Biography Books > Deric Longden Biography Books

Advantages: Great book if you love Deric Longden's writing
Disadvantages: You would be better starting with an earlier book if new to his writing

...to arrive from Amazon. Paws in the Proceedings is the latest in a line of books which looks at life in the Longden household and, given the title, I was hoping it would make a lovely follow on from 'The cat that came in from the cold' and 'Enough to make a cat laugh' which were his two previous book about the felines in his life. It sort of does that because woven throughout the book is the tale of the latest arrival, Nokia, and how he fits in with ...
...it also continues with varied tales of Deric and Aileen's life and the numerous problems that befall them and their extended family. I read this book within a couple od days of receiving it which is testament to the fact that I enjoyed it and because it is formed from lots of little tales of Deric's escapades it is quite easy to find sensible breaks to put it down which would make it an ideal book to dip into and out of. Deric's humour is as good ... Read review

Advantages: Charming book - makes you laugh
Disadvantages: Makes you cry too

I have loved Deric Longden's books for many years and I found "Enough to Make a Cat Laugh" whilst browsing on Amazon. Having been reading more 'serious' books recently the thought of his light hearted style of writing really appealed to me so I ordered the book. The book chronicles a year in the life of the Longden household, starting with spring then summer, autumn and finishing with winter. The 'household' consists of Deric, his wife Aileen and ...
...Other members of the family include Arthur's wire brush and a sultana called Ralph - but you will have to read the book if you want to know more about these two! This is a book guaranteed to make you laugh if you have any connection with cats in the house yourself but, on the other hand, it is equally able to move you to tears. For those not already familiar with his writing, Deric's wife - writer Aileen Armitage - is registered blind and occasionally ... Read review

Advantages: Giggle-out-loud funny, charming, immensely accessible, honest.
Disadvantages: Unusually, absolutely nothing!

...that it was one of the best literary investments she could ever have made. This charming little tome drags the reader on a lovely journey of enlightenment and discovery, as writer Deric Longden comes to the wonderful realisation that he is, in fact, a Cat's Best Friend. It all begins when he spots his next door neighbour's new kitten sitting on an upturned bucket in the yard. When the day turns rainy and the little mite is still out in the cold, ...
...new love affair culminates in the sneaky adopting of the kitten, and the story runs from there. Fears of sheepskin rugs, drunken misbehavior with spilt wine, climbing trees, a pet sultana called Ralph, and all sorts of other scrumptious quirks and mishaps ensue as Deric and his kitten bond, culminating in Aileen - who is almost blind - shutting him in the fridge with a pack of Danish bacon. The wonderful image of Deric thawing him out in a shrunken ... Read review

Advantages: It will have you giggling away as you read
Disadvantages: There are some very poignant moments in there

If you haven't read any of Deric Longden's books then you really are missing out on the opportunity to enjoy some lovely writing that will have you chuckling away as you read. He has a lovely style which I have to say appeals to my sense of humour. He can take the most mundane situations and relate them in a way that a good stand up comic will - emphasising the ridiculous things we do in every day life. This little booke entitled "Lost for Words" ...
...eventual decline into old age. You may have seen the film or DVD of this book which starred Thora Hird as his Mum and Peter Postlethwaite as Deric? Even if you have seen the film it is still well worth reading the book in order that you can enjoy Deric's style and humour first hand for, although the film is amusing and touching, it doesn't quite capture the full story in all its glory. I loved this book party because of his writing and partly because ... Read review

Advantages: allows you to get an in depth look at Lulu as a person not just as a celebrity
Disadvantages: none

...This book is written by Lulu herself and shares everything with the reader from her parents’ background, her childhood, marriage, bereavement, and life at fifty three years of age. There are twenty chapters in this book, each one bringing out more and more tears, laughter and stories of Lulu’s remarkable life. I am now going to give you a brief overview of each chapter but don’t worry, I won’t give away everything. It would be impossible to give ...
...in the second chapter where Lulu describes where she lives, other people around her, going on holiday, having a new baby brother, winning her first contest, competing with her brother, going to a recording booth at the age of eight and making her professional debut. Chapter 3 – Kiss, Catch or Torture Here Lulu describes her crushes as a child. She also describes her horrific school-life. Chapter4 – ‘Why is Wee Marie Not at School?’ The title ... Read review