Memoirs Books

Book Synopsis'I caught a glimpse of him, behind the veil. And he knew I'd caught it. There was that understanding between us. We were members of the club of the X-ray eyes, the club of people who can see into the human heart.' Éilís Ní Dhuibhne's candid and moving memoir tells the story of her thirty-year relationship with the love of her life, internationally renowned folklorist Bo Almvqvist, capturing brilliantly the compromises and adjustments and phases of their relationship. Twelve Thousand Days is a remarkable story about love, grief and time, shot through with wry and sharp observations on Irish life, culture and morality. Trade ReviewNi Dhuibhne is one of Ireland's finest novelists and short story writers …This book is a tribute to that rich personal life, to the sons of the marriage, to the days of debate and domesticity, of cultural insights and liberal views, to the "collection, preservation and study of Irish folklore", to the Gaeltacht areas of Donegal and Kerry, and the Scandinavian holiday interludes. … This account of "love and loss", for all its mournful aspects, is a resonant and resourceful undertaking; and its ultimate effect is exhilarating and affirmative. - Patricia Craig, TLS January 18 2019 -- Patricia Craig * TLS *A precise and honest self-portrait, carefully crafted, reticent and then revealing, but also absorbing and moving. -- Colm Tóibín * Irish Times *Éilís Ní Dhuibhne uses all her lyricism to pay tribute to the relationship that defined her being. -- Eileen Battersby * Sunday Times *'There is much joy here and much sorrow too. … accompanying Éilís Ní Dhuibhne on her journey, it has been easy to smile along with the good times and impossible not to shed a tear on the other path … I will treasure my signed copy.' -- Joe Cushnan * Dropped the Moon Blog *'Twelve Thousand Days' is indisputably one of the most appealing memoirs from the pen of a contemporary Irish writer. -- Paddy Kehoe * RTÉ *

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Book SynopsisIn spring 2006 David Latimer’s church, First Derry Presbyterian, was paint bombed yet again. David’s usual reaction was to keep his head down and say nothing, but this time he decided to go public. Live on BBC Radio Foyle he appealed to Martin McGuinness for help, believing that he was the only man in the city who could stop the attacks. Little did David realise that within a few hours of the broadcast Martin McGuinness would be at the church, and that this first meeting would mark the beginning of a remarkable friendship, one cemented by a shared Christian faith and a joint commitment to peace building and improving the lives of young people. In this powerful memoir, David talks frankly about his close friendship with Martin – the criticism and opposition it provoked as well as the great comfort and encouragement it brought them. Most of all, this extraordinary book is testament to the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and proof that real change and reconciliation are possible when you take a leap of faith.

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Book SynopsisSusan Farrell's evocative account of what it was like to grow up in rural Armagh and Tyrone, a world rooted in tradition and in the seasons. Beginning with her grandparents, Susan uses food to trace the legacy of her upbringing: Nanny Wylie, 'quick as a magician', making bread; her aunts cycling twenty miles to the Irish border to buy butter, dried fruit and sugar for her parents' wedding cake; food remedies and broths; and the endless supply of home-made apple pies, jam and soda farls. But by the late sixties this way of life is changing - Camp Coffee, salad cream and books like Madhur Jaffrey's 'Eastern Vegetarian Cooking' herald a new way of life and a new kind of cooking. And on the horizon is the shadow of the Troubles … Warm, authentic and often funny, 'My Homeplace Inheritance' is a vivid evocation of place and a celebration of the rich legacy that comes from the cooking and sharing of food.

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Book Synopsis‘What I wanted was for Malachy Finegan to be exposed. I felt that the wee boy I had been might be stepping from the darkness, and I needed him to be heard and to be believed.’ When he was twelve and in first year at St Colman’s College in Newry, Gerard Gorman was abused by paedophile priest Father Malachy Finegan. Gerard was so traumatised that for many years he was unable to talk about what had happened to him. So Young is Gerard’s powerful and courageous account of how he finally found a voice to tell his story. In this memoir – with the help of his brother, the poet Damian Gorman - he talks openly about the abuse he suffered and the impact it had on his life and on the lives of those around him. He describes too his role in exposing Finegan and his long and painful battle with the Catholic Church – in and out of the civil courts – to force it to acknowledge the harm done to him and the cover-up that perpetuated Finegan’s abuse. Brave, moving and open-hearted, So Young is a powerful account of surviving abuse and a damning indictment of an institution that continues to stonewall victims.Trade Review‘an ordinary life was stolen from a young boy but he is still here, strong and unafraid to tell his story’ -- George Larmour * Amazon *‘Gerard…had begun to find his voice, with all the stress, pain, emotional vulnerability that process brought with it’ -- Eamon Baker * Derry Now *‘Courageous, unflinching, dignified - words cannot do Gorman justice’ -- NJ McGarrigle * Irish Times *So Young is Gerard's powerful and courageous account of how he finally found a voice to tell his story. In this memoir - with the help of his brother, the poet Damian Gorman - he talks openly about the abuse he suffered and the impact it had on his life and on the lives of those around him. He describes too his role in exposing Finegan and his long and painful battle with the Catholic Church - in and out of the civil courts - to force it to acknowledge the harm done to him and the cover-up that perpetuated Finegan's abuse. Brave, moving and open-hearted, so Young is a powerful account of surviving abuse and a damning indictment of an institution that continues to stonewall victims. I cannot remember ever if, after reading a book, I cried. But, after reading So Young, I shed a few tears. It is so moving to read Gerard Gorman's story of how, at twelve-years-old, he was raped and sexually abused repeatedly by a Catholic priest, Father Malachy Finegan. His story of carrying around his "secret" for decades, not telling a soul, even his loving, caring mother, is heartbreaking. Gerard relates his rollercoaster life story with unharnessed candour - from the terrible, wicked abuse he suffered, to the challenges of his family life including living with an erratic-tempered father, to his experiences in The Troubles, to married life, his relationships with his wife and children, and all the time carrying the heavy burden of what happened to him back in St Colman's College with that despicable priest who, it must be emphasised, was protected by Catholic authorities until his death. But, once Gerard started receiving treatment for mental health issues, he gradually found a way to open up and eventually he told his doctor about Finegan and what he had done. Having finally found a way to utter the words he had suppressed for forty years and more, a door opened that eventually led him out onto a long journey through the courts to fight for justice. It may sound bizarre, but this is a beautiful book borne out of terrible circumstances, events that Gerard will never forget, but at least he received a kind of justice and added his voice to those other victims crying out to be believed against the might of a powerful religious institution. And what made me shed a few tears? Apart from being angry, upset and sad at various times, the chapter containing the emotional "impact statements" of Gerard's wife and children, and Gerard's closing words as he thanked those who helped and supported him through the dark years: "And finally I want to thank a twelve-year-old boy. A small boy I initially hated but grew to love." Gerard Gorman and his brother Damian have done a remarkable job with this book. Highly recommended. -- Joe Cushnan * Dropped the Moon blog *

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Book Synopsis‘Evelyn Conlon’s voice is instantly recognisable: wise, funny, insightful (inciteful, if that’s a word) and irrepressible.’ Lia Mills In Reading Rites, Evelyn Conlon brings her characteristic wit and keen intelligence to the task of exploring her writing life, drawing out the events, people, books and concerns that have helped to make her the writer she is. Using the lens of her own life as a starting point, she considers a vast array of subjects, including education; the effects of the Catholic Church, particularly on the lives of women; the legacy of historical moments such as 1916; and, through it all, the power of books to free us, to offer understanding, and to help us to see outside and beyond ourselves. Part memoir, part manifesto, Reading Rites is full of the sharp observation, restless questioning and hard-won wisdom that make Conlon one of Ireland’s finest and most compelling writers. ‘These essays amount to an alternative history of social change in Ireland … each one manages to keep faith with the truth of public speech.’ Sean O’Reilly

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Book SynopsisThe powerful autobiography of a gambler, drug addict and dealer who turned to God and found the freedom and hope to rebuild his life. Rod Williams grew up in a loving family, with a policeman for a father. Yet his story shows that addiction is no respecter of persons and can strike at the heart of any family with devastating effects. Rod's drug addiction began at college and quickly moved from cannabis to Ecstasy and eventually heroin and crack cocaine. He soon became heavily involved in dealing drugs and gambling in order to finance his drugs habit. Although he was pursuing a lifestyle that promised money, pleasure, power and popularity, it eventually left him feeling broken and lost. Following an attempt to import class A drugs onto the island of Guernsey, Rod finally ended up in prison. At rock bottom and in desperation, he turned to God in his prison cell and began his journey to freedom from his addictions. In this gripping account, Rod relates how he found 'the real deal' which rescued him from his destructive lifestyle to begin a journey of fulfilment and freedom. He is now determined to help others find the same release. The Real Deal also includes moving accounts of the effects of Rod's choices from his police officer father, prison officer sister, and his fellow addicts.

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Book SynopsisBritain's most inspiring young woman helps give others the courage to cope with life's challenges, through personal anecdotes and expert advice.To look and listen to the extraordinary Katie Piper, it is difficult to comprehend the severe trauma she suffered from a brutal rape and acid attack which left her with deep physical and emotional scars. These terrible events would have crushed most people, but through her positive outlook and sheer determination, Katie has become inspirational to millions and living proof that no matter what life throws at you, if you work hard and believe - things will get better. Katie now begins to answer the question that everyone wants to know - 'Where did you find the courage?' She shares the key steps and support that led to her emotional recovery and acknowledges the pain we have all felt at times, whether suffering a breakup, life change or more serious trauma. Drawing on her own experiences and letters from other survivors, Katie shows with spectacular compassion that we can all find the strength within to carry on.Trade Review'A touching and truly inspirational book' Closer magazine. * Closer magazine *'Inspiring, honest and incredibly helpful' Mumsnet. * Mumsnet *'A sweet and simple guide to how we can all make our lives better' Star magazine. * Star magazine *Table of ContentsForeword. Introduction. Hitting rock bottom. Be a survivor, not a victim. Counting your blessings. Faith, belief and trust. Embrace the power of positivity! Facing your fears and phobias. Taking healthy risks. Laughing through the pain. Letting go and allowing yourself to move on. Forgive and be kind. Goal setting. Believe in yourself. Leading a purposeful life: find meaning in all that you do. Getting help. Setbacks and plateaus. Getting stronger - and staying stronger. Final thoughts. Resources. Acknowledgements.

