Explore new places with handy pocket maps from Collins.Handy little full colour map of the popular North Coast 500 route. A perfect guide for travelling around Northern Scotland. Detailed mapping and tourist information ideal for any road trip.Main features of this map include:• Clear mapping• Tourist attractions located and described• Ideal for touring with castles, museums, gardens, monuments, mountains, golf courses, walks and camping/caravan sites all on the map• Photographs of the main attractions along the route• Index to places of interest and place namesEssential for those planning a trip on the North Coast 500. Read more

Explore Britain with easy-to-read mapping from Collins.This easy-to-use, handy A5 road atlas with spiral binding features extremely clear route planning maps of Britain and Ireland, and fits neatly into your glove box or bag.The maps of Britain are at 10 miles to 1 inch (1:625,000) and the whole of Ireland is covered at 15.8 miles to 1 inch (1:1,000,000). There are also a selection of more detailed urban area maps at 4.5 miles to 1 inch (1:285,000) to aid route planning in these busy areas.Main features:Road maps that focus on the main roads, motorways and settlementsMore detailed maps of London, Manchester, Merseyside and West MidlandsUpdated Park & Ride locations, new rail stations and extensions to tram lines in Blackpool and EdinburghHandy distance calculator chart highlighting distances between the major townsOver 30 categories of places of interest including castles, theme parks, sports venues and surfing beaches Read more

NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING STEVE COOGAN AND JONATHAN PRYCETHIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF THE UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A FLIGHTLTESS BIRD AND A TEACHER OUT OF HIS DEPTH . . . 'I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me smile so continuously' 5***** Reader Review 'How could a penguin transform so many lives? Read it and see. You'll not regret it' 5***** Reader Review 'Delightful, uplifting, enjoyable, fun and beautifully written' 5***** Reader Review_______Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays. What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin. But while on holiday in Uruguay he spots a penguin struggling in an oil slick and knows he has to help. And then the penguin refuses to leave his side . . . Clearly Tom has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. He names him Juan Salvador. Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - including Tom, who discovers a compadre like no other . . . _______ AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 2 'A much-beloved tale about a much-beloved bird . . . Heart-warmingly eccentric' Guardian 'So touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book' Michael Bond, creator of Paddington 'Charming' Daily Mail 'One of the most touching tales we've read all year' Heat Read more

NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING STEVE COOGAN AND JONATHAN PRYCEThis is the true story of the unlikely friendship between a flightless bird and a teacher out of his depth…'So touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book' Michael Bond, creator of Paddington'Heartwarmingly eccentric' Guardian'Charming' Daily Mail-Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays.What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin.But while on holiday in Uruguay he spots a penguin struggling in an oil slick and knows he has to help. And then the penguin refuses to leave his side . . .Clearly Tom has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. He names him Juan Salvador.Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - including Tom, who discovers a compadre like no other . . .–Readers adore The Penguin Lessons:'I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me smile so continuously' 5***** Reader Review'How could a penguin transform so many lives? Read it and see. You'll not regret it' 5***** Reader Review'Delightful, uplifting, enjoyable, fun and beautifully written' 5***** Reader ReviewPraise for The Penguin Lessons'Lively and endearing' Publishers Weekly'Warm and unique ... it's hard not to wish you were there' Bookseller'One of the most touching tales we've read all year' Heat Read more

Explore Britain with easy-to-read mapping from Collins.The ultimate 3.2 miles to 1 inch scale large-format, spiral-bound road atlas of Britain, featuring Collins’ popular and well established road mapping, and designed for exceptional clarity and ease of use.The atlas has a wide range of urban area maps at even larger scale and 64 detailed town centre street plans.This fully updated road atlas covers the whole of Britain with each scale of mapping colour-coded for ease of use. The smallest scale maps are great for long distance route planning and the street plans help you locate your final destination.Main features:Easy to use, clear road maps at a scale of 3.2 miles to 1 inch of England, Wales and Southern Scotland. Northern Scotland is shown at 5 miles to 1 inchRoute planning section including maps at a scale of 15.8 miles to 1 inch, motorway services information and a handy distance calculator22 urban area approach maps at 1 mile to 1 inch which clearly show the best routes through and into urban areas64 street maps focused on town centres showing places of interest, car park locations and one-way streetsUpdated Park & Ride locations, new rail stations and extensions to tram lines in Blackpool and EdinburghOver 30 categories of places of interest including castles, theme parks, sports venues and surfing beachesFull postcodes for the top 1000 places of interest – ideal for use alongside sat-nav systems Read more

