Non-fiction
Category: Memoir
The books here are listed alphabetically by authors' surnames.
A wonderful memoir about rediscovering the night, enjoying the safety, comfort, solitude and inspiration it offers when sleep is elusive.
A beautifully told memoir on what it is like to be an immigrant in Britain and become one of our most loved and respected journalists.
Combining history and travel writing with the memoir of a young man's apprenticeship to become a master thatcher. Brilliant!
Part memoir, part social history, inspired by George Ewart Evan's book from 1956, this is a mesmerising account of Suffolk village life.
The books we read at school, the conversations they spark and why they matter. A great way to look again at the books we've loved over the years.
While the threat of climate change is dire, David Attenborough also encourages us to marvel at the natural world. His message leaves the reader feeling determined, energised and empowered.
The story of Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Townsend Warner and Rosamond Lehmann as they moved to the country and how rural life changed them.
Part memoir, part life lessons, part introduction to faith, this is an entertaining and wide ranging read from the popular tv vicar!
A memoir of being in a relationship with someone who is neurodivergent. It's fun and enlightening, and talks of family life in Dorset as well as giving an insight into a career in the media.
By 'the bloke off BBC Look East', this is an entertaining and informative memoir of life as a local reporter.
An extraordinary story of a couple's survival when their boat capsizes in the middle of the ocean. A beautiful book!
Exploring the lives of women working and living in the natural environment and the qualities they need to survive and thrive.
A wonderful, rich, multi-faceted peek into the life of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, wife of George Orwell who contributed much more than has previously been acknowledged.
Part nature writing, part travel writing, meeting the people trying to save birds and wildlife in peril.
Something for everyone with personal recollections of farming and family life, fascinating facts about Christmas traditions, rare breeds and life on tv!
A wonderfully moving and informative memoir about a new life in Shetland, responding to motherhood, illness and the natural environment.
A beautifully told account of buying a house and garden in Suffolk, and the author's thoughts on gardens in literature, art and society.
The entrepreneurial spirit could be the answer to society's troubles, if we change our outlook and motivation.
Musings on what we mean by gardens and what they could become, by the much-loved nature writer.
A quirky, entertaining and enlightening view of women's careers in the 1950s through to the early 90s.
A memoir about doing nothing! Fascinating.
A brilliantly compelling account of finding a passion for working at sea as one of the industry's few female fishermen.
A compelling and affirming memoir of overcoming tragedy and trauma while progressing a hugely successful career in magazine journalism.
A powerful and uplifting book, giving each man’s story of family and friendship, purpose and hope after they each lost their daughters to suicide.
A wonderful read telling the story of the life of this extraordinary designer, and she shares the lessons she's learnt along the way.
An open and honest account of a mental breakdown, and recovery with the Wordsworths in the Lake District.
A gripping read about an extraordinary life reporting at the frontline of world events over several decades!
A solo sailing voyage from Land's End to Greece - inspiring and uplifting. Loved it!
An open, honest and, nonetheless, engaging account of a sad childhood spent away from home, in the care of abusive teachers.
Rory Stewart tracks his entry into politics and ministerial roles while sharing his insight into Parliament. Brilliant, enlightening, worrying but ultimately hopeful.
The follow-up to 'Love, Nina', this is the diary of Nina Stibbe at 61, taking time out from her marriage, back among her literary friends in London.
Two men have been sleeping in the trees at Regent's Park for five years. The author takes them food and befriends them. Astonishing and beautiful book!
A fascinating and moving account of the life of this respected biographer, beautifully written.
A charming, wry memoir from the lovely Stanley Tucci with recipes, cocktails and scripts of conversations!
A memoir of famlly and loss, grief and suicide, and also determination, courage and belief.
A powerful account of how nurses look after us all, and what we can learn from them. Inspiring, disturbing and challenging.
An honest and revealing memoir of an unusual childhood from the journalist and BBC Radio 4 Today programme presenter, Justin Webb.
An amusing and charming account of life running a second-hand bookshop in a small town in America.
Recalling the lives and times of female journalists who broke down barriers in Fleet Street in the 1970s and 1980s.
The life of a teacher presented as a perfect mix of humour, poigancy, angst, frustration and inspiration. Had me laughing out loud!
The third in the series following the curative powers of the long walk immersed in nature. This time on a Scottish path.
The story of before and after the incredible memoir 'The Salt Path' became a bestseller. This is another extraordinary read.
An extraordinary and inspiring memoir of how a couple face the loss of everything they've held dear by going on a very long walk!
A memoir revealing how books and writing saved an unloved, adopted child and turned her into a talented, successful, much-loved author.
A wonderfully enthusiastic and accessible introduction to birdwatching, and the author Hamza Yassin.
A fascinating story of a life well lived by the judge of tv's 'The Great British Sewing Bee'.