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Identity Crisis
by Ben EltonWhy are we all so hostile? So quick to take offence? Truly we are living in the age of outrage. A series of apparently random murders draws amiable, old-school Detective Mick Matlock into a world of sex, politics, reality TV and a bewildering kaleidoscope of opposing identity groups. Lost in a blizzard of hashtags, his already complex investigation is further impeded by the fact that he simply doesn’t ‘get’ a single thing about anything anymore.Meanwhile, each day another public figure confesses to having ‘misspoken’ and prostrates themselves before the judgement of Twitter. Begging for forgiveness, assuring the public “that is not who I am”.But if nobody is who they are anymore - then who the f##k are we?Ben Elton returns with a blistering satire of the world as it fractures around us. Get ready for a roller-coaster thriller, where nothing - and no one - is off limits.
In Thunder's Pocket
by Joan AikenWhen Ned is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle in Thunder's Pocket, he's not very pleased. But from the moment a bird flies into the train carriage on his journey there, Ned realises this isn't going to be an ordinary seaside holiday. Has the eccentric sculptor, Marlot Corby, really put a curse on Ned's aunt? What secrets will he find in Marlot's house and gardens? Life in Thunder's Pocket is going to be anything but dull.
Java Spider
by Geoffrey ArcherA British minister is a pawn in a deadly game played out in one of the world's most explosive countries - Indonesia. His kidnapping does not fall under British jurisdiction and the authorities in Jakarta claim that he has been seized by a guerrilla movement. But their investigation makes no progress as horrific satellite pictures of him are released on national television. The government sends one man to rescue him - Nick Randall has served in the Far East before. He knows that nothing is as it seems in the land of masks. Greater forces are in play than even he suspects. Together with a lone woman TV reporter he penetrates a remote island, where a powder keg of armed local rebellion is threatening to explode under the repressive regime.
Homer: A Ladybird Expert Book (The Ladybird Expert Series #38)
by Daisy DunnPart of the ALL-NEW LADYBIRD EXPERT SERIES'Brought evocatively to life' HISTORY REVEALED- Was there really a Trojan War?- What makes a Homeric hero?- How did Odysseus defeat the Cyclops?IMMERSE yourself in the epic adventures of the Ancient Greek gods and heroes. Filled with daring feats, battles and terrifying monsters, the poems and the stories told within them raise complex questions about fate, death and forgiveness that are still debated today.MIGHTY HEROES AND MEDDLING GODSWritten by the winner of the Classical Association Prize 2020, Daisy Dunn's Homer is a fascinating introduction to these ancient stories and their truly timeless themes.
The Idiot
by Fyodor DostoyevskyInspired by an image of Christ's suffering, Dostoyevsky set out to create a protagonist with "a truly beautiful soul" and to trace the fate of such an individual as he comes into contact with the brutal reality of contemporary society. The novel begins when the innocent epileptic Prince Myshkin - the 'idiot' - arrives in St Petersburg and finds himself drawn into a web of violent and passionate relationships that leads to blackmail, betrayal and eventually murder.
In Time for Christmas
by Katie FlynnAddy and Prue Fairweather live with Nell, their widowed mother, in a flat above her shop on the Scotland Road. The sisters, however, are very different. Addy is dark-haired, plain and always in trouble whereas Prue is flaxen-haired, blue-eyed and as angelic as her looks imply. To make matters worse, Nell makes no secret of her preference for the younger girl, increasing Addy's jealousy and resentment.On the other side of the coin, Giles Frobisher and his twin sister, Gillian, live in a crumbling mansion near the sea in Devon. The family have lost most of their money in the Depression, so Giles leaves university and joins the Fleet Air Arm. He meets the Fairweather girls briefly on a visit to Liverpool but they lose touch. When they meet again Addy and Prue are no longer children and Giles realises he is falling in love ...
Javascotia
by Benjamin OblerMelvin Podgorski is young, naïve, American - and a coffee fanatic. It's this passion that leads him from his native Chicago to 1990s Glasgow to scout out the prospects for a US coffee franchise. Looking for an escape from his suffocatingly suburban parents and the tangled wreckage of a divorce, he finds himself floundering in an alien land of Glaswegian dialect and radical student politics. As he becomes increasingly entangled with one particularly charming local and her militant ex-boyfriend, his efforts to keep the past and the present separate are put to the test, and soon his old life in Chicago and his recently found freedom in Glasgow are set for an emotional and catastrophic collision . . . Imbued with dark, mournful notes, dashes of warm humour and the bittersweet tang of learning the hard way, Javascotia combines a feel-good flavour with a deep substance.
