Biography Books > M Biography Books > less than 5 GBP

Advantages: Evocative of more glamorous times
Disadvantages: Shallow

Perhaps I'm going to be a little harsh on this book, after the joy of reading his brother Frank's books. At times I was reminded of the great david Niven's books "The moon's a balloon" and "Bring on the empty horses" in a similar autobiographical style, but when you're not that famous namedropping is so passe. Content I got pissed, I got fucked and I travelled; end of story. Yes I was harsh, there are some quite humorous moments and yes there ... Read review

Advantages: great read an absolute must have
Disadvantages: none

I purchased this book in November of 2006 from Asda at the price of £9.96, I loved Michael Barrymore in Big Brother and that is the reason why I opted for this book! (He should have won!!!!) Michael was once one of britans favorite entertainers; he regularly appeared on TV and was loved by the public for being so funny and so unique. We first saw Michael in 1975 when he won the talent show 'New faces' from then on he became a familiar and loved ...
...shows included Barrymore Strike it lucky My kind of people My kind of music And kids say the funniest things Michael Barrymore also won 13 national TV awards including best entertainment show, most popular comedy performer and even a special recognition award ...with a raft of other awards Despite all of his success he got heavily into drink and drugs and in 1997 he split from his wife of 18 years, this was when he admitted to being gay. Then ... Read review

Advantages: Funny, serious, compelling reading
Disadvantages: Large book

...is extracts from Michael Plain's diaries & it makes compelling reading. It covers his life from 1969-1979 & thus covers the Monty Python years including the films such as the 'Life of Brian' that were made in the 1970s. It's a big hardback book but paperback versions are now available. Michael Pailn is very endearing character famous for his comedy writing & acting (including serious roles) & recently as a travel writer & presenter. His diary covers ...
...the struggles to get the programme on air as well as the internal problems with his co writers. If you are a Monty Python fan, this book is a must as it covers a lot of things that were never exposed in the public domain before. There are funny sections & many sad ones too, involving his father's health, but despite the size of the book the reader can quite easily leave it & come back to it days later & never lose any interest. It is well written ... Read review

Advantages: Interesting look into a TV series
Disadvantages: You might want to sleep with the light on

Review of Haunted Homes- True Stories of Paranormal Investigations I bought this book from a bargain book shop, having seen the television series and also having a bit of a fascination for such things I decided to treat myself. The first thing you realise is that Mia Dolan, billed as Britain's most famous psychic, is a normal, down to earth person who eats, sleeps and goes to the toilet, just like the rest of us. There are no airs and graces about ...
...with a description of each haunted house, the family affected and the story of the visit when the house was cleared and the program made. The team consisted of a team of professional paranormal investigators, a sceptic researcher whose job it was to find rational explanations of each event, the film crew, make up and Mia herself. When we saw the series on TV we remarked that we could tell where she had bought her clothes (Evans) and reading the ... Read review

Advantages: A beautiful and evocotive read, well-illustrated, bonus family recipes.
Disadvantages: none

...of numerous cookery books. In Climbing The Mango Trees she tells the story of her childhood, growing up in a wealthy, very extended family in Delhi. Madhur dedicates her book to her grandparents for 'helping to make their grandchildren who we all are'. The majority of her reminiscences are delightful, enjoyable childhood recollections and reflections, which are a pleasure to read. There are, however, some heart-rendering moments, and running throughout ...
...any literary awards for style, Climbing The Mango Trees is a thoroughly enchanting tale of a bygone age in an exotic land. This book is an interesting read, written from the heart. Jaffrey evokes the colours, tastes, sounds and smells of her childhood superbly. I would highly recommend this to any fan of autobiographies, contemporary history, and especially lovers of exotic foods. This charming memoir, from such a high achieving and popular lady ... Read review