Recommended Reads
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Charles Dickens Has a Wish
Charles Dickens Has a Wish explores Dickens’ use of ‘secret writing’ (inspired by Edgar Allan Poe) while composing A Tale of Two Cities. To fully understand A Tale of Two Cities, readers must solve the riddle Dickens introduces early in the novel and follow its directions. This book highlights and explains that riddle, along with other subtle clues Dickens uses to guide readers. Some of Dickens’ characters even have unnamed alter egos. By following the riddle’s directions, readers can uncover which characters have these hidden identities.
Dickens encourages readers to experience events through the perspectives of his characters. This mirrors Plato’s attempt, in the ‘Allegory of the Cave’ from The Republic, to have readers see the world through the eyes of the unchained captive. Both authors believed that experiencing life through another’s viewpoint activates what Socrates referred to as the quality of ‘Goodness.’ Often called the ‘third eye’ in Hindu traditions, this concept may also be tied to Gnostic teachings. Could this shared vision explain why The Republic was discovered among the Nag Hammadi texts? Readers who follow Dickens’ riddle may trigger this transformative experience automatically.
In essence, Dickens hid a profound plan for world peace within A Tale of Two Cities. He sought to instill ‘Goodness’ in his readers’ minds, envisioning a future where parents pass this lesson to their children for generations. His ultimate wish? Peace for all people on earth – forever.
£6.99 -
General Smudge’s Last War
War has been declared between Gorgonia and Farfallonia, and their armies stand poised for battle. But when General Smudge gives the order to attack, his soldiers simply sit down. ‘It’s too dangerous out there,’ they protest. ‘Someone could get hurt.’
With traditional combat no longer an option, the entire concept of warfare must be reimagined. New, harmless weaponry is devised – ensuring that no one is injured while still allowing General Smudge to pursue his dreams of military glory.
Though often veering into slapstick comedy, this satirical tale carries a deeper message beneath the humor, challenging the very nature of war itself.
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An Artificer's Tale
This book chronicles the military career of Andy Flower B.E.M in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) during the conflicts in Northern Ireland, the Gulf War I, and Bosnia. As an artificer Staff Sergeant, Flower led a fitter section of tradesmen responsible for maintaining and repairing armoured infantry fighting vehicles.
Rather than a tale of extraordinary bravery or tactical brilliance, this is an authentic account of twelve skilled tradesmen striving to maintain their professionalism and sanity while managing a fleet of armoured vehicles under the most challenging circumstances. The narrative captures the delicate balance between duty and the human spirit in times of conflict.
Throughout the book, moments of levity punctuate the daily routines, showcasing how camaraderie and humour helped the team cope with the stresses of military life. These anecdotes, drawn from contemporaneous notes, offer insight into the author’s thoughts and reactions to a wide range of experiences during some of the most intense periods of his life.
Interwoven with these stories are lyrics from songs penned by the author during his global travels, adding a personal and reflective dimension to the narrative.
£20.99 -
The Glows
Since the dawn of time, the Glows have maintained the illusion that the world is full of colour. However, after a chance encounter with their arch-nemesis, the Negatives, Gillray Glow is faced with a profound choice: can the world make room for two opposing truths, or must the lie continue for eternity?
£7.99 -
Present
When kindness is taken advantage of, it can become a weakness, eroding our autonomy. When self-reflection turns into overthinking, it can lead to self-criticism and self-doubt, making it hard to recognize our own worth. When our values are distorted, we lose sight of our true selves. When we let culture shape us, we risk developing biases and arrogance.
Yet we are all bound to life’s call, inseparably part of the universe. Our bodies carry electrical impulses and magnetic fields, and when these fields harmonize with the universe, miracles naturally unfold. We incarnate on Earth to live and experience; in this three-dimensional realm, whether the experiences are good or bad, they are expressions of the energy field. The way we experience them changes with each stage of life.
£6.99 -
The Stoner's Guide to the Ports and Harbours of the Northern Mediterranean
So, what’s this book about then? Well, apart from ports and harbours, it’s a wild ride through the X-rated reality of life in the superyacht industry. Think of it as Below Deck—but without the censors.
For nearly two decades, I was immersed in this world. I sailed them, raced them, cleaned them, lived on them, partied on them, and even built them. It was a lifestyle of excess: luxury, debauchery, and everything in between. At one point, my “breakfast of champions” was a cannabis joint, a rum and coke, and a line of cocaine.
