Looking for your next read? We’ve selected the best biographies out now…
These days it seems there’s a new autobiography out every week, from reality stars who’ve been famous for five minutes, through to politicians and world leaders. To help you pick your next page-turner, we’ve sifted through the latest releases and selected the pick of the bunch that will have you laughing, crying or simply entertained…
To say 2012 has been a big year for Wiggo would be an understatement. After becoming the first ever Brit to win the Tour De France he went on to win his seventh Olympic gold medal at London 2012 and become the nation’s most decorated Olympian of all time. In this outspoken and honest account, the sideburn-sporting hero opens up about his life on and off the bike, tells the story of how he reached the pinnacle of his sport, and explains just how it feels to take Olympic gold.
It’s time to get serious with Britian’s favourite funny man. He’s been the camp aide to the Prime Minister, a rubbish transvestite and the long-suffering wheelchair pusher for an able-bodied man. David Walliams, who was launched to fame with the hilarious Little Britain show, is revealed to be world-class comedian who knows how to make us laugh. Camp David is a roller-coaster ride of emotions guaranteed to surprise and entertain.
From the moment the Military Wives sang together on BBC Two’s The Choir, their lives changed forever. Entrancing the nation, their story moved millions and their single reached the Christmas number 1. From the loneliness and isolation of life on a military base to the challenge of writing to men facing unimaginable horrors, and to the Choir that gave them comfort, solace and friendship in the darkest of times - these are true and inspiring accounts straight from the wives themselves.
Despite some early close shaves with a number of diverse career paths, ranging from grave digging to professional football, it was music that truly captured Rod Stewart’s heart. Starting out in the 1960s playing London clubs and busking on railway platforms, his distinctive raspy voice caught the ear of a music exec. Fast forward a few years and he’s launched a solo career, written renowned song ‘Maggie May’ and sold an estimated 200 million records. Here he chronicles his fascinating life – his career, marriages and his brush with cancer. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll adventure that is at times deeply moving.
Go on a magical mystery tour with Derren Brown. Obsessed with magic and illusions since childhood, his life to date has been an extraordinary journey. Derren's endlessly engaging narrative wanders through subjects, from the history of magic and the fundamentals of psychology, to the joys of Internet shopping and the proper use of Parmesan cheese! Brilliant and hilarious, you find out what motivates him and what’s made him the weird and wonderful person he is today.
There is a reason why Stephen King is one of the bestselling writers in the world. Put simply, he writes books that draw you in and are impossible to put down. Part memoir, part master class, this paperback is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, detailing the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his near-fatal accident in 1999 - and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. A must read for literary fans.
The golden girl of British cycling opens up, in searingly honest detail, about what drives her to compete in a sport she no longer loves. From the World Championships to London 2012, winning gold medal upon gold medal, the queen of the track joined the ranks of British Olympic heroes. But behind the scenes, the cracks and strains started to show and her shield of invincibility started to droop. Between the Lines documents the considerable lows and well-known highs of her time on and off the cycle path.
Born in a small city in Austria in 1947, Hollywood favourite Arnie moved to LA at the tender age of 21. Within 10 years he was a millionaire businessman and within 20 years the world’s biggest movie star with films including Terminator, Twins and Junior under his belt. In 2003, he became Governor of California for eight years, and became a household name around the world. Total Recall is his first public reflection on his term as Governor during what was perhaps California's most tumultuous decade.
The reigning queen of comedy offers her 18-year-old self some much needed caution and guidance on how to navigate life’s rocky path. In this fun manual, or miranual as she puts it, the comedienne unveils her wealth of uncomfortable experiences – from days spent at school to life as an office temp – and offers answers and ways to deal with the awkwardness of adult life.
From the multiple successes of Girls Aloud and her strong solo career to her time as a judge on The X Factor and launching her own charity The Cheryl Cole Foundation – the Geordie lass we fell in love with all those years ago on Popstars: The Rivals is truly on the road to mega stardom. Read all about her story and amazing journey in her official autobiography.
