Recommended Reads
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The Unlikely Friendship of an Egret and a Turtle II
There’s a lot to learn from nature and the wilderness if we truly listen and observe.
Friendships can form among wildlife, offering mutual benefits or arising purely from good hearts and sympathy.
But what are the chances that an egret and a turtle can become friends?
£9.99 -
Jim Wyllie's 'Flashing Lights'
From a Lake District farm to the pulsating heart of London’s nightlife, Jim Wyllie’s ‘Flashing Lights’ charts an extraordinary path through UK clubland in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Wyllie’s ascent is nothing short of remarkable: from entertaining holidaymakers at 16 to becoming the youngest Nightclub Manager in the Star Circuit’s history at 18, before becoming the owner of groundbreaking bars, restaurants and nightclubs in London’s West End.
This memoir offers a kaleidoscopic view of an era, blending hilarious anecdotes with personal reflections and cultural insights. Wyllie’s narrative defies simple categorization, presenting an easy read that invites deeper contemplation. It’s an intoxicating mix of showmanship and psychology, combining the spectacle of Barnum and Bailey with the wit of Del Boy, the insight of Freud, and the candor of Bridget Jones.
Jim Wyllie’s ‘Flashing Lights’ captures the highs, lows, and everything in between of a life lived in the spotlight. Whether you’re nostalgic for the golden age of clubbing or curious about the machinations of nightlife, Wyllie’s story promises to enthrall and enlighten, offering a vibrant glimpse into the era that shaped modern club culture.
£11.99 -
Please Understand Me
This book uses Dr. John Gray’s metaphor of men being from Mars and women from Venus to explore the often humorous yet sometimes stressful dynamics of parenthood. From conception to childrearing, this witty and light-hearted compendium dives into the differences in parenting ideologies between men (Martians) and women (Venetians).
The book highlights how an ‘alpha mum’ with high expectations of motherhood can amplify these differences, especially when emotions are processed differently between genders. Drawing on personal experiences and observations of other couples, Beamon presents a dad’s perspective, offering insight into how fathers attempt to live up to their partners’ expectations while keeping a smile through the challenging moments every parent will recognise.
Whether managing through empathy or a lighter touch, this book offers relatable laughs and reflections on the universal journey of raising a child.
£8.99 -
Marty's Big Adventure
Marty the house martin sets off on his journey north for the summer, but along the way, he encounters unexpected difficulties and becomes separated from his fellow travellers. Alone and facing numerous challenges, Marty must find a way to survive on his own. Inspired by a true encounter, this heartwarming story celebrates bravery, perseverance, and the power of trust.
£8.99 -
The Cinnabar Dragon
At twelve, Li Hua is sold to a floating brothel, but destiny has other plans. Behind the walls of the Forbidden City, she evolves from concubine to spy. She navigates treachery, suppresses a rebellion, and engineers a bold escape with only a mastery of martial arts and a cinnabar dragon pendant imbued with the fatal poison known as GU.
In modern-day San Francisco, Lu Carter, an adopted Chinese American and a medical engineer, is introduced to the mysteries of her family’s past when she receives an ancient chronicle. During a trip to Shanghai, she uncovers her birth mother’s dark history—imprisonment and debts owed to the wrong people. Upon her return, Lu is terminated from her job and faces a corporate espionage lawsuit after her invention is leaked. But the past and present soon collide.
£10.99 -
Living with the Voices of Watchers and Hope
Inside the mind of a Schizophrenic Scouser
This book tackles the stigmas surrounding mental illness with raw honesty and dark humour. From straitjackets to fearmongering, from serial killers to the boardroom, the protagonist navigates life under the constant weight of being watched – a prisoner in her own mind.
But when does psychosis become a threat to those who don’t understand it? For her, it’s not the voices in her head that are most frightening, but the people around her. With humour and small victories, she learns to cope in a world that often feels scarier than her own thoughts.