From the alleyways of Soho to the medieval remains of Moorgate, the new book by Sunday Times bestselling author Jack Chesher takes you on a journey through London and its history, showing you its hidden corners. Explore the fascinating history of the city with the creator of the ever-popular @LivingLondonHistory. Have you ever wondered where a notorious Victorian murderer was captured? Or in which backstreet you can find the pub that hid the masterminds behind the Great Train Robbery? Or perhaps which pocket park contains the remains of a great medieval monastery? Have your questions answered and let London: The Hidden Corners reveal the capital’s unique and shadowy mysteries.throughout and complete with a selection of maps to help you discover your new favourite locations, London: The Hidden Corners promises to bring the city to life for intrepid explorers and local Londoners alike.Whether you are new to the city or a seasoned traveller, London: The Hidden Corners is a must-have guide for anyone looking to uncover something beyond the familiar. So, in true @LivingLondonHistory style, turn the page and get ready to transform the city into the museum you never knew you had. Read more

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'A love letter to Bombay told through food and stories, including their legendary black daal' Yotam OttolenghiAt long last, Dishoom share the secrets to their much sought-after Bombay comfort food: the Bacon Naan Roll, Black Daal, Okra Fries, Jackfruit Biryani, Chicken Ruby and Lamb Raan, along with Masala Chai, coolers and cocktails. As you learn to cook the comforting Dishoom menu at home, you will also be taken on a day-long tour of south Bombay, peppered with much eating and drinking. You'll discover the simple joy of early chai and omelette at Kyani and Co., of dawdling in Horniman Circle on a lazy morning, of eating your fill on Mohammed Ali Road, of strolling on the sands at Chowpatty at sunset or taking the air at Nariman Point at night.This beautiful cookery book and its equally beautiful photography will transport you to Dishoom's most treasured corners of an eccentric and charming Bombay. Read it, and you will find yourself replete with recipes and stories to share with all who come to your table.'This book is a total delight. The photography, the recipes and above all, the stories. I've never read a book that has made me look so longingly at my suitcase' Nigel Slater Read more

#1 Bestselling guidebook to Japan“Classic.  Comprehensive.  Crucial." - Library JournalLonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Japan.Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from visiting Yoshino for Japan's most famous cherry-blossom-viewing festival to sipping sake at a 300-year-old brewery in Niigata, and exploring the Unesco-listed streetscapes of Hagi. Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Japan Travel Guide:Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week tripsUpdated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate Japan and connect experiences together with easeCreate your perfect trip with exciting itineraries for extended journeys combined with suggested day trips, walking tours, and activities to match your passionsGet fresh takes on must-visit sights including climbing Mt Fuji, visiting Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and experiencing the extravagant shrine of Tosho-guSpecial features on onsen etiquette, Japanese food, and the 88 sacred temples pilgrimageExpert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and moreEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travelConnect with Japanese culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of TokyoCovers Tokyo, Mt Fuji & around Tokyo, Central Honshu & the Japan Alps, Kyoto, Kansai, Hiroshima & Western Honshu, Northern Honshu, Sapporo & Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa & the Southwest Islands Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet's Japan. Read more