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Book SynopsisIt is often the smallest details of daily life that tell us the most. And so it is under occupation in Palestine. What most of us take for granted has to be carefully thought about and planned for: When will the post be allowed to get through? Will there be enough water for the bath tonight? How shall I get rid of the rubbish collecting outside? How much time should I allow for the journey to visit my cousin, going through checkpoints? And big questions too: Is working with left-wing Israelis collaborating or not? What affect will the Arab Spring have on the future of Palestine? What can anyone do to bring about change? Are any of life's pleasures untouched by politics?Trade ReviewPraise for Palestinian Walks: 'Few Palestinians have opened their minds and their hearts with such frankness * The New York Times *Shehadeh writes beautifully, his language infused with a lyrical, melancholic sense of loss. An important record of a land marked by conflict that is changing every day * Sunday Telegraph *Shehadeh is always engaging ... delivering what many activists neglect to mention: the odd, slightly absurd details that really touch people; things that appear off camera, away from news reports * Independent on Sunday *Towards any proper understanding of history there are many small paths. I strongly suggest you walk with him -- John BergerPalestinian Walks is a stoic account of a particular place, but one which has universal resonance. The judges felt it made landscape into the essence of politics, and political writing into an art -- John Seaton, chair of the Orwell Prize committee, 2008Shehadeh describes howthe destruction of a beloved landscape mirrors the damage to Palestinian identity ... lyrical nature-writing with understated political passion * Guardian *Readers would do well to reckon with the painful particulars of Shehadeh's account, which is at once gentle and angry, resolute and realistic * Nation *This is a beautiful book and a sad one -- Anthony LewisPalestinian Walks provides a rare historical insight into the tragic changes taking place in Palestine -- Jimmy Carter

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Book SynopsisAll serious politicians are supposed to possess a hinterland, but not all do. Chris Mullin was one who did. By the time he entered parliament he had reported from the wars in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and tracked down the survivors of the CIA operation in Tibet. He was the author of three novels, including the classic A Very British Coup. His successful campaign to free the innocent people convicted of the Birmingham bombings was described as 'one of the greatest feats ever achieved by an investigative reporter'. Elected to parliament, aged 39, he quickly established himself as a fearless inquisitor before going on to become a minister in three departments. His three volumes of diaries have been widely acclaimed as the best account of the Blair years and the rise and fall New Labour. He left parliament in 2010 ('better to go while people are still asking why rather than when'). These are his memoirs.Trade ReviewHinterland reveals Mullin to be as shrewd a political operator as they come, but fiercely principled and blessed with rare insight, too. Parliament, and Labour, must miss him. -- Ben East * Irish Times *Fluent, accessible, candid, likeable, literate and unpretentious... [Mullin has] decency, humanity and generosity in abundance. -- Carlo Geber * Irish Times *Hinterland is another canny, deceptively casual Mullin performance. -- Andy Beckett * Guardian *[a] subtle, wry and compassionate man with the kind of questioning intelligence that we need more in government... He is a touching and introspective writer, capable of both devotion and detachment. -- Robert Shrimsley * Financial Times *Praise for Chris Mullin's previous books: 'The sharpest and most revealing political diaries since Alan Clarke's. -- Simon Hoggart * Guardian *Chris Mullin's diaries deserve to become the central text for understanding the Blair years. * The Times *You can't keep a good politician down, especially not one who writes as well as this. * New Statesman *Every once in a while, political diaries emerge that are so irreverent and insightful that they are destined to be handed out as leaving presents in offices across Whitehall for years to come. A View from the Foothills is one such book * David Cameron *

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Book SynopsisA rediscovered modern classic: a life-affirming account of one man's journey into blindness 'A gift to the whole of humanity' Cathy Rentzenbrink Days before the birth of his first son, writer and academic John M. Hull started to go blind. He would lose his sight entirely, unable to distinguish any sense of light or shadow. Isolated and claustrophobic, he sank into a deep depression. Soon, he had forgotten what his wife and daughter looked like. In Notes on Blindness, John reveals his profound sense of loss, his altered perceptions of time and space, of waking and sleeping, love and companionship. With astonishing lucidity of thought and no self-pity, he describes the horror of being faceless, and asks what it truly means to be a husband and father. And eventually, he finds a new way of experiencing the world, of seeing the light. Based on John's diaries recorded on audio tape, this is a profoundly moving, wise and life-affirming account of one man's journey into blindness. 'Poignant and wise' Andrew Solomon Published in partnership with Wellcome Collection.Trade ReviewThere is wisdom on every page... a gift to the whole of humanity -- Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of 'The Last Act of Love'The incisiveness of Hull's observation, the beauty of his language, make this book poetry; the depth of his reflection turns it into phenomenology or philosophy -- Oliver SacksHe lets us see with no trace of self-pity or self-praise how blindness has become for him a genuine acquisition, an unforeseeably rich gift that has made of him what so few of us are: excellent watchers and hearers of the world ... triumphant in the teeth of ruin. -- Reynolds PriceBeautiful. -- Melanie Reid * The Times *This is a courageous book about the ability of the human mind and soul to reorganize around changed sources of information. In losing his sight, John Hull learned how much he had loved seeing, and how much he could love other means of interacting with the world. His poignant and wise description of his rebirth as a blind man is thrilling and disturbing, written in incandescent prose, and demonstrates an exhilarating passion for life itself. -- Andrew SolomonFull of the richness of our experience on the planet ... Hull records his daunting and dark, enlightening and different world with an awareness that leaves you reeling - and the better for it. -- Kerry Fowler * Sainsburys magazine *Praise for the documentary: 'Articulate, eloquent and soul searching -- Mark KermodeMagnificent * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom the sizzling sharpness of freshly cut garlic to the cool tang of a father's aftershave; the heady intoxication of a fumbled first kiss to the anodyne void of disinfectant and death, this is a decadently original olfactory memoir.In sixty-three elusive episodes we roam freely across the countryside of Lorraine, North-East France, from kitchen to farm to a lover's bed. Recognising the bittersweet nostalgia of a scent that slips away on the summer breeze, Claudel demonstrates again his impeccable grasp of the personal and the universal, interweaved with a rare, self-deprecating charm.This is an evocative patchwork at once earthy and ethereal, erotic and heart-breaking. Claudel permits us a glimpse of moments that have driven him to delight or despair, creating through the fading aromas of the past fragments of humour, insight and quite intangible beauty.

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Book SynopsisAs heard on Radio 4 Book of the Week.In the medieval Castilian village of Guzmán (population: 80), villagers have gathered for centuries in the 'telling room' to share stories and drink the local wine. It was here, in the summer of 2000, that Michael Paterniti found himself listening to a compelling tale about a cheese made from an ancient family recipe that was reputed to be among the finest in the world. Until, Ambrosio said, things had gone horribly wrong. Hooked on the story, Paterniti relocated his young family to the tiny hilltop village to find out more. But like many Spanish villages, Guzmán was rife with gossip and old feuds, secret alliances and plotted vengeance and before long Paterniti was sucked into the heart of an unfolding mystery. When he learned that the cheesemaker had apparently plotted to murder his closest friend, the village began to spill its long-held secrets, and Paterniti found himself implicated in ways he never expected . . .Trade ReviewThe Telling Room is a gorgeous and impassioned monument to the art and mystery of storytelling. It is rich, funny, humane, devastating, and beautiful. It made me want to applaud, it made me want to cry, it made me want to move to Spain. Michael Paterniti is a genius -- ELIZABETH GILBERT, author of EAT, PRAY, LOVEMichael Paterniti is one of the best living practitioners of the art of literary journalism, able to fully elucidate and humanize the everyday and the epic. In his hands, every subject, every moment of personal or global upheaval, is treated with the same curiosity, respect, empathy, and clear-eyed wisdom -- DAVE EGGERSSun-baked highland plateaus, argumentative village rustics and beguiling old ways . . . There's no resisting the infectious glee * * New York Times * *A masterly, joyous piece of non-fiction storytelling . . . a strangely gripping and moving tale about life, love, friendship, family, place - and cheese * * Financial Times * *The list of writers I would read even if they were to write about a piece of cheese is short, but it includes Michael Paterniti. He has proved here that if you love something enough, and pay a passionate-enough attention to it, the whole world can become present in it. That's true of both the cheese and the book -- JOHN JEREMIAH SULLIVAN, author of PULPHEADFor my money, Paterniti is one of the most expansive and joyful writers around - big-hearted and humane and funny. This book is a wild and amazing ride -- GEORGE SAUNDERS, author of TENTH OF DECEMBERElegant, strange, funny, and insightful, The Telling Room is a marvelous tale and a joyful read, a trip into a world peopled by some of the most remarkable characters - and, yes, cheese - in memory -- SUSAN ORLEAN, author of THE ORCHARD THIEFAn amazing achievement. The Telling Room is an inspired, masterly epic that expands and refigures the parameters of the storyteller's art -- WELLS TOWER, author of EVERYTHING RAVAGED, EVERYTHING BURNED'[The] best book of narrative nonfiction I've read in ages -- MICHAEL POLLANThe Telling Room captures the true essence of happiness - but what's more, it captures the fact that food is always central, always present in our memories, when we search for it. For those who doubt that food is our most vital social network, this book demonstrates it unequivocally -- FERRAN ADRIÀGripping * * Sunday Telegraph * *Few writers can write about the taste of food with Paterniti's vibrancy and precision... [He] is a master of finding and telling great stories (the finding, for most writers, often being as difficult as the telling) that appear to be about something small, such as cheese, but are actually about something far larger-in this case, the whole of human existence... As much as The Telling Room is about a Spaniard's quest to create a cheese that embodies all the love and pain and joy he's ever known, it's also the story of a writer's quest to channel that obsession into the perfect story * * Esquire * *This is a story not only of physical but emotional and spiritual hunger, the yearning to make something from love to be shared - whether food or words - and passed on to future generations . . . It's a book that is, like the cheese Paterniti searches for, 'made with love' - and one that readers will in turn love * * Metro * *Throughout this book, lovingly-prepared food and drink and storytelling are inextricably linked as essential foundation stones of a community and, ultimately, society itself . . . Paterniti has arrived at truths that are universal * * Herald * *A wonderful, enthusiastic and idiosyncratic tale * * Big Issue * *Rich and shaggy, full of Castilian-size detours, it is a travelogue, food adventure, and personal memoir rolled into one hugely likable book... In [The] Telling Room, Paterniti proves that the hardest quarry as a journalist is not the extraordinary, but the everyday * * Boston Globe * *Unforgettable . . . a must-read for all who think of Spain as magical, who consider cheese as the ultimate gift of love, who love stories of betrayal, despair, revenge and redemption * * Wall Street Journal * *If you love food and love reading about food, you can't do better than this beautiful, passionate book. I finished it and wanted to fly immediately to Spain and eat everything in sight -- MARCUS SAMUELSSON, author of YES, CHEFIt's not often that a writer as restlessly imaginative as Michael Paterniti delves into the world of food. But with The Telling Room, Paterniti has crafted a book that's as delicious as it is gripping. We food lovers are lucky to count him as one of our own -- ADAM RAPOPORT, editor in chief, BON APPÉTITPaterniti dives deeply into Spain's political history, the pleasures of craft, and the motives and methods of storytelling itself * * Harper's * *Not just a book about Spain and its food, but an investigation into the art of narrative itself * * Condé Nast Traveller * *As this witty narrative proves, there's far more to a slice of cheese than first meets the tastebuds * * Easyjet Traveller * *A thoroughly enticing read * * Bath Life * *

