Search Results for: General Interest

Made with melanin and magic

There is no one quite like you. Your strengths are unique and your future is full of wonder. It’s time to tap in to your confidence and express your true self boldly.

This little book is packed with empowering words from women of colour whose self-belief has seen them achieve awesome things. From Wilma Rudolph and Lupita Nyong’o to Ida B. Wells and Malala Yousafzai, these inspiring icons will help you love yourself a little more and own your story.

Swapping his beret for a chef’s hat, Neil Sinclair, author of the bestselling Commando Dad: Basic Training, is back.

Bursting with simple, healthy recipes, his cookbook will help dads:
– Learn – and teach their young troops – essential culinary skills
– Shop smart and make the budget go further
– Make nutritious meals for the whole unit
– Cook in the great outdoors – everything from setting the fire to a proper camp clean-up

Discover the tried-and-tested Commando Dad approach to feeding the family and enlist support from the troops, helping them to learn culinary skills that will last a lifetime.

Together, we can change the world

There is little doubt that our beautiful planet is now under huge threat; our weather is more extreme, plastic litters our oceans, industrial production and farming methods wreak havoc on the environment and mass deforestation has led to the extinction of many species.

Carry on this way and it’s almost certain that sea levels will continue to rise, there will be extreme heatwaves, loss of the polar ice caps and mass pollution; in short, a very worrying future for us all. We need to take action before it’s too late, and we can all do our bit to help.

This guide is full of simple tips we can all incorporate into our daily lives, and will demonstrate how small eco-friendly changes can have a huge positive effect on the world around us. They might even save the planet.

Do you ever feel seriously bored? This awesome activity book for puzzle-solving adults is here to inject some fun into your day!

When the weather’s miserable, there’s nothing good on TV and you’ve already spent the last two hours scrolling through the entirety of your social media feed, you need another way to entertain yourself. Luckily, this fun-filled puzzle book is packed with amusing activities and tremendous trivia designed to cure any case of boredom, whether mild, moderate or severe.

This book contains a whole host of activities, including crosswords, mazes, word searches, dot-to-dots, spot-the-differences and much more. And for the quiz lovers, there’s also plenty of fascinating trivia to boost your general knowledge and impress your friends.

So make yourself a hot drink and share a night in with Bored As F*ck Puzzle Book for a jam-packed session of quizzing and puzzle-solving. With this book’s entertaining and eclectic mix of games and puzzles, you’ll never again suffer another tedious afternoon of twiddling your thumbs.

When you’re stuck at your desk day after day, do you find yourself daydreaming about a glamorous occupation, such as a racing driver, an astronaut or a stunt double? The adrenaline rush and prestige of these extreme jobs is one thing, but have you ever considered the practicalities?

This compelling book unravels the mysteries and exposes the pitfalls of the world’s most dangerous jobs, giving a fascinating insight into the working lives of those who regularly stare death in the face rather than the usual mounds of paperwork.

You’ll be prepped and ready to live life on the edge!

Paula Reid has completed 92 things on her list of things to do before she dies, including sailing around the world, walking on hot coals, paddling the Mekong and the Thames, and diving with great white sharks! She is also a successful coach and leadership trainer, with testimonials from numerous multinational companies. She lives in London.

What seems to be the problem?

Your job is rewarding, but if you’re going to be faced with the horrors of the human body, you’re going to need survival skills:
Think positively: At least you aren’t suffering from these ailments. Well, not yet…
Reassure yourself: One day you will be able to retire – assuming you survive that long.

This mischievous little book will help see you through your years as a doctor with tongue-in-cheek advice and cheeky illustrations.

If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that people love parks

As horizons shrank, we took stock. At first, a sense of panic set in: nowhere to go, nothing to do…

Then we all went to the park, and we realized something: we need greenery – we crave it.

Whether we’re in Colombia or Korea, America or Australia, urban parks are places where we can find calm amid the chaos. They can also (more often than we may realize) conceal intriguing hidden histories, and can tell us something about modern life in our frenzied world, too.

