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Far From Perfect (The Valentines #2)
by Holly SmaleThe second sensational book in the Valentines series – a hilarious and heart-aching story about the impossible standards for being a girl.
Fat on Film: Gender, Race and Body Size in Contemporary Hollywood Cinema (Library of Gender and Popular Culture)
by Barbara PlotzOver the last two decades, fatness has become the focus of ubiquitous negative rhetoric, in the USA and beyond, presented under the cover of the medicalized ''war against the obesity epidemic''. In Fat on Film, Barbara Plotz provides a critical analysis of the cinematic representation of fatness during this timeframe, specifically in contemporary Hollywood cinema, with an emphasis on the intersection of gender, race and fatness. The analysis is based on around 50 films released since 2000 and includes examples such as Transformers (2007), Precious (2009), Kung Fu Panda (2008), Paul Blart (2009) and Pitch Perfect (2012).Plotz maps the common cinematic tropes of fatness and also shows how commonplace notions of fatness that are part of the current ''obesity epidemic'' discourse are reflected in these tropes. In this original study, Plotz brings critical attention to the politics of fat representation, a topic that has so far received little attention within film and cinema studies.
A Field Guide to Internet Boyfriends: Meme-Worthy Celebrity Crushes from A to Z
by Esther ZuckermanFrom Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba to Timothe Chalamet, A Field Guide to Internet Boyfriends is the ultimate celebration of the suave, sexy, sensitive, and silly celebrities who have captured our hearts and memes! Handsome and heartfelt, with winning smiles and pinnable Tweets -- this is what Internet Boyfriends are made of. But who are these meme-able men, and what makes them catch fire online? Discover the answers to these questions and more in A Field Guide to Internet Boyfriends, an interactive exploration of our collective crushes. Entertainment journalist Esther Zuckerman breaks down the world of Internet Boyfriends -- and even a few Internet Girlfriends -- from documentary-style "spotting guides" to discussions on the key categories of boyfriend, like Sensitive Souls, Beautiful Boys and Daddys. A playful, teen magazine-style quiz -- to help readers find their ideal crush -- and in-depth profiles of some of the most beloved Internet Boyfriends and Girlfriends, from Ryan Gosling (the original) to Harry Styles (the Gen Z icon) to Janelle Monae (the space queen), round out this fully-illustrated romp through the celebs behind the memes.
The Final Frankenstein (Midnight Library)
by Thomas Kingsley TroupeA moon shines indoors, bats fly through the stacks and a wolf howls in the distance. That's unexpected - even for the Library. A parade of zombie monks is marching through, and they're eating books. The only hope? Mary, Ann, Charlotte and Ben Franklin. Between their Frankenstein's Monster of books and Ben's electricity, will the zombies be defeated?
The Fine Art of Invisible Detection: The thrilling BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick
by Robert Goddard'In the smartest of prose and with a stunningly fast-moving plot, Goddard brings us the heroine we've been waiting for.' Lesley KaraFrom the multiple Sunday Times bestseller, a masterfully plotted and compelling novel introducing Umiko Wada . . .Umiko Wada has recently had quite enough excitement in her life. With her husband recently murdered and a mother who seems to want her married again before his body is cold, she just wants to keep her head down.As a secretary to a private detective, her life is pleasingly uncomplicated, filled with coffee runs, diary management and paperwork.That is, until her boss takes on a new case. A case which turns out to be dangerous enough to get him killed. A case which means Wada will have to leave Japan for the first time and travel to London.Following the only lead she has, Wada quickly realises that being a detective isn't as easy as the television makes out. And that there's a reason why secrets stay buried for a long time. Because people want them to stay secret. And they're prepared to do very bad things to keep them that way...What readers are saying:'Edge-of-the-seat stuff . . an explosive finale . . . The characters, as always in a Robert Goddard novel, are unforgettable.''One of the best authors in the business . . . another intriguing and sophisticated plot, with stylish prose and dialogue.''No-one comes close to equalling Robert Goddard's talent at writing this sort of mystery thriller with twist after twist after twist.'
