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The Stranger in the Mirror: A Memoir of Middle Age
By Jane Shilling. 1983
Middle age took Jane Shilling by surprise. She hadn't seen it coming, and she certainly wasn't ready for it. Living…
a flawed, bittersweet version of the idyll she dreamed of in her twenties, in a tumbledown urban cottage by the Thames, with a son, a cat and a horse in a livery fifty miles away, she wondered whether middle age was the beginning of the end. Or was there one last great adventure to be had? The Stranger in the Mirror is one woman's attempt to understand what middle age means for her and whether, as a new generation of women turns fifty, a revolution is under way. It definitely won't reverse the signs of ageing - but it will make you laugh, it will make you think and it could just make you look in the mirror in a slightly different way...Straight Jacket
By Matthew Todd. 1967
'This is an essential read for every gay person on the planet' - Elton John'A really brilliant and moving read…
for everybody, especially LGBTQI+ people' - Olly Alexander, star of It's A SinStraight Jacket is a revolutionary clarion call for gay men, the wider LGBT community, their friends and family. Part memoir, part ground-breaking polemic, it looks beneath the shiny facade of contemporary gay culture and asks if gay people are as happy as they could be - and if not, why not? Meticulously researched, courageous and life-affirming, Straight Jacket offers invaluable practical advice on how to overcome a range of difficult issues. It also recognizes that this is a watershed moment, a piercing wake-up-call-to-arms for the gay and wider community to acknowledge the importance of supporting all young people - and helping older people to transform their experience and finally get the lives they really want.WINNER BOYZ BEST LGBT BOOK 2017SHORTLISTED FOR THE POLARI BOOK PRIZE 2017'Insightful, inclusive, clever and engaging' - Jeremy Langmead'Utterly brilliant' - The GuardianStone Will Answer: A Journey Guided by Craft, Myth and Geology
By Beatrice Searle. 2023
A beautiful memoir, travelogue and meditation on stone by artist and stone mason Beatrice Searle.'Extraordinary' Guardian‘A magnificent book’ Alex Woodcock‘Exceptional’…
Kerri Andrews‘Luminous’ SpectatorAt the age of twenty-six, artist and Cathedral stonemason Beatrice Searle crossed the North Sea and walked 500 miles along a medieval pilgrim path through Southern Norway, taking with her a 40-kilogram Orcadian stone.Fascinated with the mysterious footprint stones of Northern Europe and the ancient Greco-Roman world, stones closely associated with travellers, saints and the inauguration of Kings, she follows in their footsteps as her stone becomes a talisman, a bedrock and an offering to those she meets along the way.Stone Will Answer is an unusual adventure story of journeys practical, spiritual and geological, of weight and motion, and an insight into a beguiling craft.Stillness Through My Prayers
By Stanislaus Kennedy. 2006
Stillness: A deep silence and quiet calm, bringing feelings of peace, solace, contentment and serenity.You may need this book if…
you have ever felt afraid, unsure, anxious or uncertain...You may need this book if you have ever had sleepless nights, feared the morning, faced difficult decisions, felt worried about the future or craved an answer to life's many mysteries...You may need this book to start to trust and accept, to forgive and let go, with love and peace.In Stillness Through My Prayer, Sister Stan shares simple, profound and calming prayers that she herself uses to help her achieve Stillness - that most elusive and treasured state of mind.The unsung and remarkable stories of the women who held London's East End together during not one, but two world…
wars. 'Inspiring tales of courage in the face of hardship' Mail on Sunday'Inspiring . . . Takes you back to a time of community and helping one another' 5***** Reader Review'It made me laugh and gasp in equal measure' 5***** Reader Review______ Meet Minksy, Gladys, Beatty, Joan and Girl Walker . . . While the men were at war, these women ruled the streets of the East End. Struggling against poverty to survive, and fighting for their community in our country's darkest hours. But there was also joy to be found. Across the East End the streets were alive - you need only walk a few steps for a smile from a neighbour or a strong cup of tea. From taking over the London Underground, standing up to the Kray twins and crawling out of bombsites, The Stepney Doorstep Society tells the vivid and moving stories of the matriarchs who remain the backbone of the East End to this day. ______ 'Kate Thompson's study of five working-class women who lived through the blitz shows how informal collectives can provide lasting support and inspiration . . . [a] fascinating account' Guardian 'An important glimpse into a vanishing world' Sunday Express'One of the best books I have read in recent years' 5***** Reader Review 'Crammed full of fascinating stories' BBC 2 Steve Wright'Fascinating . . . It was fascinating to hear how these women kept going' 5***** Reader Review 'Astonishing' Radio 5 LiveThe Step Child: A true story of a broken childhood
