Biography Books > P Biography Books > 5 GBP to 9 GBP

Advantages: An amazing story from age 4 to adult
Disadvantages: You will need a pack or 2 of tissues!

My Story by Dave Pelzer is a trilogy which includes A Child Called "It", The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave. I first heard about A Child Called "It" a few years ago after I had read a book called The Kid, by Kevin Lewis. I had mentioned the book, written about the abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of his parents, to a friend who told me I should also read A Child Called "It". She told me that it was a similar story, written about the harrowing ...
...decided to buy this book, My Story. The book is widely available both used and new, online and in good book stores. The cover price of the paperback book I purchased is £7.99, although a search online will of course bring this book up much cheaper, which is what I did. The book is 490 pages long in total, which includes all 3 books in the trilogy. Please be aware before I get going with the story, if you haven't already read this book, there may ... Read review

Advantages: Very well-researched, packed with facts
Disadvantages: Too much historical and political detail

This study of the ill-fated Victoria, Princess Royal (1840-1901), later the German Empress Frederick and mother of Kaiser Bill, is exhaustively researched. The author has had access to some very useful sources, and this is bound to remain the most complete book on the Empress for some time to come. I particularly like her sympathetic tone; 'Vicky' has had her detractors, who have accused her of being tactless, domineering towards her husband, and ...
...her life, but Pakula proves that these judgments show a distortion of the evidence, or else stem from a lack of understanding and insight. The main problem with this book is that its 600 pages or so of closely-printed text often tend to lose the central character from time to time. There is considerable detail about the court of Berlin and the various wars, political issues of the time et al, but I think it would be much more readable if some of ... Read review

Advantages: Interesting a lot of history
Disadvantages: Long winded and hard to read

I wanted to read the Samual Pepys diaries for a long time, I enjoy history and love to learn about our English past. I borrowed the book the more modern version, but still found it a struggle to read. Its very hard and long winded. I found it a boring book at times but other parts compelling. I have leart a lot about the black death, the great fire and general times around London in the 1600's. Its worth the read if you have the time and patience. ...
...for that period in history. The amazing way in which they coped in London with all that was happening. It was an interesting time for the monarcy as well. I do think much of Samual Pepy's and his treatment of his wife, but he was loyal and tried to understand her. I would recommend a read for those who really want to, its a long struggle to finnish but fullfilling when you have ... Read review

Advantages: Gripping and interesting
Disadvantages: None apparent

"Every generation has its one defining moment. We are yours." Or so says Nicky Wire. He has a point - the Manics have certainly made their mark on pop culture, and whether you love 'em or hate 'em, you have to give them their due. Composed of ten analytical essays, this is an exhaustive biography of the band, written by a friend and devoted fan of the Manics. In the author's introduction, however, Price confesses that Nicky read some of the book ...
...some minor." It's slightly annoying that you don't know what these errors are, but it's honest of the author to admit this. Nevertheless, this book makes for a gripping read on one of the most original and influential bands of the decade. The whole 4-Real incident is painstakingly recorded, accompanied by the terrifying photo in its full colour glory. Also included is an amusing transcript of journalists at the NME deciding whether or not to risk ... Read review

Advantages: Price, brilliant reading.
Disadvantages: Some strong language

...had written his first novel, Weerz me Dad? I felt a great desire to read this, so I rushed to buy it. The Story. An extremely humourous, yet tinged with sad moments, autobigraphical recollections of a 5year old boy growing up in the late 40' to the age of 10 years in the early fifties. The location of the story in the , then, heavily industrialised City of Sheffield. The book recounts many stories of the hardships and struggles of an age long ...
...weeks before his new book, Weerz Me Mam? is to be published and on sale. My Personal Comments. Not only have I have read this when I first bought it, I have re read it and achieved the same enjoyment second time around. Rarely has actually reading a book brought tears to my eyes with laughter, but this certainly did. Being nearly the same age as Fred was, together with living near to Sheffield, not only could I empathise fully, I could also picture ... Read review