Fire Boy (Fire Boy)
by J.M. JosephFire Boy is a laugh-out-loud story about friendship, unexpected superpowers, magical sweets, Inca legends and a cat named Lemon - perfect for fans of My Brother is A Superhero and The Parent Agency. When 11-year-old Aidan receives a mysterious package of sweets from South America in the post, he and his two best friends Sadie and Hussein eat one sweet each - and suddenly develop amazing superpowers. Sadie can move objects with her mind. Hussein can control any electronic device. And Aidan can ignite his body at will...though he can't always control the resulting flames.When they discover that the sweets were sent by a dangerous criminal who is trying to hunt them down to get them back, they have to use all their new powers to outwit him ... before everything goes up in a fiery blaze.But can three ordinary kids keep their powers a secret? Will Aidan learn to control his fiery capabilities? Or will the ultimate bad guy spoil the whole adventure?
The First Date
by Zara StoneleyRight place. Right time. Wrong guy … ‘The novel equivalent of binge watching a tv series…"just one more chapter, who cares if it's 2am!" It's exactly the sort of novel you need with so much chaos in the world’ Sarah, Reader review
Five Go Absolutely Nowhere
by Bruno Vincent'Ah! This is the dream!' says Julian one morning. 'With good old British common sense and community spirit like this, there's no reason that we couldn't exist on the island like this for the rest of our days!'What could possibly go wrong . . .?Anne has gathered Julian, Dick, George and, of course, Timmy, together for a last nostalgic jaunt in the countryside together before grown-up responsibilities take the four cousins off in different directions. It's only natural that they find their way onto Kirrin Island for a look around, as this might be the last time they're here together as a group. They are planning just to spend the night there and come home the next day, perhaps with a little exploring in the dungeon for old time's sake. But that night they hear the country has gone into lockdown. They are not allowed to leave. With their usual resourcefulness, they are determined to make the best of it, and remain cheerful and healthy. As Anne keeps saying: They're lucky, really, to have all this countryside and fresh air at their disposal!
Five Hundred Miles From You: the brand new, life-affirming, escapist novel of 2020 from the Sunday Times bestselling author (Kirrinfief)
by Jenny Colgan'Nobody does cosy, get-away-from-it-all romance like Jenny Colgan' Sunday Express'A sheer delight from start to finish' Sophie Kinsella ___________________________________ They live five hundred miles apart. Yet their lives are about to collide . . . Curl up and escape with Jenny Colgan 'An evocative, sweet treat' Jojo Moyes 'Gorgeous, glorious, uplifting' Marian Keyes 'Irresistible' Jill Mansell 'Just lovely' Katie Fforde 'Naturally funny, warm-hearted' Lisa Jewell 'A gobble-it-all-up-in-one-sitting kind of book' Mike Gayle ___________________________________Lissa loves her job as a nurse, but recently she's been doing a better job of looking after other people than looking after herself. After a traumatic incident at work leaves her feeling overwhelmed, she agrees to swap lives with someone in a quiet village in Scotland.Cormac is restless. Just out of the army, he's desperately in need of distraction, and there's precious little of it in Kirrinfief. Maybe three months in London is just what he needs. As Lissa and Cormac warm to their new lives, emailing back and forth about anything and everything, finally things seem to be falling into place. But each of them feel there's still a piece missing. What - or who - could it be?And what if it's currently five hundred miles away? ___________________________________ Why readers ADORE Jenny Colgan 'Jenny Colgan has a way of writing that makes me melt inside' 'Her books are so good I want to start over as soon as I have finished' 'There's something so engaging about her characters and plots' 'Her books are like a big, warm blanket' 'Her stories are just so fabulous' 'She brings her settings and characters so vividly to life' 'The woman is just magic'
The Five-Year Plan
by Carla BurgessTwo people. One epic love story. What if? The perfect fun and heartwarming romance to escape with from the bestselling author of Marry Me Tomorrow
Fizzy and Bandit: A Bloomsbury Young Reader (Bloomsbury Young Readers)
by Sarah Crossan'Every child needs a Bloomsbury Young Reader. Fun, stretching, just the right length, full of adventurous vocabulary and punctuation.' (Julie-Ann McCulloch, Teacher)Fizzy wants a dog. Not just any dog though – a golden dog with a black nose and very curly hair. So when a dog called Bandit who looks just like this appears in her neighbour's garden, Fizzy will stop at nothing to keep him – even if it means hiding poor Bandit in the laundry basket...This delightful comedy from Ireland's Children's Laureate Sarah Crossan is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves and for Key Stage 1. It features illustrations from Nicola Colton and a feisty heroine children will love. Bloomsbury Young Readers are the perfect way to get children reading, with book-banded stories by brilliant authors like Julia Donaldson. They are packed with gorgeous colour illustrations and include inside cover notes to help adults reading with children, as well as ideas for activities related to the stories.Book Band: WhiteIdeal for ages 6+
The Flamingo Ballerina
by Bella SwiftWho says ballet is just for swans? A flamingo is tickled pink when she befriends a ballerina in this funny, heartwarming story about dance and determination.When Fifi crash-lands in a pond near a ballet school, she mistakes the ballerinas balancing on one leg for fellow flamingos. She longs to be a dancer, too, but the mean swans who rule the pond say she's not graceful enough. . . But when Fifi befriends Darcy, one of the young ballerinas, she learns that becoming a dancer isn't just about looking good in pink. It takes lots of hard work and training! Will the ballet school's show give Fifi a chance to show the swans that flamingos CAN dance? And can she help her new friend Darcy to overcome her stage fright?