With fondness and humour, travel writer Tom Chesshyre recalls 50 of his favourite urban parks from across the world, in a love letter to the green escapes that bring us joy in our cities.

Discover the true tales of extraordinary felines with this heart-warming and inspirational collection, perfect for fans of A Streetcat Named Bob and Nala’s World

Meet some of the world’s most incredible real-life cat heroes in this awesome compendium of true stories, including:
– Scarlett, the brave mother who went into a burning building five times to rescue her kittens.
– Emily, the cat who survived an epic journey across the Atlantic trapped in a shipping container from America to France.
– Oscar, the care-home cat who predicts when residents are about to pass on and comforts them in their final hours.

Whether they’re testing the boundaries of their nine lives or demonstrating unusual talents, cats are always full of surprises. In Super Cats, prepare to meet the most surprising of all.

From loyal companions who put their lives at risk to help others to intuitive cats who detected danger when no one else did, these extraordinary felines will capture your heart and make you marvel at their astonishing powers.

You don’t need a huge space to have a beautiful garden! This book is the perfect beginner’s guide to micro-gardening, featuring tips on how to start, what to choose and how to grow over 20 types of indoor and outdoor plants.

Have you ever been curious about gardening, but lacked an outdoor space? Or are you a pro gardener looking for your next creative horticultural challenge? Then this book is for you!

Whether you want to attract local pollinators, grow a handy collection of herbs for your kitchen, create a relaxing indoor oasis, or enjoy the simple pleasure of watching something grow, My Tiny Window Garden is bursting with tips and ideas to help you get started. You will find:

The basics of micro-gardening
– Troubleshooting tips
– Plant profiles to help you choose what to grow
– Craft ideas to help you style your plants

Perfect for both budding gardeners and seasoned experts looking for seeds of inspiration, this book will hone your green fingers and help you cultivate your very own tiny window garden.

Do you aspire to master the art of the perfect burger?
To make DIY disasters a thing of the past?
To discover ingenious ways to keep the kids entertained and make cleaning up after them a breeze?
LIFE HACKS FOR DADS is your handy guide to making your daily life that little bit easier. This fully illustrated manual covers everything from keeping your car door wonderfully dent-free to perfecting your Frisbee throw, and much, much more.

Have you ever wondered who fired the first British shot of World War One? Or who claimed the glory of downing the Red Baron? And what has Winnie the Pooh got to do with it all?

Telling the stories of the battles, the aircraft, the weapons, the soldiers, the poets, the campaigns and the many heroes, Norman Ferguson delves deep into the history of the ‘Great War’. Through anecdotes and statistics, and drawing on letters, speeches and official reports, this comprehensive miscellany is a compelling guide to a war that transformed and marked forever the course of twentieth-century history.

It was two in the morning. We dragged ourselves out of bed and went downstairs again. The conservatory was devastated. Anything free-standing had been pulled over; anything wooden had been attacked. There, in the middle of the scene, the queen of chaos herself was standing on top of the table with rolling eyes and a tongue twice its normal length.

Andrew had always wanted a dog – something you could mould into the perfect playmate. Tail going like a windscreen wiper, tongue a pink strip, wet-nosed, bright-eyed – what boy wouldn’t want such a force in his life?

But a man of thirty-seven? And an ex-racing greyhound?

Dash is a heart-warming memoir about the adoption of a champion greyhound bitch and her transformation into ring-bearer at her new owner’s wedding. Set over a watershed twelve months, it’s the story of wanting the perfect dog and planning the perfect wedding. ‘Dash’ is far from perfect, but that’s half the fun. The novelty of a man trying to organise a wedding is the other half.

