Top Non-Fiction Books

A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life. Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, whatever it took, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what her mother called “calorie restriction”, weighing herself five times a day and ultimately shrinking down to 89 pounds. She endured extensive at-home makeovers using knockoff whitening strips, hot curlers, eyelash tint, and gobs of bleach to enhance her “natural beauty.” She was showered by her mother until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, an email account, and all her earnings. The dream finally comes true when Jennette is cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly and is thrust into fame. But for Jennette, the dream is a nightmare. Practically overnight, her fake smile and cheesy airbrushed hair-do is plastered on billboards across the country. And though her mom is ecstatic, ordering her to smile for the paparazzi (with whom she’s on a first-name basis) and sign endless autographs for fans who only know her by her character’s name, Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction and a series of unhealthy relationships.These issues only get worse when Jennette’s mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and coldly examining the relationship with her mother, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants. Told with raw honesty and equal parts gravity and humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is a a shocking, devastating, and ultimately inspiring story of resilience. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781982185831 • Author: Jennette McCurdy • Publisher: Simon & Schuster • Format: Paperback  • Pages: 320

In his first full-length autobiography, comedy legend and national treasure Billy Connolly reveals the truth behind his windswept and interesting life. Born in a tenement flat in Glasgow in 1942, orphaned by the age of 4, and a survivor of appalling abuse at the hands of his own family, Billy's life is a remarkable story of success against all the odds. Billy became a folk musician with a genuine talent for playing the banjo. But it was his ability to spin stories, tell jokes and hold an audience in the palm of his hand that truly set him apart. As a young comedian Billy broke all the rules. He was fearless and outspoken, but his stand-up was full of warmth and silliness too. His startling, hairy 'glam-rock' stage appearance - wearing leotards, scissor suits and banana boots - only added to his appeal. Billy's stand-up comedy continued- for over 50 years, in fact - until a double diagnosis of cancer and Parkinson's Disease brought his remarkable live performances to an end. Since then, he has continued making TV shows, creating extraordinary drawings... and writing. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529318272 • Author: Billy Connolly • Publisher: Two Roads • Format: Paperback • Pages: 400 • Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.6 x 3.4 cm

The internationally bestselling first book in the Murdle murder mystery logic puzzle series! From G. T. Karber, the creator of the popular online daily mystery game at www.Murdle.com, comes this fiendishly compulsive and absolutely killer collection of 100 original murder mystery logic puzzles. Join Deductive Logico and pit your wits against a slew of dastardly villains in order to discover: - Who committed the ghastly deed? - What weapon was used to dispatch the victim? - Where did the dreadful demise occur? These humorous mini-mystery puzzles challenge you to find whodunit, how, where, and why. Examine the clues, interview the witnesses, and use the power of deduction to complete the grid and catch the culprit. Packed with illustrations, codes, and maps, this is the must-have detective casebook for the secret sleuth in everyone. Are you the next Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot? You'll soon find out, if you dare to Murdle! Product Information: • ISBN: 9781800818026 • Author: G.T. Karber • Publisher: Profile Books • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 21.2 x 13.2 x 3.4cm

Give yourself a challenge with this book of word searches 2 by Perfect Pocket Puzzles.  This selection of puzzles will keep you entertained whether you're relaxing at home or out and about. Pocket-sized and full of the word searches you love to solve, pick up your pen, give your brain a gentle workout and enjoy a little 'me' time.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781789296532 • Author:  Dr Gareth Moore • Publisher:  Michael O'Mara • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  170 • Dimensions:  19.8 x 12.9 x 1 cm

Welcome back to Clarkson's Farm. At the end of Jeremy's first year in the tractor's driving seat, Diddly Squat farm rewarded him with a profit of just £144. So, while he's the first to admit that he's still only a 'trainee farmer'*, there is clearly still work to be done. Because while he's mastered the art of moaning about nearly everything, some of the other attributes required of a successful farmer prove more of a challenge. Did you know that loading a grain trailer was more demanding than flying an Apache gunship? Or that cows were more dangerous than motor-racing? Or whether would have been easier to get planning permission to build a nuclear power station than to turn an old barn into a farm restaurant? But if the council planning department and the local red trouser brigade seem determined to frustrate his schemes at every turn, at least he's got Lisa, Kaleb, Cheerful Charlie and Gerald, his dry-stone-walling Head of Security to see him through.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780241695791 • Author:  Jeremy Clarkson • Publisher:  Michael Joseph • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  240 • Dimensions:  15.24 x 1.3 x 23.5 cm

