Recommended Reads
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A Rake in the Park and Other Short Stories
Escape the rigours of modern life with this delightful collection of fifteen light-hearted stories. Each tale is crafted to bring a smile to your face and provide a much-needed break from the daily grind. With a humorous and light-hearted tone, the stories take you on a journey across the globe, from the vibrant streets of India and the passionate tango halls of Argentina to the ancient wonders of China and Peru. Explore the rugged landscapes of South Africa, the sun-drenched plazas of Spain, and even venture into the vast expanse of outer space. These charming stories offer a delightful respite from the everyday, inviting you to sit back, relax, and let your imagination take flight.
£13.99 -
Lessons from the Sauna
Oom, who hails from Cape Town, South Africa, recounts his colourful childhood against the backdrop of his dating adventures later in life in British Columbia, Canada. Now in his sixties, Oom takes readers from one amusing encounter to the next, bringing to life a cast of fascinating and humorous characters met along the way.With graphic and ironic portrayals, Oom illustrates the difference between a mere meeting and a proper date, letting his experiences shine a light on the often peculiar rules that govern the dating world. Though told in simple, self-deprecating language, Oom allows the vibrant personalities of those he meets to take centre stage.As each dating escapade unfolds, at times desperately, Oom’s central quest remains constant – does he finally succeed in securing a lover? From cultural intricacies to comedic mishaps, embark on a journey that may begin in Cape Town but finds its final destination in the heart.
£10.99 -
Haizean
“The bombing of Guernica, 80 years ago, inspired one of Picasso’s best-known works. Now, visitors to this iconic part of Spain’s Basque Country will discover a town devoted to peace and reconciliation. It is also about using art as a form of protest to encourage change and make people think objectively, rather than react irrationally.” James GerardThe novel is about family, friendships, war, peace, history, hope, endurance and ultimately reconciliation. It is about stopping for a moment and seeing the world from another person’s point of view in different times, cultures, and environments. The first part of the book centres around two small, yet significant villages, Scotstoun, Glasgow and Guernica in the Basque region, northern Spain. Set before, during and after WW2, it should be noted that two of the main characters include a doctor and nurse at a time when there was no NHS. The second part of the book focuses· on a Peace Centre set up in a flat in Scotstoun called Haizean (Basque for in the wind), where students come from all over the world to share ideas. Imagine living in enforced exile for nearly forty years of your life. Add to that the lack of any of your fellow-countrymen within a thousand miles. Asier was a doctor living in Guernica back in 1937 alongside his wife and two children when the German bombers arrived. He has to assume that his family have all perished. Arriving in Glasgow, thanks to the efforts of John Oswald, a Scottish journalist, Asier carries on his work as a doctor. Asier’s diaries afford some insight into his coming to terms with separation from his homeland, namely the Basque region in the North of Spain. But more than this, they chronicle key events leading up to, during and after World War II.
£9.99 -
The Book in the Cave
Two young boys find an old, dusty book in a cave one day. This book is the beginning of their amazing adventures as they are transported back thousands of years through the time-travelling pages of the book.Come join in their adventures as the boys move through time in their quest for the truth. Through their amazing experiences the boys learn the value of trust and the importance of obedience.They make many new friends and have incredible experiences as they go on their exciting, life changing and sometimes scary journeys through time.
£9.99 -
Der Wache Mann / The Awake Man
Daniel, a globe-trotting sweets and chocolate taster, embarks on a flavorful journey that takes an unexpected turn when he meets Naomi, an aspiring singer in Japan. As Daniel immerses himself in his passion, purchasing candy to bring back to Munich, his wife Diane harbors suspicions of infidelity. Unbeknownst to Daniel, Diane is entangled in her own affair with Mr. Schalter, one of Daniel’s business associates. As relationships unravel and new connections form, Daniel finds solace in his correspondence with Naomi and his close bond with his daughter, Lisel. Through the twists and turns of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, this story emphasizes the paramount importance of cherishing the relationships that truly matter.
£5.99 -
Something Like Poetry – A Story of a Damaged Writer
I see a pile of the wreckage of a human.But I can still visualize the statue of beauty you used to be;Still, among all the ashes, the tears, the damaged parts,And the cold touch of your buried pain.After all, it was I who demolished you,And it was the sound of your crumbling that awakened me.