A compact, lightweight and informative guide to 310 of the most common birds found in the UK. RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds is a compact, lightweight and informative field guide, featuring 310 bird species regularly seen in the UK. Species are illustrated in all distinct plumage forms likely to be observed in the wild by renowned bird artist Stephen Message, and a detailed distribution map for the British Isles is also provided. Concise text covers appearance, behaviour and voice - focusing on key identification points - and also outlines where you will find the species, describes its seasonal movements and includes the latest UK population data. Finally, confusion species are cross-referenced, with their most important and easily noted differences from the subject species described. A comprehensive introduction provides a guide on how and where to find birds, and how to make the most useful and rewarding observations for newcomers to birdwatching. Uniquely, this guide also provides images and descriptions for not only a selection of rarer visitors, but also for a range of domestic species and certain commonly observed aberrant forms of more familiar birds, all of which are omitted from most field guides but can cause great confusion for beginners when encountered in the wild. Read more

This book contains eighteen walks which you can take around Glasgow to explore its past, present and future. As well as looking at the city’s amazing and surprisingly diverse architecture, it also considers many aspects of the city’s social history, its place in the world, and how this has changed over time, its current status and culture, and where it might go in the future.These walks visit sites ranging from iron age earthworks through medieval buildings, Georgian mansions, Victorian factories, neo-Greek temples, the world’s first sea-to-sea canal, a cemetery built on the remains of an extinct volcano, Glasgow style tenements, Gothic university buildings, modernist churches and many of the other features which help make Glasgow a truly unique city live in and to visit.***Colin M. Drysdale is a scientist, writer and creator of the social media channel This Is My Glasgow, where he highlights the architecture, history, beauty and occasional weirdness of everyday life of his native city. Read more

Presenting the most in-depth, relatable, and picturesque guidebook to the North Coast 500 on the market, this is Destination NC500. Plan your trip to the northern coast of Scotland and enjoy a road trip around the most scenic landscape in the world with this relatable and reliable guidebook, detailing not only the best and most popular sights along the route but also the hidden gems that most overlook. During the production of this book, we spent two months living on the route, turning over every rock and leaf to make sure that we include all of the best-hidden sights and attractions that the NC500 has to offer. Destination NC500 Guidebook Features:✔ In-depth, relatable, and picturesque: Destination NC500 guidebook is 220 pages of the most in-depth, relatable, and picturesque guidebook on the market. It will help you to plan a road trip around Scotland's most scenic landscape, the North Coast 500, offering a guide to the best and most popular sights along the route, as well as the hidden gems that most overlook.✔ Must-know Details: Detailing campervan facility locations, the best restaurants, cafes, and bars, accommodation options across the route, from hotels to campsites, and over 110 of the best sights to see on the North Coast 500.✔ Insider Tips: Local tips and tricks to planning your trip, such as fuel stops, internet signal, supermarket locations, what to pack and how to prepare for your trip. Don’t get caught out on your trip to Scotland’s northern coast and get prepared for your adventure with this book!✔ Produced with care: During the production of this guidebook, the authors spent two months living on the NC500 route, turning over every rock and leaf to ensure that all the best-hidden sights and attractions that the NC500 has to offer are included.✔ Reliable and detailed: Maps of each region of the route, detailing the exact location of sights and attractions. Destination NC500 offers a reliable and detailed guide to planning your trip to the northern coast of Scotland. Main Features● 220 pages of beautiful pictures and local knowledge● Campervan water and waste facility locations● 110+ of the best sights and attractions● What3words locations and directions to each sight● Sample itineraries to help plan your trip● Local tips and tricks to the region● Restaurants and cafes around the route● Accommodation options - Hotels, B&Bs, Campsites● Electric Vehicle Charging Points and exact locations● Over 300 5★ reviews Get ready to experience Scotland's most beautiful natural sights with Destination NC500guidebook! Read more

THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Winner of the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award'A life-affirming story full of joy and hope' CATHY BRAMLEY'A sun-filled, fun-filled wonderful escapist adventure' MILLY JOHNSONWhen does time out become the time of your life?Jodie Jackson is all at sea, in every sense. On a ferry bound for the Isle of Wight, she's leaving her London life, her career, and her husband behind. She'd like a chance to turn back the clocks, but she'll settle for some peace and quiet on her brother Bill's beautifully renovated houseboat, Sunny Days. But from the moment Jodie steps aboard her new home, it's clear she'll struggle to keep herself to herself. If it isn't Marilyn, who cleans for Bill and is under strict instructions to look after Jodie, then it's Ned, the noisy sculptor on the next-door houseboat. Ned's wood carving is hard on the ears, but it's made up for by the fact that he's rather easy on the eyes.Bustled out of the boat by Marilyn and encouraged to explore with Ned, Jodie soon delights in her newfound freedom. But out of mind isn't out of sight, and when her old life comes knocking Jodie is forced to face reality. Will she answer the call or choose a life filled with Sunny Days and Sea Breezes?An absolute must-read from the queen of fun-filled and life-affirming fiction, Sunny Days and Sea Breezes will make your heart sing!'A wonderful setting where dark clouds part to reveal a happy ending' KATIE FFORDE'A bright and breezy summer story, the next best thing to a seaside trip' SUNDAY MIRROR'A delightful summer read' HELLO!'Packed full of Matthews' signature charm, this has original characters and an escapist setting' WOMAN'Perfect escapism'BELLA'A bright, breezy, summery story!' BEST'A warm summer read' CHOICESUNNY DAYS & SEA BREEZES was a Sunday Times bestseller in hardback on 28th June 2020 Read more

A Sunday Times Book of the Week and Top 10 BestsellerA Times bestsellerA Waterstones Paperback of the Year 2024A Spectator Book of the YearWhat kind of country is England today?What does it mean to be English?Are we hungry for change or seeking old certainties?Join Stuart Maconie on an enlightening, entertaining journey through England, from Bristol's Banksy to Durham's beaches, from Cotswolds corduroy to Stoke's oatcakes.As his guide, Maconie walks in the footsteps of J.B. Priestley's classic travelogue, English Journey, to explore our national identity and how it has evolved over the last century. On his way, Stuart takes inspiration from the people he meets at bus stops and train stations, cafes and corner shops.Travelling the length of the land, Maconie explores the differences between city and town, north and south, and examines our past and present with affection and insight. Whether he’s passing the boutique hotels of Manchester, the moors of Ilkley or the grand houses of Tynemouth, looking out over misty fens or urban skylines, he shines a light on the people who make these places and asks what the future holds for them. Along the way, he uncovers local heroes and secret histories over early breakfasts and last orders.Through his journey, he lets us see our homes and habits, hopes and eccentricities with fresh eyes. The Full English challenges us to embrace the messy, shifting and diverse nature of England, and to ask ourselves what kind of country we want to be.Stuart Maconie's book 'The Full English' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-04-17. Read more

Discover twice the city in half the time as Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the ultimate short trip to Porto.This latest edition uncovers the city's most popular experiences and unexpected surprises from chasing the waves with a surf lesson at Praia de Matosinhos, to hitting the historic cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia for a taste of barrel-aged port, and learning to paint your own tile with a workshop at Gazete Azulejos in Bonfirm. Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Pocket Porto travel guide:Our Pocket guidebook format contains the best insider knowledge for planning trips between 1 - 7 daysAll-new structure and design that’s easy to use so you can navigate Porto effortlesslyExciting ‘Three Perfect Days’ itineraries that are packed with unmissable attractions and activitiesEat, drink and shop like a local with extensive listings of the top restaurants, bars, markets and street vendorsVibrant photography and maps including a pull out map of PortoExplore on foot! Walking tours in every chapter introduce each area’s personality and unique experiencesGet fresh takes on must-visit sights including Clérigos, Centro Português de Fotografia, and Jardins do Palácio de CristalEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; navigating transport confidently; local etiquette; using money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travelCovers: Ribeira, Aliados & Bolhão, Miragaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Massarelos, Boavista, Foz do Douro & Around Get straight to the heart of this extraordinary destination and hit the ground running with Lonely Planet's Pocket Porto. Read more

