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE UKS NO.1 DOG TRAINING BOOK EASY PEASY PUPPY SQUEEZY*Steve is my puppy training prophet and spiritual guide - ADRIAN CHILESDog training genius - EMILIA CLARKEFrom the simple joys of owning his first puppy through to handling security dogs and training owners worldwide, Steve Mann has seen it all. Every day, he witnesses the power of dogs to change lives and help people in all sorts of ways. Now, for the first time, he shares stories from his wide and varied career as the UKs top dog trainer.Meet Pele, the lightning-fast greyhound that refused to chase a mechanical hare.Meet Alfa, Steves beloved German shepherd for whom Steve traded in his car to follow his dream.Meet a dog called ... Dog, who changed Steves life and taught him that laughter is the key to unlock learning.Meet Woofy, who helped a ten-year-old boy (and Steve) overcome anxiety.And three-legged Maggie, who taught Steve that imposter syndrome is the real imposter, and that life is about doing the best you can with what you have.Filled with tales from the frontlines of dog training - discover what Steve learned from the livestock-working dogs of Australia, the body language conversations of desert dogs in the Middle East, and the potential pitfalls of working with dogs on live TV.Chronicling a lifetime spent with dogs, this book takes the reader on a journey from first love, to handling the grief of death, with everything that life throws at you in between. Youll laugh, youll cry, and youll hold your dog just that bit closer.

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Book SynopsisWhat is it about boxing that charms and bewitches us? John Wight looks for the answer as he delves into the world of beautiful brutality. Showing that boxing is fundamentally tied to the human condition, he pulls back the curtains of his own masculinity to reveal the insecurities, life experiences and vulnerabilities that first drew him to the sport and have informed his engagement with it over a 20-year period. While relating his experiences in boxing gyms on both sides of the Atlantic, Wight reflects on the sport's origins, analysing some of its most memorable moments and characters. Through Wight's compelling memoirs we encounter some of modern boxing's most fascinating figures, among them Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao, James Toney and Scotland's IBF junior-welterweight world titlist Josh Taylor. Straddling the line between nobility and barbarity, boxing operates on a different moral and spiritual plane than other sports. This Boxing Game explores why and how.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Moore Prize 2021 'A beautiful, moving and important book' - Simon Reeve Veronica is a teenager when civil war erupts in South Sudan, the world's youngest country. Lonely and friendless after the death of her father, she finds solace in her first boyfriend, and together they flee across the city when fighting breaks out. On the same night Daniel, the son of a colonel, also makes his escape, but finds himself stranded beside the River Nile, alone and vulnerable. Lilian is a young mother who runs for her life holding the hand of her little boy, Harmony - until a bomb attack wrenches them apart and she is forced to trek on alone. After epic journeys of endurance, these three young people's lives cross in Bidi Bidi in Uganda - the world's largest refugee camp. There they meet James, a counsellor who helps them find light and hope in the darkest of places. In a gripping true-life narrative, Rosalind Russell tells their stories with uplifting empathy and tenderness.

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Book SynopsisJules Mountain is a survivor. The odds of surviving his type of cancer were one in five. The odds of dying on Everest are one in 60, but these are severely shortened when factoring in an avalanche triggered by the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Jules lived to tell both tales, which he does in a way that conveys the agony and euphoria that extreme adventurers face, even when things go according to plan. And yet this is not merely an account of what happened in the aftermath of the most deadly disaster ever on the world's most iconic mountain. It is an exploration--internal as well as physical--of how logic, compassion and risk assessment are affected by altitude, vested interests and the stress of extreme circumstances.Trade Review`A remarkable chronicle of resilience and resourcefulness' - Daily Mail, 'A heart-stopping eyewitness account of Everest's deadliest day in history' - Adventure Travel magazine

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Book Synopsis'Funny and sad and relatable and wise - Rachael Smith's Quarantine Comix are like the hug from a friend you didn't know you needed.' Chris Addison 'In a period where every day seemed the same, Rachael found a way to make every day different. A tiny, comforting light of understanding, humour and hope in a dark time.' Kieron Gillen, author and creator of The Wicked + The DivineAn award-winning graphic memoir of lockdown life, Quarantine Comix is a funny, tender, heartfelt and insightful look at isolation.Written and drawn every day during the 2020 lockdown and shared online with #QuarantineComix, 2020 Comedy Women in Print-shortlisted Rachael Smith's delightful comics helped people who were isolated all over the world to feel connected.At times laugh-out-loud funny, at others bitter-sweet, philosophical or downright silly, this collection of 200 drawings tells the story of one woman overcoming loneliness and self-doubt with exquisite, wry humour and raw honesty.During a time when many feel anxious and apart from loved ones, Quarantine Comix offers relief in shared experiences.Praise for Stand in Your Power, shortlisted for the 2020 Comedy Women in Print prize:'Funny, fierce, poignant and reaches the lonely inside us all' Helen Lederer'Rachael uses humour to address her mental health and she does that successfully.' Jen Brister, author of The Other Mother'The tone is self-deprecating - she takes a sad situation and creates an invitation to laugh at it.' Hannah Berry, UK Comics Laureate 2019-21'The execution is one to admire' Janet Ellis'An important subject turned into pages of visual pathos' Nicola Streeton, LDComicTrade ReviewRachael Smith's trademark bittersweet, funny and very personal comics make for the perfect chronicle of the weird times we've been living through. They are funny and sad and relatable and wise. -- Chris AddisonIn a period where every day seemed the same, Rachael found a way to make every day different. A tiny, comforting light of understanding, humour and hope in a dark time. -- Kieron Gillen, author and creator of The Wicked + The DivineAt a time of unthinkable separation ... what Rachael was feeling and what she was thinking was never held at arm's length, but given generously, as her work always is. -- Kate Beaton, author of Hark! A Vagrant and King BabyAchingly honest thoughts, feelings, and anecdotes to remind us that we are not alone. -- The BeatThese comics were a lifeline to so many of us. A ridiculous, humane insightful, pointed lifeline. -- Paul Cornell, author of London Falling and the Witches of Lynchford seriesOne of the best things to come out of lockdown. -- Lew Stringer, comic artistHarrowing! Heartfelt! Hilarious! Cartoonist Rachael Smith's Quarantine Comix are a brutally honest assessment of our internal strife, with more vim and vigour than a Yorkie bar and wine chaser. -- Shelly Bond, creator/editor of Black CrownQuarantine Comix has that rare opportunity for a comic series to resonate with the majority of the population ... Relatable, amusing and heart wrenching. -- Comic Scene

