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Memories of the Way We Were
I stood in front of the headstone which read ‘Rita Rocca Nee Tomlin (15/6/1942 - 21/10/2020)’ and thought, ‘Is this all there is? Her name on a headstone with mine to follow.’I remembered a warm May Day in 1948, when we both kneeled at the same altar waiting for a priest to give us our first taste of Jesus.She, in her white dress, was wondering if the day would yield enough for a new doll and pram, while I wondered if mine would yield enough for roller skates and maybe a new football.I recalled the honeymoon in Jersey in 1963, Miss World at the Royal Albert Hall in 1980, and the ball that followed at the Savoy Hotel.I said, “Sorry girl, I can’t give you a Taj Mahal, but I will write a book, which will hopefully make us more than just names on a tombstone.”
£9.99 -
Please, Let Me Sleep
Please, Let Me Sleep is a relatable and humorous take on a topic that will surely resonate with readers. As the author candidly shares her experiences, readers will find themselves nodding in agreement and chuckling at the absurdity of it all. In a world where stress seems to be the norm, from mortgages to job insecurity to global conflicts, this book offers a welcome escape from the chaos.Amidst the challenging times we face today, including the COVID pandemic and the rising concerns about school bullying and drug use, parenting can feel like an overwhelming and joyless task. This book offers a lighthearted look at the ups and downs of parenthood, reminding readers that it’s okay to laugh at the challenges we face.The author’s sense of humour and upbeat attitude are evident throughout the book, making it a perfect antidote to the stresses of daily life. Whether you’re looking for a quick laugh or a way to unwind at the end of a long day, Please, Let Me Sleep is sure to leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for a peaceful night’s sleep.
£7.99 -
Scott: A Novel of F. Scott Fitzgerald
Scott: A Novel of F. Scott Fitzgerald by E. Ray Canterbery is a fascinating insight into the life of one of the great American writers: F. Scott Fitzgerald.From humble beginnings to fame and alcoholism, through to his untimely death, Scott is a must-read for anyone with an interest in one of the greatest American writers of the twentieth century. Canterbery somehow gets inside the minds of Scott Fitzgerald and his great loves and reveals their most intimate thoughts. He also captures the spirit of the Jazz Age, which Scott defined and named, as well as the glamour of Hollywood in his twilight years. Further, he integrates Scott’s writings into his life.
£10.99 -
Sharpening the Weapons of Peace
Colonel Wilkinson spent 31 years in the British Army with the Royal Artillery, commando and parachute brigades and special forces. In his last job in the army, he was the principal author of the first British Joint Warfare Publication (JWP 3-50 Peace Support Operations). During his military service he gradually came to the understanding that the achievement of peace required a comprehensive approach that addressed the causes and consequences of conflict and not just the symptoms. These thoughts were crystallised during his four years as a senior research fellow at the Centre for Defence Studies at King’s College, London. After King’s College, he was deployed as the international advisor to President Kagame in Rwanda for one year and President Karzai in Afghanistan for two years before supporting the National Security Advisor in Baghdad for three years. More recently, he spent fifteen months in the occupied Palestinian territories before deploying to Somalia for three years to support the President and Minister of Internal Security. These positions have given Colonel Wilkinson a unique perspective of international intervention operations. Many others have written of their observations from the outside looking in, Colonel Wilkinson has had the privilege of being part of the host government looking out. Many may find his observations unsettling!
£12.99 -
The Geriatrician in Court
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£8.99 -
The Odd-Job Man
In 1989, deep in the South American jungles of Suriname, a former commando and Falklands War veteran discharged from the SAS found himself with a group of contract soldiers training a rebel army against a violent dictator regime.Things were not so clear cut in this war-torn country and as cracks began to appear in finding out who had the moral high ground, cracks also began to appear in the team itself.It seemed the leader of the group had other agendas which he was keeping from the mixed bag of former British commandos and French Foreign Légion soldiers.Now, as all-out war has got ever closer, this becomes increasingly difficult for the author, as he too, has not been totally truthful with the others.
£16.99 -
Red Bricks and Loose Dogs
In the depths of industrial West Yorkshire during the transformative era of the 1960s and 1970s, Red Bricks and Loose Dogs takes readers on a profound journey of introspection. Inspired by the unwavering honesty of Father Jim, a trusted and wise man, the story unravels the truth behind the boy who grew into a man.
Father Jim, revered for his wisdom, kept a powerful revelation hidden until his final moments. He shattered the illusion of his authority to grant heavenly visas or offer absolution, asserting that it is our personal responsibility to face the truth and examine our own past behaviours.
Guided by Father Jim’s honesty, the author of this remarkable memoir transports readers to the vibrant tapestry of his youth, set against the gritty industrial landscapes of West Yorkshire. Within this backdrop, the author rediscovers the influential people and defining moments that shaped his thinking and character for years to come.