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Book SynopsisJimmy Tippett Jnr was born into gangster aristocracy. Son of legendary boxer and South London heavy, Jimmy Tippett, he grew up rubbing shoulders with the most notorious faces in London. The result was a lifestyle amongst the criminal elite - and with an upbringing like JImmy's, what could go wrong? He had the brains, the muscle and the balls to be a player, and when the work was done there were cars, cash, drugs, girls and high times. His reputation as a man never to be crossed was undisputed. But was Jimmy traveled deeper into the heart of the underworld, his judgement began to falter. Mired in cocaine and paranoia, his operation began to come off the rails. Friend and foe alike became targets, and the world he had known for so long threatened to tear him apart...

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Book SynopsisPoring over his grandparents' memoirs, grainy photographs of his distinguished ancestors and relating family lore passed from father to son, Michael Ignatieff begins a moving journey to come to terms with his inheritance that is bound up with the violent tumult of Russian history. With great care and complexity, Ignatieff reconstructs a vanished way of life. Beginning in the opulent court of Catherine the Great, he traces his family's rise to great influence in the imperial regime of Tsar Nicholas II before the country is swept up in revolution, civil war and exile. A profound meditation on rootlessness and belonging, The Russian Album explores both how we are formed by our pasts, but also how we must write our own stories in the present.Trade Review'A vividly fascinating account by a gifted writer who sweeps back the curtain from the past, revealing it full of color and life' - New York Times Book Review'This beautifully written book . . . is about tenderness, courage, and a sublime life-force' - Observer'A poignant family memoir, a fitting close to Russian life before the 'red curtain of the revolution'' - LA Times

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE 2016SHORTLISTED FOR THE SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE 2015Emma Sky was working for the British Council during the invasion of Iraq, when the ad went around calling for volunteers. Appalled at what she saw as a wrongful war, she signed up, expecting to be gone for months. Instead, her time in Iraq spanned a decade, and became a personal odyssey so unlikely that it could be a work of fiction. Quickly made civilian representative of the CPA in Kirkuk, and then political advisor to General Odierno, Sky became valued for her outspoken voice and the unique perspective she offered as an outsider. In her intimate, clear-eyed memoir of her time in Iraq, a young British woman among the men of the US military, Emma Sky provides a vivid portrait of this most controversial of interventions, exploring how and why the Iraq project failed.Trade ReviewA charming, insightful account of Sky's remarkable odyssey, of her experience among Americans and Iraqis -- Max Hastings * Sunday Times *The Unravelling reads almost like a novel: a detailed and darkly humorous account that tries to understand everyone involved, Iraqis and Americans, on their own terms... Sky's argumentative, chirpy and intelligent personality is thoroughly engaging -- Robin Yassin-Kassab * Guardian *A radiant and beautifully written account, at turns funny and sad -- Max Boot * Wall Street Journal *Important and disturbing... To counter Iran in Iraq and prevent the alienation that created ISIS would have required... perhaps, a thousand Emma Skys. But there was only one of those. -- Christopher Dickey * New York Times Book Review *Hers was a fascinating world of senior military and diplomatic figures, many of them of the highest quality... She knew all the leading Iraqi politicians, many of whom regarded her as a personal friend. She saw much of Iraq and had some hair-raising experiences. And she always kept her sense of opposition to what was being done to the country. Many people likened her to Gertrude Bell, the British political adviser who helped to create Iraq, and in some ways they were right. -- John Simpson * New Statesman *A detailed account of the challenges of occupation... Readers will realise exactly why Iraq produced strongmen like Saddam -- Colin Freeman * Daily Telegraph *The best book to date on the American war in Iraq... This authoritative first-person account is a must-read for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the complexity of the Iraq war, and the road to the current crises with the Islamic State. * Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) *The Unravelling is entertaining because Sky is a wry and intelligent companion. It is sad for its account of how the Obama administration squandered what Sky views as the victory that the surge had snatched from the first catastrophic years of US occupation. It is enlightening for how it helps us unlearn much of what we think we know * Washington Post *Sky's book... is the essential text on how everything fell apart * NewYorker.com *A scholar and a strategist, Sky's political perception alone makes worthwhile reading, including a preface that is as succinct a synopsis of Iraq today as you will find * Military Times *Sky's narrative is a valuable addition to recent history... What she experienced is relevant, and her story and perspective contribute to the ongoing effort to understand and explain the tragic aftermath of the much-criticized Iraq War. * Booklist *[A] sober, thorough and ultimately heart-rending examination of what, to this day, keeps Iraq unstable, unhappy and a never-ending foreign policy disaster...a book with a rare perspective... What Sky produced, years later, is worth applauding. The Unravelling may be the most straightforward account yet-and the best that Britain will have for a while-of the failures in Iraq. * Financial Times *A deft, nuanced, and often funny account of her years as a civilian official in Iraq. * The New York Review of Books *

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Book SynopsisBased at the Skeldale Veterinary Centre, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, the modern, relocated practice featured in the classic stories of James Herriot, and with a foreword by James Herriot’s son, this is a warm and evocative memoir from a young vet whose love for his vocation shines through on every page. From alpacas to exotic pigs, puppies to rabbits, Julian has treated them all and his book is packed with stories about his loveable patients and will prove a firm favourite with all animal lovers. Dealing with unexpected exotic pets – and handling excitable humans too – Julian has seen all sides of the veterinary world and writes about it all with humour and affection. Just as happy calving a cow, treating a dehydrated chameleon or tending to the overgrown teeth of a rabbit, his passion for his work shines through on every page, as does his love for Yorkshire.Julian Norton also stars in Channel 5’s fly-on-the-wall documentary series The Yorkshire Vet, one of the channel’s highest rated shows (with series four set to return in 2017). Warm, evocative always compassionate and often funny, Julian’s tales bring to life the world of the working vet and the highs and lows he and his colleagues face on a daily basis.

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Book SynopsisIs 'Romeo and Juliet' really a love story, or is it a play about young people living in dangerous circumstances? How might life under occupation produce a new reading of 'Julius Caesar'? What choices must a group of Palestinian students make, when putting on a play which has Jewish protagonists? And why might a young Palestinian student refuse to read? For five months at the start of 2013, Tom Sperlinger taught English literature at the Abu Dis campus of Al-Quds University in the Occupied West Bank. In this account of the semester, Sperlinger explores his students' encounters with works from 'Hamlet' and 'The Yellow Wallpaper' to Kafka and Malcolm X. By placing stories from the classroom alongside anecdotes about life in the West Bank, Sperlinger shows how his own ideas about literature and teaching changed during his time in Palestine, and asks what such encounters might reveal about the nature of pedagogy and the role of a university under occupation.

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Book SynopsisPopular culture mirrors the human soul and it can't lie about the state it is in-which is what makes it an essential guide on the quest for self-knowledge. Seen and Not Seen: Confessions of a Movie Autist is a series of autobiographical explorations which slowly uncover the author's secret life to himself. Revisiting his former writings on film and deconstructing old texts, he engages in a literary dialogue with his past as he struggles to bust open his fantasy life and reach the truth behind it. Moving into and through the cultural, social and political dimensions of movies, the book maps previously undiscovered psychological and spiritual realms of the movie-going experience to create an engaging, thought-provoking, utterly original narrative about the essential acts of movie-watching, writing, and self-examination.

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Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Yoga Girl and "international force in the world of yoga" (Allure), a moving and inspirational memoir on how to cope with tragedy, adversity, and change through yoga. To love and let go, love and let go, love and let go...it's the single most important thing we can learn in this lifetime."Rachel beautifully illustrates that loving fiercely and grieving deeply are often two halves of the same whole. Her story will break you down and lift you up." -Glennon Doyle, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Love Warrior and founder of Together Rising"Take the time to clear your mind and mellow out with Rachel Brathen's endearing and inspiring memoir of a misspent youth, rebirth on the mat, and epic adventures in the Costa Rican jungle. Along the way you'll find . . . yoga routines and healthy recipes."-Bustle"An international force in the world of yoga."-AllureWhile on her way to a yoga retreat in the Caribbean, Rachel Brathen collapsed in the airport and was rushed to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. When she opened her eyes following the surgery, her boyfriend was at her bedside weeping and she immediately knew something terrible had happened. She soon discovered that at the same time as her collapse, her best friend was killed in a car crash. Over the next two years, which should have been the happiest time of her life with her engagement and growing career, Rachel experienced trial after trial. From the overwhelming loss of her best friend, to the illness and death of her grandmother, and a shocking suicide attempt by her mother, Rachel found herself in a deep depression. When she discovered she was pregnant, Rachel decided to use her pregnancy as a time to heal and an opportunity to be reborn herself. Now, in this evocative and remarkable memoir, Rachel shares the tools she used to cope with and overcome her depression. She invites you to share in her eye-opening epiphanies and realizations about life and death, love and fear, what it means to be a mother and a daughter, and the restorative power of yoga. Perfect for fans of Gabrielle Bernstein and Glennon Doyle, this unforgettable memoir will move and enlighten you.Praise for To Love and Let Go"Breathtakingly honest, Rachel beautifully illustrates that loving fiercely and grieving deeply are often two halves of the same whole. Her story will break you down and lift you up."-Glennon Doyle, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Love Warrior and founder of Together Rising Praise for Yoga Girl "Take the time to clear your mind and mellow out with Rachel Brathen's endearing and inspiring memoir of a misspent youth, rebirth on the mat, and epic adventures in the Costa Rican jungle. Along the way you'll find . . . yoga routines and healthy recipes." -Bustle "The book was like a perfect yoga class-it left me inspired, relaxed and at the same time gave me tons of ideas." -Elephant Journal "An international force in the world of yoga." -Allure

