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Showing posts with the label Non-fiction

Read and Soar - "Very readable, it makes an ideal handbook for parents"

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‘Read & Soar’ is about the many benefits and joys of reading for adults and kids and how to get children to enjoy reading from an early age so they can achieve more at school. Research shows that a love of reading is more important for a child’s educational success than their family’s wealth or class. Between the covers of a book exists a sort of paradise, reading is able catapult you from your daily existence to a different world in the twinkling of an eye… Where will your reading adventure take you? A Review by Delyth Humphreys, National Year of Reading 2008 Wales Coordinator ‘A truly inspirational book, full of very quotable quotes about books and reading. Very readable, it makes an ideal handbook for parents, with hints and tips on how to motivate children to read. It also considers ways in which reading empowers the individual and the benefits of reading to health and wellbeing. A treasure chest of ideas for those working with children and young people, it will ring many be

An excellent review of 'From Coconuts to Condors'

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An unforgettable trip to Brazil, Peru and Bolivia Book Reviews by John Davies*. "Valerie Astill's book is a marvellous account of a challenging three week holiday in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Her very readable writing style makes the culture, climate and landscapes of these countries come to life. Her descriptions are incredibly detailed and picturesque making it so easy to visualise the scenes that she describes. Indeed, I almost felt as though I was in the shower with her and the little green frogs! Valerie also gives a warts and all insight into the many difficulties of travel in these South American countries. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful travelogue - well worth reading, even if you're not going on holiday to South America." ---------- *John Davies is an author, song writer and poet. He is also an athlete and has been the Welsh Masters javelin champion in his age group nearly every year since 1989. He is the Treasurer of Port Talbot Harriers and

A Reluctant Recruit - True life, post war-time adventures

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"M y adventures as a ‘Reluctant Recruit‘are the subject of this volume. I decided, at the time that I would, one day, tell the story. One day was fifty years later but here it is at last..." Says Derek Rosser . Derek shares true life, post war-time adventures as a ‘Reluctant Recruit’ during his National Service with the Royal Air Force. "Whilst over half a century has elapsed since I was released from National Service with the Royal Air Force, my memory of the events described in this volume is crystal clear. To a young married man it was a waste of valuable time but...in many ways it was an enjoyable waste of time. If you are entertained by my adventures, I shall consider that the time spent in recording these events has NOT been wasted" Find out more... "...full of adventure and intrigue."  ... publishedbestsellers.com

Making It - Seriously enjoyable; action packed; commercial fiction

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Mark Edmondson releases a seriously enjoyable; action packed; commercial fiction about breaking out of a rut; starting a recruitment business; achieving success and having a bit of a laugh along the way  The Plot Would you do anything to make it? When everything is at stake: marriage, money, your house and your reputation, there is no second chance if you lose. Laurie is determined to prove to the sceptical Sally that he is no loser. But making that transition from naïve impoverished late adolescence to dynamic, confident, solvent manhood is a difficult and dangerous journey for him. Knowing that taking up a mediocre, predictable career would stifle him, he becomes a high–risk entrepreneur. But the more success he achieves, the bigger and tougher his enemies and challenges become. Then he meets the most ruthless of them all, the charismatic corporate crook, Chas Wray. Will he do the deal of his life with Wray or will he just become yet another one of Wray’s miserable victims

The Flame Lily Weeps

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This unique autobiography describes the life of a white Zimbabwean growing up in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. It reveals and elucidate the perspectives and truth of poignant issues in the country’s transition from a British colony to an independent, one-party state, giving an insight into the build up to the political and economic anarchy that has thrown Zimbabwe into a financial abyss and that transformed a one time flourishing country into a land ravaged by hunger, disease and poverty. The Flame Lily Weeps Have you read this book? Found it interesting / informative / entertaining / useful / inspirational etc.? Please share you views. Thank you.

Chris Pownall releases a hilarious autobiography - 'Funny How Things Work Out'

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Chris Pownall releases a hilarious autobiography including a fifty year fulfilling career and various travels around the world. "This hilarious autobiography is sure to put a smile on your face." This is the story of Chris Pownall’s life beginning from early childhood to retirement. Chris’ autobiography is unique because he tells his story with a slant towards the more hilarious side of his life. Chris has always had a reputation for being there when things were going wrong–but it’s nothing to do with him really! His former work colleagues will bear witness to situations involving freak weather conditions and disrupted travelling arrangements. His sense of humour has seen him through many difficult situations–which he managed to salvage with wit and discretion (Even if he says so himself)! …Find out more… Funny How Things Work Out   ...An authentic biography……. publishedbestsellers.com . .