Did you know…
Shakespeare is the most filmed author of all time: he’s been credited on more than 1,000 movies and TV shows. ‘Obscene’, ‘gloomy’, ‘fashionable’ and ‘generous’ are among the countless new words that Shakespeare introduced. (Actually, ‘countless’ is one of his too.) It’s also because of the Bard that we say ‘catch a cold’, ‘naked truth’ and ‘green-eyed monster’.  Almost all the moons of Uranus are named after characters from Shakespeare, including Titania, Oberon and Puck? For further fascinating insights, dive into this masterful miscellany and become a Shakespeare buff.
There’s never been a better time to take a fresh look at William Shakespeare’s eternal works. A treasure trove of wit, imagination and emotion, his plays and poems continue to surprise, inspire, console and delight us. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of the Bard or a curious newcomer to his world, this companion will lift the curtain on the unforgettable characters and stories of Britain’s greatest dramatist.

Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits

At the age of 55, record-breaking ultrarunner Mimi Anderson embarked on her most ambitious adventure yet. She wanted to become the fastest woman in history to run across America from Los Angeles to New York.
Her journey would cover 2,850 miles, 12 states and four time zones, dealing with extreme changes in terrain, weather and altitude along the way.

For 40 days, the determined mother of three pushed herself on and on for more than 2,000 miles across the vast continent, despite the onset of severe pain, until she was forced to make a crushing decision: carry on and risk never being able to run again or give up on her all-time goal.

What happened next set Mimi on a new, unexpected journey. She learned to face her fears and bounce back from defeat by taking up the new challenge of becoming a triathlete.

A follow-up to her first memoir Beyond Impossible, this next instalment in Mimi’s inspiring story proves that when one door closes, another opens – you just need the courage to swim, cycle and run through it.

Be kind to the planet, but most of all, be kind to yourself


When you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, grab this book for a dose of calm and courage. Packed with reassuring tips and advice, from mindfulness exercises to practical steps you can take to make a difference, this guide will ease your eco-anxiety and help you to live a more environmentally friendly life.

Who hasn’t dreamt of writing a bestseller?
Illuminating the best-known works of 50 celebrated authors, writing coach Tony Rossiter shows you exactly how they achieved their phenomenal success. With an expert eye he explains how each author began writing, and examines their style, techniques and routine for insights into their art.
Imitating the methods – rather than the content – of a favourite writer is an excellent apprenticeship for anyone who wants to master the craft of writing. And it’s how many of the most successful authors began. If you want to write a bestseller, this guide will set you on the path to success.

This accessible introduction to sacred geometry illuminates the beauty and power of nature and explains how we can draw on this mystical energy to enrich our everyday lives

Sacred geometry is founded on the belief that everything is connected through the shapes and symmetries that we see repeated in nature all around us, from snowflakes and shells to crystals and honeycombs. These beautiful patterns are part of the mystic architecture of the universe – some even see them as the signature of a deity woven throughout creation.

This beginner’s guide clearly explains what sacred geometry is and how it manifests in the natural world. Then, by learning how to harness the power of sacred shapes, you can find healing, energy, peace and oneness with the universe.

The Little Book of Sacred Geometry will help you appreciate the cosmic significance of these principles and grasp fascinating insights such as:
– How the study of sacred geometry has developed since ancient times
– What the numerous sacred shapes look like
– What key concepts, such as the golden ratio, refer to
– How sacred geometrical practices can be applied in your life

Everyday life is a battle that must be fought against the boomers, and OK Boomer is the ultimate comeback! This is the lethal weapon we millennial and Gen Zs have been waiting for. It’s the verbal eye-roll we need for the out-of-touch generation who just don’t appreciate avocado and rosé. This amusing little book will advise you when”OK Boomer” can best be deployed, along with tips on recognizing the boomer and understanding their outdated sayings.

This pocket-sized collection of helpful guidance and satisfying recipes will help students eat well and affordably

Every student needs to fill their belly as well as their brain. But even if you can barely make toast, this starter guide to killing it in the kitchen will give you what you need to succeed.

From the very basics through to more adventurous dishes, whether you’re a vegan or an omnivore, these recipes are budget-friendly, super tasty and easy to make.