By Donna Ford, Linda Watson-Brown. 2006
The true story of Donna Ford, who between the ages of five and eleven was abused by her stepmother Helen.…
Labelled 'the bastard', the 'little witch' and 'the evil one'; beaten, isolated and afraid to even look at her own reflection, this beautiful little child was told she was lucky to be the victim of abuse - abuse which began as physical and mental, but progressed to the most appalling sexual attacks. Despite an horrendous early life, Donna is now a successful artist and mother of three with an enormous enthusiasm and an optimism which completely belies her experiences.In 2003, Donna watched as her stepmother was found guilty of 'procuring a minor' for sexual abuse and sentenced to two years in prison. Beautifully written and savagely honest, The Step Child is Donna's story. It is an inspiring tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.Give it your all. Dare to be all you can be.Graduation day is a pivotal moment. After a lifetime of…
learning, and at least three years of studying hard in a chosen subject, we are thrown headfirst into the unknown world of adulthood. That day – and the months afterwards – are ripe with possibility. They can feel by turns thrilling and rudderless, dreamy and terrifying. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and look at what’s to come.In this collection of carefully curated speeches, hear from leading voices such as Barack Obama, Gloria Steinem and Tim Minchin, and discover their profound advice for the graduating classes of Harvard, Stanford and many more top-class universities, who have gone on to shape the world we live in. Whether you’re looking for the perfect graduation gift, a memento of this significant life moment, or are simply seeking guiding inspiration, the lessons in Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish will last a lifetime.Stars and Spies: The story of Intelligence Operations…
By Christopher Andrew, Julius Green. 2021
A vastly entertaining and unique history of the interaction between spying and showbiz, from the Elizabethan age to the Cold…
War and beyond.'A treasure trove of human ingenuity' The TimesWritten by two experts in their fields, Stars and Spies is the first history of the extraordinary connections between the intelligence services and show business.We travel back to the golden age of theatre and intelligence in the reign of Elizabeth I. We meet the writers, actors and entertainers drawn into espionage in the Restoration, the Ancien Régime and Civil War America. And we witness the entry of spying into mainstream popular culture throughout the twentieth century and beyond - from the adventures of James Bond to the thrillers of John le Carré and long-running TV series such as The Americans.'Thoroughly entertaining' Spectator'Perfect...read as you settle into James Bond on Christmas afternoon.' Daily TelegraphStand Up Straight: 10 Life Lessons from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
By Major General Paul Nanson. 2019
Transform your mindset and your life with these 10 simple lessons. THE INCREDIBLE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Inspirational . .…
. Sandhurst helped me to discover my potential. Now discover yours.' TIM PEAKE, ESA astronaut___________Winston Churchill never surrendered.Prince Harry has fought for mental health around the world.Tobias Ellwood risked his life to save others during the Westminster terrorist attack.Tim Peake became Britain's first astronaut on the International Space Station.Nicola Wetherill led the first all-female expedition across the Antarctic ice.Ed Withey even organized his wedding with military precision.The one thing all of these individuals have in common? Their world-class Sandhurst training.Stand Up Straight applies 10 simple but transformative lessons that every officer is taught during their time at the world-famous military academy. Modern and counter-intuitive, with lessons ranging from making your bed and ironing your shirt to achieving better discipline, emotional intelligence, resilience and fast decision-making under pressure, the book draws on first-hand battlefield experience as well as the leadership lessons taught at Sandhurst.The result is an inspiring and timeless book of practical advice and military wisdom that will help every reader raise their game and face life's everyday battles with confidence and calm.___________'Brilliant, practical advice. Can help transform your mindset and life.' OLLIE OLLERTON''Military Mindfulness' . . . can help us all reach our potential.' TELEGRAPH'I loved this book.' CHRIS EVANS'Brilliant military rules that can change your life . . . Sandhurst's precious life lessons, self-discipline, teamwork, even standing up straight, can make life run smoother, better, nobler, longer.' DAILY MAIL'Follow the General's orders and fold your socks. You'll be a better person for it.' THE TIMES'These military men are on to something. . . . increases your chances of tackling the to-do list with a sense of calm if not ease.' INDEPENDENT'It's a fantastic read on how to sort yourself out.' PIERS MORGAN'It's a fascinating book, full of good old-fashioned common sense . . . it's a game-raiser.' THIS ENGLANDThe Squiggly Career: The No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller - Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career