An unforgettable trip to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize

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Author and Travel writer, Valerie Astill releases an insightful new book based on her unforgettable trip and adventures to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize . This fascinating trip consisted of so much more than learning about ancient civilisations such as the Aztecs, Zapotecs and Mayans and visiting the remains of their once great cities. Whether travelling by coach, visiting a remote site by five-seater aeroplane or travelling upriver by boat, the journey itself was part of the adventure. However, it was the discovery that many Indians still practised ancient customs, plus unexpected events such as an erupting volcano, falling rocks and animals invading the bedroom at night, that made this journey through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize so memorable. Find out more…Temples and Tacos "...An insightful account for the discerning traveller.”   …publishedbestsellers.com

The Theologian Slave Trader - Historical account of slave trade in the Gold Coast

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A Personal commentary on Fredericus Svane Africanus' autobiography The Theologian Slave Trader explores the life of Fredericus Petersen, a mulatto adopted in 1710 by a Danish Lutheran Priest at Christiansborg Fort in what is now Ghana and who was subsequently brought back to Denmark as a teenager. Dr Christiana Oware Knudsen, brings the autobiography of Fredericus Petersen to life and contemporary relevance with the lively and engaging approach of an African story-teller, interweaving historical facts with family legends and documented impressions of the period. Find out more:  Spring Leaf Books   |  Pneuma Springs Publishing …intriguing account of one of the worst tragedies in history…  publishedbestsellers.com

No Cousin of Mine - Quite simply a cracking and down to earth read

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A true life post war-time account serving as part of the ground crew of Number 256 Royal Air Force night-fighter squadron. An historical account of events that took place during a two year period between 1952 and 1954. The incidents described in this book, however improbable or implausible they may appear to be, are all completely true and have needed little or no embellishment on the part of the author. It features the ground crew of Number 256 Royal Air Force night-fighter squadron, which served as part of the Second Tactical Air Force in Western Germany. This real life account will inform, intrigue and entertain you in equal measure. Find out more:  Spring Leaf Books   |  Pneuma Springs Publishing

Drifting Beneath the "Red Duster" - A superb true-life adventure, ‘best of its kind

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Author Neil Morton releases his true life story of adventure and romance as a steward in the British Merchant Navy. On leaving school Neil Morton knew that the dreary nine to five existence in office or factory was not for him. Adventure was what he craved and adventure and romance aplenty called during the years that were the heyday of Britain’s proud merchant flag, the “Red Duster”. From Brazil to the Caribbean, to New Zealand and Australia, the author will share with you a rollicking yarn or two. Travel the world in this thrilling real life adventure story and you will truly be entertained and amused in equal measure. Find out more:  Spring Leaf Books   |  Pneuma Springs Publishing

The Kipper Patrol - History of the formation of 608 squadron Auxiliary Air Force and Thornaby Aerodrome.

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About this book Thornaby, 1930, saw the formation of 608 squadron Auxiliary Air Force. Remembered by some veterans as “the kipper patrol,” their job as part of Coastal Command, involved protecting shipping convoys, looking for submarines and defending the northern supply routes. Although their role was never seen as glamorous and never received national glory, nonetheless, they played a significant part in the defence of the United Kingdom. This book tells the story of young pilots such as Geoffrey Ambler, Geoffrey Shaw, William Appleby-Brown and Peter Vaux, and airmen such as Albert Guy, Harold Coppick and Syd Buckle, and considers how their lives were dramatically changed with the onset of the Second World War, which saw them cease to be part-timers and become full time members of the Royal Air Force.... Find out more: The Kipper Patrol

Not common sense, not rocket science - a challenging, non-jargonistic and practical book.

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Training and supporting the care force - that's nearly all of us! By  Maggie Kindred   Carers literally blossom when they are offered non-jargonistic, practical training and support. This book is about helping carers to recognise and value the skills they already possess, and develop these - from this comes an unbelievable amount of support, as well as making all kinds of everyday experiences more interesting and enjoyable. This book therefore helps carers to - recognise and value the skills they already possess - develop these skills through applying theory to everyday situations - understand the complex social welfare background of today, since knowledge is power - be equipped to work with people who have very different backgrounds and experience from their own - deal with jargon!   Author Maggie Kindred says “My career took me through teaching, social work and practice teaching, to Kindred Games and Books.co.uk I enjoy working with students who may be new t

‘Insightful and Sensitive, for parents, carers, and professionals...'

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The Review " Being unable to put it down, I read it at a sitting. Described as ‘insightful and sensitive’, this slender publication is designed ‘for parents, carers, and professionals who work with them’. As a parent and as a professional I have a thorough grasp of Maggie’s subject and can assure you that this small paperback is as good as anything I have read, and more readable than most. She speaks from the heart with a clear professional head. We know exactly what life’s journey has been for Em, from her early bereavement, through her further losses in childhood and adolescence, and, perhaps most importantly and optimistically, her painful road to recovery. Quite appropriately this is seen from the perspective of someone who believes in the significance of nurturing in human development, but no-one should underestimate Em’s inherent strengths.