£7.99 -
Sipho's War
1916. Europe is in the grip of a deadly war, the Battle of the Somme spewing grotesquely mutilated bodies. Into this mayhem come 57 Swazi men from a British Protectorate in southern Africa, most of whom have never worn shoes or seen motorised vehicles.
The biting cold chews at digits used to the heat of an African sun but they are brave these men, they do what they came to do with stoic resilience.
Sipho Vilakazi is the son of a teacher and a nurse, who longs to escape the confines of his mountain village – volunteering for this war is an answer to his prayers. Until a sworn enemy of his family also signs up.
Thembi, the love of his life, is furious that he should leave without her. ‘I will return,’ he says confidently, ‘with enough money to pay the bride price for you.’
For Sipho, his friend Vusi, and Mandla, the headman’s son, their time in Europe awakens a desire to know and understand more of the ways of this world to help their nation progress.
As their time in Europe draws to an end, they are infused with new energy when they are moved to Le Havre and the ships that will take them home. But their return is delayed and one afternoon tragedy strikes.
The shadow that settles over the group reaches beyond the boundaries of Europe, over sea and land, to the tiny village on the slopes of the mountain they call Ngwenya.
£9.99 -
Hi! I'm Peanut
Peanut is a very special cat.Born on the streets with no place to call home, he suffered an injury but was found and rescued. Since then, he has begun searching for a cosy home to call his own.Join Peanut on his exciting adventure to find his fur-ever home!
£9.99 -
The Reluctant Outsider
This is the story of a life that took an unexpected turn, leading to priceless treasures and profound awakenings. George Dexton’s journey begins with the decision to emigrate to a distant land, followed by the commitments of marriage, raising a family, and starting a new business. As he battles for success and recognition, George’s marriage collapses, plunging him into a period of overindulgence and recklessness that eventually leads to the downfall of his business.
In the aftermath, an unexpected mystical experience brings confusion, spiraling George into depression and a deep philosophical quest. He explores the unknown depths of his mind, searching for meaning and freedom from what feels like a futile existence. Reluctantly pushing forward, he reaches a point of no return, still seeking a sense of purpose in a world that seems blind to his struggles.
£8.99 -
Spooks Lodge
Come to Spooks Lodge, come if you dare
Search for the secrets that are hidden there!
NOBODY you meet, you hold his hand.
Isn’t life wonderful? Isn’t it grand?
But turn a wrong corner, tread where spiders abide,
And it could be Rosie who walks by your side.
Stop for a chat, drink a warm cup of tea,
That blueberry muffin, was it really from me?
Frederick Saaler
£11.99 -
Ramblings of a Free Man
Perhaps all lives start as a well-constructed novel. A series of vignettes follow, some comedic, some mired in tragedy. Sometimes we try to shape our destiny, other times it shapes us.
Suddenly in the blink of an eye, we enter the final run-in. For me, this late freedom is best served by poetry, life’s essence distilled. Holding close to family and friends and showing kindness to strangers and those in need.
Observing at leisure the many human aspects of Britain, Europe and latterly India has sparked a rekindling of the freedoms and insights that can come with age. The many experiences we have stored away in our busy lives can come tumbling out.
Appealing to all ages, anyone who has marvelled at the depth, complexity commonality and diversity of our fellow humans can accompany me on this journey.
Feel free to join me at any time.
These poems are the continuation of that journey.
£6.99 -
Jalal Al-Ahmad
Jalal Al-Ahmad was a well-known writer in Persian literature and a man about whom a lot of criticism was directed. Because he was a favourite supporter of Mr. Khomeini, the streets and schools in Iran were named after him. This book attempts to examine his works, what he said and his life using existing documents.
Jalal Al-Ahmad was also a part of our contradictory society, and he was raised in it. He reflected his thoughts in his books, because he could as well have been tired of this contradictory life and looked for a better uniformity. He was against monotony and loved to create changes by moving in different directions to entertain himself. He was indifferent to the results, thus his contradictory works and writings shouldn’t be taken at face value. One must try to draw the truth out of contradictions.
£7.99
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