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Book SynopsisEight tracks. Endless stories.Allow yourself to be cast away in eight glorious decades of the most iconic show on radio. To mark this momentous occasion, The Definitive Desert Island Discs focuses on 80 of the most powerful and unforgettable interviews, revisiting every era of Desert Island Disc's storied history.Reflecting on how times have changed, the book will feature brand new material as castaways are interviewed about their experiences - did the conversation go how they expected? Would Sir Patrick Stewart still take his beloved billiards table (and a shed to keep it in, of course)? And does Hilary Devey stick by her endless supply of Cointreau?Get lost in lists of the weirdest and most wonderful luxury items, most popular tracks and books throughout the years, and more. Introduced by Lauren Laverne, The Definitive Desert Island Discs is a must-have gem, celebrating an incredible institution that has captured the hearts of a nation for 80 years.

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Book SynopsisFollowing the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, three women - Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Khan-Cullors - came together to form an active response to the systemic racism causing the deaths of so many African-Americans. They simply said: Black Lives Matter; and for that, they were labelled terrorists.In this empowering account of survival, strength and resilience, Patrisse Khan-Cullors and award-winning author and journalist asha bandele recount the personal story that led Patrisse to become a founder of Black Lives Matter, seeking to end the culture that declares Black life expendable. Like the era-defining movement she helped create, this rallying cry demands you do not look away.With foreword by Angela Davis.Trade ReviewA lyrical demand for justice that has become increasingly resonant . . . incredible . . . this book is proof that change can come through the individual * * Stylist * *An empowering account of strength, resilience and bravery * * Elle magazine * *Tackling the whole gamut (racism, economics, freedom, sexuality, mental health, familial love, sisterhood and beyond), this is the portrait of modern America we should all be buying * * Emerald Street * *Khan-Cullors is careful to hold herself to account . . . This humility, alongside her exceptional commitment to social justice, provides the greatest cause for optimism in this harrowing and yet uplifting account -- Musa Okwonga * * New Statesman * *A stunning memoir but also a beautifully articulated letter of protest and outrage. I couldn't recommend it more highly -- Shirley Manson * * Independent * *There are some who believe it is possible to infuse empathy into the heart of America. This is Patrisse Khan-Cullors' magnificent accomplishment with When They Call You a Terrorist . . . Her concise narrative is as unapologetic as the famous hashtag she coined, and offers at once cadenced poetry, intellectual analysis, determined polemic and imagery as unflinching as photography * * Times Literary Supplement * *A powerful, self-critical, and intimate portrait of how organising for social change can look in the twenty-first century * * gal-dem * *Not only a memoir, but a vital piece of education and an emphatic call to arms to fight against police brutality, institutionalized racism and anti-blackness at all costs * * The List * *Patrisse Khan-Cullors is a leading visionary and activist, feminist, civil rights leader who has literally changed the trajectory of politics and resistance in America -- EVE ENSLERA story of perseverance from a woman who found her voice in a world that often tried to shut her out. When They Call You a Terrorist is more than just a reflection on the American criminal justice system. It's a call to action for readers to change a culture that allows for violence against people of colour * * TIME * *

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Book SynopsisA beautiful memoir, travelogue, and meditation on stone by artist and stone mason Beatrice Searle.'What are you doing? If you don't mind me asking?'I say that we are taking this stone to Trondheim. I continue to tell her the story of Magnus and ancient Kings.'Would you like to stand in it?' I ask. 'That is what it is for.'At the age of twenty-six, Beatrice Searle crossed the North sea and walked 500 miles through Southern Norway on a medieval pilgrim path to Nidaros Cathedral, taking with her a 40-kilo stone from the West coast of Orkney.She had recently completed her masonry training at Lincoln Cathedral and become fascinated with the mysterious footprint stones of Scandinavia, Northern Europe and the ancient Greco-Roman world; stones closely associated with travellers, saints and the inauguration of Kings. Following in their footsteps, her stone becomes a talisman of sorts, a bedrock on the move, and an offering to those she meets along the way.Stone Will Answer is an unusual adventure story of resilience and homecoming, of weight and motion, of rediscovering love and faith, and of journeys practical, spiritual and geological. A captivating blend of exploration, memoir and myth, and an insight into a beguiling craft, it asks what lessons might be learned from stone, what we choose to carry with us and what we return to put down or pick up again.Trade ReviewExtraordinary... Confessional, elemental and at times moving, this is a memorable and unique celebration of the power and beauty of stone. * Guardian *Searle is an excellent storyteller... [and Stone Will Answer] make[s] for gripping reading... it's the human spirit that emerges triumphant in this sparky blend of memoir and travelogue... Above all, this is the story of a young woman's astonishing feat of endurance * Herald *A gifted writer, capable of luminous description * Spectator *Subtle and thought-provoking * TLS *Illuminating... I was quickly taken in by Beatrice Searle's distinctive voice, and by the end I couldn't help but feel very differently about stones, rootedness, belonging, and indeed what walking might mean. Beatrice's story is exceptional, and she is an exceptional story teller. -- Kerri Andrews, author of Wandering: A History of Women Walking