Explore the vast moorlands of the Dark Peak and travel into the wildest areas of the famous Peak District National Park. Climb Bleaklow and Kinder Scout, follow the Pennine Way and discover Penistone and the South Yorkshire Forest. Follow the Pennine Way from Edale and walk along the backbone of England, with spectacular views from Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Black Hill Discover the historic market towns of Glossop, Stockbridge and Penistone and unique locations like the Derwent Dam and Ladybower Reservoir and Walk, hike and climb along paths including the Dove Valley Trail, Limestone Way and Transpennine Trail OS Explorer Maps: 1:25 000 scale (4 cm to 1 km – 2½ inches to 1 mile). Great for walkers, hikers, cyclists, families, dog walkers, and horse riders. Includes roads, rights of way, permissive paths and bridleways, plus essential visitor information. Free digital download included. Other Ordnance Survey Peak District maps include the Peak District: White Peak Area Explorer map OL24 and Landranger 110 Sheffield & Huddersfield Read more

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the ultimate short trip to Rome - and discover twice the city in half the time!Discover Rome's most popular experiences, must-see attractions, and unexpected surprises - neighbourhood by neighbourhood - with our handy-sized Pocket travel guide. From digging into world-class pizza in Trastevere, to enjoying the cheerful throngs at Porta Portese flea market, and plunging into the creepy Catacombe di San Sebastiano.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Pocket Rome travel guide:Our Pocket guidebook format provides you with the best insider knowledge and local know-how for planning trips between 1 - 7 days Find what you're looking for fast with this guide's all-new structure and design and navigate Rome with ease Get fresh takes on must-visit sights including the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi FountainExciting Three Perfect Days itineraries help you to create your ideal trip with suggestions of unmissable attractions and activities to match your passions Find the local vibe on foot! Walking tours in every chapter introduce each neighbourhood's personality and get you to those 'don't miss' sights Discover 'A Few Surprises' in a new feature that showcases Rome's best kept secrets and rising trends Navigate public transport confidently with clear instructions and tips in our 'Getting Around' sectionMake quick travel decisions using 'Trip Planning' pages that include top pick lists and tips about what to book in advance Eat, drink, and shop like a local with extensive listings of the top restaurants, bars, markets, and street vendorsEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travelInspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of RomeCovers: Ancient Rome; Centro Storico; Vatican, Prati & Borgo; Tridente & Trevi; Monti & Esquilino; San Giovanni & Celio; Aventino & Testaccio; Trastevere & Gianicolo plus day trips to Borghese Gallery & Gardens; journey along the Appia Antica Get straight to the heart of this extraordinary city - neighbourhood by neighbourhood - and hit the ground running with Lonely Planet's Pocket Rome. Read more

'A laugh-cry book from first page to last' Milly Johnson What if you had the chance to find a lost love? Jess still thinks about the man who disappeared from her life seventeen years ago, and the tragedy that tore them apart. So when she discovers a hidden box of letters in her mother's attic, Jess realises that the truth about why he walked away has been kept from her all this time. Jess sets out to follow the faded postmarks across the country, determined that her journey will bring her closer to him. As each clue falls into place, Jess discovers new things about herself - and the man who once broke her heart. Maybe she can find him. Maybe their love story isn't over. Maybe one day, they will be together again... Praise for Debbie Johnson: 'Original and thought-provoking' Katie Fforde 'Humour, tears and above all, hope. Bring tissues' Catherine Isaac 'Moving, beautiful and heart-wrenching' Cathy Bramley Read more