Flatland: Large Print (Penguin Science Fiction)
by Edwin AbbottThe book that influenced writers from Carl Sagan to Stephen Hawking, Flatland is set in a two-dimensional world where life exists only in lines and shapes - until one of its inhabitants, 'A. Square', has his perspective transformed forever. This brilliantly eccentric classic is an invitation to see beyond our own reality.'At once a playful brainteaser about geometry, a pointed satire of Victorian manners - and a strangely compelling argument about the greatest mysteries of the Universe' Wall Street Journal'Flatland could lead to very profound thought about our Universe and ourselves' Isaac Asimov
The Flip Side: Wonderfully romantic and utterly hilarious. The laugh-out-loud rom-com of 2020!
by James BaileyDIVE INTO THE LAUGH OUT LOUD ROMANTIC COMEDY OF THE YEAR! 'Utterly adorable and romantic. I feel uplifted!' GIOVANNA FLETCHER'It made me laugh out loud, cry my heart out and put a great big grin on my face' Reader Review *****___________It's love . . . what's the worst thing that could happen?When Josh proposes in a pod on the London Eye at New Years' Eve, he thinks it's perfect.Until she says no.And they have to spend the next 29 excruciating minutes alone together.His life is falling apart.Realising he can't trust his own judgment, Josh decides from now on he will make every decision through the flip of a coin.Maybe the coin will change his life forever.Maybe it will help him find the girl of his dreams . . . ___________'This is going to be The Flatshare of 2020' MIRANDA DICKINSONFans of The Flatshare, Don't You Forget About Me and Richard Curtis will fall heads over tails in love with this hilarious, feel-good and uplifting romantic comedy.READERS RATE THE FLIP SIDE 5 STARS!'I devoured this book in a few hours and couldn't put it down . . . a laugh-out-loud, heart-warming romantic comedy that will leave you pondering whether you could ever leave fate up to the flip of a coin' *****'It's always a good sign when a story has me laughing out loud from the first few chapters!' *****'It was fantastic! A perfect summer read!!' *****'A lovely story for modern times with lovely characters throughout' *****'A hilarious book that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. There wasn't a dull moment' *****'A lovely, laugh out loud romcom . . . I read The Flip Side in two sittings, and didn't want it to end' *****
Flipped
by Wendelin Van DraanenAS SEEN ON NETFLIX.A classic he-said-she-said romantic comedy, with bonus content including a Q&A with the author.All I've ever wanted is for Juli Baker to leave me alone. For her to back off – you know, just give me some space.Juli has been making Bryce's life hell from the moment they met. All he wants is to live a normal life, without some crazy person mooning after him.The first day I met Bryce Loski, I flipped. Honestly, one look at him and I became a lunatic. It's his eyes.But she doesn't see it that way. In her eyes, they're meant for each other, even though he might not realize it yet.That is, until the eighth grade, when everything flips. And just as Juli starts to realize that Bryce may not be all he seemed, Bryce begins to think that there's more to Juli than meets the eye . . . Wendelin Van Draanen's Flipped is a modern-day classic about first love and not judging a book by it's cover. A romantic comedy-of-errors told in alternating chapters by two fresh, funny voices.