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Book Synopsis'A beacon of hope in a dark world' Cathy Rentzenbrink, on international bestseller You Will Not Have My HateA moving account of single fatherhood in the wake of bereavement. When Antoine Leiris lost his wife, Hélène, in a terrorist attack in Paris, he was left to care for their baby alone. In this wry and honest book Antoine talks about how they have both fared since that terrible day.Grief is a succession of transformations. Four years later, I am no longer the same man. The same is true for Melvil. He isn't a baby anymore, but a happy little boy.Life, After follows a single father learning how to create a happy home for his son. From imagining the reviews he might receive as a parent, to dealing with the complicated emotions that arise around a new relationship and talking to children about bereavement, Antoine charts the course of their life together with remarkable humour and self-awareness. At times heartbreaking and at times vibrating with the joy of the companionship of a lively little boy, Life, After finds a way to answer the question 'How can I go on?'That is when it begins. Life, after.Trade ReviewPowerful and revealing... a heartbreaking study in the unconscious denial that so often attends traumatic loss -- Matt Rowland Hill * Guardian *A figure of hope...the portrayal of an everyday struggle to come to terms with loss and with single-parenthood. * The Times *An astonishing feat... I defy anyone not to shed tears at least once when reading this book * Sunday Times, on You Will Not Have My Hate *A book for our times * Guardian, on You Will Not Have My Hate *Heartbreaking and beautifully written * Daily Mail on You Will Not Have My Hate *

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Book Synopsis'For anyone who enjoyed Hillbilly Elegy or Educated, Unfollow is an essential text' - Louis Theroux'A moving, redemptive, clear-eyed account of religious indoctrination' - Pandora Sykes'A nuanced portrait of the lure and pain of zealotry' New York TimesAs featured on the BBC documentaries, 'The Most Hated Family in America' and 'Surviving America's Most Hated Family'It was an upbringing in many ways normal. A loving home, shared with squabbling siblings, overseen by devoted parents. Yet in other ways it was the precise opposite: a revolving door of TV camera crews and documentary makers, a world of extreme discipline, of siblings vanishing in the night.Megan Phelps-Roper was raised in the Westboro Baptist Church - the fire-and-brimstone religious sect at once aggressively homophobic and anti-Semitic, rejoiceful for AIDS and natural disasters, and notorious for its picketing the funerals of American soldiers. From her first public protest, aged five, to her instrumental role in spreading the church's invective via social media, her formative years brought their difficulties. But being reviled was not one of them. She was preaching God's truth. She was, in her words, 'all in'.In November 2012, at the age of twenty-six, she left the church, her family, and her life behind.---More praise for Unfollow'A beautiful, gripping book about a singular soul, and an unexpected redemption' - Nick Hornby'A modern-day parable for how we should speak and listen to each other' - Dolly Alderton'Her journey - from Westboro to becoming one of the most empathetic, thoughtful, humanistic writers around - is exceptional and inspiring' - Jon Ronson'A gripping story, beautifully told . . . It takes real talent to produce a book like this. Its message could not be more urgent' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewMegan Phelps-Roper is a beautiful writer, and her journey - from Westboro to becoming one of the most empathetic, thoughtful, humanistic writers around - is exceptional and inspiring. I met Megan shortly after she left her church. She said, 'I want to do good, but I don't know how.' With Unfollow she's figured out how.Megan Phelps-Roper has guts - maybe more guts than can comfortably be contained within one adult human. First, as a member of the scary Westboro Baptist Church, she had the guts to get into the faces of people she disapproved of, gays and Jews and less fiery Christians, and tell them why God hated them. Then - and this is where you and I come in - she had the guts to listen and to think, and to decide that everything she had built her life upon was wrong. This is a beautiful, gripping book about a singular soul, and an unexpected redemption.Unfollow is a book that speaks eloquently to our divided times: the tale of a young girl born into a family whose name is a byword for bigotry and how she grew into a compassionate young woman, leaving her family behind and forging an entirely new understanding of the world and her place in it. Full of insight, thoughtfulness and vivid detail, it is also the debut of a gifted new writer. For anyone who enjoyed Hillbilly Elegy or Educated, Unfollow is an essential text, a testament to the fact that there is no-one immune to childhood indoctrination, but also to the ever-present possibility of profound change.Megan Phelps-Roper is one of the most inspiring women I have ever met. If you want to see how a girl raised on religious fanaticism and sectarian hatred can be cured by the power of honest reasoning, read this book.Megan Phelps-Roper finds a way to tell the story of the girl she was raised to be from the perspective of the woman she became, without rewriting history or losing touch with the earnestness that made everything in her world seem ok, if not downright righteous. Despite a fundamental transformation of epic proportions, Megan's core, her soul, remains the same throughout: kind, passionate, and open. Her process is wildly brave and incredibly thoughtful and this book gives us the incomparable insight into a world we all, and yet, none of us, know. This book will leave you holding your heart.Rarely do you come across someone with the courage and clarity of Megan Phelps-Roper. From her story, we can learn things sorely needed in our age: empathy, openness, and how we can best build bridges across divided lines.