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Book Synopsis''Helen goes deeper than the decluttering trends to ask why we buy and keep things. This book is full of practical wisdom!'' - Bryony Gordon, author of Mad GirlAn exploration into why we keep holding on to material things and what they mean to usOn New Year''s Eve of 2018, journalist Helen Chandler-Wilde lost everything she owned in a storage unit fire in Croydon, where she''d stowed all her possessions after a big break-up. She was left devastated, and forced to re-evaluate her relationship with owning material things. A mix of memoir, self-help and journalism, Lost & Found explores the psychological reasons for why we buy and keep the things we do, and explains how we can liberate ourselves from the tyranny of ''too much''. Helen interviews people from all walks of life, including behavioural psychologists on the science of nostalgia, a nun on what it''s like to own almost nothing and consumer psychologists on why we spend

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Book SynopsisForgive your enemies, they say.Keep their addresses and keep notes, I say.In Access All Areas, you'll learn how to buy three Premier League points for just £25,000, what it's really like to face a Football Association disciplinary hearing, and why every footballer in the country shuddered when they heard about the Ched Evans case.Add to that The Secret Footballer's no-holds-barred tour of the country's Premier League clubs - telling us what it's like to play in each ground and revealing the one that all players really hate to go to - and you get an entertaining glimpse into a world that's normally off-limits to the fans. Unapologetically opinionated, witty and honest, Access All Areas is every thinking fan's guide to the beautiful game.I am The Secret Footballer and all bets from here on in are off...

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Book Synopsis'I'm looking for the words and writing for those who can't imagine the words.' Mark Meynell articulates a heart pain that most of us simply couldn't express. He connects strongly and immediately with fellow cave-dwellers. If you're after neat conclusions and a fair-weather faith, this is not for you. This book serves up gritty reality and raw honesty, but also the heartfelt hope that the author's brokenness 'can somehow contribute to another person's integration' and 'inspire their clinging while beset by darkness or fog or blizzards'. 'All who read this will feel deeply indebted to Mark, and to God.' Roger Carswell 'Mark invites fellow cave-dwellers and those who love us to walk (or collapse) with him on the road... For the first time in a long while, we rest.' Zack Eswine 'Moving and fascinating.' Sean Fletcher 'Fine writing, personal honesty, intellectual analysis, theological incisiveness and simple open-endedness... A must-buy and a must-read.' Julian Hardyman 'Written straight from the heart of pain - yet brimful of hope and courage.' Rachel Kelly 'We are pointed to a Saviour who brings us purpose, grace and hope.' Emma Scrivener 'Practical wisdom and hope... without being trite.' Derek Tidball 'Profound, unusual and very personal... demonstrates the extraordinary relevance and power of the Bible in helping us to connect our often mysterious and confusing experiences to God's bigger story. Mark's creative appendix of music, books, poetry, websites and blogs, which have helped him survive his "cave", is invaluable.' Richard WinterTrade ReviewA thoughtful and courageous book, which reflects on what it means to live as a Christian with depression. Writing from experience, Mark navigates us through the darkness of despair, and shines gospel light on issues such as shame, guilt and fear. As we journey with him we are reminded that we are not alone - and pointed to a Saviour who brings us purpose, grace and hope. * Emma Scrivener, author, blogger and speaker *A poignant and powerful description of one man's continuing journey to understand and manage depression. Mark Meynell's eloquent book is written straight from the heart of pain - yet it is brimful of hope and courage and will help anyone whose life has been touched by mental illness. Meynell is defiantly not defined by his afflictions, which are only one part of the life of this exceptional man, minister and writer. In finding the courage to pen this important book, Meynell has illuminated not just his own experience, but will help many others to make sense of their own lives. He has certainly helped me to make more sense of mine. * Rachel Kelly, author of the Sunday Times top ten bestseller Black Rainbow: How Words Healed Me - my journey through depression and ambassador for SANE and Rethink Mental Illness. *As a fellow sufferer, albeit one who has not suffered quite as severely, I welcome Mark Maynell's courageous book. It is full of raw honesty and powerfully articulates the struggles and confusions which depression throws up, especially to those in Christian ministry who, whatever the pretence, are not insulated from it. At the same time it offers practical wisdom and hope to those who struggle, without being trite. I'd recommend it to all who suffer, for them to read slowly and gently. I'd also recommend it to those seeking to care for someone with depression, or understand its nature and how a sufferer can continue to serve Christ well through weakness. * Derek Tidball, author, Bible teacher and former Principal of London School of Theology *What makes this book on depression stand out from a crowded field is the mixture of fine writing, personal honesty, intellectual analysis, theological incisiveness and simple open-endedness: Mark does not proffer a cure but he does offer you a walking companion for the dark journey. And anyone who has a friend with depression will find it even more helpful. So all in all, it’s a must-buy and a must-read. * Julian Hardyman, Senior Pastor, Eden Baptist Church, Cambridge *In this profound, unusual, and very personal book, Mark Meynell reflects on living with the painful thorn in the flesh of a vulnerability to depression and how that has affected his view of himself and the reactions of those around him as he seeks to pastor and teach while openly admitting his struggle. He touches on many difficult subjects - the causes of depression, wrestling with suicidal thoughts, why God allows suffering, shame and guilt, what not to say to people who are depressed… and overall demonstrates the extraordinary relevance and power of the Bible in helping us to connect our often mysterious and confusing experiences to God’s bigger story. But no trite or easy answers here. His creative appendix of music, books, poetry, and websites and blogs that have helped him survive his "cave" of depression is invaluable. * Richard Winter, Professor Emeritus of Counselling, Covenant Seminary, St Louis, USA *A moving and fascinating description of the life of a preacher battling depression - Mark writes openly and honestly about his 'black dog' and in doing so is able expertly explain the importance of God's grace in breaking the depressive feelings of guilt, abuse, abandonment and betrayal. This book offers a light at the end of the tunnel, whether you're a sufferer or supporter. * Sean Fletcher, Broadcaster *This book is not the illusive quick fix for the depressed. Nor is it a manual for those wanting to be a Job's comforter. You will search in vain for platitudes, programmes or psychological props. Rather, like C.S. Lewis' A Grief Observed, it is a springboard from honest autobiography to (in this case) a realistic analysis of the tangible shadow that depression casts. With understanding and compassion Mark Meynell undergirds the sufferer with a confidence in the Lord, who sometimes appears to work against Himself in our lives. It is compelling yet practical reading, written with integrity, warmth and trust in Christ, who is the High Priest in touch with our reality. All who read this will feel deeply indebted to Mark Meynell, and to God who has taught him so much in the blizzard of suffering. * Roger Carswell *Mark’s empathy as a friend, his gentle love for Jesus as a pastor, provides us wise guidance and that rarest of care that helps us feel that we are known and accepted. Mark does not write as one who has arrived. The hope he offers is neither trite nor cruel. Instead, He invites us fellow cave dwellers and those who love us to walk (or collapse) with him on the road. Jesus kisses us and holds us there. He fights on our behalf there. Guilt and shame are no match for him. They run in fear and let us alone. For the first time in a long while, we rest. * Zack Eswine Pastor, Riverside church (St Louis) and Director of Homiletics, Covenant Theological Seminary *As we journey with [Mark Meynell], we are reminded that we are not alone. He points to a Saviour who brings us hope. * The Tablet *Reading this book is like having a seasoned counselor put his arm around your shoulder and say, "Let’s talk. I’ll tell you my story first." Meynell is a friend who offers wise and pointed counsel. Simply put, this book isn’t meant to equip pastors for pastoral ministry to a depressed world. It’s a book for pastors who wrestle with depression themselves. What joy to know such a book exists! -- Nathan Loudin * 9Marks *Table of ContentsContents 1 The mask 2 The volcano 3 The cave 4 The weight 5 The invisibility cloak 6 The closing 7 The way 8 The fellow-traveller 9 The gift Appendix 1 Managing the symptoms Appendix 2 Unexpected friends in the cave Appendix 3 Some words from inside the cave

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Book Synopsis'A deeply moving memoir... We owe Ahmet Altan a tremendous debt for the strength he has shown in sharing his story with us' Jon McGregor Written from the confines of a prison cell in Istanbul, one of Turkey's greatest living novelists reflects upon hope, despair and the light literature can bring to even the darkest places. The destiny I put down in my novel has become mine. I am now under arrest like the hero I created years ago. I await the decision that will determine my future, just as he awaited his. I am unaware of my destiny, which has perhaps already been decided, just as he was unaware of his. I suffer the pathetic torment of profound helplessness, just as he did. Like a cursed oracle, I foresaw my future years ago not knowing that it was my own. Confined in a cell four metres long, imprisoned on absurd, Kafkaesque charges, novelist Ahmet Altan was one of many writers persecuted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan's oppressive regime. In this extraordinary memoir, written from his prison cell, Altan reflects upon his sentence, on a life whittled down to a courtyard covered by bars, and on the hope and solace a writer's mind can provide, even in the darkest places. Longlisted for the 2019 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 'It is something special to visit Ahmet Altan in his prison, and to leave with an unexpected feeling of elation, motivated by the sheer, towering greatness of the human spirit' Philippe Sands 'Read this - it will explain why you ever read anything, why anyone ever writes' AL KennedyTrade Review[This book] speaks for itself with such clarity, certainty and wisdom that only one thing needs to be said: read it. And then read it again... A radiant celebration of the inner resources of human beings... Sublime... A triumph of the spirit -- Simon Callow * Guardian *A remarkable memoir by a remarkable writer ... it is something special to visit Ahmet Altan in his prison, and to leave with an unexpected feeling of elation, motivated by the sheer, towering greatness of the human spirit -- Philippe Sands, author of * East West Street *Ahmet Atlan's memoir is a message in a bottle, a pearl in a bottle, smuggled out to us from Erdogan's sea of darkness. I Will Never See The World Again is a startling, heartbreaking testament to the author's honesty and resilience, a love letter to his calling, an eye-witness statement from the hell of denunciations and mass arrests that Turkey has become. It stands with those very rare books - by Frankl, Niemoller, Grossman, Levi, Solzhenitsyn - which bring truths from a furnace where lives are burned. Read this - it will explain why you ever read anything, why anyone ever writes -- AL Kennedy, author * Serious Sweet *Remarkable... This book glitters with courage, intelligence, and an almost superhuman fighting spirit... What a writer, and what a man -- Jane Graham * Big Issue *Remember the name Ahmet Altan! Add him to the great voices writing from prison across the centuries - Boethius, Cervantes, Gramsci, Soyinka, Solzhenitsyn - and be moved to tears and indignation by his story -- Ariel Dorfman, author * Death and The Maiden *A deeply moving memoir, which resounds loudly with the sheer pleasure of writing. We owe Ahmet Altan a tremendous debt for the strength he has shown in sharing his story with us. Read this book, share it, and welcome Ahmet into your home -- Jon McGregorAltan's account of living with courage and dignity in unjust circumstances is a testament to human endurance, joining the ranks of the greatest prison memoirs... eloquent and profoundly affecting -- Alastair Mabbot * Herald *An invigorating testament to the consolations of the mind... charged with a striking compassion and magnanimity that belies the circumstances of its composition... Ahmet's prose glistens -- Brendan Daly * Sunday Business Post *Altan's essays are pithy meditations on freedom, literature, love and culture . . . By reading their works we offer them a lifeline to the outside world, in defiance of those who would silence them * TLS *

