Biographies of the year?
Normally, as Christmas approaches, the biographies start to be published thick and fast in preparation for the season, and this year is no different. From Paul O'Grady to Dawn French to Roger Moore, anyone whose anybody is publishing their biography this year.
We, at Simon and Schuster are publishing a biography with a twist, in the shape of Richard Madeley's Fathers and Sons, and is available at Amazon.
Here's a video of Richard Madeley discussing his book, Fathers & Sons;
Click to viewRichard's grandfather had a childhood of almost unimaginable betrayal and sadness. His family abandoned him as a child to older relatives and emigrated without telling him. He grew up in a miserable situation and without any positive parenting role models yet managed to marry and have a son of his own. Richard's father was aware of his own father's discomfort and occasional frustration and anger, and grew to understand that this was due to his upbringing. He remembers no affection, or endearments from his dad and was packed off to a desolate boarding school in an echo of his own father's betrayal. In a bucking of the family trend, Richard's mother, a Canadian, introduced more loving and demonstrative relationships which Richard has continued with his own son and step-sons.
Both a family story and a wide-ranging look at Britain's evolving social character, FATHERS & SONS is a uniquely honest and touching exploration of how our families operate.
FATHERS & SONS is available to buy from October 1st 2008 at all good bookshops and online retailers.
So... my question is, which biography will you be buying (as a gift or for yourself) this year?
Or to broaden it out a bit... which BOOK, being published before Christmas are you excited about getting your mitts on?