Other books that might interest you

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  New Grub Street

  George Gissing

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  New Grub Street by George Gissing is a compelling exploration of the literary world and the struggles of writers in late 19th-century London. The novel contrasts two authors: Edwin Reardon, a talented but impoverished novelist who values artistic integrity, and Jasper Milvain, an ambitious opportunist who prioritizes commercial success. As they navigate the harsh realities of the publishing industry, Reardon’s dedication to his craft leaves him financially ruined and emotionally broken, while Milvain’s pragmatic approach propels him to fame and fortune. Gissing critiques the commodification of art, the sacrifices demanded by poverty, and the moral compromises of ambition. Through its vivid characters and unflinching portrayal of societal pressures, New Grub Street examines the tension between art and commerce, offering a poignant reflection on the cost of creativity in a materialistic world. A timeless classic, it resonates with anyone who has grappled with the pursuit of success versus staying true to one’s ideals.

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  Big in Sweden - A Novel

  Sally Franson

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  NARRATED BY MEG RYAN 
  “Sally Franson is a world class entertainer. She can finesse a serio-comic moment in a way that leaves you catching your breath. Deft and delicious, this book is a flat out delight machine. A heart opener, a page turner, and a true ‘originell!' I laughed out loud, I ugly cried, and I never, ever wanted it to end."" -- Meg Ryan, actor, writer, director 
  A charming, wise, and laugh-out-loud funny novel following an American woman competing on a Swedish reality show in an attempt to discover her roots.  
  Paulie Johansson has never put much stock in the idea of family: she has her long-term boyfriend Declan and beloved best friend Jemma, and that’s more than enough for her. Yet one night on a lark, she lets Jemma convince her to audition for Sverige och Mig, a show on Swedish television where Swedish-Americans compete to win the ultimate prize: a reunion with their Swedish relatives. Much to her shock, her drunken submission video wins her a spot on the show, and against Declan’s advice Paulie decides to go for it. 
  Armed with her Polaroid camera, a beat-up copy of Pippi Longstocking, and an unquenchable sense of possibility, Paulie hops on a plane to Sweden and launches into the contest with seven other Americans, all under the watchful eye of a camera crew. At first, Paulie is certain that she and her competitors have nothing in common besides their passports and views their bloodthirsty ambitions with suspicion. Yet amid the increasingly absurd challenges—rowing from Denmark to Sweden in the freezing rain, battling through obstacle courses, competing in a pickled herring eating contest—Paulie finds herself rethinking her snap judgments about her fellow countrymen, while her growing attachment to her Swedish roots increases her resolve to win the competition herself. 
  Grappling with long-held notions of family, friendship, and love—not to mention her feelings for the distractingly handsome Swedish cameraman who’s been assigned to follow her around—Paulie starts to reconsider her past and rethink what she wants for the future. A fish-out-of-water tale filled with warmth, optimism, and wit, Big in Sweden is at its heart a love story: love for family, friends, country, and—most importantly—oneself.  
  ""If you devoured Pippi Longstocking as a kid, you will not be able to turn away from Big in Sweden. Reading this hilarious, heartfelt book was even more fun than watching reality television. I absolutely loved it!"" — Jessica Anya Blau, author of Mary Jane

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  My friend Zimmermann - as he...

  B. Mich. Grosch

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  About this book: 
  Zimmermann, the author's fictional friend and (sympathetic) terror of his neighbourhood, never tires of trying the nerves of his fellow citizens and his unfortunate friend with ever new and always crazy ideas and deeds. Whether as a driving licence applicant, inventor, lion tamer or mere tourist, he amazes or frightens his fellow citizens and - hopefully - leaves the reader smiling and satisfied. 
  In this volume, you will find 28 amusing and extremely exciting stories about the interesting, heavy-soldering and 'good-for-nothing' Zimmermann. 
  Narrator: Ryan Neural (AI)

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  Lasting Victory: A Romantic...

  Beverley Watts

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  Another perfect holiday read with lots of romance and laugh out loud comedy, Lasting Victory is the fifth and final entry in the Dartmouth Diaries. 
   
  Victory Shackleford has been married to Hollywood heartthrob Noah Westbrook for nearly two years, and despite all media predictions of doom, she has never been so happy. Of course, her best friend Kit’s relocation to Scotland did come as a bit of a blow, but being married to an A list actor has its perks, and ease of travel is definitely one of them… 
   
  Kit Davies has spent the last eighteen months helping the bad tempered, gorgeous ex-naval captain Jason Buchannan renovate his family pile up in the wilds of Scotland. Considering the chaos they’re in, nobody is more surprised than Kit when, out of the blue, Jason suddenly pops the question. Even more surprising is her lack of hesitation in saying yes. The only complication is the housekeeper’s niece Nicole, who for some reason is still hanging around like a bad smell. 
   
  When her best friend Tory suggests holding an engagement party in Dartmouth, Kit thinks she’s in for a relaxing break, away from all the dust and rubble, not to mention the redhaired pain in the arse. Unfortunately she’s reckoned without Tory’s interfering father… 
   
  …On discovering the Scot has unexpectedly proposed to his daughter’s best friend, Admiral Shackleford is of the firm opinion that Nicole has finally outstayed her welcome at Bloodstone Tower. What’s more, he’s determined to dig up enough dirt on the redhaired baggage to send her packing. 
   
  But this time, finally, the Admiral might have opened one can of worms too many...

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  Rachel's Holiday

  Marian Keyes

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  A SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION NARRATED BY THE AUTHOR 
   
  Discover the deliciously dark and fantastically funny No. 1 bestseller about a woman living life rather too well and being whisked away from it all, from the No. 1 bestselling author of Grown Ups 
   
  'How did it end up like this? Twenty-seven, unemployed, mistaken for a drug addict, in a treatment centre in the back arse of nowhere with an empty Valium bottle in my knickers . . .' 
   
  Meet Rachel Walsh. 
   
  She's been living it up in New York City, spending her nights talking her way into glamorous parties before heading home in the early hours to her hot boyfriend Luke. 
   
  But her sensible older sister showing up and sending her off to actual rehab wasn't quite part of her plan. 
   
  She's only agreed to her incarceration because she's heard that rehab is wall-to-wall jacuzzis, gymnasiums and rock stars going cold turkey - plus it's about time she had a holiday. 
   
  Saying goodbye to fun will be hard. But not as hard as losing the man who she realises, all too late, might just be the love of her life . . . 
   
  “Gloriously funny” SUNDAY TIMES 
   
  “Irresistible, profound . . . Keyes's comic gift is always evident” INDEPENDENT 
   
  “Comic, convincing and true” GUARDIAN 
   
  “Mercilessly funny” THE TIMES 
   
  “Funny, tender and completely absorbing!” GRAHAM NORTON

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  Love Letters to a House on Fire...

  Aaron N. Hall

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  Greedy elves. Warrior princesses. Earnest robots. Sexy frogs. 
  Love Letters to a House on Fire is a collection of stories, letters, poems, and ransom notes that contain thoughtful and quirky observations on the world we live in. Follow along through science fiction- and fantasy-inspired tales of adventure, conspiracy, betrayal, and determination. Enjoy poems exploring themes of love, life, nature, faith, and mental health. Finish by reading the ransom notes documenting a botched kidnapping that blossomed into a family blood feud. 
  These are love letters to the deep parts of ourselves and the parts of the world burning at our feet.

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