Adapted
Adapted is the unabridged autobiography of writer Josh Barry and his constant struggle with his own identity as a result of having Cerebral Palsy due to complications at his birth. Determined to live a “normal” life with mainstream expectations, Josh explains his lifelong quest to be accepted into society, from his parents fight to get him into state education to being welcomed into the entertainment industry, deeming his disability irrelevant.
In this book, we get a revealing insight into what it’s like to rely on others for almost all physical activities and the psychological effect of having 24 hour support. Yet despite this, Josh has enjoyed many successes both professionally and socially and has cultivated quite an original perception on the world which we get to see throughout.
This is a unique take on the against all odds story so expect to be inspired and entertained at the same time. You’ll be crying with tears and laughter in this brutally honest account of being a disabled person in the twenty first century.
Extraordinary
£12.99
Delve into the harrowing true story of a man who was entrenched in London's criminal underworld, a tale as much about redemption as it is about crime. Born amidst Northern Ireland’s violent conflict, his earliest memory – witnessing a young man's brutal demise – set the stage for a life entwined with the lawless. From grim children's homes to the notorious ranks of crime gangs, his quest for belonging led him down a path marked by danger and betrayal.
His life took a perilous turn during a failed armed robbery, culminating in him shooting at a police officer and 15 years as a Category A prisoner. Among infamous inmates like Charles Bronson, his resilience was tested in the darkest recesses of the human mind. Yet, it was within these walls that the seeds of an extraordinary transformation were sown.
Now recognised as an international peace prize winner, a successful entrepreneur, and a charity worker, his life stands as a profound journey from the depths of criminality to the heights of humanitarian achievement. His story is not just a chronicle of resilience and strength but an inspiring testament to the human spirit's capacity to change. Will his path to redemption inspire you to believe in second chances?
£12.99
Giving It All Away
David's journey reads like a film script: a near-death experience at the age of nine, drummer in his own band at the age of 14, discovering international singer Leo Sayer, co-writing and producing many of his hits, a 37-year friendship with pop star and actor Adam Faith, a menacing encounter with the mafia, and the mysterious death of his former Venezuelan wife. In this tell-all book, David reveals exactly what it takes to be a successful songwriter and producer, the life of an ex-pat in LA and just how crazy that life can be. He takes you behind the scenes of Abbey Road and Top of the Pops and shows the highs and lows of the music industry. He has seemingly crammed ten lives into one, and this remarkable autobiography describes all of them.
I'm Champion, Call Me Bob
£19.99
In his own words Bob talks of his early life, his path to becoming a professional jump jockey and how it felt being at the top of his game only to have it come crashing down with a life-threatening diagnosis. The depths of despair going through the radical new cancer treatment he was offered and the heights of joy with that famous Grand National victory. This new biography also looks at the whirlwind adventure his life has been since that glorious spring day at Aintree and examines the tremendous fund raising efforts of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.
Today Bob is the face of that Trust, the UK’s most successful small cancer fund that has been responsible for raising almost £15Million, money which has allowed research efforts that have all but eradicated testicular cancer death and furthered new research enquiries into prostate cancer.
For the first time Bob shares his thoughts on his life so far, the highs, the lows, injuries, illness and of course just what it felt like to win ‘the ultimate test of horse and rider.’
£19.99
Inside My Ed
How do you recognise an eating disorder when your BMI says you're "healthy"? In this true story, you'll read Zoe's battle to get treatment and recognition for Atypical Anorexia. Her true and harrowing story. It's a hard look at the truth and horror of living with an eating disorder when to the outside you're "too fat to be anorexic".
No Arm In Trying
£12.99
“Do you know where you are Steven?” these were the first words I heard. “You’re in hospital!” “You’ve had an accident on your motorbike, and you’ve lost your right arm.”
39 years ago, Steven’s life changed beyond recognition.
An accident caused him to lose his right arm, setting him on a path of ingenuity, courage and determination.
Now, a motivational speaker, Steven looks back over his life at the challenges he’s overcome and the amazing moments that have shaped his future.
As a true Yorkshire man, this book is written from the soul without frills. Detailing his resolve to overcome disability prejudice, to enjoy life to the full and make his life his own.