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Book SynopsisDrawing on the author's experience of depersonalization disorder (DPD), this book aims to provide support, understanding and advice on how to manage everyday life with DPD.With insight from respected figures in the field and those with lived experience, the book details the depersonalization experience, from what it is to the impact it has on everyday life. It also offers coping strategies and practical, positive advice for seeking professional treatment.In both the public and clinical spheres, awareness of DPD is low and it takes an average of 7-12 years to diagnose. This is therefore a much-needed resource, illuminating the experience of those living with this disorder and providing guidance on getting help.Trade ReviewA book written by someone who has personal experience of DPD and who can explain the current state of knowledge about DPD in an accessible way will be of great benefit to others in the same situation. It is the first of its kind and will perhaps prove to be a landmark for people living with DPD and the field as a whole. -- Dr Elaine Hunter, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Professor Anthony David, Consultant NeuropsychiatristLife On Autopilot is a comprehensive, user-friendly, warmly understandable, and compelling memoir on the much-misunderstood subject of depersonalization. If you're either fascinated or suffering from this profound condition, Joe has written a fully-fledged work that will take you through it with a welcoming, calm hand. -- Harris Goldberg - screenwriter/director - NUMBJoe Perkins offers a down-to-earth, compassionate, and insightful overview of DPDR. I suspect that readers who are feeling lost or worried about their experiences will come away feeling reassured and much less alone. This book is a great starting point for anyone who wants to know more about this under-recognized condition. -- Elizabeth Pienkos, Psy.D. and Assistant ProfessorTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Note from the author. Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction: Head Thing. 2. Brief History of your History. 3. 'As If': The Depersonalization Experience. 4. So What it this Hell? The Science Behind DPD. 5/ Loss or Disruption: The Sense of Self. 6. 'But Isn't Cannabis Cool?': Drugs and DPD. 7. Seeking Initial Help - and Being in Therapy. 8. Coping Strategies for a Depersonalized Life. 9. I Love You (In Principal): DPD and Relationships. 10. Treating DPD. 11. #Existing: Technology and DPD. 12. Perspectives. About Unreal. Letter to my Friends (2017). References.

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Book SynopsisThis moving memoir follows a journalist and filmmaker as she finds her purpose in advocacy for the Asian elephants in her hometown of Kerala, India. Foreword by Jane Goodall.'I was shocked, saddened and angered by the cruelty towards the elephants who are forced to take part in religious ceremonies - cruelty that is described in this extraordinary book. I was amazed and moved by the courage shown by its author, Sangita Iyer.' Dr Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of PeaceElephants are self-aware, conscious beings. They can forge strong bonds and grieve the loss of elephants and humans alike. But despite all the empathy that elephants shower on humans, we continue to inflict pain and suffering on these caring, sentient beings.In 2013 Sangita Iyer visited her childhood home of Kerala, India, where over 700 Asian elephants, owned by individuals and temples, were forced to perform in crowded, noisy festivals. These gentle creatures who people claimed to revere were chained, abused and exploited for the entertainment of tourists and for profit.When she found herself in the presence of these divine creatures and witnessed their suffering first hand, Sangita felt a deep connection to their pain. She too had been shackled and silenced by her patriarchal upbringing and by the many 'me too' moments in her work life that were swept under the rug. Now she speaks up for elephants, herself and anyone who has been suppressed, inspiring with her story of healing, perseverance and hope. Her work to save elephants has saved her.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the life of Dr Max Skittle. Therapist, relationship counsellor, social worker, friend, parent-figure - and, yes: doctor.Join Max - and his patients - as he takes us on a rollercoaster journey through a year in the life of a doctor: from infected toenails, to wonky elbows, to erectile disfunction, to bed bugs; the happy couple expecting a surprise new baby; the teenage girl struggling with body image issues; the loving family grappling with grief, Max shows us all the highs and crushing lows that come with being a GP - and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed all our lives forever.This is what really goes on in your local doctor's surgery - spilt urine bottles, existential crises, emails back and forth with social services, utterly unexplainable health problems and appointments always running late - told by a man who, despite it all, really loves his job.

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Book Synopsis'Full of warmth, humour, optimism and sometimes painful honesty' WILLIAM DALRYMPLE'Anyone who's ever struggled to make sense of who they are and where they belong should read this book' NADIA WHITTOME MP'An important voice of our generation' PARMINDER NAGRA 'This guy has better Punjabi than both of us and he's only half Punjabi.' Only. Half. I stared at those words. The intent behind the comment was in no way malicious, but it hurt. I felt diminished. I felt like I was being robbed of something essential to me. And as I stared at my screen, realisation dawned. '#bothnothalf' I replied. For over twenty-five years, actor Jassa Ahluwalia described himself as 'half Indian, half English'. His fluent Punjabi always prompted bewilderment, medical staff questioned the legitimacy of his name, and the world of casting taught him he wasn't 'the right kind of mixed-race