By Helen Tupper, Sarah Ellis. 2019
THE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BUSINESS BESTSELLER'The Squiggly Career is about navigating work in a way that suits you, it's a…
timely and brilliant handbook for now' Stylist 'A brilliant guide. Read it and get the tools you need to thrive in your career now and in the future' Marie Forleo, author of Everything is Figureoutable 'Logical, practical and based on tried and tested models' Financial Times's Book of the Month Career ladders and jobs for life are a thing of the past Today, we're living in a world of squiggly careers, where moving frequently and fluidly between roles, industries, locations, and even careers, is becoming the new normal. Squiggly careers can feel stressful and overwhelming, but if you know how to make the most of them, they can be full of opportunity, freedom and purpose. And to make the most of our increasingly squiggly careers we need to answer some important questions: What am I good at? What do I stand for? What motivates and drives me? Where do I want to go in the future? In The Squiggly Career, you'll learn how to: - Play to your super strengths - Discover your values - Overcome your confidence gremlins - Build better support networks - Explore your future possibilities Packed with insights about the changing shape of work and inspiration from highly successful people, this book will fuel your growth and help you be happier, and ultimately more successful in your career.'I cannot think of a better biography of a spy chief'Richard Davenport-Hines, The SpectatorSir Maurice Oldfield was one of the…
most important British spies of the Cold War era. _________A farmer’s son from a provincial grammar school who found himself accidentally plunged into the world of espionage, Sir Maurice was the first Chief of MI6 who didn’t come to the role via the traditional public school and Oxbridge route. Oldfield was the voice of British Intelligence in Washington at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the assassination of JFK, and was largely responsible for keeping the UK out of the Vietnam War. Working his way to the top of the secret service, he took on the job of rebuilding confidence in the British Secret Service in the wake of the Philby, Burgess and Maclean spy scandals.This is the fascinating life story, told in detail for the first time, of a complex, likeable character as well as a formidable intelligence chief.Spider Woman: A Life – by the former President of the Supreme Court
By Lady Hale. 2021
Lady Hale is an inspirational figure admired for her historic achievements and for the causes she has championed. Spider Woman…
is her story. As 'a little girl from a little school in a little village in North Yorkshire', she only went into the law because her headteacher told her she wasn't clever enough to study history. She became the most senior judge in the country but it was an unconventional path to the top. How does a self-professed 'girly swot' get ahead in a profession dominated by men? Was it a surprise that the perspectives of women and other disadvantaged groups had been overlooked, or that children's interests were marginalised? A lifelong smasher of glass-ceilings, who took as her motto 'women are equal to everything', her landmark rulings in areas including domestic violence, divorce, mental health and equality were her attempt to correct that. As President of the Supreme Court, Lady Hale won global attention in finding the 2019 prorogation of Parliament to be unlawful. Yet that dramatic moment was merely the pinnacle of a career throughout which she was hailed as a pioneering reformer. Wise, warm and inspiring, Spider Woman shows how the law shapes our world and supports us in crisis. It is the story of how Lady Hale found that she could overcome the odds, which shows that anyone from similar beginnings will find that they can cope too.Speaking with Confidence (Penguin Business Experts Series)
By Nick Gold. 2020
Does the thought of delivering a presentation make your heart skip a beat? Do your pitches fall flat no matter…
how much preparation you put in? Are you often comparing yourself to more eloquent speakers and wondering how they capture the room?At some point in our careers we will need to speak in front of an audience; whether to present our ideas to a group of five in a meeting, pitch for investment in front of a panel or deliver a keynote speech to one thousand delegates. Yet glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is incredibly common and can inhibit our chances of career progression by up to 15%. In Speaking with Confidence, Expert and managing director of Speakers' Corner Nick Gold, shows how anyone can learn to be a confident public speaker and use their surroundings to give them the support and structure they need to achieve maximum impact and success from their speech. His decades of experience coaching and producing some of the best speakers in the country have been condensed here into one expert guide to help you connect with your audience every time.'Speaks to anyone who has hit a bump in the road, taken a wrong turn or simply lost their passion…