Fool Me Twice: Riley Wolfe Thriller
by Jeff LindsayFrom the international bestselling author of Dexter comes a brilliant new thriller starring Riley Wolfe: a master thief, expert at disguise, and not averse to violence when it's needed. 'The Dexter creator's new hero-thief is a blast . . . Far-fetched, foulmouthed and very funny.' The Times***An impossible crime.Riley Wolfe, heist artist and thief extraordinaire, has the mission of his life.The world's most demanding - and dangerous - collector has a job for someone with his special set of skills.An impossible target.The target? 'The Liberation of St. Peter'. The challenge? It's a fresco, painted on a wall, and it's in the Vatican itself.An impossible choice.But Riley is soon offered a double-cross by an arms dealer - who is watching Monique, expert art forger and the love of his life. The threat is clear. The job is all-in. And Riley know they both have only one way out . . .***Praise for the Riley Wolfe Thrillers:'Another blockbuster from a can't-miss master. Enjoy the ride' David Baldacci'A lot of fun . . . Fans of Lindsay's Dexter novels will not be disappointed' Booklist'A witty caper mystery' The New York Times Book Review'Fans of the Ocean's Eleven films will be eager for more' Publishers Weekly'Jeff Lindsay is back! With a character everyone will want to root for' Andy Garcia
Framing Literary Humour: Cells, Masks and Bodies as 20th-Century Sites of Imprisonment
by Jeanne Mathieu-LessardContrary to what their oppressive design would lead us to believe, might structures of imprisonment actually incite humour? Starting from the most obvious areas of imprisonment (war camps, prison cells) and moving to the less obvious (masks, bodies), Framing Literary Humour demonstrates how 20th-century humour in theory and in fiction cannot be fully understood without a careful look at its connection with the notion of imprisonment. Understanding imprisonment as a concrete spatial setting or a metaphorical image, Jeanne Mathieu-Lessard analyses selected works of Romain Gary, Giovannino Guareschi, Wyndham Lewis, Vladimir Nabokov and Luigi Pirandello to reconfigure confinement as an essential structural condition for the emergence of humour.
Frank Get the Door!: Ma feet are killing me
by Janey GodleySince lockdown began, people have woken up to Janey Godley’s comedy by the hundreds of thousands… [She] has provided much-needed relief throughout the coronavirus pandemic with her gallus Glesga interpretations which have been shared around the country with much glee. – Daily Record ‘Ye’ve been TELT. Everybuddy’s gonnae die if yeez aw keep gaun aboot an meetin each other an gaun hame wi a virus oan ye. So Ah’ve telt ye wance an Ah’m no gonnae tell ye again. This is the official line. If Ah see any o you oot there, Ah’m gonnae take a run an pit ma toe up the crack o yer arse. SO QUIT IT! Stey in the hoose, wash yer hands an keep yer family safe.’
Freddy vs School
by Neill CameronOkay humans, listen up! My name is FREDDY. I live with my mum & dad. I go to school. Oh yeah, the MAIN thing. I am an AWESOME robot! With awesome robotic SUPERPOWERS! But I'm hardly ever allowed to USE them. And definitely not at SCHOOL. Which is going to be a PROBLEM...
Friends for Life: The art of friendship as seen in the world's favourite sitcom
by Jo UsmarThe perfect gift for your Friends-obsessed pals. We might not be able to meet at their favourite coffee spot, but Rachel, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe are (unofficially) here to help you to be the best friend you can be. A nostalgic and heart-warming homage to the world's most popular sitcom, Friends for Life distils the wisdom of the TV series, providing readers with advice and practical tips for pivoting - sorry, perfecting - the art of friendship. Having a group of ride-or-die mates has never been more important, because when life kicks you in the teeth (especially if they're luminous like Ross's), you know they'll help you come out stronger on the other side. This book takes lessons from the show on how to (and how not to) deal with issues such as living together, borrowing money, dating, arguments and knowing when to step-up or step away.With everything from actionable strategies, magazine-style quizzes, listicles and countdowns of the best cameos to the best insults, all beautifully emphasised with bespoke line illustrations, Friends for Life is the perfect book for new and returning fans alike.
Friends Like These
by Felicia KingsleyAll is fair in love and war... Allegra Hill is smart, honest and selfless – but she has also always been the runner-up. Ever since she was at school, one person has constantly managed to beat her to every prize. Who is Allegra's nemesis? Sparkle Jones, whose life is every bit as glittery as her name. Now twenty-six, Allegra finally feels like a winner, with a house of her own and a job at London's most prestigious estate agents. But suddenly, Sparkle Jones is back. And it all happens right as an unexpected encounter with a handsome man with emerald-green eyes seems like it could change everything. As she races between parties, intrigues and not-quite candlelit dinners, Allegra decides to stake her claim. And this time, she won't lose to anyone...
