As the evenings draw in, is there anything more comforting than curling up somewhere cosy with a good book? We’ve put together an eclectic list of non-fiction publications that are sure to pique your interest this autumn.
I’ll Bake! By Liberty Mendez, £15.12
There are moments in life when only cake will do. Whether you invite your friends around last minute and need a speedy dessert to devour while gossiping about ‘that person’ you shouldn’t be talking to, or you need a snack to keep you going while binge-watching a reality show on a dark evening, or you want to save some money and make an afternoon tea at home for the in-laws – baking is always the answer. Liberty Mendez shows you how to achieve baking success with five simple steps in each recipe. Featuring delicious bakes for feeding flatmates, hosting dinner parties and bringing the cake to your friend’s birthday bash, there are even ideas for times when you want to whip up comfort food in a flash. So, go on, indulge just a little and take pleasure in saying, ‘I’ll bake!’. Each of the 85 recipes are super easy to follow. There’s an at-a-glance guide to which recipes are vegan, dairy and gluten-free, with timesaving tips and easy alternatives so you can swap out ingredients to suit, as well as Liberty’s guide to entertaining with ease and handy hints on baking tin and tray hacks so you can always bake, even with limited kitchen equipment. The chapters are accompanied by a Spotify soundtrack Liberty has compiled to set the mood and bring the joy to baking. It really is a pleasure to read as well as cook from, especially if you’re a working Londoner who lives (or has lived) with food loving housemates!
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
Bedtime Stories for Privileged by Daniel Foxx, £14.99
Author and comedian Daniel Foxx presents a wonderful collection of stories especially for the little darlings of the fabulously wealthy – that can also be enjoyed by YOU, the downtrodden, pitiful, ordinary adult! Read about the everyday adventures of Rupert, Shallotte and Genevievette as they ski, holiday, and drift around Selfridges – whilst always keeping a healthy distance from the dreaded hoi polloi! Other magical adventures include: Rupert goes on holiday! But what is ‘duty free’? And why do poor people love it so much? Cosmo goes to state school, where the teachers wear jeans and no-one can understand Latin! Lily goes with Daddy to work! And fires Kate from marketing!! This is the perfect gift – whether you’re wintering in Aspen, summering in Tuscany, or simply want to keep the little ones quiet in the back of the Range Rover Evoque.
Available from www.blackwells.co.uk
Prepare to be inspired by Peter Sidwell’s Kitchen, a contemporary anthology of recipes that redefine traditional favourites. Following the resounding success of his online cookery series, Peter Sidwell’s latest book signals his long-anticipated return to food writing. A testament to his culinary expertise, it features over 100 recipes, each crafted with creativity, passion, and an instinctive understanding of simply delicious food.
Available to preorder from… www.mezepublishing.co.uk
This new, motivational, gender-neutral journal is packed with short, practical lessons and easy, thoughtful writing prompts that will help you transform your mindset. Plus, Big Life Journal is perfect for ages 18-99 and fits all backgrounds and life paths.
Available from www.bigliifejournal.com
How to Drink Wine by Tom Surgey, £12.65
From grape to glass, this highly readable and charismatic guide will teach you everything you need to know to enjoy wine. Wine is one of the most popular drinks across the globe, it brings people together and has a rich social and cultural history, it’s also astoundingly delicious. But it can also be intimidating, confusing and unnecessarily complicated. It can be hard to know where to start: how is wine made? What’s the difference between red and white? How do I know what to buy in a shop? Am I holding my glass correctly? In this modern and accessible introduction to wine, Tom Surgey answers all these questions and more; doing away with old-school snobbery and teaching you how to get the most out of your favourite drink.
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
The Avengers Official Quiz Book, £9.99
Roy Bettridge – in co-operation with Studiocanal UK – is delighted to present the official quiz book on the popular 1960’s television series, The Avengers celebrating its diamond anniversary. Testing the knowledge of hardcore fans and enthusiasts, the book will also welcome the newcomers to the world of John Steed and his glamorous sidekicks where the only items needed to save the world are charm, elegance, high kicks and a glass of champagne.
Author Roy Bettridge has been a fan of The Avengers for nearly thirty years standing and has not only used the show as his muse for his own books but has contributed to two Avengers charity projects; Avengerworld edited by Alan Hayes and Stay Tuned to The Avengers by Dave Rogers. Writing since the age of 15, he has independently produced 8 titles available from all good stockists.
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
A Young Person’s Guide to Law and Justice, £8.85
Thinking of studying law at school or university? Or are you simply curious about the fascinating world of law and lawyers? A Young Person’s Guide to Law and Justice is written by an experienced father and son team of lawyers and educators. It provides an entertaining and accessible guide by blending the philosophical and practical sides of the law. You will acquire a better understanding of the world around you, and by the end of the book, you will likely know more about the law than 99% of the population.
Available from www.amazon.com
Air Fryer – Easy Everyday by Sam and Dom Milner, £15.55
From the expert creators of Sunday Times Bestseller The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook, this is the ultimate solution to busy mealtimes, featuring 140 simple, straightforward air fryer recipes. This no-frills beginner guide is full of effortless and practical recipes that absolutely anyone can follow, regardless of experience, showing you how easy it is to feed yourself, your friends and family all day long using only the air fryer. Instructions are included for both basket and dual air fryers – as well as a chapter on cooking in the air fryer oven. Written by air fryer experts Sam and Dom Milner, who have lived and breathed air fryer cooking for more than 12 years, this smart cookbook focuses on the essentials. As the creators of the highly successful website RecipeThis.com, Sam and Dom know exactly what makes the best recipes so simple and effective, along with which techniques you need to easily achieve the best results.