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Book SynopsisHere's a story. On the U.S.-occupied island of Okinawa, an American soldier falls in love with a beautiful Japanese woman. He saves her from a life of grinding poverty. They settle in the States, to live out the suburban American Dream with their child. Here's another version. The U.S. military has occupied Okinawa since World War Two, after slaughtering a third of the island's population; the beautiful Japanese woman lives in poverty and marries the soldier as a way to escape. Here's a third version. A little girl grows up with a mother who can't pronounce her name. She meets blood relatives with whom she cannot communicate. She clings to a sense of whiteness that white peers will not let her claim. She is born as the convergence of these conflicting stories and as she grows up she must reclaim her own narrative. Speak, Okinawa is Elizabeth Miki Brina's courageous and heart-breaking testament to the struggle for belonging. It is a story about the immigrant experience; it is a story about how it feels to grow up biracial; it is a story about the island of Okinawa, from its first inhabitants to its colonisation by Japan and the United States. But above all, it is a story about reckoning with your history, and the links that tie you to your heritage and give you a sense of home within yourself.

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Book SynopsisA deeply moving love letter from an artist to his wife as they struggle with the loss of multiple pregnancies, exploring how powerful bonds transform as lovers become family.

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Book SynopsisFinancial Times - BEST BOOKS OF 2023  ‘And Then What? is breathless and conversational — and all the more readable for that. But while her tone is down-to-earth, the events that Ashton played a part in were dramatic and often historic.’ Gideon Rachman, Financial Times ‘A colourful insider account of European diplomacy … It’s clear our politics would have turned out better if we had had more Cathy Ashtons’ Luke Harding, The Observer So much of modern-day diplomacy still takes place behind closed doors, away from cameras and prying eyes. So what does this vital role really look like in today’s world –and what does it take to do it well? From 2009 to 2014, Cathy Ashton was the EU’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, effectively Europe's foreign policy supremo responsible for coordinating the EU's response to international crises. Arriving in Brussels as a relative novice to international diplomacy, she faced the challenge of representing the views and values of 28 nations during one of the most turbulent times in living memory. Decades-old certainties were swept away in days. Hope rose and fell, often in a matter of hours. From the frozen conflict of Ukraine to the Serbia-Kosovo deal, there were challenges, failures and moments of success. She encountered dictators and war criminals, and witnessed the aftermath of natural disasters, military action, and political instability. Working with US politicians and counterparts including John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Burns, she negotiated historic settlements, such as the Iran nuclear deal. An ‘honest broker’, she navigated the needs of opposing politicians to chart a path towards collaboration and stability. Now Ashton takes us behind the scenes to show us what worked and what didn’t, and how it felt to be in ‘the room where it happened’. From Serbia to Somalia, Libya to Haiti, she offers essential insight into how modern diplomacy works, examining the tools needed to find our way through the many challenges we face today. ‘A riveting, absorbing account of modern diplomacy by one of the greatest international diplomats of recent times’ General David Petraeus (US Army, Ret.), former Director of the CIA ‘If generations of Earthlings-to-be do indeed engage in cosmic negotiations with other lifeforms, it will be because of the success of Cathy and her diplomatic compatriots in bringing us to realise we are Earth-life, together.’ Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 9 astronaut ‘A must for students of politics and a treat for lovers of general non-fiction.’ Misha Glenny, Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences, Vienna, and author of McMafia ‘riveting, deeply personal and wonderfully accessible’ Sir Kim Darroch, former British Ambassador to the USA, National Security Advisor, and UK Permanent Representative to the EU ‘Catherine Ashton’s gripping memoirs are not only a perfect combination of very precise facts and touching personal emotions, but for all foreign policy observers they convey important lessons of the past to serve for the crises of today.’ Pierre Vimont, former French ambassador to the EU and the USATrade Review‘Brilliant – suspenseful and dramatic. I read it in a day.’ Ken Follett, international bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth ‘A colourful insider account of European diplomacy … It’s clear our politics would have turned out better if we had had more Cathy Ashtons’ Luke Harding, The Observer ‘Fascinating and illuminating reading […] this book is truly remarkable history.’ Lord George Robertson, Former Secretary General, NATO ‘A riveting, absorbing account of modern diplomacy by one of the greatest international diplomats of recent times. And Then What? is hugely informative, full of tremendous insights, and a truly great read!’ General David Petraeus (US Army, Ret.), former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and NATO/US Forces in Afghanistan, and former Director of the CIA ‘If generations of Earthlings-to-be do indeed engage in cosmic negotiations with other lifeforms, it will be because of the success of Cathy and her diplomatic compatriots in bringing us to realise we are Earth-life, together.’ Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 9 astronaut ‘[Ashton] combines acute analysis with moving portraits of the many people she engaged with, from dictators to shopkeepers; from overworked civil servants to distressed toddlers searching in vain through rubble for their parents […] A must for students of politics and a treat for lovers of general non-fiction.’ Misha Glenny, Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences, Vienna, and author of McMafia ‘This riveting, deeply personal and wonderfully accessible book takes the reader inside the room during the successes, setbacks and personalities of this turbulent period of history.’ Sir Kim Darroch, former British Ambassador to the USA, National Security Advisor, and UK Permanent Representative to the EU ‘Catherine Ashton’s gripping memoirs are not only a perfect combination of very precise facts and touching personal emotions, but for all foreign policy observers they convey important lessons of the past to serve for the crises of today.’ Pierre Vimont, former French ambassador to the EU and the USA "A candid memoir of a fraught time in office provides a useful record of high level negotiation in Iran and Ukraine" Guardian ‘Ashton’s detailed account in her book of the events leading up to Putin’s 2014 invasion is fascinating’ i news  ‘And Then What? is breathless and conversational — and all the more readable for that. But while her tone is down-to-earth, the events that Ashton played a part in were dramatic and often historic.’ Gideon Rachman, Financial Times  ‘Former EU representative Catherine Ashton is a voice of reason in a polarised world … This thoughtful memoir … is an eye-opening journey through negotiations over Ukraine, the Iran nuclear deal, the western Balkans and the Arab spring.’ Ben East, The Observer ‘Crises such as the war in Gaza propel top diplomats into a whirlwind of international negotiation. Ashton’s memoir of her time as the EU high representative for foreign policy provides a vivid sense of what it feels like to be at the centre of events — including the aftermath of the Arab spring and Russia’s first moves on Ukraine.’ Financial Times

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Book Synopsis‘It is a love letter not just to the river, but to the rhythms of family life by its banks. Warm, witty, and in parts, deeply moving’ SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL An evocative account of one man’s life spent fishing on arguably the world’s best salmon river: a story of family, tradition and the Scottish countryside. Against the shifting moods and seasons of Scotland’s River Tweed, A River Runs Through Me tells the story of a lifelong relationship with one of its most iconic denizens: the Atlantic salmon. Through vivid vignettes and family memories, Andrew Douglas-Home spins a homely yet dryly witty narrative, placing this unique fish and river at its heart. Woven into the decades, amid youthful adventure and memorable catches, are stories too of one of Scotland’s oldest families – tales of politics, friendship and stewardship of the natural world. This poignant and thoughtful book looks back at age-old practices and traditions but also forward to what we must do to secure the future of the Atlantic salmon and their rivers. It is the perfect companion for any angling enthusiast. ‘The perfect fishing companion … his book is a delight.’ JEREMY PAXMAN ‘Andrew Douglas-Home and his family are inseparably identified with Tweed, perhaps the most glorious river in Britain, in which its salmon contribute mightily to its beauty. No one is better qualified than the author to write about fishing, wildlife and the wondrous flow of sparkling water across the Borders.’ SIR MAX HASTINGS ‘An absolute delight… [Andrew Douglas-Home] is a born writer… A River Runs Through Me is unlike any other fishing book I know.’ TOM FORT ‘Delivered in more than 50 short, shard-like chapters, [A River Runs Through Me] is considerably more than the sum of its parts… The joie de vivre that this nicely idiosyncratic book exudes makes it memorable.’ David Profumo, Country LifeTrade Review‘It is a love letter not just to the river, but to the rhythms of family life by its banks. Warm, witty, and in parts, deeply moving … Uplifting’ SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL ‘The perfect fishing companion … his book is a delight.’ JEREMY PAXMAN, CLASSIC ANGLER ‘Douglas-Home writes with ease, good humour and honesty about his fishing and also reflects on his childhood, education, life and family. Much of it is touching, and some of it deeply affecting.’ THE FIELD ‘An insightful collection of snippet-like stories and ideas framing a life shaped by … fishing along the Tweed.’ SCOTTISH FIELD ‘An absolute delight… [Andrew Douglas-Home] is a born writer… A River Runs Through Me is unlike any other fishing book I know.’ TOM FORT ‘The perfect fishing companion … his book is a delight.’ JEREMY PAXMAN ‘Andrew Douglas-Home and his family are inseparably identified with Tweed, perhaps the most glorious river in Britain, in which its salmon contribute mightily to its beauty. No one is better qualified than the author to write about fishing, wildlife and the wondrous flow of sparkling water across the Borders.’ SIR MAX HASTINGS ‘Delivered in more than 50 short, shard-like chapters, [A River Runs Through Me] is considerably more than the sum of its parts… The joie de vivre that this nicely idiosyncratic book exudes makes it memorable.’ David Profumo, Country Life