for life' Sunday Business Post'A fantastic motivational book' Sunday IndependentWhen was the last time you were really excited about your life?Do you suspect you have settled rather than made as much of your talents as you could have?Do you dismiss ambitions you once had as 'youthful delusions'?Norah Casey wants you to think again!Norah had a life that she thought was the right fit for her. Then she lost her husband and was forced to take stock. Despite a stellar career as a businesswoman she realised that in her own way, she had settled. It was time to rethink everything.In Spark! Norah shares her journey the lessons she has learned. She explains how we remade her life and how we can all renew our passion and our ambitions and become the best we can be.This isn't about blinding flashes of brilliance or razzle dazzle You don't have to be super-clever or endlessly fascinating to recover your spark. But if you're prepared to do a bit of homework it's amazing how quickly you will rediscover a more splendid you!Norah Casey qualified as a nurse before going into journalism. She is a magazine publisher and broadcaster (including a stint as a Dragon on the popular TV series Dragons' Den). She has served on the boards of numerous organisations, including The International Women's Forum. She is also a former Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year.Soul Song: Reflections On An Unexpected Journey by The Priests
By David Delargy, Eugene O'Hagan, Martin O'Hagan. 2010
Known collectively as The Priests, Fr Martin, Fr Eugene and Fr David, have taken the music world by storm. Since…
they signed their much-reported Sony contract in front of Westminster Cathedral in April 2008, their album has sold almost 2,000,000 copies worldwide and broke the Guinness record for the fastest-selling debut classical album in the UK. It has also chalked up an impressive fifteen weeks at No. 1 on the Classic FM chart and was nominated for a Classical Brit Award. In June 2009, The Priests topped off their incredibly successful year with a highly-acclaimed mini-tour of the UK and Ireland. But long lunches in swanky restaurants and celebrity parties count for little with these down-to-earth, wonderfully talented singers, because first and foremost, David, Martin and Eugene are priests; their faith and the work they undertake in their busy parishes takes priority over everything else they do. So, whilst their gruelling promotional schedule for the album has taken them around the world - from Europe to Montreal and Toronto, from Washington to New York and Sydney, where they have played to packed houses and given dozens of press, radio and tv interviews - they have always been happy to return to their parishes in Belfast and the people they serve. Now in Soul Song, The Priests draw upon their unique experiences as priests and performers, their love of music and their faith, as they weave together a rich, illuminating tapestry of spiritual wisdom. Insightful and engaging, it is a treasury of memories which offers us all a rare and timely opportunity to reflect on our own journey through life.Soldier Spy
By Tom Marcus. 2016
The explosive, shocking and honest account from an MI5 officer, revealing never-before-seen detail into MI5's operation 'I do it because…
it is all I know. I'm a hunter of people and I'm damn good at it.' Recruited after the 7/7 attacks on London, Tom quickly found himself immersed in the tense world of watching, following and infiltrating networks of terrorists, spies and foreign agents. It was a job that took over his life and cost him dear, taking him to the limit of physical and mental endurance. Filled with extraordinary accounts of operations that saved countless lives, Soldier Spy is the only authentic account by an ex-MI5 officer of the round-the-clock battle to keep this country safe. ________ 'Very well written, gives a startling amount of operational detail, the biggest shock of all - MI5 agreed to its publication' Sunday Times 'A blistering, visceral insight into life on the front line against terror, revealed in remarkable detail' Daily Telegraph 'Startling, absolutely fascinating. A footsoldier's account out on the street.' Radio 4 'Gripping. One of the most successful MI5 undercover surveillance officers of his time' SunThe Sober Girl Society Handbook: An empowering guide to living hangover free
By Millie Gooch. 2021
UPDATED WITH A BRAND NEW CHAPTER ON SOBER CURIOSITY*Voted an Independent best self-care book for 2021**Voted one of Heat's best…