Steven would tell you, his life is not that remarkable, but in this book you’ll see that he truly is. Steven is an inventor, a pilot, equestrian and dancer; and that’s just the beginning.
£12.99
Not just George
£9.99
A Long and Varied Career
John Lyons started his acting career as a founder member of the ‘East 15 Acting School’ in 1961. Upon leaving he went into the Professional company of the school ‘Theatre Workshop’ which at the time was under the direction of Joan Littlewood. In the intervening 50 years John’s career has been both long and varied, covering both West End musicals and straight plays, including three separate years in ‘The Mousetrap’ and tours both in England and The Continent with the Musical " Oh! What a Lovely War"
But his career went beyond the stage.
His TV appearances are numerous (over 500) ranging from ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ Play for Today’ ‘The Sweeney’ to ‘On the Buses’ ‘George & Mildred’ and ‘The 19th Hole with Eric Sykes. John Lyons is of course best known for playing Sir David Jason’s long suffering sidekick D.S. George Toolan in ‘A Touch of Frost’ which ran for a very successful 17 ½ years and currently being repeated daily on ITV3.
Panto has played a very big and fun time in John’s life, starting in 1997 with productions of Dick Whittington and Aladdin with the Comedian Jim Davidson, playing Bristol. Palace Theatre Manchester, Mayflower Southampton etc, over a period of ten years.
And John is still working.
John is in great demand on the after dinner speaking circuit, personal appearances at ‘On the Buses’ reunions and numerous P & O Cruises talking about ‘An actor's life - the beginning and conclusion’ – ‘The Touch of Frost Years’ (his 17 years in a Touch of Frost with clips, outtakes, clips of pranks played on him).
This is the story of John Lyons, Not Just George.
You'll laugh, we promise, you might cry, and you'll get a look at the life of one of the most prolific actors of our time.
£9.99
Oh! I Remember Him
“Oh I remember him …” follows the remarkable story of Mike “Squeaky” McClean. From his early years growing up in one of Manchester’s roughest areas with Spanish & Irish parents and Dad regularly out of work, to presenting on two of TV’s most iconic shows, THE BIG BREAKFAST and RICHARD & JUDY throughout the noughties. Rubbing shoulders (literally in the case of Britney Spears) with many of the biggest stars of the day, including Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and pulling off one of TV’s funniest gags with Russell Crowe at the Oscars.
We learn how through sheer nerve, determination and wit, Mike overcome many disappointments, including being “let go” by Manchester City in his early teens and leaving school at 15 with only a CSE in metalwork. How the accidental discovery of Paul Daniels’ Magic Book (the first whole book Mike read) would totally change the course of his life (“now THAT’S magic!”) and how his years of performing in talent shows (alongside Gary Barlow) and countless rough pubs, finally paid off.
Mike also reveals what it was really like, working week in week out with Britain’s best loved TV married couple and how pinching a bowl of jelly sweets, led to working with Ricky Gervais in THE OFFICE Christmas Special.
“Oh I remember him…” is an enthralling, funny, heart-warming and self-deprecating read.
Surviving The War Against Yourself
Staring down at his hands, all Tom could see was blood. He could feel it dripping down his face and soaking through his clothes. In reality, there was no blood, just snot and floods of tears from a man in Psychosis, terrified and convinced that he could see something that wasn't there. Trying to reassure Tom that he was safe, his partner Amber frantically called the crisis team to ask for help. After months of intervening in Tom's suicide attempts, and trying to reason with the voices in his head, for her, this was a well-rehearsed routine, but it was exhausting. When would it end? Would Tom ever get better? What would the future hold for this young couple? Surviving the war against yourself is the true story of a couple's journey through mental illness and its devastating impact on their life. In a brutally honest account of fear, pain, love and hope, Tom shares what it was like for him to suffer mental illness and Amber opens up about her life as his carer.
That's All I'm Sayin'
£14.79That’s All I’m Sayin’ is the no-holds-barred autobiography of actor and Hollywood insider Michael Brandon. From his early days in Brooklyn to starring roles on stage and screen, Brandon takes you behind the velvet curtain of the entertainment industry with sharp wit and brutal honesty.