'A memorable portrayal of a family and damaged relationships. Richly rewarding, stand-out fiction'BERNARDINE EVARISTO'Every word has the touch of a genius' BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH'Expect to see this on every sun lounger this summer!' THE SHIFT'A pin-sharp, propulsive story' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE'Daisy Jones and the Six fans will love this!'GRAZIA'I was bereft when I finished. A contender for my books of the year list'PRIMA'Bold, brilliant, shocking and shattering' CHRIS WHITAKEREveryone has heard of Girls.But what happened to the women they became?At the time of her death, the press wrote many things about Ingrid Olssen:She was a brilliant artist. She was a terrible mother to her girls, Mattie and Nora. And that her legacy would live on forever.Even so, it's unlikely the world will ever see another Ingrid Olssen exhibition - her last request to her daughters was to throw her ashes in the canyon and her paintings in the sea.But as Mattie and Nora reluctantly embark on an all-or-nothing trip to fulfil her wishes, they start to unpick the painful scars of their past.And soon they begin to realise that the ties that bound them, might also break them...Perfect for fans of Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason and Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. GIRLS is as devastating as it is hilarious, as tender and moving as it is shocking - this is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the final pages.** PRAISE FOR GIRLS **'A memorable portrayal of a family and damaged relationships painted with all the colour, ambition, texture and psychological complexity that makes for richly rewarding, stand-out fiction' BERNARDINE EVARISTO'Bold, brilliant, shocking and shattering. GIRLS takes a beautiful, funny and moving look at family, loss, and the complex notion of forgiveness. I adored it.' CHRIS WHITAKER'Every word has the touch of genius' BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH'A beautiful, rich, expansive novel. It'll be a while before I stop crying' JENNIE GODFREY'Beautifully written, tender, moving. I can't say enough good things about it' LOUISE O'NEILL'An ode to sisters, surviving and families. Loved it.' PRIMA'I adored GIRLS by Kirsty Capes. The ending is brilliant & sad. The journey there is full of thrills & brilliant insights into the dark burden of the past, sisters & mothers, emotional damage & baggage. Five stars from me.' GEORGINA MOORE'A funny, heartbreaking, astute look at art, trauma, the nature of celebrity, mothers, daughters, sisters and the awful things we do to each other. Expect to see this on every sunlounger this summer' THE SHIFT'I can't think when I last encountered a story world of this depth and faultless plausibility. Everything about it was perfect: intricate; warm; uncluttered' ANSTEY HARRIS'A pin-sharp, propulsive story about connection and family, legacy and art' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE Read more

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION 2018 'You will sob little tears of joy' Nell Zink'I recommend it with my whole heart' Ann Patchett'I adore this book' Armistead Maupin'Charming, languid and incredibly funny, I absolutely adored Arthur' Jenny Colgan 'Marvellously, endearingly, unexpectedly funny' Gary Shteyngart'Bedazzling, bewitching and be-wonderful' New York Times Book Review'A fast and rocketing read . . . a wonderful, wonderful book!' Karen Joy Fowler'Hilarious, and wise, and abundantly funny' Adam Haslett'Ideal for holiday reading' The Lady WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY FROM YOUR PROBLEMS?Arthur Less is a failed novelist about to turn fifty. A wedding invitation arrives in the post: it is from an ex-boyfriend of nine years who is engaged to someone else. Arthur can't say yes - it would be too awkward; he can't say no - it would look like defeat. So, he begins to accept the invitations on his desk to half-baked literary events around the world. From France to India, Germany to Japan, Arthur almost falls in love, almost falls to his death, and puts miles between him and the plight he refuses to face. Less is a novel about mishaps, misunderstandings and the depths of the human heart. Read more

Selected to be read on Radio Four's Book of the Week. 'One of the best books I've read in the last five or ten years... Wild is angry, brave, sad, self-knowing, redemptive, raw, compelling, and brilliantly written, and I think it's destined to be loved by a lot of people, men and women, for a very long time.' --Nick HornbyAt twenty-six, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's rapid death from cancer, her family disbanded and her marriage crumbled. With nothing to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life: to walk eleven-hundred miles of the west coast of America - from the Mojave Desert, through California and Oregon, and into Washington state - and to do it alone. She had no experience of long-distance hiking and the journey was nothing more than a line on a map. But it held a promise - a promise of piecing together a life that lay in ruins at her feet. Strayed's account captures the agonies - both mental and physical - of her incredible journey; how it maddened and terrified her, and how, ultimately, it healed her. Wild is a brutal memoir of survival, grief and redemption: a searing portrayal of life at its lowest ebb and at its highest tide. Read more