Biography Books > R Biography Books > less than 5 GBP

Advantages: A real insight into an interesting figure
Disadvantages: Reed can be quite pretentious sometimes

"Lipstick, Sex, and Poetry" is billed rather threateningly as the "first autobiography" by the bisexual poet and novelist Jeremy Reed. In fact Reed seems to have a selective memory and the book consists almost entirely of memories and thoughts about sex separated by highly metaphysical speculation on the nature of poetry. Reed's androgynous looks and use of make-up tended to get him into trouble with irate motorists, but it had its positive side: ...
...on a deserted beach. My eyes were closed but I could sense someone encroaching. Without speaking a word, a girl screened by masses of black curls began..." What she actually began to do isn't really printable in a family site, but Reed helpfully adds "Things like that happen all the time when you are an androgyne." So that's how it's done. One of the main themes of Reed's book is the repeated point "at sixteen I was looking for a new species. I am ... Read review

Advantages: Honest, heartfelt, self-lacerating, courageous
Disadvantages: Maybe a bit drawn out at times

...pretty funny sometimes. Memoirs of an unfit mother is probably not the most thrilling autobiography you'll ever read but it's certainly worth the read. It's a really touching story and if there's one thing that remains unchanged throughout Anne Robinson's life, it's the love she has for her daughter. The fact that her daughter didn't live with her for the vast majority of her childhood is something that can never be changed and something that I'm ...
...story and personally, I was left thinking I'd read a fairytale where thankfully it all came together in the end and finally Ms Robinson has everything she wants and is happy. Wouldn't it be nice if all stories ended like that! The retail price of this book is £6.99 but that's hardly worth mentioning seeing as though you can get it for ridiculous prices on amazon (I just saw a copy for 29p!) Definitely worth a read for anyone who has the slightest ... Read review

Advantages: Compelling, compassionate, fascinating.....
Disadvantages: Shocking....

(please ignore the picture this is a Ciao error) I first learnt about the case of Genie* while I was an undergraduate psychology student learning about the development of language which, as many of you may know, is something which is of great fascination to me. Genie's case, although one of tragic and horrific circumstance, is one of great interest to psychologists as there is almost no other evidence with which to compare. Everything written within ...
...name, her real identity has been hidden for legal reasons. Genie lived 13 years of her life in a Los Angeles suburb with her mother, her father and her older brother. When Genie was one, her Grandmother on her father's side died and they all moved into her old house. Her father insisted they leave his mothers room untouched even though this meant they all had to sleep in the living room. All except Genie who was given the back room. This room wasn't ... Read review

Advantages: It's about Jeremy Clarkson
Disadvantages: Spelling mistakes, poor grammar, repetition, bad prose - they all destroy a good read

Jeremy Clarkson is the roguish motoring journalist and TV presenter many love to hate. For almost twenty years now, Clarkson has been making headlines with his controversial points of view, witty retorts, salacious references and contentious pieces of automobile journalism. Larger than life, both in stature and society, Jeremy Clarkson has made a successful career by saying the wrong thing at the right time. It would be reasonable to think, then, ...
...then. The book. Jeremy Clarkson - The Biography. And it has to be said that, if I were Clarkson, I'd be a touch embarrassed. It's a bloody shame that it's not an autobiography; a book about himself, by him, would undoubtedly be much more interesting than what we've got: a book about him, written by somebody else. Gwen Russell is, apparently, a successful journalist specialising in the celebrity circuit. Unfortunately, this book does not do her ... Read review

Advantages: A trip down memory lane for those who also remember the Nolans
Disadvantages: ended too soon

Well I must say, after receiving this book as a birthday present I thought I might give it a try when there's nothing else to be done. What a pleasant read I found it to be, very entertaining. The book depicts well the atmosphere and camraderie at Pontin's, and he certainly did live it up while working there (puts Alfie Moon in the shade!) Shane's personality and sense of humour definitely comes through I almost laughed out loud at times. Although ...
...latter stages of the book as his marriage breaks down, and Shane knows he only has himself to blame he finds the guilt very hard to bear. I got the impression that Shane and Coleen Nolan were made for each other, but he blew it!!!! Altogether an entertaining read and was sad to come to the end. ... Read review