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Book SynopsisA Louder than War Book of the Year A Waterstones Book of the YearA Rough Trade Book of the YearA Resident Book of the Year 'All Ian Broudie's great gifts as a songwriter - melody, vulnerability, empathy, hope - turn out to be in his prose too. A lovely read' - DAVID BADDIEL'Full of heart and sparkling melancholy' - THE IFew musicians have lived a musical life as rich as the songwriter and producer Ian Broudie.From recording the glorious uplifting psychedelic pop of his band the Lightning Seeds to producing bands like Echo & the Bunnymen and the Fall, Ian has journeyed from the energy and potential of the 1970s punk scene to the madness of '90s indie - and out the other side.Throughout nearly fifty years of making music, he has had a front-row seat working with generations of fantastic musicians in the creation of countless groundbreaking records. In Tomorrow's Here Today, he reveals what he has learnt about creativity, how to work with musicians touched by genius and what it is like to stumble through an exploding industry without losing sight of your dreams.Along the way, Ian shares how he wrote the million-selling album Jollification and how - along with the comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner - he wrote and recorded the only single in chart history to reach number one in the UK on four separate occasions. 'Three Lions' has since become the undisputed unofficial anthem of English football, soundtracking heartbreaking defeats as well as the wondrous victories of the Lionesses.Following 2022's long-awaited Lightning Seeds comeback, Ian reflects on a life of cosmic adventures spent in thrall to the power of music.Trade Review'His excellent new memoir Tomorrow's Here Today reads like one of his own songs: full of heart and sparkling melancholy. It contains highly entertaining, often self-deprecating stories about a journey that began immersed in the thriving Liverpool punk scene of the late '70s that was populated with an improbable number of future pop stars.' * The i *'All Ian Broudie's great gifts as a songwriter - melody, vulnerability, empathy, hope - turn out to be in his prose too. A lovely read.' -- David Baddiel'The best start to an autobiography I've read. I've got "Pure" on a loop this morning.' -- Bonehead, Oasis'He tells an enthralling tale with the wide-eyed wonder of an innocent bystander. Tomorrow's Here Today is a pure delight.' * four stars, Classic Pop *'One of the greatest rock 'n' roll stories of the past fifty years recounted with warmth and wisdom.' * Hot Press *'Ian's story is a great one. And, as his memoir attests, he tells it really well.' -- Pete Paphides'He may appear quiet, but it would be wrong to think that he does not have strong opinions. What comes over from this book is how driven he is when it comes to music. Each chapter sounds as if Ian is talking directly to you. Revealing ... [and] sharply observational.' * Louder Than War *'A fascinating memoir ... there are points in the book where you suddenly find yourself moving in deep water. Love, loss, grief. The stuff of being human.' * The Sunday Post *'[A] hilarious and touching memoir.' * Daily Express *'Not only is Broudie a terrific gossip, his ability to capture what music has given him is heroic. Funny and revealing.' * four stars, Record Collector *

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Book SynopsisIn this much-lauded memoir, acclaimed for its blend of literary elegance and political passion, Rossana Rossanda, a legendary figure on the Italian left, reflects on a life of radical commitment.Active as a communist militant in the Italian Resistance against fascism during World War Two, Rossanda rose rapidly in its aftermath, becoming editor of the Communist Party weekly paper and a member of parliament. Initially a party loyalist, she was critical of the party's conservatism in the face of new radical movements and moved into opposition during the late 1960s. The breach widened after she and others publicly opposed the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, and were expelled in 1969. She went on to create the influential daily il manifesto, which continues to this day.Her unique experience enables her to reconstruct that period with flair and authority. She paints a revealing picture of fascism, communism, post-war reconstruction and the revolts that shook Europe in the 1960s. In The Comrade from Milan, one of the most influential intellectuals of the European Left relives the storms of the twentieth century. Both cool-headed and precise, Rossanda provides a rare insight into what it means to be politically engaged.Trade ReviewRecent translations of Lucio Magri's The Tailor of Ulm, Rossana Rossanda's The Comrade from Milan, and Lucia Castellina's Discovery of the World have fed interest in the Italian road to socialism in Anglophone countries. Their defence of the PCI's struggle to build a Communist cultural and political hegemony appeals to a radical left today seeking to regain its transformative power. -- David Broder * Jacobin *The Italian Communist leadership of the generation of 1943-45 is exceptional: it has been described with wonderful skill in Rossana Rossanda's autobiography. -- Eric Hobsbawm * London Review of Books *Il manifesto's most individual editorialist and commentator. A unique signature in the Italian press. * New Left Review *The best book of the year. * La Stampa *Honest and painful. Party, relationships, victories and, most of all, defeats compose a memorable fresco and a precious testimony. * La Repubblica *A beautiful book, full of poetic pages. * Corriere della Sera *One of the most interesting works on the legacy of twentieth-century communism. For Rossanda, a partisan and communist to the last, the past was neither to be glorified nor taken as old hat - rather, it had to be understood in all its depth, with a view to the difficulty of real choices and the reasons for the paths not taken. -- David Broder * Jacobin *

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Book Synopsis'Retire? You can't retire!', Sir David Attenborough told John Bartram, when the man who has been gamekeeper and senior wildlife officer for Richmond Park for the past thirty years announced his intention to step away from the role, bidding farewell to the iconic park which has been his home, the backdrop for a career many would give anything for, and a way of life for so long.During a career spanning four decades John has been the behind-the-scenes mastermind ensuring the welfare and maintenance of Richmond Park's world-famous herd of deer - widely thought of as the finest herd in captivity. Working with these fabled creatures has demanded balancing their needs with the very real, and often fatal, dangers the park's visitors pose to his herd, and John pulls no punches when it comes to his opinion on the deer's place in the scheme of things, the human 'invaders' and the collision of their two worlds.A remarkable diary chronicling the final year of John's charmed life as the guardian of Richmond Park, this memoir tells of the unique demands of each new season, and of the enormous wrench he will feel upon no longer waking up in the midst of so much unchanged and wild beauty.Park Life is a treasure trove of stories and memories, some poignant and moving, others offbeat and hilarious: from the quirk of fate and farcical interview that led to him getting the job, to living in close-quarters with the deer, the tragedy of putting down fatally wounded animals, and the annual ritual of the rut - as dependable as the rising and setting of the sun.