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Book Synopsis'…as the Labour candidate I prepared for every possible question on the local radio Election Phone-In. What I had not prepared for was my mum ringing up to say that she agreed with John O’Farrell. On EVERYTHING.'Where Did We Go Right? is the personal story of one political activist helping Labour progress from its 1997 landslide to the unassailable position it enjoys today. Along the way, he stood for Parliament against Theresa May but failed to step into her shoes; he was dropped from Tony and Cherie’s Christmas card list after he revealed he always sent their card on to a friend from the SWP; and he campaigned for a new non-selective inner-city state school, then realised this meant he had to send his kids to a non-selective inner-city state school. The long-awaited sequel to the best-selling Things Can Only Get Better is for everyone who could use a good laugh after Brexit, Boris and Trump. A roller-coaster ride through the last two decades via the very best political jokes (excluding the ones that keep getting elected).Trade ReviewHilarious, insightful and has that rare quality of making politics fun. A brilliant book everyone should read, whoever you vote for. -- Owen Jones, author of The EstablishmentEven Conservatives will like this -- Roland White * The Sunday Times *Reading this book is like reliving the last twenty years as a Labour supporter. John O’Farrell has, in his own unique and hilarious way, captured the highs and lows, pride and embarrassment, joy and frustration of being Labour. -- Sadiq Khan, Mayor of LondonO’Farrell hasn’t lost his touch. There are laughs as well as large doses of common sense. -- Chris Mullin * Guardian *John O'Farrell couldn't be unfunny if he tried but this book is even better than his famous take on Labour's 18 years in opposition. Hilarious and insightful in equal measure this is vintage stuff from Maidenhead's finest political brain. -- Alan Johnson

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the James Tait Black biography prize 2019'A moving memoir.' Sunday Times'Gripped me from the first page.' Clover Stroud, author of My Wild and Sleepless Nights'A gripping read... a riveting piece of writing.' Radio 4__________What do our possessions say about us? Why do we project such meaning onto them? What becomes of the things we leave behind?Only after her mother's death does Susannah Walker discover how much of a hoarder she had become. Over the following months, Susannah has to sort through a dilapidated house filled to the brim with rubbish and treasures - filling bag after bag with possessions. But what she's really in search of is a woman she'd never really known or understood in life. This is her last chance to piece together her mother's story and make sense of their troubled relationship. What emerges from the mess of scattered papers, discarded photographs and an extraordinary amount of stuff is the history of a sad and fractured family, haunted by dead children, divorce and alcohol. The Life of Stuff is a deeply personal exploration of mourning and the shoring up of possessions against the losses and griefs of life, which also raises universal questions about what makes us the people we are.__________'Compelling and moving.' Ruth Hogan'An excellent memoir.' Cathy RentzenbrinkTrade ReviewI found Susannah’s book absolutely fascinating. She writes with admirable honesty and the result is a compelling and moving account of her mother’s life and relationships as told by the apocalyptic accumulation of "stuff" she left behind. Susannah’s book is not only a brave testament to an imperfect but precious relationship, but also a reflection on the similarities, however uncomfortable, between mother and daughter. It is a book I know I shall read again. * Ruth Hogan, author of THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS *A gripping read... a riveting piece of writing * Saturday Review, BBC Radio 4 *An excellent memoir... I finished this book in awe of the sheer interest to be had reading about ordinary people and their lives, but perhaps the point is that no life is ordinary; there is always treasure hidden in the rubbish if we look for it. -- Cathy Rentzenbrink * The Times *A moving memoir. * Sunday Times *Beautifully written ... a powerfully evocative description of [Walker's] interest in the meaning of things. * Charles Saumerz Smith, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy *This extraordinary, beautiful memoir gripped me from the first page. Susannah Walker writes especially well on home and motherhood, yet never resorts to cliche or sentimentality. I loved this book and it moved me profoundly, whilst also making me look at my own life - and the stuff I carry with me - with a new eye. The mess of her mother’s life might frame this book, but Walker is really concerned with human relationships, and in her writing addresses big questions about what it means to be both a mother and a daughter, the power of memory and the devastating loss all of us feel with the passing of time. * Clover Stroud, author of THE WILD OTHER *This is a cracking book ... Walker is a brilliant writer. * Viv Groskop, author of THE ANNA KARENINA FIX *If Marie Kondo has taught us all to ruthlessly clear our lives of stuff, then Walker compels us to think carefully about what we’ll hang on to. -- Jean Hannah Edelstein * The Pool *An intimate and moving memoir ... a revealing story of a mother/daughter relationship. * Woman & Home *With bold prose and ceaseless courage, Susannah Walker tells a mother-daughter story like no other... It is incredibly refreshing to finally read something from the perspective of the child of a hoarder. It is a must-read if you have a parent with a serious hoarding disorder or even if you just suspect hoarding tendencies. I really couldn't put this book down. * Stelios Kiosses, Psychotherapist and Presenter of Channel 4's The Hoarder Next Door *A touching memoir. * Good Housekeeping *

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Book Synopsis_____________________________‘If you’ve ever felt like you were out of your element, in over your head or working without a net, you will love this book. Funny, fast-paced, and so emotionally true it hurts.’ Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black_____________________________Guidelines for aspiring stenographers:· Neutral tones set the tone· Be discreet and neat – like a librarian or well-paid prostitute· Breathe quietly or not at all· Above all else, keep the secrets to yourself…In 2012, Beck Dorey-Stein was just scraping by in Washington DC when an unusual job interview landed her in the Oval Office as one of Barack Obama's stenographers. She joined the elite team who accompanied the President wherever he went, recorder and mic in hand. On whirlwind trips across time zones, Beck forged friendships with a tight group of fellow travellers - young men and women who, like her, left their real lives behind to hop aboard Air Force One in service of the President. But as she learned the ropes of protocol, Beck became romantically entangled with a colleague, and suddenly, the political became all too personal. Set against the backdrop of a White House full of glamour, drama and intrigue, this is the story of a young woman making unlikely friendships, getting her heart broken, learning what truly matters and discovering her voice in the process._____________________________Praise for From the Corner of the Oval Office'Who knew the West Wing could be so sexy? Beck’s unparalleled access is obvious on every page, along with her knife-sharp humour... Lots of books claim to give real insider glimpses, but this one actually delivers.'Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada'This memoir is good and gossipy, will make you wish that you got to hang out with Barack and Michelle on a daily basis and is the missing link between The West Wing and Bridget Jones’s Diary.' Red'Set against the backdrop of a White House full of glamour, drama and intrigue, this is the story of a young woman making unlikely friendships, getting her heart broken, learning what truly matters and discovering her voice in the process.' GLAMOUR's Best Books of 2018Trade ReviewWho knew the West Wing could be so sexy? Beck’s unparalleled access is obvious on every page, along with her knife-sharp humour... Lots of books claim to give real insider glimpses, but this one actually delivers. * Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada *If you’ve ever felt like you were out of your element, in over your head, or working without a net, you will love this book. Beck Dorey-Stein offers an endlessly fascinating perspective on power and history in the making. This memoir is funny, fast-paced, and so emotionally true that it hurts. * Piper Kerman, author of Orange Is the New Black *Sex, lies and the White House... Dorey-Stein details her extraordinary experiences at the side of the former leader of the free world. Incredible. * Telegraph *Addictively readable... From the Corner of the Oval shatters the genre of the Washington memoir. Dorey-Stein writes with a fine eye for detail and conveys it with freshness, candor and humor. She takes her readers with her on a vertiginous tour of the world [...] and her sparkling, crackling prose had me cheering for her through each adventure. She never loses her starry-eyed optimism, her pinch-me wonderment, her “Working Girl” pluck. Which makes From the Corner of the Oval somehow, against the odds, a story of hope -- Paul Begala * New York Times *A sassy, genuinely hilarious and poignant tale... This marvellously addictive read is worth the cover price for its insider account of Obama's presidency alone. -- Caroline Sanderson * Bookseller *Love and heartbreak, ambition and jealousy, whirlwind travel to exotic locales and more page-turning drama than your favourite addictive novel. Consider yourself warned: this is not your father’s White House memoir. * Camille Perri, author of The Assistants *An entertaining behind-the-scenes memoir of a young Obama White House staffer. -- Lorraine Candy * Sunday Times Style Magazine *As someone who loves The West Wing, From the Corner of the Oval Office spoke to my geeky heart and gives great, sometimes surprising, insights into what it’s like to work for one of the most powerful person on the planet. -- Sarah Shaffi * Stylist *Bright pink and zinging with energy and sparkle...this book beautifully recaptures those vanished days of Obama's gentle wisdom. What makes it stand out among fly-on-the-wall accounts of the White House is Beck's honesty about the roller-coaster love affair she embarks on with a senior staffer, a grade-one, Jilly-Cooper-novel rotter. * Daily Mail *Set against the backdrop of a White House full of glamour, drama and intrigue, this is the story of a young woman making unlikely friendships, getting her heart broken, learning what truly matters and discovering her voice in the process. * Glamour's best books to read in 2018 *This memoir is good and gossipy, will make you wish that you got to hang out with Barack and Michelle on a daily basis and is the missing link between The West Wing and Bridget Jones’s Diary. * Red *An apolitical, fundamentally human story, and one with which many women will identify. * Refinery29 *An entertaining, relatable and refreshingly frank guide to life in the orbit of the President... This lively, entertaining story offers a joyful nostalgia trip back to more hopeful times. * Express *An extraordinary behind-the-scenes glimpse into Obama's White House, from a young woman who stumbles her way almost by chance into a job as a stenographer amongst the inner circle of the West Wing. Dorey-Stein’s memoir navigates intimate liaisons and world history, from hotel gyms to Air Force One. * Vogue *This memoir by a former Oval Office stenographer is equal parts racy, pacy and funny. From barely keeping her head above financial waters in Washington DC to hopping on board Air Force One with Barack Obama and his elite team, Dorey-Stein doesn’t so much dish the dirt as mop up the mess left at her feet by the drama of politics and the heartbreak of romance. * Irish Independent *An incredible story * GQ *Delightful... a bit Legally Blonde. What's most surprising about this isn't the hot pink cover, it's that we haven't had such a book before. Washington DC is famously a city of eager twentysomethings who work and date within the same pool. Where has the workplace relationship comedy been this whole time? * Mail on Sunday *Hilarious . . . [Beck] Dorey-Stein writes with honesty and panache. * Publishers Weekly *If you’re like me and you pour yourself a cocktail and look at pictures of Obama and cry, you will adore From the Corner of the Oval. If you’re a normal person who ever wanted to be a fly on the wall in a singularly historic place in time, you will find this book fascinating. Beck Dorey-Stein’s warmth, humor, and keen view made me wistful, happy, hopeful, and only sad when the book ended. * Julie Klam, author of The Stars in Our Eyes *An insider account of Obama's presidency in this fascinating memoir by former White House staffer Beck Dorey-Stein * Good Housekeeping *Intriguing and funny * Prima *A White House story with shades of Bridget Jones... Dorey-Stein is perceptive and has made an unusually interesting contribution to the groaning shelves of presidential history. * Evening Standard *For five years Beck Dorey-Stein was a stenographer in the White House, giving her a front-row seat as US political history was made. * Observer *[This] breezy page turner is essentially Bridget Jones goes to the White House. * New York Times *

