Biography Books > D Biography Books

Advantages: Truly remarkable and utter love and compassion from this author
Disadvantages: Shocking and upsetting - utterly heartrending

A friend leant me this book and I must admit I wasn't sure whether it would be that good. I have read a lot of childhood memoirs starting off with A Boy callede It and found that a lot of them are very alike, a bit "woe is me". Yes I know they have all had a bad childhood, but I stopped reading them after a a while because they were all very similar. I must admit I was amazed by this book. The book is written by Cathy Glass who is a Foster Carer. ...
...violent, aggressive, and has already been through numerous foster families when her last hope is Cathy Glass. Cathy is "pushed" into taking on Jodie as a last resort after she has been rehomed many times. If Cathy wouldn't take her on then she would be forced into a Children's Home. Cathy decides to give Jodie a chance, and what a time she has. The patience shown by Cathy in the face of such adversity is truly aspiring. Jodie frequently soils herself, ... Read review

Advantages: Wonderful writing, beautiful feel good book
Disadvantages: Do we believe him?

OK, time to open up the where are they now file.... Chris Stewart got his big break in the late 1960s when he ws invited to join the rock band Genesis. Peter Gabriel was the band's first drummer but he decided that he wanted to concentrate on the vocals and so Chris Stewart was offered the opportunity. His stint was short-lived, however - only a matter of a few months and when it was suggested he was surplus to requirements, Chris followed his parents ...
...might think that perhaps he was a little hasty...not only have Genesis been one of the biggest rock bands in the world, but their individual members have all gone on to enjoy huge solo success. Reading "Driving Over Lemons", though, I shouldn't think Chris Stewart has any regrets about giving up the fickle world of rock stardom at the tender age of seventeen. Chris's life is now that of a farmer in one of the most picturesque spots in Europe, high ... Read review

Advantages: Gripping and factual
Disadvantages: You're forced to think (that's an advantage, really)

Daughters of Arabia follows on from Jean Sasson’s previous book, “Princess”, which I would advise you to read first. Princess is a biography based on the life and hardships of an Arab woman growing up in and struggling with the oppressed role of Islamic women. Yet this is not some knee-jerk criticism of another culture; rather an objective study of the origins of and reasons for what the West sees as a subservient role. Saudi Arabia receives much ...
...what you are reading is factual. Daughters of Arabia is a sequel, following the lives of the Princess’s two daughters, who are born into what has become a wealthier society, but still filled with oppression and injustice. Both books are troubling, yet inspiring, and a highly recommended read. ... Read review

Advantages: Funny, serious, compelling reading
Disadvantages: Large book

...is extracts from Michael Plain's diaries & it makes compelling reading. It covers his life from 1969-1979 & thus covers the Monty Python years including the films such as the 'Life of Brian' that were made in the 1970s. It's a big hardback book but paperback versions are now available. Michael Pailn is very endearing character famous for his comedy writing & acting (including serious roles) & recently as a travel writer & presenter. His diary covers ...
...the struggles to get the programme on air as well as the internal problems with his co writers. If you are a Monty Python fan, this book is a must as it covers a lot of things that were never exposed in the public domain before. There are funny sections & many sad ones too, involving his father's health, but despite the size of the book the reader can quite easily leave it & come back to it days later & never lose any interest. It is well written ... Read review

Advantages: Some vaguely amusing anecdotes
Disadvantages: They're few and far between

A friend of mine, knowing I’m a “Doctor Who” fan, recommended this to me as being very funny. Indeed, it’s kind of funny that there is even the option to buy a book such as this. The return of “Doctor Who” has suddenly made it the kind of program that a man in his 30s can admit to liking. In years past, I would never have considered buying a book like this, as I would never have wanted anyone knowing I watched “Doctor Who”, much less enjoyed it. ...
...this book. Until the return of the series around three years ago, being a “Doctor Who” fan was something you kept quiet; for fear that people would think you a nerd. Before then, a “Doctor Who” fan was someone who hung around “Outpost Gallifrey” and wrote fan fiction and the description would possibly have fitted relatively well. However, since the return of the series, everything has changed. It’s no longer aimed purely at making children hide ... Read review