£7.99 -
Five Years Living in Elahiyeh, Fereshteh Street
One day, amidst my growing complaints to my mother about my father’s lifestyle, he found it necessary to have a heart-to-heart with me. While planting a tree in our garden, he shared a profound insight: “In society, there are only two kinds of people; lambs and wolves. Lambs are perpetually preyed upon and killed, whereas wolves hunt and advance.” He then posed a stark question: “Do you wish to be a lamb or a wolf?” Initially bewildered by his abrupt query, I pondered before responding, “Perhaps something in-between.” His reply was swift and certain, “There is no middle ground, only these two. Show mercy and you’ll be devoured in this world.”
This conversation was a turning point in understanding my father’s complex character - his occasional harshness and rudeness, juxtaposed with moments of thoughtfulness. He maintained his gentle treatment of others, revealing a nuanced perspective of the constant struggle and conflict in human interactions.
This book is my endeavour to document the events and experiences I have personally witnessed. It serves as a tapestry of social history, reflecting the intricate dance between the ‘lambs’ and ‘wolves’ of our society. My purpose in writing this book is only to record the events and things that I’ve witnessed with my own eyes.
£9.99 -
To Live a Life
A true story of hope, belief, failure, need and greed – one person’s struggle with addiction and their road to redemption.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live on the ‘other side’ or longed to change your life? In To Live a Life, the author offers an unflinching tale of experimenting with drugs and alcohol in pursuit of getting ‘out there’… only to discover once immersed, there seems no way back.
This raw memoir leads readers on a turbulent journey of addiction battling emotion, clinging to life, and ultimately seeking survival. Travel the so-called ‘rocky road’ of substance abuse leading to utter dependence...when you’d do ‘anything’ to ‘get on,’ followed by the agonizing revelation you’d now give anything to “get off.
More than an addiction story, this is a universal testament to the human capacity for change and the power of community in bettering our lives when we’ve lost our way. There is always hope if we want it badly enough.
£7.99 -
The Story of My Working Life
Embark on a riveting journey of ambition and valour that takes a young sailor from the humblest beginnings in the Merchant Navy to the apex of the marine world. This tale of ascent is punctuated by thrilling perils at sea: accidents, collisions, blazes, and even the perils of war.
As the first North Sea Oil makes landfall in Orkney, our protagonist steers mammoth oil tankers through some of the planet’s most treacherous waters, skilfully averting near-catastrophes and environmental hazards with expertise. His career crescendos as he assumes the mantle of authority over one of the U.K.’s most multifaceted Harbour Authorities, overseeing port operations, towage, ferries, and the burgeoning oil sector.
A highlight of his tenure includes securing the prestigious BP contract to tranship the first North Atlantic Crude Oil into the Flotta Oil Terminal, a testament to his professional acumen. This narrative is a testament to the power of resolve, proving that with unwavering dedication, the path to extraordinary achievement is always navigable.
£14.99 -
Hijabs, Hitchhiking and Hangovers: Lessons from Iran
‘Are you foreign? Why would you come to Iran? Please tell your friends back home that we are nothing like the Western media.’
These were among the phrases that Rose would hear almost daily in Tehran.
Hijabs, Hitchhiking and Hangovers: Lessons from Iran is a coming-of-age travel adventure. At the age of 20, Rose was part of the first group of Cambridge students to study in Iran after Iran re-opened its borders to the West. Navigating Foreign Office warnings and nuclear sanctions, she was at first a rather reluctant traveller, overwhelmed by the culture clashes, language barriers and Islamic law.
Through a collection of short stories, Rose tells of how she makes a home in Iran, experiences unexpected kindness and gets to grips with the Farsi language. At times amusing and at others, tragically telling of the harsh realities of Iranian society, Hijabs, Hitchhiking and Hangovers is a gripping account of self-reliance and the often dangerous impact of politics on travel abroad.
£9.99 -
My Secret Life
My Secret Life is the author’s account of his personal struggle to overcome societal norms that overwhelmed him throughout his life and almost defeated him.
His struggle, while unique and personal, required courage, resilience, and strength and is one that can be related to and recognized by all. His powerful, open, and compelling account of his battle to overcome the psychological, mental, and emotional effects caused by living a secret life, and how he almost lost that battle, is a story of monumental triumph over adversity.
The informal and very personal writing style draws the reader into a personal, historical, yet contemporary history, very relevant for the times we are living in today. A strong bond is formed between the reader and the author as they share in the moments of despair, pain, and fear, but also hope and joy, climaxing in the triumph of life over adversity.
Like a phoenix from the flames, the author’s captivating, engrossing account of his life hopes to inspire and liberate others, setting them free to live an open, fully authentic life, free from the shame and fear of living with a secret.
£6.99