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Book Synopsis'Rahaman has, at last, written the definitive biography on his late brother, which tells the real Ali story' - Mike Tyson'The real life of the Great One' - George Foreman'A must for fight fans' - Sunday Sport'A welcome and insightful addition to Ali literature' - Sunday Times'Heart-warming, multi-faceted and hard-hitting [...] Unlike any other biography on Muhammad Ali' - Fox SportsMore words have been written about Muhammad Ali than almost anyone else. He was, without doubt, the world's most-loved sportsman. At the height of his celebrity he was the most famous person in the world. And yet, until now, the one voice missing belonged to the man who knew him best - his only sibling, and best friend, Rahaman Ali.No one was closer to Ali than Rahaman. Born Cassius and Rudolph Arnett Clay, the two brothers grew up together, lived together, trained together, travelled together, and fought together in the street and in the ring.A near-constant fixture in his sibling's company, Rahaman saw Ali at both his best and his worst: the relentless prankster and the jealous older brother, the outspoken advocate, the husband and father. In My Brother, Muhammad Ali, he is able to offer a surprising insider's perspective on the well-known stories, as well as never-before-told tales, painting a rich and intimate portrait of a proud, relentlessly polarizing, yet often vulnerable man. In this extraordinary, poignant memoir, Rahaman tells a much bigger and more personal story than in any other book on the great man - that of two brothers, almost inseparable from birth to death. It is the final and most important perspective on one of the most iconic figures of the last century.

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Book SynopsisThere is no book in English about the wartime Berlin 'salon' run by Kitty Schmidt under the secret control of Reinhard Heydrich, one of the architects of the Final SolutionSalon Kitty was the most notorious brothel in the decadent Berlin of the Weimar Republic - the city of Cabaret. But after the Nazis took power, it became something more dangerous: a spying centre with every room wired for sound, staffed by women agents specially selected by the SS to coax secrets from their VIP clients. Masterminded by Reinhard Heydrich, the spymaster whom Hitler himself called 'the man with the iron heart', the exclusive establishment turned listening post was patronised by the Nazi leaders themselves, not knowing that hidden ears were listening.One of the last untold stories of the Second World War, Salon Kitty's sensational true history is now revealed by historians Nigel Jones, Urs Brunner and Dr Julia Schrammel. After years of painstaking research and investigation, the story they tell sheds new light on Nazi methods of control and coercion, and the way that they used and abused sex for their own perverse purposes.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most harrowing child abuse memoirs you'll ever read . . .Please Save Me is a story of the sickening abuse to which a father subjected his daughter, which led to her giving birth to two children conceived from that abuse.Mandy's father was seen as a pillar of society but no one knew what went on behind closed doors. From the age of 11, he raped his daughter four times a week, like clockwork, forcing himself on her even when she was pregnant. After being dismissed and ignored for years, Mandy finally found someone to believe her and help bring her father to justice. This remarkable woman now tells her story in the hope of shedding light on the horrors so many children endure, as well as exploring the stigma of conception through rape. Mandy's is a story which will dismay any reader, but one which also offers hope and, ultimately, love.'A wake-up call to those who turn a blind eye to the epidemic of child a

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Book SynopsisWhy limit happy to an hour?It''s cocktail o''clock!Cocktails are more popular now than ever before in the history of drinking. It''s boom time for cocktails, whether it''s a wild night in with friends or charming a bartender with witty cocktail jokes. From Aperol Spritz to Zombie Punch and everything in-between, this drinking companion will never judge your cocktail order and is filled to the rim with enough cool trivia to make even your Martini shake in excitement.Intoxicated with loud-out-loud quips, classic recipes and delightful wit, The Little Book of Cocktails is a cosy compendium to up your cocktailing game and shake like a mixologist - behind the bar or on the dancefloor - and a perfect little pick-me-up for your evening unwinding. Just like a cocktail. Please read responsibly.''Hear no evil, speak no evil, and you won''t be invited to cocktail parties.''Oscar Wilde''One martini is alright, two is too many,

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Book SynopsisJos Simon recalls growing up in Pwllheli and how this informed his later life as a Welsh exile in England who believed he was leaving Wales, only to find that he was always unconsciously drawn back to it. Great creative non-fiction, about north Wales as much as about the author himself.