Friendsgiving: The Official Guide to Hosting, Roasting, and Celebrating with Friends
by Shoshana StopekLet Friends be your guide to hosting unforgettable year-round celebrations. This one-of-a-kind handbook is filled with recipes, entertaining tips, and group activities inspired by the feasts and fun of everyone's favorite sitcom squad.In part one of Friendsgiving you'll find recipes like Righteous Mac 'n' Cheese and Neslé Toulouse Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Part two is filled with Friends-style entertaining tips, such as creating the ultimate Friendsgiving playlist and DIY-ing party decorations. Part three keeps the fun going with Pin the Tail on Ugly Naked Guy, Unagi Pictionary, and many more activities. Filled with full-color photos, quotes, and highlighting memorable moments from the show throughout, Friendsgiving is a delightful compendium of ideas for celebrating holidays, special occasions, or anytime festivities with your favorite people.
From L.A. with Love
by Cassie RoccaFor fans of Lucy Vine and Sophie Ranald, a sparkling new romance set in the City of Angels... Since leaving her home and family to move to Los Angeles, Heaven Taylor has had one goal: to become a successful journalist. But competition is fierce and Heaven's already struggling to keep her job at a gossip magazine. If she wants to succeed she'll need to beat everyone to the scoop of the day: snapping the paparazzi's favourite supermodel with her mysterious lover. Ignoring the forecasts of a terrible storm, a determined Heaven snaps the glamorous pair aboard a yacht. But then the storm breaks and poor Heaven ends up in the ocean, putting her dreams of glory – and her life – at risk. She's saved from drowning by David Cooper, who arrives aboard a white boat like a prince on his steed. Too bad, though, that despite his statuesque beauty, David is no prince – and the one person Heaven hoped she would never meet again... Cassie Rocca is a writer of Sicilian origin who has lived in Genoa since the age of three. In everyday life she is a child-minder, a job which gives her plenty of inspiration for her modern fairy tales.
The Funny Life of Sharks
by James CampbellEver wondered why sharks have such a bad reputation? Are they dangerous, human-munching monsters? Or have we got it all wrong? In fact, only SIX people get attacked by sharks every year across the WHOLE WORLD. And how many sharks are eaten by humans every year? ONE HUNDRED MILLION! So maybe sharks are more afraid of us …Take a deep dive into the ridiculously funny life of sharks (and some things that have nothing to do with sharks but are still splendidly funny) according to James Campbell, comedian extraordinaire. This face-achingly funny book will also teach you about great white sharks, tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks, just how incredibly old sharks are, and why sharks are SO important for the environment and how to look after them. So, whether you're seriously afraid of sharks or love them so much you want to invite a shark to your next birthday party, this HILARIOUS book is for you. Prepare to roll around the floor laughing with the snot-inducingly brilliant The Funny Life of Sharks, with side-splittingly funny illustrations from Rob Jones.
Funny You Should Ask . . .: Your Questions Answered by the QI Elves
by QI Elves'The QI Elves are barnstormingly brilliant. Everything in this book reminds us of the extraordinary science, nature, history, humanity and everyday wonders that surround us.' Zoe BallThe QI Elves are the brains behind the enduringly popular BBC TV panel show QI.Every Wednesday the Elves appear on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show where they answer the ponderings and wonderings of BBC Radio 2's most inquisitive listeners.Dive into this splendid collection of listeners' unusual questions and some unexpected answers that are sure to make your head spin on topics ranging from goosebumps to grapefruit, pizza to pirates and everything in-between. Generously sprinkled with extra facts and questions from the Elves, Funny You Should Ask . . . is essential reading for the incurably curious. How much water would you need to put out the Sun?If spiders can walk on the ceiling, why can't they get out of the bath?Why do dads make such bad jokes?Why does red mean 'stop' and green mean 'go'?Can I dig a tunnel to the other side of the Earth?How do plant seeds know which way is up?Can you fill up a black hole?Who popularised the recorder, and where can I get hold of them?For more from the team behind QI, visit qi.com. You can also follow QI's fact-filled Twitter account @qikipedia and listen to their weekly podcast at nosuchthingasafish.com