self-help books to help you reach your full potential*If you've ever woken up feeling anxious, or cringing with embarrassment, about something you did or said whilst drunk the night before, this book may just change your life.Whichever way you look at it, it's hard to avoid how alcohol really makes us feel: terrible. After years of partying and hangovers started taking a toll on her mental health, Millie Gooch gave up alcohol and has never looked back.Offering tips and advice on staying sober and curious in a world obsessed with booze, this handbook will change your life for ever, by showing you not only why you should drink less, but how. Millie shares essential information to empower you to transform your relationship with alcohol so that you can lead your most fulfilling life.Whether you're sober curious or determined to make a more permanent change, it's time to join the Sober Girl Society!It's time to join the Sober Girl Society:'I LOVE this book already, just received today and I can't put it down!''I recommend this to anyone; whether they want to stop drinking permanently, or even would just like to cut down on their drinking.''I love how relatable and non-preachy this book is.''Approaches what can be a tricky and confusing subject for many with humour and wit.''Perfect for those reconsidering their relationship with alcohol. Brilliant book.'Six Frames: For Thinking About Information
By Edward De Bono. 2008
Attention is a key part of thinking clearly and productively, and yet we pay very little attention to attention itself.…
If you see someone lying injured in the middle of the road, for example, your attention would go to that person but, if a bright pink dog wandered past at the same time, your attention would automatically stray to the dog. That is precisely the weakness of attention - it is pulled to the unusual. How much attention do we pay to the usual?So, what can we do about it? Instead of waiting for attention to be pulled towards something unusual, we can set out frameworks for 'directing' our attention in a conscious manner. Just as we can decide to look north, west or even south-east, so we can set up a framework for directing our attention, and that's where Edward de Bono's 'six frames' come in. Each frame is a direction or method in/with which to look, based on a different shape - triangle, circle, heart, square, diamond, slab.Today we are literally surrounded by information and it has never been so easy to obtain. Yet, information itself is not enough; it's how we look at it that really counts. Using the 'six frames' technique is the key to extracting real value from the masses of facts and figures out there and, like all de Bono's techniques, it is simple, effective and will utterly change the way you interpret information.Simple Pleasures: Little Things That Make Life Worth Living
By Various. 2010
What are the little things that make life worth living? A walk in the countryside, perhaps; a log fire; a…
letter from a friend. In Simple Pleasures, some of the UK's best-loved writers and public figures ponder this conundrum and come up with their own answers, sharing their thoughts on, among other things, the joys of picking up litter, whittling sticks, reading aloud, and devouring a good cheese sandwich. With contributions from A. C. Grayling, Robert McCrum, Prue Leith, Sebastian Faulks and Ann Widdecombe, to name just a few, Simple Pleasures is perfect reading for anyone who appreciates - or aspires to - the finer, simpler things in life.Shine: Discover a Brighter You
By Lorraine Kelly. 2019
'This is an utter tonic. Lorraine at her most honest; a genuinely helpful book' DAWN FRENCH'I love this book!' DAVINA…
MCCALL________________________________Lorraine has been a fixture on our TV screens for 35 years and is beloved by thousands for her warmth and down-to-earth interviewing style. Whatever life throws at her, she always manages to keep that signature twinkle in her eye. Now, she's ready to share her life lessons.There's a lot to keep up with nowadays: family, home, work, social media, the news... It's all too easy for days go by in a blur and before you know it, you're exhausted and the year has passed in the blink of an eye. Despite her hectic schedule, Lorraine has learned how important it is to listen to your body and your heart, and to take control of your life. Whether making small changes to your daily routine or overhauling your lifestyle and achieving those bucket-list goals, Shine will show you how to live every day to the fullest. Let Lorraine guide you on the journey to your best self with candid anecdotes from her own life, tips from the experts and practical exercises. You'll learn how to:- Spark: how to stay positive, confident and calm whatever life throws at you.- Glow: encouragement and strategies for keeping your body healthy and your look fresh, whatever your age.- Dazzle: how to get the best out of your relationships, family and work and make a difference to the world, even if it's just your patch.Uplifting, warm, and with beautiful hand-painted illustrations, Shine is a self-help book told from the heart.