Inside, along with plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, you’ll find:

– Basic, easy-to-follow advice on what you need to start cooking
– Breakfast recipes and smoothies
– Soups and starters
– Mains and salads
– Snacks and midnight cravings
– Sweet treats and desserts
And the reliable recipes in these pages include the following dishes and many more:

– Spaghetti Bolognese
– Garlic bread
– Pork or vegetable stir-fry
– Teriyaki salmon
– Chicken curry
– Avocado salad
– Chocolate brownies
– Low-fat banana muffins

“A truly inspiring journey that celebrates the healing power of adventure. A must-read.” – Levison Wood

“Wonderfully relatable on so many levels. Simon’s wanderlust, mental roller coaster and reactions to a fast-changing world had me enthralled in his journey, but very much reflecting on my own over the past few years. A brilliantly crafted book which holds a mirror up to the world we live in.” – Mark Beaumont

“Simon’s cycle ride around his own country is a fine demonstration that adventure and transformation begins on your own doorstep.” – Alastair Humphreys


The remarkable and inspirational true story of how one man battled grief and anxiety, one pedal stroke at a time, on a 3,500-mile adventure around Britain

In March 2020, as Britain entered its first lockdown, Simon Parker’s life fell apart; his travel journalism career vanished overnight and shortly afterwards he received the tragic news that a close friend had died. With a long-suppressed anxiety disorder starting to rear its head, he turned to the only therapies he knew and trusted: travel and exercise.

Setting off on his bike from the northernmost point of Shetland with only a sleeping bag and a camping stove, Simon would end up cycling 3,427 miles around Britain. En route, he would meet hundreds of resilient Britons, who were all, in their own way, riding out the storm just like he was. Even in his gloomiest moments he began to see that a chink of light was never too far away.

Riding Out is a story of optimism and hope, and a ground-level portrait of Britain as it transforms from a country in crisis to a nation on the mend. From Shetland to the Scillies, Dover to Durness, Simon learns that life’s sharpest corners are best navigated at the gentle pace of a bicycle.

Do you know…
Which famous author died of caffeine poisoning? Why Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was banned in China? Who was the first British writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature? Banned books, feuding authors, literary felons, rejected masterpieces – it’s all in these pages, along with tips for aspiring writers and lists of the most iconic works. A treasure trove of compelling facts, riveting anecdotes and extraordinary characters, this is every book-lover’s dream: a book about books and the people who write them. Read on!

When Kate Allan’s beloved black cat, Oscar, is found lying severely injured in a field near their Jersey home, she is sure the accident-prone boy has met his end. With both hind legs severed by a combine-harvester, his life hangs in the balance; luckily for Oscar, his vet knows Noel Fitzpatrick, star of Channel 4’s The Supervet, who agrees to try pioneering surgery to replace his legs with specially created prosthetics.

This is the amazing true account of a loving family faced with agonising decisions and unexpected twists of fate, and a courageous black feline destined to become the world’s first bionic cat.

What is sewn into a pilot’s uniform when they receive their wings? In what year did the first female jet pilot join the RAF? Why were former Lightning pilots called WIWOLS? For the answers to all these questions and more, take off into this fascinating miscellany and become a true RAF aficionado.
With its famous Supermarine Spitfire and the legendary Red Arrows, the RAF has been a pillar of British military operations since its beginnings in 1918. This new miscellany brings together the origins of the RAF, the people who make it tick and the technology that lets it take to the skies, as well as the aviation lingo and time-honoured traditions that characterise the force we know today. Whether you have first-hand RAF experience or you’re an enthusiastic supporter from the ground, this remarkable volume will be your guide to the oldest independent air force in the world. Chocks away! 

L’appetito vien mangiando! – Appetite comes while you are eating.

Vicky arrives in Tuscany to study the language and culture of Italy, but soon falls in love with charismatic chef Gianfranco and starts to learn the art of Italian cooking in his trattoria. On Sunday nights, after benches are stacked on tables, they explore the countryside by car, passing glassy lakes and ancient hill towns.

This colourful and intoxicating gastro-memoir takes you behind the scenes of romantic restaurants and bars in Tuscany, Umbria, Elba and Perugia. Interspersed with recipes, humour and heartbreak, it will leave you entranced and with a hankering for tagliatelle and truffles.