What’s occurring? Welcome to a celebration of the much-loved BBC comedy show, Gavin and Stacey. In this quiz book for family and friends of all ages there are over 500 questions all about our favourite TV smash. Do you know your Nessa from your Smithy, your Barry Island from your Billericay? What about Uncle Bryn? Pam and Mick? The current state of Pete and Dawn’s marriage? And which character is obsessed with omelettes? Containing oodles of hilarious family-friendly challenges, dares, and party games – who can do the best impression of Nessa? Can you draw Bryn and Jason on their notorious fishing trip? Let the laughter begin! Test your knowledge and treat your loved ones this Christmas. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781789468663 • Author: Joe Shooman • Publisher: Bonnier Books UK Limited • Format: Hardback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 20.4 x 13.8 x 3.2 cm

At the age of sixty-nine, Ozzy Osbourne was on a triumphant farewell tour, playing to sold-out arenas and rave reviews all around the world. Then: disaster. In a matter of just a few weeks, he went from being hospitalised with a finger infection to having to abandon his tour – and all public life – as he faced near-total paralysis from the neck down. Last Rites is the shocking, bitterly hilarious, never-before-told story of Ozzy’s descent into hell. Along the way are reflections on an extraordinary life and career, including his marriage to wife Sharon, and what it took for him to return to the stage for the triumphant Back to the Beginning concert, streamed around the world, where Ozzy reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for the final time. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781408724057 • Author: Ozzy Osbourne • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Hardback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 23.8 x 16.2 x 3.6 cm

The definitive biography of the greatest Formula One driver of all time, now including an exclusive chapter on the 2025 season. At the pinnacle of motorsports, a humble young man from Stevenage has risen to become the greatest Formula One driver of all time. Lewis Hamilton’s journey from remote-controlled car hobbyist to seven-time world champion is evidently the stuff of modern legend. Michael Sawyer follows Hamilton’s path and we witness Hamilton’s single-minded determination to reach the top along the way, even as he challenged racial barriers and opposition at every turn. Beyond his unparalleled on-track exploits – equalling the records held by the legendary Michael Schumacher – Hamilton has used his platform to advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability and diversity, inspiring the next generation by not only encouraging them to pursue their own dreams but by also extending his legacy and impact beyond the track. As Hamilton nears the twilight of his racing career, this electrifying book by acclaimed professor of African American Literature and Culture, and lifelong Formula One fan, Michael Sawyer, examines his lasting legacy. Sir Lewis culminates with Hamilton’s potential final act – chasing a record-setting eighth world title at the wheel of the iconic Ferrari team – and shows how he continues to set new benchmarks for greatness. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035071661 • Author: Michael E. Sawyer • Publisher: Macmillan Distribution Limited • Format: Paperback • Pages: 288 • Dimensions: 19.7 x 13.4 x 1.9 cm

Test your wits with the ultimate game of cunning, logic and intuition It's time to start your adventure. Get them before they get you Put your sleuthing skills to the test in a world of deception, betrayal, and strategy. Placed in a castle in the Scottish Highlands, you must figure out if your fellow players are Faithful or a Traitor. Can you trust Jorge, the dentist with an encyclopaedic memory and tendency to smile at everyone? Or Nina, the retiree who acts like the group's matriarch but has a knowing glint in her eyes..? Beware, for in this treacherous game, trust is a luxury you cannot afford. In the official book of the BAFTA-winning phenomenon, The Traitors: The Interactive Game Book, the decisions you make will decide what happens next. Take this thrilling journey on your own or with others, pooling your wisdom to make the right choices. With over 20 standalone games to play in a group - all with cunning Traitors twists - this is the perfect gift, guaranteed to unleash hours of mischief and fun. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529975932 • Author: Alan Connor • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Hardback • Pages: 368 • Dimensions: 22.3 x 14.3 x 3.2 cm