Hope and Glory: Britain 1900-2000 (Penguin History of Britain)
by Peter ClarkePeter Clarke brilliantly challenges the commonly held view of Britain in the twentieth century as a nation in decline. Adopting a wide perspective, he examines the political. social and economic changes that transformed Britain. He looks at how jobs and prices, food and shelter, and education and welfare, shaped society and explores such areas as architecture, sport and popular culture. Embracing a century of national experience, Hope and Glory superbly conveys the diverse aspects of three generations who lived through unparalleled change.
The Idle Parent: Why Less Means More When Raising Kids
by Tom HodgkinsonThe Idle Parent is Tom Hodgkinson's radical parenting remedy against stifled, mollycoddled children.Modern life is wrecking childhood. Why can't we just leave our kids alone?If you've ever wondered why so many of today's children are unhappy, spoilt, stressed and selfish, then the answers and the remedy are to be found in The Idle Parent. Tom Hodgkinson wants us to leave our kids be, to give them the space and time to grow into self-reliant, confident, inquisitive, happy and free people. Full of practical tips of what to do and (more importantly) what not to do, Tom will not only help your kids be happier, but also help you, their parents, live happier and more fulfilled lives. 'Wise, practical, funny, personal, it will make you a much better parent' Oliver James'An inspiring book, genuinely subversive. Time to put away "silly adult things" and embrace childhood in all its messy glory' London Lite'A recipe for bright, happy people with need of neither television nor shrink. Who could ask for more?' Evening Standard'An original, thought-provoking book' Toby Young, Mail on SundayTom Hodgkinson is the founder and editor of The Idler and the author of How to be Idle, How to be Free, The Idle Parent and Brave Old World. In spring 2011 he founded The Idler Academy in London, a bookshop, coffeehouse and cultural centre which hosts literary events and offers courses in academic and practical subjects - from Latin to embroidery. Its motto is 'Liberty through Education'. Find out more at www.idler.co.uk.
In Too Deep
by Portia Da CostaI just want a taste of you. Or a touch. My fantasies about you plague my every waking hour. My only comfort is imagining that similar fantasies might obsess you too.When young librarian Gwendolynne Price finds increasingly erotic love notes to her in the suggestion box at work, she finds them both shocking and liberating.But who is her mystery admirer and how long will he be content to just admire her from afar...?A dark sensual romance to fuel your fantasies, as recommended in Tracey Cox’s ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ steamy reading list in the Daily Mail.
Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography Volume 3 1956-1964
by Dr Sarvepalli GopalThe third and final volume of Sarvepalli Gopal’s biography of Jawaharlal Nehru covers the last eight years of his life and Prime Ministership. It deals with his efforts to sustain economic and social advance of the Indian people and not to lose hold of the principles of his foreign policy even while relations with China deteriorated, culminating the large scale aggression in both the western and eastern sections of the long boundary between the two countries.
The Homeric Hymns: A New Prose Translation, And Essays, Literary And Mythological
by HomerComposed for recitation at festivals, these 33 songs were written in honour of the gods and goddesses of the ancient Greek pantheon. They recount the key episodes in the lives of the gods, and dramatise the moments when they first appear before mortals. Together they offer the most vivid picture we have of the Greek view of the relationship between the divine and human worlds.
