Dan Millman Harper Collins, £10.99 Recommended by Max Lyon Sergei Ivanov (Socrates) orphaned as a young boy in 19th century Russia escapes from the harsh Cossack military school into which he was placed. Based on a true story, Dan Millman creates an absorbing and compelling read demonstrating the courage and wisdom that can come from experiencing the painful realities of life. There is a spectacular twist of fate at the end of the novel. This is a life-changing read for anyone of almost any age.
Linda Kelsey Hodder paperback, £6.99 Recommended by Genevieve Potter A perfect stocking filler for a mum, granny, or aunty who appreciates excellent, grownup fi ction (not your average chick-lit!).
This is a touching, and at times hilarious, story about a magazine editor, Hope, and how her life unfolds as she turns fifty. It is written with wit and wisdom in equal measure, and I found it utterly absorbing. Don't be deceived by the title - adults of any age will thoroughly enjoy Linda Kelsey's superb writing.
Mark Haddon Vintage Books £7.99 Recommended by Sophie Goddard 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time' author returns with a humorous tale of dysfunctional family life, based in the Stamford area. George Hall is keen to embark upon carefree retirement, but is instead met with bad news from all angles... Documented in Haddon's usual sharp and witty style, this is a light, entertaining read that proves compelling.
Published by The Week Ltd Various subscription packages available, plus a free trial. Visit www.theweek.co.uk or call 0844 8440086 Recommended by Jayne Lillywhite Reading this magazine is surely the only way to catch up on the most important and interesting happenings across the UK and the world. Delivered weekly, it distils the best of the UK and foreign media and manages to both inform and entertain in a balanced way. I rarely read a paper and hardly ever hear or watch the news so wouldn't be without my copy.
Rex Sly Sutton Publishing £14.99 Rex Sly's family has been living in the Fens since 1545, and in Huntingdon the name Sly can be traced back to 1273. He is a farmer in Crowland and a keen local historian. His daughter Belinda runs Sly Fashion in St Mary's Hill.
This book contains a superb selection of Fenland families and their business over the years, and makes one refl ect on handing down craft skills from one generation to the next, perhaps something we will see more of once again as we struggle to reduce our carbon footprint.
Edited by Chris Catlin and Iain Middleton RMC Brainwave £14.99 A stunning recipe book for lovers of game, also with seasonal starters and puddings.
Commissioned by the Countryside Alliance's 'Game to Eat ' campaign, the book shows you how to prepare game dishes selected by award-winning gastro pub chefs Sean Hope (Olive Branch, Clipsham), Mark Gough (Tollemache Arms, Buckminster), David Lem (Houghton's at the Pear Tree, Woodhouse Eves, Leicester).
Outstanding photography, great recipes. Available at Simpole Clarke and Walkers.