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Book SynopsisPreviously published as No Family is Perfect.'Provides a fresh context for exploring issues that engage us throughout our lives ... It will change how we think and write about families' Terri Apter, author of Difficult Mothers and The Sister KnotWhat makes a good parent?How can sibling relationships survive to adulthood?Should familial love really be unconditional?Dr Lucy Blake looks at how the expectations we have affect and hinder our interactions with family members. Drawing on interviews with hundreds of family members – of all backgrounds – she explores the unrealistic ideas many of us have. Exposing the truth of what a family really is, Blake explores how to better understand and appreciate our loved ones, whether we choose to do so from up close or from a distance.Home Truths is a fascinating examination of the messy and beautiful reality of family life.'Blake examines the many aspects of family life and addresses the many ways that family relationships can be strained ... This book will be helpful to anyone interested in learning more about their own families' Dr Joshua Coleman, Council on Contemporary FamiliesTrade Review'Blake examines many aspects of family life and addresses many ways that family relationships can be close or strained ... This book will be helpful to anyone interested in learning more about their own families. I highly recommend it' -- Dr Joshua Coleman, Council on Contemporary Families'A wonderfully optimistic and original book ... I enjoyed reading it and learned a lot ... No doubt it will be extremely reassuring for readers and everyone will find some nuggets that are helpful to them' -- Professor Susan Golombok, Director of the Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge'Provides a fresh context for exploring issues that engage us throughout our lives ... It will change how we think and write about families' -- Terri Apter, author of Difficult Mothers and The Sister Knot

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Book Synopsis''A true crime history that reads like a thriller . . . A macabre and fascinating page-turner'' John Douglas, bestselling co-author of Mindhunter ''A great true crime history that reads like one of the best page-turning thrillers . . . Riveting'' Sunday Post ''Scotland Yard: A Bloody History is beautifully researched, elegantly written, and brimming with vivid characters and detail'' Daniel Stashower, bestselling author of American Demon ''Triumphant . . . Indispensable for anyone drawn to true crime and the darker districts of history'' Lindsey Fitzharris, bestselling author of The Butchering Art ''Scotland Yard is a riveting and novelistic deep dive into the true history of one of the world''s great institutions . . . essential reading for anyone even mildly curious about the history of investigative technique'' Alex Grecian, bestselling author of The YardKatherine Webster: dismembered and gutted her former employer, boiling the parts down into a sludge and selling it to the local pub as the ''best dripping''.George Joseph Smith: married several women under different aliases, only to drown each of them while they bathed. Patrick Mahon: swept pregnant Emily Kay off her feet and brought her to his house of horrors, where he chopped her up into 37 different pieces and torched her bones.From the torched bones to the dismembered bodies hidden in haystacks, London has been home to some of the most gruesome murders in history. Based on official case files, trial transcripts and first-hand accounts, Scotland Yard follows some of their most notorious murders to look at how they pushed the police force to its limit, forcing them to grow and develop new techniques. Filled with stories of decapitation, public executions, poisoning and more, Scotland Yard is a fascinating look into some of the most horrific crimes in history and how they''ve shaped the police force into what it is today.

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Book SynopsisDazzling, diverse, durable - discover the remarkable drought-proof plants that flourish in the driest environments.With rainfall unpredictable and summers increasingly hot, plants that survive and thrive in these conditions have become more important than ever.Through expert text and beautiful botanical illustrations from the archives of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Parched explores the captivating variety that exists in the world of dry plants. From poppies and palms to cypress and cyclamen, this stunning book showcases the incredible species that have become a mainstay of dry gardens around the world.

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Book SynopsisAn outspoken memoir by a much-celebrated Indian filmmaker. “I am a filmmaker by accident and an author by compulsion,” claims Mrinal Sen, who became part of the great triumvirate of Bengali cinema—along with Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak—in the 1950s and ’60s when he founded the rebellious Indian New Wave. Throughout his career, he kept that fire of protest burning, his acute political awareness and left-wing orientation spurring his creativity. Over decades, the themes that pervaded his cinema mirrored the spectrum of human suffering and experience, and in turn crystallized the anger of a restive mind against social injustice, economic deprivation, and communal divide. In this memoir, a celebrated ambassador of Indian cinema on the global stage, for whom cinema became a lexicon that gave voice to the times, reflects on encounters with the legends of the world of images as well as his inspirations and obsessions—not least among them, the city of Calcutta. Always Being Born is a fascinating memoir of a great artist and a buoyant social commentator who continued to confront, fight, and survive on the very challenges that propelled him to look beyond and dream. Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Editor’s Note1.My City: Mercilessly Maligned, Dangerously Loved 2.Given the Bene?t of the Doubt, I Walked into the Brave New World — Long Way, Dif?cult Way3.Hiroshima and the Cannibal Time4.Long Years Ago, We Made a Tryst with Destiny, and Now5.We Make Things Spectacular, but Not by Their Exceptional Qualities6.I Live in the Instant Present. I Invest the Past with Contemporary Sensibilities7.I am Twenty. For One Thousand Years, I Remain Twenty8.Deadly Discipline, When Trains Ran on Perfect Time9.Wherever I Go, Things Keep on Happening10.I Pull Myself by the Hair, and Force Myself to Look at the Mirror11.Nineteen-eighties! A Decade, Every Inch Worth My While12.Take Chances! I Wish You All a Very Tough Time13.An Old Letter, and a Few Things, Here and There14.The ‘Delicious Liar’ Continues ‘To Tell The Tale’, Left Untold15.Nineteen Eighty-three! Going Places, Meeting the World16.Nineteen Eighty-four: The Year of ‘The Ruins’, and Back and Forth17.I Never Say I’ll Retire, for I am Always Being BornEpilogue Annexure Filmography