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Book Synopsis'Katie Piper has an attitude to life that can make anything bearable. She's a hero' MARIAN KEYESThe heartbreaking, inspiring and uplifting story of Katie Piper's journey from recovery to new beginnings, motherhood and finding love. Since the brutal rape and acid attack that left her permanently disfigured, Katie Piper has rebuilt her life one piece at a time. In this powerful sequel to her bestselling memoir, Katie reveals what happened next, as her life changed in ways she never thought possible. Behind her brave face and public success, Katie's story is still heartbreaking at times as she faces medical procedures, terrifying flashbacks and fears for the future. But as Katie finds her Prince Charming - and becomes a mother against the odds - she experiences both the wonder and anxiety of starting a new, loving family. You will both smile and cry as you join Katie on her highs and lows. With her trademark warmth, honesty and courage, Katie Piper takes you by the hand through her story, showing that no matter how lost you feel in life, you are never alone.'Katie is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met' SIMON COWELLTrade ReviewKatie Piper has an attitude to life that can make anything bearable. She's a hero. * Marian Keyes *Katie is one of the most inspiration people I have ever met * SIMON COWELL *Katie's account of her experiences is unflinching, but marked with a deeply impressive dignity and courage * Daily Mail *You'll be bursting with admiration after reading this touching and truly inspirational book' * Closer *Inspiring, honest and incredibly helpful * Mumsnet *his book will inspire anyone confronting a challenge * Sun *An emotional roller coaster * Star Magazine *[Katie Piper] relives her story, movingly showing us that beauty really is more than skin deep * Woman *A touching read * New! *A stunning example of triumph over adversity * Scottish Daily Record *Inspiring account of courage and bravery - a thought-provoking and emotional guide to coping with trauma * Top Sante *An inspiring read * Woman's Own *Read Beautiful and you will be angered, moved and inspired. Above all, you will be in awe of Katie Piper * Sunday Express *

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Book Synopsis'Confidence is about empowerment. It's about valuing who you are, not what you want to do or how you look. It's about finding the courage to live the life you want, the way you want. Don't look for happiness in other people, find it in yourself.' Katie Piper Katie Piper is Britain's most inspiring woman: a campaigner, a bestselling author, a mother, and a role model to us all as a voice of recovery and resilience. Since the acid attack that left her severely burned, she has refused to give her attackers the satisfaction of being the girl whose life they ruined - and she has emerged the other side happier, braver and more confident than ever. Katie shares her experiences, advice and encouragement to help build up self-esteem and find true happiness. Join Katie on her journey to confidence - with her guidance, you can achieve the things you might never have thought possible. 'When it comes to confidence, we could all take a leaf out of Katie's book. She has overcome more than anyone else I know' CHERYL'Katie Piper has an attitude to life that can make anything bearable. She's a hero' MARIAN KEYESTrade ReviewWhen it comes to confidence, we could all take a leaf out of Katie's book. She has overcome more than anyone else I know -- CHERYL'Katie Piper has an attitude to life that can make anything bearable. She's a hero' -- MARIAN KEYESKatie is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met -- SIMON COWELLAn inspiring read about her journey back to health and how true confidence is far more than skin-deep . . . warm, funny and down-to-earth * The Sun *'Katie Piper is an extraordinary woman' * Mail on Sunday *'Inspiring, honest and incredibly helpful' * Mumsnet on Beauiful Ever After *'You'll be bursting with admiration after reading this touching and truly inspirational book' * Closer on Beautiful Ever After *This book will inspire anyone confronting a challenge * Sun on Beautiful Ever After *'[Katie Piper] relives her story, movingly showing us that beauty really is more than skin deep' * Woman on Beautiful Ever After *'Katie's account of her experiences is unflinching, but marked with a deeply impressive dignity and courage' * Daily Mail *Warm and instantly likeable, Katie Piper has the attitude to life we should all try to emulate * Best *

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Book SynopsisA visceral account from contemporaneous diaries of a soldier who frequently came close to death but somehow survived. Following his Abitur (A-levels) in 1940, Rehfeldt volunteered for the Panzer Arm but was trained on the heavy mortar and heavy MG with Grossdeutschland Division. He was on the Front from 1941 fighting for the city of Tula, south of Moscow. Battling in freezing conditions, at its lowest -52?, the descriptions of the privations are vivid and terrifying. With no winter clothes they resorted to using those taken from Soviet corpses. In 1942, fighting near Oriel, however, his batallion suffered heavy losses and was disbanded. Ill with frostbitten legs, Rehfeldt was treated in hospital and once recovered was dispatched to the Front. Following various battles (Werch, Bolchov) his batallion again suffered heavy losses and it merged. In agony from severe frostbite to his legs, Rehfeldt defied the odds and astonished his surgeon when he walked again. He was promoted from Gunner to Trained Private Soldier in 1942, and to Corporal for bravery in the field in 1943. He was awarded numerous honours including the Wound Badge and the Infantry Assault Badge. On 3 May 1945 he was captured by US Forces and held as PoW for one month in a camp at Waschow before internment in Holstein from where he was released in July 1945 after agreeing to work on the land. In December 1945 he began studying veterinary medicine: his future career. This astonishing account of a man who kept bouncing back from near death is a testament to the author's determination and sheer strength of spirit.

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Book SynopsisSpitfire Pilot is the exhilarating and moving memoir of D. M. Crook, an airman in the legendary 609 Squadron - one of the most successful RAF units in the Battle of Britain. Beginning with his fond recollections of his halcyon days in training - acrobatics, night flying and languorous days spent playing sport and nights off visiting Piccadilly Circus - Crook goes on to recount in thrilling detail the dogfights, remarkable victories and tragic losses which formed the daily routine of Britain's heroic aerial defenders in that long summer of 1940. Often hopelessly outnumbered, the men of 609 Squadron in their state-of-the-art Spitfires committed acts of unimaginable bravery against the Messerschmitts and Junkers of Germany's formidable Luftwaffe. Many of Crook's fellow airmen did not make it back alive, and the absence they leave in the close-knit community of the squadron is described with great poignancy. Spitfire Pilot offers a unique and personal insight into one of the most critical moments of British history, when a handful of men stood up against the might of the German Air Force in defence of their country. This definitive edition, the first for more than sixty years, includes a new foreword by David Crook's daughter and Air Vice Marshal Sandy Hunter, Honorary Air Commodore of the 609 Squadron. The book also has an introduction by Professor Richard Overy.

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Book Synopsis**Argentina, 1960. A car speeds through the streets of Buenos Aires. Inside are four Israeli secret agents and their prisoner: one of the most notorious war criminals of Nazi Germany. The Mossad operatives need to get this man, Adolf Eichmann, back to Israel to be tried for his crimes. Holding Eichmann's head in his lap is the leader of this ambitious mission, Rafi Eitan, whom Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later described as one of the heroes of Israeli intelligence'.** In this fast-paced and detailed memoir, Rafi Eitan tells the story of his remarkable life and career as an elite soldier and spymaster. He describes how as a teenager, he smuggled Jewish refugees into Palestine as part of the Palmach unit and how, as a spy in the newly established Mossad, he swam through sewers to blow up a British radar station, earning the name Rafi the Stinker'. He goes on to describe in detail his involvement in the extraordinary hunt for the Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. Eitan's espionage career eventually ended over his involvement in the controversial Jonathan Pollard espionage affair, which sparked intense debate over Israel's relations with the US. Packed with new insights into Eitan's role at the heart of Israeli military and intelligence organisations, this is a gripping read and essential reading for anyone interested in espionage history and the daring operation to capture Adolf Eichmann.

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Book Synopsis"Up to the last moment, his overwhelming, despotic authority aroused false hopes and deceived his people and his entourage. Only at the end, when I watched the inglorious collapse and the obstinacy of his final downfall, was I able suddenly to fit together the bits of mosaic I had been amassing for twelve years into a complete picture of his opaque and sphinx-like personality." Otto Dietrich When Otto Dietrich was invited in 1933 to become Adolf Hitler's press chief, he accepted with the simple, uncritical conviction that Adolf Hitler was a great man, dedicated to promoting peace and the welfare for the German people. At the end of the war, imprisoned and disillusioned, Dietrich sat down to write what he had seen and heard in twelve years of the closest association with Hitler, requesting that it be published after his death. Dietrich's role placed him in a privileged position. He was hired by Hitler in 1933, and was a confidant until 1945, and he worked and clashed with Joseph Goebbels. His direct, personal experience of life at the heart in the Reich makes for compelling reading.