£12.99 -
Amaryllis Sky
Alexandra Gyasi’s poetry collection delves into the profound intersections of history, from the haunting legacy of the slave trade to the scars of war and the intricate dance of politics. Addressing the complexities of the human soul, she navigates the themes of religion and love with a nuanced touch. Gyasi’s verses unveil the dark corridors of injustice, challenging biases and exposing the ramifications of abuses of power. Through masterful language, Gyasi invites readers to contemplate the threads that bind us, offering a poignant testament to the enduring power of words to provoke and inspire.
£8.99 -
The Right Kite
Join little Shan on an exciting adventure in The Right Kite, a fiction story suitable for children ages 4-7. With spectacular illustrations that bring the story to life and silent pictures to complement the tale, this picture book is a delightful read. Follow Shan, a loving, patient, and brave son, as he goes on a journey on a windy day with the right kite. The elements of this picture book create a world that children will love to explore through the fascinating journey of Shan. This traditional tale is sure to be a favorite among young readers.
£9.99 -
When My Angry Gets Too Big
When My Angry Gets Too Big is a children’s book designed for young children on the autism spectrum. Acceptance and self-confidence is hugely important for children’s development and self-esteem, and thankfully this is reflected in children literature, with many books about accepting ourselves no matter our race/sexuality/gender. That being said, children on the autism spectrum are underrepresented in the literary world, and in order for them to take interest and learn from literature, it’s essential that there are books and characters they relate to. When My Angry Gets Too Big has been written specifically for children on the autism spectrum and is designed to help them recognise and manage difficult emotions.
£7.99 -
The PI (π) Cycle Secret of the 360-days year calendar
In The PI (π) Cycle, discover the fascinating history of the ancient calendar and how it was ultimately changed by the will of God. Follow the story of King Hezekiah of Judea, whose life was extended by 15 years, and learn about the ground-breaking calendar reforms of Julius Caesar. Explore the observations of ancient astronomers, including the Egyptians and Hipparchus, and how they tracked the length of the year. Uncover the mysteries of how the earth generates natural time at God’s command and how it was altered to accommodate King Hezekiah’s request. This thought-provoking book will leave you marvelling at the power of God and the complexity of time.
£7.99 -
Heist Denial
One year after the death of the fourth member of the infamous Gang of Four, the remaining trio of aged bank robbers is struggling to adapt to life outside prison walls. Having served their last stint in jail following a botched robbery of a closed-down post office, during which they donned gorilla costumes, hi-viz jackets, and colourful Bermuda shorts, the gang now faces a two-year suspended sentence and the challenge of honouring their fallen comrade’s dying wish to stay on the straight and narrow.As they navigate the idiosyncrasies of their fellow residents at the residential home, the trio, now known as The Trio, must also contend with the suspicions of a relentless detective who believes their deceased friend is alive and well, secretly orchestrating a string of heists across the Home Counties. With the detective convinced that the coffin is filled with bricks and stolen loot, The Trio must prove their innocence while adhering to the terms of their friend’s generous will.Amidst the chaos, the Colonel works on his memoir, ‘Confession of a Bank Robber’, and delivers after-dinner speeches to the legal profession. Jock finds himself as the kilted bagpiper for the Tartanettes, a troupe of middle-aged Burlesquers, while Lenny attempts to improve his social skills. As the three vow to honor their late friend’s wishes, a series of copycat heists and odd mysteries come to light, threatening to unravel their newfound freedom and redemption.
£9.99 -
My Kosmos My Kitchen
In ancient times, Greek ambrosia was believed to be the food of the gods.Here at last is a collection of modern, traditional, and most importantly foolproof Greek recipes by renowned chef Loulla Astin. For Loulla there’s nothing quite like the feeling one gets when descending the aeroplane’s stairs arriving in Cyprus and Greece; from the nostalgic aroma that engulfs the senses as the hot air wraps itself around your body like a cosy blanket, to the natural kind gestures of the locals that warms everybody’s hearts. The Greeks have a unique word for it: ‘Philoxenia’. More than just hospitality, it translates as ‘a friend to a stranger’, but is actually deeper in meaning.These beautiful recipes are intertwined memories and stories from Loulla’s childhood in Cyprus and her visits to Greece both professionally while filming 52 programmes of ‘Simply Greek’ for Granada’s Sky Breeze, and as a tourist in various locations.With this book, Loulla will take you back to the warm inviting times spent in the tavernas and family homes of Cyprus and Greece.Yiamas!
£49.99
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