Biography Books > T Biography Books > R > 5 GBP to 9 GBP

Advantages: Interesting subject
Disadvantages: Unbalanced and rambling

Roger Lewis biography of the late Peter Sellers, another ex-Goon but better known for his many successful films with the Pink Panther series probably being the most popular, was first published in 1994. However this book became the basis for the eponymous film "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers", starring Geoffrey Rush, and has thus acquired a new lease of life. I prefer to leave the conclusions to my reviews until the end, sadly Lewis does not ...
...i.e. "the biographer". I use the inverted commas advisedly as this is the most vile piece of character assassination I have ever come across. Sellers had a chequered life and career. He came from humble beginnings and there was a music-hall background through his grandparents. During the war he perfected his amazing facility for vocal impersonations - he would, for example, stroll into an officers mess and enjoy the facilities by pretending to be ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to read and follow
Disadvantages: Controversial at times with strong opinions

This is the story of one of Britains most controvercial and opinionated Shock Jock Radio presenters. It takes you along the road of his life in Radio, including Top Shop Radio, for the Top Shop clothes store, Local Radio in Newcastle, Radio Aire in Leeds, where he took his show to Television, to his last show on Talk Sport Radio. It also talks about his diagnosis with Cancer and the setting up of his cancer charity. This book does not dissapoint. ...
...his opinions on a variety of subjects as well as charting his life and career. It also has a wonderful tribute to his personal friend, Bernard Manning, who passed just before the book was published. Witty, controversial and entertaining, this is a must read for all who have listened to the James Whale Radio Show. The book is written by James himself and charts his life at various stages as well as sharing his experiences and opinions. ... Read review

Advantages: Such a moving true story, and a happy ending
Disadvantages: upsetting

...story definitely not recommended for a light , relaxing holiday read. The book is deeply emotional and a completely compelling story. The daily emtions of this poor child are written down it this touching record of David's life. It shows just how hard abused children would find a struggles of daily life, it is a complete eye opener to the harsh reality that is child abuse. Althought i have rated this book excellent i found it difficult to read ...
...for me!) this just shows how gripping the story is. This is a must read for anyone working with children, because it makes you so aware of the nescessity of being on the look out for the tell tale signs of the horror and evil that is child abuse. ... Read review

Advantages: Great read, informative and humorous
Disadvantages: None

Anything goes. And in the case of John Barrowman, this is certainly the truth. From being relatively unknown just a few short years ago, John has quickly risen to being a popular celebrity, being on many prime time television shows, such as Doctor Who, Torchwood, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything. I first noticed John when I caught an episode of Torchwood. I was never a fan of Doctor Who so I didn't expect ...
...starting in 1989 up to early 2008, followed by a thorough index of the book. Love him or loathe him, Anything Goes is an excellent book by a multi talented all round entertainer. John Barrowman: Anything Goes By Carole E Barrowman Hardback ISBN: 978-1-84317-289-5 256 Pages ... Read review

Advantages: Interesting and informative, has photos
Disadvantages: Not really a page-tuner, some views you might not agree with

...were obviously very different to how they are now, and I imagine that the book would bring back memories for people who were around then, particularly for those who experienced time in hospitals. I think that nursing students (or anyone in the healthcare profession) would find it interesting to read. It is also interesting to read from the point of view of how things have changed regarding attitudes to women, childbirth, and also to issues relating ...
...stuff along the way about how healthcare has changed….well, that's got to be good. So go on, it can have 4 stars! I would recommend, but perhaps more so to women than men and those who are older than myself (I am 50 years younger than Claire Rayner). ... Read review