A Review of 'A Long Journey Back' by Meggie Latham - Thame

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This book is a story of survival but unlike other similar works, I found its lack of sentimentality very pleasing. Chris gives a real picture of his struggle to cope with his son’s situation, not always as perfectly as he would have liked. He describes his struggle to work out how to behave in the face of something new and terrifying. It is a work about a parent’s worst nightmare, but Chris’s description of his experience of watching his son’s potential destruction and his fight back to a satisfying life, very different from his old one, is moving and gripping. The bravery and determination of the whole family, an ordinary and happy one until this tragedy, is amazing. It was refreshing that Chris attached no blame or criticism of the health care received and only thanks and appreciation for what happened. The insightful and honest ‘voices’ of both Chris and his son Rob, threading through the book kept me reading. I would recommend this book as an uplifting and inspiring book, even t

"An insightful book about reading"

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A review by Grahame Howard*, author of the popular children's series - 'The Wishing Book' " If you are not a reader, you soon will be after reading this very good book from Yomi Akinpelu. Yomi has the knack in being able to inspire and encourage reading of books. In fact, she brings a whole new meaning to why we should read and what we can receive from spending time within pages of well written books, whether fiction or non-fiction. For myself, I like to ‘get lost’ in a good fictional read and perhaps become the hero. I also have received much knowledge from studying good texts in order to gain qualifications. All of this has been reinforced by reading Yomi’s title. This is a book that will bring you insight into why we read and what we can get from this. It will also bring encouragement to dust that book off and make time to read it. It will bring you immense pleasure as you just allow Yomi to show you the way to enjoy reading. "   Watch Trailer Paperback

Jack the Ripper, a clear and unbiased introduction to the case ...a Ripperologist review

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Jack the Ripper - Through the Mists of Time The Review* "Through the Mists of Time is an overview of the Ripper case written with the intention of clearing away the accretion of myth and fantasy that has obscured the facts, and it achieves this purpose admirably, Hodgson's enthusiasm and objectivity shining through . . . In Chapter 8 Hodgson takes account of some of the latest candidates to be the Ripper, such as Carl Feigenbaum, Robert Mann and Patricia Cornwell's advocacy of Walter Sickert. Information about Thomas Cutbush, gleaned from the Broadmoor files, is in the last chapter, and the chapter 'Jack in Films' briefly discusses From Hell. The number of illustrations has been increased and Stuart Hodgson, the author's son, evidently a talented artist, has produced some drawings of the victims. The hairstyles, particularly Kelly's, look a little too modern to me, but they are interesting pencil portraits of Nichols, Chapman, Eddowes and Kell

'Funny How Things Work Out' featured in the Shipping Today & Yesterday Magazine

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'Funny How Things Work Out' | Biography | by Chris Pownall  featured in the Shipping Today & Yesterday Magazine July 2013 Read the feature This is the story of Chris Pownall’s life beginning from early childhood to retirement. Chris’ autobiography is unique because he tells his story with a slant towards the more hilarious side of his life. Chris has always had a reputation for being there when things were going wrong–but it’s nothing to do with him really! His former work colleagues will bear witness to situations involving freak weather conditions and disrupted travelling arrangements. His sense of humour has seen him through many difficult situations–which he managed to salvage with wit and discretion (Even if he says so himself). Chris enjoys humour and receives great satisfaction in giving others a reason to laugh.

Book Savvy Spotlight on Maggie Kindred

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is  Maggie Kindred * Enjoy the interview. Q1 Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book 'Training and supporting the care force'? My career took me through teaching, social work and practice teaching. Social carers generally are undervalued by society, and often undervalue themselves. So this book is about helping carers to recognise and value the skills they already possess, and develop these. Learning should be fun, and can make all kinds of everyday experiences more interesting and rewarding.   Q2 Why did you write this book? I committed myself a long time ago to producing sound practice-based material in a digestible style - particularly for carers, students who have had bad classroom experiences, and the non-academic.   Q3 What provided the inspiration for you to become a writer in the first place? As an educator, I loved trying to make theory 'li

Book Savvy Spotlight on Ray Matthews

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is  Ray Matthews * Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book 'Me and my Shadow? I am now living my dream life - doing almost all the things I ever wanted and fulfilling ambitions that were not possible before retirement whilst fully occupied earning a living. 'Youth is wasted on the young' is an understated comment made by my father, oh how true. Writing 'Me and My Shadow' has opened up new avenues I never thought possible. 'Me and My Shadow' is about a dedication to achieving goals in extreme sports.  The book is about endurance running events and how it all began with boxing as a young boy brought up in a South Yorkshire steelmaking town.   Q2. Why did you write this book? To start with, I wrote this book mainly as a record of some of my challenges and then later for my own satisfaction.   Q3. What provided the

Mammograms Save Lives - A Stirring True Story of Triumphant Recovery

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Avril was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2011. After a mammogram she was called back to receive the devastating news that she had breast cancer. She felt well, had no symptoms, had never smoked, ate a healthy diet and exercised regularly, so how could this be? There was no explanation, it can happen to anyone! Author Avril Dalziel Saunders says ‘…I want to inspire and encourage these women as well as women all over the world to have regular checks. …my profit from the book sales will go to Breast Cancer Care and Macmillan Nurses. I am shouting this out loud…‘MAMMOGRAMS SAVE LIVES!’…   “Inspiring and triumphant” …publishedbestsellers.com Mammograms Save Lives is available in eBook. Mammograms Save Lives – Kobo ePub Mammograms Save Lives – Tesco ePub and PDF eBooks Mammograms Save Lives – Google Play PDF and ePub Mammograms Save Lives – Amazon Kindle Mammograms Save Lives – Apple iBook