Packed with wild adventures, famous romances, career highs, and hard truths, this is the story of a man who lived through the golden age of Hollywood and made it out with stories to tell. From Los Angeles to London, from fame to fallout, Michael shares the real cost of success in a world built on illusion.
Featuring a foreword by bestselling author Lynda La Plante, this is more than a memoir – it’s a backstage pass to a legendary life.
£14.79
The Happipreneur
£12.99
The book charts his fascinating life from CEO and global Rockstar of Amway to his off the cuff #MicroBizMatters events. Exposing how business owners are conned out of their money by “industry advisers” and often forced into debt. A modern and up to date take on Small is Beautiful by EF Schumacher.
Both authors agree that no-one can afford to wait for the revolution any more than they can afford to wait for a vaccine. Johnston explained: ‘As business owners, Tony, myself and all our readers have to just get on with it. It is always a rollercoaster and we expect the unexpected.
We hope our guide helps them to avoid the snakes and climb the ladders. Tony’s story of what he has learned from his own businesses and working with many famous entrepreneurs is important for others to know. It is about how to live an enterprising and happy life.
We answer the question ‘How to become a Happipreneur?’. We call out the fakes and the scammers and provide a blueprint for the Establishment on why and how they can level the playing field.” An insight into the life of a man who has dedicated the last 30 years to improving the way MicroBiz owners are treated but is also a no-nonsense guide to avoiding the pitfalls small business owners face.
“Masturbation is good but Musturbation is bad” Albert Ellis describes the three things that hold us back: I must do well. You must treat me well and the world must be easy.
This book is not only an insight into the life of a man who has dedicated the last 30 years to improving the way MicroBiz owners are treated; but is also a no-nonsense guide to avoiding the pitfalls small business owners face. Tony has lived, without a doubt, an incredibly interesting and diverse life, from being the CEO of a huge corporation to almost single-handedly campaigning for the little guy.
With insights from some of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs, you will find information here that many “Gurus” don’t want you to know and that some business advisers will never tell you.
“If you want someone to lie to you, go to some of these motivational speakers, want someone to tell you the truth… go to the “Dickhead” in the red feathered hat.” Brad Burton The UK’s Number one Motivational Speaker
£12.99
Walking With Dignity
£14.79
From the vibrant shores of Trinidad to the bustling streets of the UK, Rudolph Walker's journey has been as captivating as the roles he has portrayed on our screens. In this profound autobiography, Walker shares the stark realities of his early life in the Caribbean, his bold move to Britain, and his struggle his struggleagainst the pervasive racism of the 1960s and 70s and his continued efforts to promote equality today.
As one of the first prominent Black actors to break into British television, Rudolph has faced immense challenges but never lost his enduring optimism or his distinctive sense of humour. This book examines his pioneering contributions to British TV, highlighting his iconic roles in the controversial sitcom Love Thy Neighbour and the beloved soap EastEnders. Through these roles, Rudolph not only entertained millions but also subtly challenged and reshaped cultural perceptions.
Rudolph Walker: Walking With Dignity is more than just a memoir. It is a reflection on a life filled with both adversity and triumph, an exploration of the evolving landscape of race and media, and a testament to the resilience and warmth of a man who has become a cultural staple in homes around the world.
£14.79
Weapon Of Choice
£13.25
Ever wondered what it's like living with a brain that's trying to kill you?
If you've struggled with an eating disorder, you'll know exactly how that feels.
This book follows an ordinary girl on one of the most extraordinary and difficult journeys of her life: going into inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa.
More than just a memoir, The Weapon of Choice is about what it's like to have an eating disorder, and more importantly, what happens when you try to live without it.
The time spent in an eating disorder ward can be dull, painful, surreal, and even sometimes, downright hilarious. Sophia offers a candid, honest insight into the daily struggles of life in an eating disorder unit, telling the story of how it's possible to go from rock bottom to a much brighter place.
This book is for anyone interested in eating disorders, whether you're suffering with one yourself, caring for a loved one, or working with patients in a clinical setting.
£13.25