Corduroy Mansions' is the affectionate nickname given to a genteelly crumbling mansion block in London's vibrant Pimlico. This is the home patch of a lovelorn literary agent, possibly the first ever nasty Liberal Democrat MP, and Freddie de la Hay, an urbane, simpatico terrier trained to be a vegetarian and respectful of feline rights. Elsewhere, the eccentric Terence Moongrove is on a voyage of self-discovery which takes him to Cheltenham to experiment with sacred dance and where he develops a liking for fast cars. Loafers, wine merchants, vitamin evangelists and the occasional analyst pass each other on the stairs on this delightful des res. With his trademark wit, charm and lightness of touch Alexander McCall Smith introduces a colourful cast of characters, full of life, laughter and humanity so beloved in his writing.
42 atheist celebrities, comedians, scientists and writers give their funny and serious tips for enjoying the Christmas season. When the Atheist Bus Campaign was first launched, over ?150, 000, was raised in four days enough to place the advert 'There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life' on 800 UK buses in January 2009. Now dozens of atheist writers, comedians and scientists are joining together to raise money for a very different cause. The Atheist's Guide to Christmas is a funny, thoughtful handbook all about enjoying Christmas, from 42 of the world's most entertaining atheists. It features everything from an atheist Christmas miracle to a guide to the best Christmas pop hits, and contributors include Richard Dawkins, Charlie Brooker, Derren Brown, Ben Goldacre, Jenny Colgan, David Baddiel, Simon Singh, AC Grayling, Brian Cox and Richard Herring. The full book advance and all royalties will go to the UK HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust. 19.6 x 12.4 x 2.6 cm, pages 340
Scarlett O'Brien, utterly addicted to romantic films, has found her leading man. She's convinced Sean is Mr Right, but the day-to-day reality of a relationship isn't quite like the movies. With Sean constantly away on business, Scarlett and her new best friend Oscar decide to head to New York for the holiday of a lifetime. From one famous landmark to the next, Scarlett and Oscar make many new friends during their adventure - including sailors in town for Fleet Week, a famous film star, and Jamie & Max, a TV reporter and cameraman. Scarlett finds herself strangely drawn to Jamie, they appear to have much in common: a love of films and Jamie's search for a parent he never knew. But Scarlett has to ask herself why she is reacting like this to another man when she's so in love with Sean.
Be honest, How often do you: Immediately check out the Facebook page of a guy you?ve just met? Send drunken texts that make you want to cringe the next morning? While away whole evenings analysing your love life with your mates? Answered yes to any of the above? Then you need this book. The single woman has never had it so good ? or so you'd think. As Zoe Strimpel discovered, the reality can often be one of Junk Food Love, in other words: negative man-related experiences, corrosive man-obsessing thoughts and damaging man-related actions. Determined to help her fellow single woman, Zoe put herself on The Man Diet: ten no-nonsense rules to stop you binging on bad romance and help you sort the wheat from the chaff ? emotionally, sexually and romantically. This isn?t a book about snaring a man; its about treating yourself well while you're single and putting you on the right track to happiness. If you loved Caitlin Morans How to be a Woman and Grace Dents How to Leave Twitter, you will love this book.