Biography Books > W Biography Books > less than 5 GBP > by Title (First Letter)

Advantages: Fascinating historical account of a remarkable woman.
Disadvantages: None

If you're into the history of aviation, you should love this book, it charts the action packed life and adventures of a woman born in 1918 to a somewhat wealthy family, and her exploits in the Air Transport Auxilliary (ATA) as a ferry pilot, delivering new aircraft from factories to the fighting squadrons in World War 2, often without radios or navigation equipment (which presented a hazard on it's own). Later, after the war, she continued flying, ... Read review

Advantages: True to life
Disadvantages: none

I found this a fascinating insight into how the profession has changed so much since the 50,s. The writer captures the essence of the time and describes her journey into a profession that at that time was a difficult and dangerous world. It was funny, sad and a real eye opener as to how lucky we are today. She is taken into a world where she is nurtured and helped by the nuns she lives and works with. It highlights how important her role was and ...
...sometimes visiting family's that lived in utmost poverty. Her compassion for people shined through and it was an enjoyable read. Her profession did not always make her popular but no matter what barriers were put in front of her she did not fail to give everyone she came across a fighting chance. ... Read review

Advantages: if you like Ruby, this explains a lot. Entertaining-a really good read
Disadvantages: if you don't like Ruby, this explains a lot! I did not like the font used.

...beating and i don't know how she put up with it. I certainly couldn't have done it. It has given me an insight into her and a wish to say "Good on you Ruby" that I had not got before. I really had a chuckle at her "fame" chapter -which opens with a simple test on how much envy we carry around. Her questions " Are you happy for those smiling celebrities , living in perfect homes with perfect partners? Or do you somewhere, secretly in you bowels, wish ...
...they are...after everyone tells you how wonderful and beautiful it all is, she says "do not listen to these people - it is f****ing hell. " Her final words which tell of her tears when her father told her he loved her moved me a lot- given that he had been a tyrant all of her life. However now he is old, his mind has gone and she feels freer than she did. He is not capable of insulting her any longer. The book contains some really good photos -and ... Read review

Advantages: Funny, honest, endearing and engaging.
Disadvantages: Sometimes you want to shout "Get a grip on yourself, man".

You spend all of those years as a member of the Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band in the World, and you end up, unsurprisingly, with drug and alcohol problems and frequent trips to rehab. More of a surprise is the revelation that Ronnie Wood never had much in the way of cash through these seemingly plentiful, hay-making years, and when he did, he did his best to blow it all as quickly as possible. That he seems to be on more of an even financial keel ...
...above all, he comes across as a decent, honest bloke who would happily share a pint with you. Of lemonade, these days, I guess. A cut above the usual rock star autobiography for its candour, its wide-eyed naivety, and eye-popping tales of Miami drug dealers, life on the road and with the family. Almost worth the cover price just for the tale of the emptying of Tony Curtis's wine cellar. ... Read review

Advantages: A super read and useful too.
Disadvantages: None for me.

...man, I am careful with my brass!! My Life on a Hillside Allotment is Terry's own account of his life story from childhood to the current day. The Book. After an opening acknowledgement by the author, there follows a foreword by Jeremy Vine, which is brilliantly written and extols the virtues of Terry, his infectious spirit and enthusiasm for his passion and is a joy to read that alone. There is an introduction passage entitled 'The adopted allotment' ...
...reading that, I shall view my extremely large garden in a totally different light, thanks Terry. My opinion. A very interesting read, not merely because of the many interesting gardening tips but a man whose passion for his allotment is unending and this feeling is clearly expressed with the undoubted effort put into passing this to the reader. It is a book I would readily recommend to anyone who enjoys a biography of an ordinary bloke finding ... Read review