Biography Books > J Biography Books > S

Advantages: laughter and tears of sadness
Disadvantages: Not to be read if you read his Plonkers book

I am actually reviewing a book but also raising a question about the author from my personal experience of reading two of his other books. For anyone not having knowledge of the author, Stephen D. Smith is a practising solicitor in Rotherham and also the author of a number of books, relating to his early life in the legal profession. This book is, according to the 'About the author' page, the second in his series following on from Boozers, Ballcocks ...
...something which I will go into detail later. For the benefit of those who have read my previous reviews by this author, if you experience a sense of 'I've read some of this before' feeling, then join my club, although this will be the second time around for me! The book introduces the reader to many characters on both sides of the law, both criminal and civil along with Smith's friends and colleagues. In the first chapter we meet Albert Heptonstall, ... Read review

Advantages: Rather blunt and honest in emotion
Disadvantages: The line between truth and exaggeration is a bit blurry...

'Jarhead' by Anthony Swofford is bound to make some people angry. A Marine sniper (STA) during Desert Storm I in the early 1990s, he recounts his experiences there with vivid emotion, weaving in his experiences of boot camp, adolescence, and civilian life after the Corps in the process. Swofford has a chip on his shoulder - something he'll most likely readily admit. He has a 'bad attitude', and in fact revels in it. One wonders if this is a product ...
...upbringing. At one point his mother, who never really liked the idea of her son being in the Marines, but who wouldn't stand in her son's way, said 'I lost my baby boy when you went to war.' She described Swofford as being sweet and gentle prior to that, and angry and unhappy afterwards. One wonders how much of a change is there - if one can take the stories at face value, this is the same boy who had a fist-fight with his father over going in the ... Read review

Advantages: Cheap, fun and easy to read
Disadvantages: I want her life

I bought this book on a spur of the moment shopping trip, basically because I was interested to see how Coleen went from being a schoolgirl to a WAG in such a short space of time. I was amazed to read her story and see how down to earth she really was, even after being catapulted at amazing speed into the limelight. She was even thoughtful enough to come back to her book and update it with her wedding plans for the release of the paperback edition. ...
...quick life update, within which she includes girly pages with tips on make-up, fashion, nights out and quizzes, making it so much more like a diary. It is really easy to read and highly enjoyable to learn how down to earth she is and how she enjoys nothing more than snuggling on her sofa watching the soaps just like the rest of us. ... Read review

Advantages: Shows a reverse perspective.
Disadvantages: Heartbreaking at times.

...six, makes this sometimes a little difficult to read and comprehend. ( I have a six year old daughter and the idea of her seeing the atrocities that the author did is heartbreaking to me). Amongst all the fear, desperation, hunger and complete and utter exhaustion is the story of the true hero's of this book……. The people. The true humanitarian feeling you get throughout the entire book is astounding, the people who have nothing and nowhere to ...
...a stranger, the people who fear for their homes due to the "invasion" of the English and like, who at a moments notice, will have someone "billeted" to them, ( this is what they called the refugees, after they were allocated a bed or home in the village they happen to come across) and show the refugees unforgettable kindness by providing a warm bed for the night and a delicious meal to boot. This book is full of sadness, and the stories of the complete ... Read review

Advantages: Full account of life, family disputes, munich tragedy and world cup win.
Disadvantages: I paid high price - you wont.

I am not a Manchester United fan, I am a spurs fan and a passionate lover of football. I bought this book because I had a vague interest in his life and wanted to know more about the lives of one of the 1966 world cup winners. Sir Bobby charlton goes in depth into his accounts of the tragedy of Munich, recounts his memories of the Busby Babes, and through his book manages to actually take you through a timeline of British and European football from ...
...Newcaslte at a young age, his early football career, the heights of manchester United and the loss of a team in Munich. He recounts his stories of some of the greatest footballers e.g. Denis Law, George Best and Stanley Matthews, above all teaches us more about the lives of Duncan Edwards and other great footballers lost in Germany. He explains his sibling relationship with his brother Jack and the family problems he encountered in his life. Sir ... Read review