But here’s the thing about life at the top: what goes up must come down. And when I came down, it wasn’t just a stumble, it was a resounding thump.
This is the unvarnished truth of it all, and you’re about to hear every outrageous, gritty, and utterly unbelievable detail.
£10.99 -
Funnyology
Contrary to what those in the profession can easily start to believe, life does exist beyond the classroom; not only before, but during – and after – a career in Education. In this brand-new collection, writer Guy Newmountain, author of “Please I Can To The Toilet Go?” (The Memoirs Of A Supply Teacher), presents a multi-faceted assemblage of hilarious true stories focusing on the more humorous aspects of everyday life.The book is illustrated throughout by the author himself, who readily accepts his own quirky eccentricity in observations stretching from earliest childhood through the most puerile teenage practical jokes to his working years in a score of different vocations. Within these pages can be found a refreshingly broad range of anecdotes; all demonstrating vividly how life, with its many career changes, hair-raising predicaments and extraordinary experiences can be the longest, most unpredictable of tapestries. You really couldn’t make it up!
£11.99 -
The Old Architecture
A new understanding and discovery of the secrets behind ancient art and architectural symbols – secrets that many scientists and engineers continue to seek.
This book unveils the true meanings of powerful symbols like the Divine Eye, the Sun, the Seven Seas, 22/7, the Golden Ratio, and the significance of fountains in ancient architecture.
It also presents a groundbreaking scientific discovery made by the author in 2004, revealing the connection between sound vibrations and the ancient matrixes, particularly those found in the seven magic squares of ancient architecture.
This book is essential for any artist, architect, or anyone seeking true knowledge.
£12.99 -
Scott Martin in the Company of Spies
While looking out of his bedroom window, twelve-year-old Scott Martin spots a man climbing into a manhole on the grounds of the old council building. Overcome with curiosity, he follows – and soon finds himself in a derelict basement. But what begins as an innocent adventure quickly entangles Scott in a dangerous conflict with a ring of foreign spies.
Pursued by both the spies and British security services, Scott and his two friends set off a chain of events that puts them all in grave danger as they race to uncover the truth and bring the criminals to justice.
This fast-paced adventure is packed with mystery, action, and suspense. Along the way, the story reveals the personalities of its characters – their reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as their weaknesses and flaws. Scott’s immediate family is also introduced, adding depth to his journey.
Told with humor, this is the first book in the Scott Martin series.
£8.99 -
Oscar the Hedgehog's Adventure
Hedgehogs are endangered in Guernsey, just as they are in many parts of the world. Sadly, these beautiful creatures are at risk of disappearing, but local charities are working tirelessly to protect them.
Every week, hedgehogs suffer injuries – some so severe they don’t survive. It’s crucial that we all stay aware, especially when driving, to help keep these wonderful animals safe.
£8.99 -
The Nymph Who Taught the Mermaids to Dance
Babette is overjoyed to meet the mermaids, who are eager to learn the art of dance. But her excitement quickly turns to dismay when things take an unexpected turn. The mermaids, proud and egotistical divas, become jealous of one another, and their rivalry escalates into a chaotic fight.
How could such beautiful creatures transform into an ugly, warring force? Babette, unfairly blamed for the conflict, is sent away to face trial.
£9.99 -
Thunder and Lightning…
From the beaches of Dunkirk to the jungles of Burma, the Second World War became a theatre that immortalized the savagery of war. For every organization involved – and there were many – courage and discipline were paramount.
Within these pages are represented the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army, Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), Bletchley Park, Home Guard, and Land Army, among others. Organized into sections, each poem conveys the harrowing experiences of war.
Two sections specifically recognize the ‘courage beyond endurance’ of the SAS and SOE. Captured, tortured, and executed, these special agents ventured deep into enemy territory for the sake of democracy.
The section on the Holocaust portrays the terror of the thousands of Jewish people slaughtered by an enemy committed to ethnic cleansing. Each poem captures the trauma inflicted upon men, women, and children, none more poignantly than ‘The Faceless.’
Later in the book, a section commemorates the remarkable flying skills of the Russian women known as the ‘Night Witches,’ who defended and attacked German targets.
With the help of many Allies, World War II ended, leaving countless lives lost, numerous lives forever changed, and the enduring hope that history serves as a lesson for humanity.
£8.99
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