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Book Synopsis'This is an extraordinary book. It moves in and around you like a ghost. I feel lucky to have experienced it' -- Daisy Johnson - author of Everything UnderIn the archives of the national library, a researcher named Linda sees a nine year-old girl's face in the pages of a yellowed newspaper, and the seed of an obsession is planted in her mind.Birgitta Sivander was brutally murdered one night in May 1948. The culprit was never found. Linda feels a deep connection to Birgitta, and in the months that follow she compulsively researches the case.Meanwhile, a life is taking root inside Linda; she is to have a daughter of her own. As she grapples with the wonder and anxiety of motherhood, she gradually pieces together Birgitta's story, closing in on the possible killer.Driven to redeem a lost child, Linda must find a way to lay Birgitta to rest. Moving and unputdownable, The Eighth House is a shattering examination of why

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Book Synopsis'A brilliant insight into Liam's life in football' Kevin Moran'Insightful, often joyous, and hugely entertaining' Roddy Doyle'One of our country's great footballers, and definitely our most beautiful' - John GilesThe #2 Irish Bestseller"Being a footballer was my destiny." After being expelled from school for playing football for his country, fifteen-year-old Liam Brady travelled to London to join Arsenal, and soon became an indispensable part of their glorious 1970s team. Rightly considered one of the Republic of Ireland's best-ever footballers, he went on to enjoy successes with Juventus, Sampdoria and West Ham, as well as managing Celtic and Brighton and Hove, and becoming assistant manager of his national team. Today he is best known for his much-respected TV punditry and searingly intelligent insights into the game he adores. Full of honest insights, amusing anecdotes and recollections of extraordinary times, with Born to be a Footballer Brady delivers a compelling story of a fifty-year career that is unparalleled in Irish sport.Trade Review'Once in a generation you find a most gifted and talented player. In my generation of the 70s and 80s that player was Liam Brady. This book is a brilliant insight into Liam's life in football. He is honest about his ups and downs and will bring back great memories for all of us who grew up in this era' -- Kevin Moran'Any book about Liam Brady had better be good - and this one is very, very good. It is insightful, often joyous, and hugely entertaining. I loved it' -- Roddy Doyle'One of our country's great footballers, and definitely our most beautiful' -- John Giles'By any measure, an incredible life. And a book that more than does it justice' -- Malachy Clerkin

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Book SynopsisA gripping account of hidden identity, military courage, and an against-all-odds reunion.Four days after Germany's surrender in May 1945, a young British officer took a jeep and headed east into Germany. But this was no ordinary soldier. Manfred Gans was searching for his family. As a Jewish boy in Nazi Germany, Gans had fled to England. As soon as he could, he signed up to fight, serving in the legendary British 'Three Troop', an elite unit made up of German-speaking refugees, and joining in the D-Day Normandy landings. Working undercover, he obtained vital intelligence, helped liberate occupied France and the Netherlands, and saved countless lives on both sides of the front. All the while, he dreamed of being reunited with his family, still trapped behind enemy lines, and with his childhood sweetheart, Anita.As the war ended, chaos reigned in Germany: defeated Wehrmacht soldiers faced columns of American and British soldiers, conc

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Book SynopsisIn the tradition of A Street Cat Named Bob, Nala's World, and Felix the Railway Cat: This is the story of Travis Nelson, his deaf Norwegian Forest cat, Sigrid, and their adventures on two wheels. When Travis Nelson arrived in London, he expected to embark on a new life and a new job. Coming from California, he'd uprooted his wife and his cat, Sigrid, and planned to be here for the long haul. Then Covid-19 struck. Travis's new job vanished as the company cut staff. For two years, and through successive lockdowns, he was stuck in limbo in an unfamiliar city, trying to find his way. To keep himself occupied, Travis set out to discover his adoptive home. He bought a bike and began cycling through London's streets and parks with his unusual travelling companion, Sigrid - his deaf, Norwegian Forest cat - who came along for the ride. But what started as a way of injecting routine and purpose into Travis's l

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Book Synopsis‘I will write to avenge my people.’ It was as a young woman that Annie Ernaux first wrote these words in her diary, giving a name to her purpose in life as a writer. She returns to them in her stirring defence of literature and of political writing in her Nobel Lecture, delivered in Stockholm on 7 December 2022. To write of her own life, she asserts, is to ‘shatter the loneliness of experiences endured and repressed’; to mine individual experience is to find collective emancipation. Ernaux’s speech is a bold assertion of the capacity of writing to give people a sense of their own worth, and of one writer’s commitment to bearing witness to life, its joys and its injustices.Trade Review‘Ernaux has inherited de Beauvoir’s role of chronicler to a generation.’ — Margaret Drabble, New Statesman‘Her work attests to the ways in which an individual story is linked to shared histories and her documentation of personal oppression is part of a struggle for collective freedom.’ — Jessica Andrews, Elle UK

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Book SynopsisWhile travelling through the Great Alföld, the vast plain in south-eastern Hungary, Esther Kinsky stops in a small town near the Romanian border. Like many other things, the cinema, mozi' in Hungarian, has long since closed. Entranced by the decaying mozi, she soon embarks on the colossal task of reviving it, compelled by the irresistible magic of the cinema, a site rooted in ritual that is steadily disappearing. Beautifully translated by Caroline Schmidt, Seeing Further is a powerfully eloquent declaration of love to the cinema and the collective experience of watching by Esther Kinsky, one of Germany's most important contemporary writers.

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Book SynopsisThe illuminating memoir of Academy Award-winning film director, screenwriter and author Neil Jordan.

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