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Book Synopsis‘Exquisite in its honesty and truth and resilience, and a necessary chronicle from one of the greatest writers of our time’ Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieSelected as a Book of the Year 2016 in the GuardianWhen Ngugi wa Thiong’o arrives at the prestigious Makerere University, it embodies all the potential and excitement of the early 1960s. Campus is a haven of opportunity for the brightest African students, a meeting place for thinkers and writers from all over the world, and its alumni are filling Africa’s emerging political and cultural positions. Despite the challenges he faces as a young black man in a British colony, it is here that Ngugi begins to find his voice as a playwright, journalist and novelist, writing his first, pivotal works just as the countries of East Africa enter the final stages of their independence struggles.Trade ReviewI particularly loved [Birth of A Dream Weaver]… Exquisite in its honesty and truth and resilience, and a necessary chronicle from one of the greatest writers of our time. -- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie * Guardian, Book of the Year *The book tracks the blossoming of a politically conscious young writer’s talent in the nurturing environment that was Makerere in its prime. Egged on by fellow students, encouraged by the progressive dean Hugh Dinwiddy and offered tips by a visiting Chinua Achebe, Ngugi finds his creative voice just as a continent is finding its freedom. The convictions he forms will last a lifetime: the quest for African dignity and self-realization, a rejection of Western hegemony, a passionate call for Africans to tell their own story in their own indigenous languages. -- Michela Wrong * New York Times *Ngugi has written an autobiographical masterpiece... a riveting read in African history and literature * Library Journal, STARRED review *Ngugi wa Thiong’o recalls his upbringing in colonial Kenya... Mr Ngugi’s unstated goal throughout this book is reclamation...of much of the colonial endeavour in east Africa. * Economist *A tremendous writer... It's hard to doubt the power of the written word when you hear the story of Ngugi wa Thiong’o * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisNamed a Best Book of the Year by the Economist, Wall Street Journal & Vox‘The father of virtual reality’ (Sunday Times) explains why virtual reality presents the ultimate test for humanity.‘Essential reading, not just for VR-watchers but for anyone interested in how society came to be how it is, and what it might yet become’ EconomistWelcome to a mind-expanding, life-enhancing, world-changing adventure.Virtual reality has long been one of the dominant clichés of science fiction. Now virtual reality is a reality: from the startling beauty of lifelike video games to the place where war veterans overcome PTSD, surgeries are trialled, and aircraft and cities are designed. VR is, in fact now, the most effective device ever invented for researching what a human being actually is – and how we think and feel. More than thirty years ago, legendary computer scientist, visionary and artist Jaron Lanier pioneered its invention. Here he blends scientific investigation, philosophical thought experiment and his memoir of a life lived at the centre of digital innovation to explain what VR really is: the science of comprehensive illusion; the extension of the intimate magic of earliest childhood into adulthood; a hint of what life would be like without any limits. We are standing on the threshold of an entirely new realm of human creativity, expression, communication and experience, and as we use VR to test our relationship with reality, it may test us in return.‘Vivid and absolutely extraordinary’ Evening StandardTrade ReviewA terrific book by a supremely intelligent guy ... vivid and absolutely extraordinary * Evening Standard *Essential reading, not just for VR-watchers but for anyone interested in how society came to be how it is, and what it might yet become * Economist *A studied and nuanced interrogation of VR’s potential, as well as a gentle critique of what he sees as a failure of imagination when it comes to the medium’s current proponents ... interspersing the general ideas, principles and promise of VR with intimate autobiography ... aided by the fact that Lanier's childhood was preposterously unusual … combin[ing] tragedy, whimsy and peril in ways that might seem far-fetched for even a David Lynch film * Observer *Lanier is a visionary who sees a world suffused with the possibility of good ... As with William Blake, you might first be repelled by the strangeness of it all, the sense of teetering on the edge of madness, but, on looking closer, you realise you are in the presence of a gifted truth-teller -- Brian Appleyard * Sunday Times *Fascinating as life itself … a modern history of the industry that changed the world -- Hugo Rifkind * The Times *

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Book SynopsisIn January 2014 Henning Mankell was informed that he had cancer. However, Quicksand is not a book about death, but about what it means to be human. Mankell writes about love and jealousy, courage and fear, about what it is like to live with a fatal illness. This book is also about why the cave painters 40,000 years ago chose the very darkest places for their fascinating pictures. And about the dreadful troll that we are trying to lock away inside the bedrock of a Swedish mountain for the next 100,000 years. It is a book about how humanity has lived and continues to live, and about how Henning lived his own life. And, not least, about the great zest for life, which came back when he managed to drag himself out of the quicksand that threatened to suck him down into the abyss.Trade ReviewAn extraordinarily moving book… The chief strength of this book – and what makes it such a beautiful, moving document – is in the descriptions that Mankell gives of the joy and suffering he has seen, especially in Africa… Throughout Quicksand, there are scenes [of] joy and triumph in the midst of suffering and loss. This grave book, intensely beautiful in spirit, takes us to these places in the thoughtful company of a great soul -- Alexander McCall Smith * New Statesman *An honourable, courageous piece of work… A work of considerable scope… A remarkable man -- Sean O’Brien * i *An extraordinary book, mixing the intimate detail of memoir (the incidents from his childhood and early life are told beautifully, and with wonderful economy) with the moral beliefs of a man whose concern with social justice has dictated the pattern of his mature years. At times Mankell can sound like a latter-day Seneca, and he brings the same gravitas and moral authority to bear on his arguments… A deeply serious, and highly uplifting book…profoundly moving. -- John Burnside * Guardian *Potent and evocative -- Nick Rennison * The Sunday Times *Quicksand, a hybrid of essay and memoir, reflects knowledgeably on art, religion, childhood and the “final insensibility” that is our dying. Rarely has a writer contemplated the mystery of the end of life with such a wide-ranging curiosity -- Ian Thomson * Evening Standard *

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Book Synopsis*WINNER OF THE PEN ACKERLEY PRIZE 2018*My younger brother’s name is Nicholas Beard. He was nine years old, and I was with him in the water when he drowned.Life changes in an instant.On a family holiday in Cornwall in 1978, Richard and Nicholas are in the sea, jumping the waves. Suddenly and inexplicably Nicholas is out of his depth and then, shockingly, so is Richard. Only one of the brothers returns to the shore.Richard does not attend Nicholas’s funeral and afterwards the family return to Cornwall to continue the holiday. Soon they stop speaking of that day at the beach altogether. Years later, haunted by grief, Richard sets out to piece together the story. Who was Nicholas? What really happened that day? And why did the family never speak of it again?SHORTLISTED FOR THE RATHBONES FOLIO PRIZE 2018SHORTLISTED FOR THE JAMES TAIT BLACK PRIZE 2018‘This captivating book, both heart-rending and jaw-dropping, unfolds like a detective story’ Daily Mail‘A memoir of real truth and heartbreaking emotional heft’ Sunday TimesTrade ReviewA memoir of real truth and heartbreaking emotional heft * Sunday Times *This captivating book, both heart-rending and jaw-dropping, unfolds like a detective story * Daily Mail *A touching, painful disquisition on memory and forgetting and the tendrils that tie us to the past -- Caroline Moorehead * Guardian *Clear-eyed, very sad, funny at times and, despite the story it tells, ultimately uplifting in its determination to confront buried truths. * Sebastian Faulks *A masterpiece * Craig Brown *

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Book Synopsis'Compelling' Ian McEwan 'Engrossing' Alan Johnson 'Essential' Robert Peston *THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*Politics has changed. For decades Britain was divided between Left and Right but united in its belief in a two-party state. Now, with nationalism resurgent and mainstream parties in turmoil, stark new divisions define the country and the centre ground is deserted.Nick Clegg witnessed this change from the inside. Here he offers a frank account of his experiences and puts the case for a new politics based on reason and compromise.He writes candidly about the tense stand-offs within government and the decision to enter coalition with the Conservatives in the first place. He also lifts the lid on the arcane worlds of Westminster and Brussels, the vested interests that suffocate reform, as well as the achievements his party made despite them. Whatever your political persuasion, if you wish to understand politics in Britain today you cannot afford to ignore this book.Trade ReviewA compelling account from the inside of the strange, sad death of liberal Britain. This is a passionate plea for the centre ground, which has never seemed so remote (or precious) in our current political dispensation -- Ian McEwanThis engrossing account is written with a warmth and generosity that can’t have been easy to sustain given the trials and tribulations he recounts so entertainingly -- Alan JohnsonEssential reading for anyone fearful of the rise of populist extremism or who thinks coalitions are the future of British politics -- Robert PestonThis is an important book: a revealing analysis of British politics today and why it urgently needs reform -- Shirley WilliamsPeople of all political persuasions owe Nick Clegg a debt that I have no doubt history will acknowledge -- John Major

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Book Synopsis'A beacon of hope in a dark world' Cathy Rentzenbrink, The PoolOne night in November 2015, when Antoine Leiris was at home looking after his baby son, his wife Hélène was killed, along with 88 other people, at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris. Three days later, Antoine wrote an open letter to his wife’s killers on Facebook. He refused to be cowed or to let his baby son’s life be defined by their acts. ‘For as long as he lives, this little boy will insult you with his happiness and freedom,’ he wrote. Instantly, that short post caught fire and was shared thousands of times around the world. An extraordinary and heartbreaking memoir, You Will Not Have My Hate is a universal message of hope and resilience in our troubled times.Trade ReviewA blazingly beautiful memoir… A glimmer of hope in the dark. -- Rachel Joyce * Observer, Books of the Year *A blazingly beautiful memoir… A glimmer of hope in the dark. -- Rachel Joyce * Observer, Books of the Year *A beacon of hope in a dark world -- Cathy Rentzenbrink * The Pool *An astonishing feat… I defy anyone not to shed tears at least once when reading this book. * Sunday Times *A book of exceptional grace...the most extraordinary account of an emotional journey * Observer *

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Book Synopsis‘Astonishing… A marvellous poetic reminder that every place is a universe of magical possibility to the perceptive mind’ Damian Le Bas, author of The Stopping Places A smuggler and a deserter, Darran Anderson’s grandfathers skirted the Second World War on the fringes of legality. His father survived the height of the political violence in Northern Ireland and Darran himself came of age during the final years of the Troubles before leaving his hometown to find a way to exist in the world. But when another young man in his family disappears, Darran is brought back to Derry. Walking the banks of the River Foyle, he starts on a search for what has been lost. A portrait of a city, a biography of a family, a record of the objects that make up a life, Inventory offers a vital new perspective on a troubled history.Trade ReviewA radically different take on memoir... Inventory is a book of hard-won truths, a detailed map of a journey out of the labyrinth, the maze of memories, anecdotes, evasions and secrets… A book of revelations, then, both large and small, its truths reverberate in the imagination long after you finish reading it -- Sean O'Hagan * Observer *Absolutely masterful -- Lisa McGee, writer of Derry GirlsInventory is a remarkable memoir; a work of auto-archaeology, really, in which Darran Anderson disinters his own and his country’s hard pasts, shaking life, love and loss out of the objects of his youth in Northern Ireland. Bleak, tender, inventive and oddly gripping, this is a book of restless ghosts, written in defiance of darkness, and told by means of diving into what Nabokov once called “the dream life of debris” -- Robert MacfarlaneImportant... vividly rendered... Inventory may in fact be above all an exercise in memory -- gathering, questioning, verifying, and identifying the voids. Even when the subjects are difficult to catch, the hunt is always vital and compelling -- Garrett Carr * Times Literary Supplement *A portrait of a family and a portrait of a city -- vivid, intense, engrossing, and always beautifully written -- Kevin Barry

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