Hope for the Railway Girls: The fifth book in the feel-good, heartwarming WW2 historical saga series (The Railway Girls Series, 5) (The railway girls series #5)
by Maisie ThomasBeing a railway girl isn't always easy but together, they can overcome every challenge that stands in their way.___________________Manchester, 1942A new year brings renewed hope for the railway girls.Alison's romance with the charming Dr Maitland is blossoming, but then she is posted away from Manchester. Working in a canteen isn't part of her plan, nor is meeting her beau's old girlfriend - one who just happens to want him back.Margaret is supportive of her friend's new relationship until she realises exactly who he is. Torn between keeping her secret and warning Alison, she turns to Joan for help.Working in Lost Property would not be Joan's first choice of job, but with a baby on the way she knows she can't continue being a station porter. As she looks to the future, can she put the troubles of her past behind her?_______________________'The characters are fresh and stand out from the page, there is tension, pathos and heartbreak, but more than that, there is joy!' FROST MagazineReaders LOVE the Railway Girls:'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you aren't going to be able to put this down''I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked''Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester''Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart''It is just like catching up with old friends'
Japanese Ghost Stories: Classic Japanese Ghost Stories
by Lafcadio HearnThe dead wreak revenge on the living, paintings come alive, spectral brides possess mortal men and a priest devours human flesh in these chilling Japanese ghost stories retold by a master of the supernatural. Lafcadio Hearn drew on the phantoms and ghouls of traditional Japanese folklore - including the headless 'rokuro-kubi', the monstrous goblins 'jikininki' or the faceless 'mujina' who stalk lonely neighbourhoods - and infused them with his own memories of his haunted childhood in nineteenth-century Ireland to create these terrifying tales of striking and eerie power. Today they are regarded in Japan as classics in their own right.Edited with an introduction by Paul Murray
Hopscotch: A Memoir
by Hilary Fannin‘Quite brilliant; beautifully, cleverly observed; funny, heart-breaking.’ – Roddy DoyleHilary is four, not yet five, and she has a mother and a father and an older brother and sisters. She even has a name at home – Billy – that is different from her written-down name. But now that she is in Low Babies in the local convent school, it seems Hilary has something else called responsibilities. The world is a changing place. Hilary’s parents, themselves products of a country bathed in sanctifying grace, and presided over by leather-strapped Christian Brothers, wimpled nuns, and a strictly ingrained moral code, start to question their own life choices. As she begins to mature, Hilary’s perspective shifts from a confusing mosaic of half-understood conversations, bizarre rules and surreal religious symbolism, to a growing awareness of the eccentricities of the adult world around her, where money is tight, ideas are unorthodox and where living life to the full is the goal.As her parents’ unconventional lifestyle rubs against the grain of a pervasive Catholic society, the cracks begin to appear: siblings are expelled from school; final demands litter the hallway; and Hilary discovers the truth about the always-present but never-to-be-mentioned golden-haired lady. Hopscotch is a funny, poignant and beautifully written memoir, a spellbinding meditation on innocence, love and memory itself.
Horace
by Chris d'LaceyHorace 012. That's what's written on the label attached to the old teddy bear Joel finds in a skip. When an antiques expert then visits his school, he discovers it's worth a small fortune! It's exactly what his cash-strapped family need - but how does Joel feel about the possible sudden wealth? He's got enough to cope with already - what with dealing with his family and with his first-ever girlfriend-
The Hornbeam Tree (Laurie Forbes and Elliott Russell #4)
by Susan LewisJust as celebrated columnist Katie Kiernan thinks life is over, it suddenly arrives on her doorstep in the shape of her sister Michelle, and all the intrigue Michelle brings with her. Friction, resentment and old jealousies make life in their house doubly challenging, as Katie struggles to cope with a rebellious teenager and Michelle longs for the man she has left behind. After a devastating betrayal Laurie Forbes is trying to rebuild her relationship with Elliot Russell, when she is plunged into a whirlwind of passion that threatens to tear them apart completely. Top journalist, Tom Chambers, the man Michelle left behind, faces the greatest challenge of his career when highly classified documents fall into his hands. Realizing how explosive the material is, Tom calls upon Elliot Russell to help with the investigation, and very quickly they are caught up in the deadly efforts to stop them going to print.
Horrible Words: A Guide to the Misuse of English
by Rebecca GowersNothing inflames the language gripers like a misplaced disinterested, an illogical irregardless, a hideous operationalisation. To purists these are 'howlers' and 'non-words', fit only for scorn. But in their rush to condemn such terms, are the naysayers missing something? In this provocative and hugely entertaining book, Rebecca Gowers throws light on a great array of horrible words, and shows how the diktats of the pedants are repeatedly based on misinformation, false reasoning and straight-up snobbery. The result is a brilliant work of history, a surreptitious introduction to linguistics, and a mischievous salute to the misusers of the language. It is also a bold manifesto asserting our common rights over English, even as it questions the true nature of style.
Horror Films - Virgin Film
by James MarriottFrom the Slick horror of Alien, Scream and The Ring and the cult classics Dracula, Frankenstein and The Mummy to the slasher icons Jason, Freddy and Leatherface, horror just won’t stay dead. The genre has earned its place in the moviegoing psyche, with many of the key films spawning numerous copycats. But what are the 20 most influential horror films of all time? And what made them so important?James Marriott give an incisive account of the definitive works (and the most influential directors) of the genre over the last 80 years – from silent Expressionist classics to Japanese wraiths. The book reveals the inspiration behind each film and examines the choice of director, cast, soundtrack and marketing. Marriott analyzes the critical reception of each film and examines the subsequent impact on the industry and the public worldwide.
