Biography Books > D Biography Books > less than 5 GBP

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: a true story of incredible braveness
Disadvantages: a very sad but inspiring story

Dont tell mummy is a story of a little girl who on becoming the age of six years suffers years of abuse from her father, it is a sad story of how it affected her life, this poor child had to learn to deal with her abuse alone as her mother was no help... This book deals with her relationship with her dad who was the abuser and her mother who was aware of the abuse between her husband and daughter. Her mother stands by him even after he is sentenced ...
...sad story that will make you cry, very angry and feel helpless hearing such terrible things happening to such an innocent child. it is a story of sadness and heart break. I could not put it down, I just had to read it cover to cover, Toni Maguire is a very exceptional woman . It was almost like she was telling me her story in person, so well written... ... Read review