Recommended Reads
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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 -
Otis the Octopus!
Otis the Octopus is a continuation of Amy’s series of children’s books within the ‘Little Loop the Lobster’ family. In this book, Amy focuses on a new character within the original book to emphasise the innocence and sweet nature of new friendships within a preschool setting.
Amy was inspired by her daughter Madeline’s admiration of her close friend Otis. Amy loved to listen to Madeline’s day on the way home in the car. Madeline talked about how they played games together, painted, learned to write their names, practised spelling, and general time together.
£8.99 -
Lucas
Lucas follows on from the story of Whisper, focusing more fully on the orphan’s life before he came to be a middle-aged man rescuing Britney from her world of abuse. In this book, we discover just how Lucas found himself growing up and then taking in the stray waif.When the boy’s parents die unexpectedly from sickness, the family’s neighbours end up taking him in. Lucas likes the Copperley children, but is afraid of not being welcome in the household when he accidentally overhears their parents talking about him. Quickly, Lucas decides that village isn’t for him anymore and chooses to spend a life on the road, constantly drifting from town to town, searching eagerly for his place and somewhere he could belong.During this course of aimless wandering, the boy finally stumbles across Seth and Ruby Rodgers and begins working for the friendly, easy-going couple, eventually being adopted by them. Lucas enjoys running the carpentry business when he’s older, but wonders if there is anything else for him, and the sudden arrival of the mistreated, terrified little girl brings even more responsibility upon Lucas’ shoulders than he ever thought possible.Lucas loves the child deeply, but his strength of character is severely tested – will Britney ever learn to trust him? Or has the memory of her drunken father been ingrained so intensely within her heart that she will never welcome another man’s presence ever again?
£6.99 -
Little Simon- Stop that climbing!
A teachable moment book for toddlers.
Engage with your little one as you read and turn each page. Ask your child questions, like, ‘Is little Simon allowed to climb up on the back of the sofa?’ Encourage your little one to say ‘No! No! Don’t climb!’
Role-reversal is a fun and easy way for toddlers to learn. They also enjoy seeing someone other than themselves in a spot of trouble!
£7.99 -
Snorkel Day with Dada
Dive into the enchanting world of Nureen Ismail Mifrah’s debut book, Snorkel Day with Dada. Written with the vivid imagination of a five-year-old, this delightful book illustrates the beauty of the Maldives and excitement of a child’s first snorkelling adventure with her beloved father.
Join Nureen as she embarks on a thrilling journey filled with dolphins, colourful coral reefs, and a whirlwind of emotions. From the exhilarating moments of spotting sea creatures to the challenges of feeling seasick, Nureen’s storytelling brings to life the highs and lows of this unforgettable day.
With heartfelt dedication to her supportive family and a touch of childlike wonder, Snorkel Day with Dada is a heartwarming read for children and parents alike. It is a story of adventure, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his daughter.
Embark on this aquatic adventure and experience the magic of the ocean through the eyes of a young and talented author.
£8.99 -
Before the Drawbridge Closed
It started with music. I wanted to be a composer with influences ranging from Frank Zappa and Conlon Nancarrow, right through to contemporary and old music for church organ (Messiaen and Bach). I self-released three mini-CDs of my music, although with my ideas being too complex for my limited skills, I drifted into art and then poetry.These poems are contentious to me. Self-indulgent to some, and hopefully insightful to others. Family and friends endorsed my feelings, and now we have a book!Vulnerable to criticism, good or bad, I feel there is enough honesty in the pages within to validate its existence.
£5.99
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