Horror Stories (Penguin Worlds)
by Edith NesbitA groom promises to be at the church on time, even if he has to come back from the grave to do it.A man inherits a property where he discovers a portrait of a woman that will change his life forever.Two newlyweds find their dream country cottage, unaware of an ancient curse from the previous owners. A gripping, unsettling and utterly chilling collection of short stories from one of Britain's best loved storytellers.
The Horrors and Absurdities of Religion (Penguin Great Ideas)
by Arthur SchopenhauerA fascinating examination of ethics, religion and psychology, this selection of Schopenhauer's works contains scathing attack on the nature and logic of religion, and an essay on ethics that ranges from the American slavery debate to the vices of Buddhism. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.
Horse Play: (Churchminster: book 5): a romantic, scandalous and sizzling rom-com – the perfect dose of escapism! (Churchminister #5)
by Jo CarnegieIf you like Jilly Cooper, you will love this naughty, funny and deliciously addictive read from much loved author, Jo Carnegie.'Funny, saucy escapism' -- Heat'Sexy, sassy and scandalous' Glamour'The sort of book you lose yourself in' -- ***** Reader review'Total escapism and very, very funny' -- ***** Reader review'Absolutely loved it' -- ***** Reader review'A fantastic read' -- ***** Reader review******************************************************************************************************ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN THE COUNTRY...SO BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!Churchminster village - picturesque, quaint, sleepy - OR NOT...A place where women know exactly what they want, and it's not cream tea with the vicar.And a place where the men had better behave . . . because the ladies won't take it lying down (well, not unless they want to!)
The Horsemeat Cookbook
by Chris WindleThe word is out: horses really are for courses. Interest in cooking with horsemeat has been piqued by the recent horsemeat scandal, with butchers across the UK reporting customers curious to try it for themselves. Destined to become a firm favourite, horse is galloping onto the nation’s menus. Across the world it is considered a delicacy, a lean and delicious meat and a great addition to a stable diet. So the time has come to take the reins and get cooking: The Horsemeat Cookbook is a fun, light-hearted recipe book aimed at the gift book market and those interested in cooking with this healthy, low–calorie meat. Recipes will include classics such as the Italian Pastissada de Caval and Pot-au-feu de cheval, a traditional French horse stew; Yuk Hui, a Korean raw horse salad; and Beshbarmak, the national dish of Khazakhstan.Complete with information on nutritional benefits, cooking times and guides on which cuts to use for which dish, with The Horsemeat Cookbook your family and dinner guests will be chomping at the bit for more. And along with all that, there are even some horsemeat jokes thrown in for good measure.
Horses for Courses: An Irish Racing Year
by Anne HollandThere can be no better way of getting to know Ireland than by visiting its racecourses: from the glamour of Leopardstown and the class of The Curragh to the majestic mountains around Killarney; from the warm welcome at Gowran Park and Clonmel to the summer holidaymakers' meetings and 'industry' days in the winter months. At any one of these venues, you might catch a glimpse of a future Cheltenham Gold Cup champion or Derby winner in action.Horses for Courses guides readers through a typical year in Irish racing and highlights the individuality of each venue. All have their own special qualities and atmosphere but share two common traits: a warm welcome and good sport. And that is what the author believes Irish racing is all about.The country's courses enjoy a huge level of support from the local population. It might be raining and some of the races may be 'ordinary' but the stands will always be crowded. That is because racing is part of Irish culture and the nation's way of life: with 27 courses, it has proportionately far more venues than Great Britain.Meticulously researched and passionately written, Horses for Courses is the definitive guide to Ireland's racecourses and is essential reading for horse-racing enthusiasts everywhere.
Independence: Vintage Minis (Vintage Minis)
by Charlotte Bronte‘To myself alone could I look’Jane Eyre and Lucy Snowe are heroines who depend upon no one but themselves. In the face of hardship, from small sacrifices to great heartache, they cling resolutely to their principles of self-reliance. Lucy's energy and enterprise take her to Belgium and a career in teaching, whilst Jane’s honest, intelligent mind draws declarations of love. Both are the unforgettable creations of the deeply independent and brilliant Charlotte Brontë.Selected from Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Villette. VINTAGE MINIS: GREAT MINDS. BIG IDEAS. LITTLE BOOKS. A series of short books by the world’s greatest writers on the experiences that make us human Also in the Vintage Minis series: Sisters by Louisa May AlcottFreedom by Margaret AtwoodMarriage by Jane AustenLiberty by Virginia Woolf