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Australia's Most Bizarre Crimes
by Peter ColemanTrue tales of crimes so bizarre you might not believe them.The mysterious disappearance of thousands of false teeth, international travel via the postal system, doughnut delivery heists, clowns terrorising a neighbourhood, the theft of a three-storey-high replica mango, criminal clairvoyants making off with haunted cash: could crime get any weirder, and could people get any stupider?In Australia's Most Bizarre Crimes, Peter Coleman explores the archives and recent records to produce this astounding collection of criminal mishaps that will have you laughing even as you shake your head in disbelief.
Authenticity is a Con: (Provocations) (Provocations Ser.)
by Peter YorkThe idea of authenticity - deliciously vague and as ubiquitous as Starbucks - has hit the spot in almost every sector of 21st-century life. But can we trust the authentic image of Nigel 'man-of-the-people' Farage, Sarah 'hockey mom' Palin or Gwyneth 'inner life' Paltrow? Are punk bands, distressed denim and rustic furniture really as spontaneous as people seem to think? Is bare-brick Shoreditch just one big authenticity scam? From motivational speakers to PR consultants, music entrepreneurs to devoted foodies, bearded hipsters to earnest YouTubers - and, yes, politicians too - 'authentic' has become the buzzword of our age. But, as Peter York has discovered, its meaning has changed and become corrupted: every advertising agency, micro-connoisseur and charlatan going has re-tooled the language of authenticity for our changing market and it is now practically impossible for us to differentiate between authentic and 'authentic'. Drawing on witty anecdotes and analysing various spheres of everyday life, Peter has set out to uncover the truth behind authenticity - the ultimate con of our generation.
Authoritarian Laughter: Political Humor and Soviet Dystopia in Lithuania
by Neringa KlumbytėAuthoritarian Laughter explores the political history of the satire and humor magazine Broom published in Soviet Lithuania. Artists, writers, and journalists were required to create state-sponsored Soviet humor and serve the Communist Party after Lithuania was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940. Neringa Klumbytė investigates official attempts to shape citizens into Soviet subjects and engage them through a culture of popular humor. Broom was multidirectional—it both facilitated Communist Party agendas and expressed opposition toward the Soviet regime. Official satire and humor in Soviet Lithuania increasingly created dystopian visions of Soviet modernity and were a forum for critical ideas and nationalist sentiments that were mobilized in anti-Soviet revolutionary laughter in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Authoritarian Laughter illustrates that Soviet Western peripheries were unstable and their governance was limited. While authoritarian states engage in a statecraft of the everyday and seek to engineer intimate lives, authoritarianism is defied not only in revolutions, but in the many stories people tell each other about themselves in jokes, cartoons, and satires.
Autobiography Of A One Year Old
by Rohan CandappaAn adorable paperback edition of a popular hardback by bestselling humorist Rohan Candappa.It's an extraordinary world out there and The One Year Old is here to share his revelatory journey through babyhood. From full and frank explanations as to why he sometime blows snot bubbles through his nose (because he can) to the mystery of the stalker (if someone had just explained to him about mirrors). From the frustrating stupidity of his parents (Hairy and Smooth) to delights of running around naked on the kitchen table, it's a truly enlightening and delightfully funny read. To every parent who's ever wearily wiped food from the floor and said 'Is this your idea of a game?' - beware. The One Year Old is about to reveal just how much he's been playing with you.
Autopsy of a Boring Wife
by Marie-Renee LavoieLike a Québécois Bridget Jones’s Diary, Autopsy of a Boring Wife tells the hysterically funny and ultimately touching tale of forty-eight-year-old Diane, a woman whose husband is having an affair because, he says, she bores him. Diane takes the change to heart and undertakes an often ribald, highly entertaining journey to restore trust in herself--and others--that offers an astute commentary on women and girls, gender differences, and the curious institution of twenty-first century marriage. All the details are up for scrutiny in this brisk, yet tender story of a path to recovery. Autopsy of a Boring Wife is a wonderfully fresh novel of the pitfalls of an apparently “boring” life that could be any of ours.
Autumn at the Café at the End of the Pier: Part Three
by Helen RolfeLooking for love this autumn? You'll find it at The Café at the End of the Pier... A feelgood novella and the continuation of the Café at the End of the Pier series.Autumn brings golden leaves and crisp days to Salthaven-on-Sea - but inside the Cafe the lights are glowing, the hot chocolate is warming, and romantic sparks are flying... Jo has found her place at the heart of the seaside community, her blind dates are fizzing with chemistry, and this season she plans to bring young and old together with her pumpkin-carving event. But Jo must also find a way to heal the rifts in her own family, even if it means facing up to some home truths.With the mystery of Jo's own secret admirer to unravel, there are bound to be fireworks this bonfire night at The Cafe at the End of the Pier...A perfect heartwarming read, for fans of Debbie Johnson and Cathy Bramley***Readers love The Cafe at the End of the Pier series:'A beautifully written feel-good story that will make you smile''Loved the characters and couldn't wait to turn the page''What an absolute delight!'
Autumn with Frog and Toad
by null Arnold LobelFrog and Toad stories have delighted both children and adults for more than fifty years, celebrating friendship and life in the most joyful and heart-warming way. This charming collection, which brings together three autumn stories, is the perfect seasonal gift for children. Once upon a time there were two good friends, a frog and a toad . . . In this timeless and very funny collection of autumn stories Frog and Toad enjoy spending their days together. From doing kind deeds for one another, persevering when trying to fly a kite, to sharing the shivers when Frog tells a scary story, these two lovable characters really are the best of friends. Also look out for: Springtime with Frog and Toad, Summer with Frog and Toad and Christmas with Frog and Toad. ‘I bow before Arnold Lobel: he is my utter hero’ Julia Donaldson
Available: A Very Honest Account Of Live After Divorce
by Laura Friedman WilliamsThe Sensational New Memoir If you’d told 46-year old Laura Friedman Williams that in a few years she’d be having some of the best sex of her life with men who were not her husband, she’d have laughed in your face.
Avalon
by Nell Zink'A gorgeous love story and a hilarious political novel about precarity and abuse in the era of late capitalism.' Neel Mukherjee, author of Man Booker Prize-shortlisted The Lives of Others'Zink's confidence and authority as a writer are evident from Avalon's killer first sentences.' LA TimesBran's Southern California upbringing is anything but traditional. After her mother abandons her and joins a Buddhist colony, Bran is raised by her 'common-law stepfather' on Bourdon Farms - a plant nursery that doubles as a cover for a biker gang. She spends her days tending plants, slogging through high school and imagining what life could be if she had been born to a different family.Then she meets Peter-a charming, troubled college student from the East Coast - who launches his teaching career by initiating her into the world of art. The two begin a seemingly doomed long-distance relationship as Bran searches for meaning in her own surroundings. She knows how to survive, but now she must learn how to live.'Zink is a comic writer par excellence.' New Yorker'An extraordinary talent.' Daily Telegraph
Ava's Prize: The Rancher's Fake Fiancée Ava's Prize A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal Rescued By The Firefighter (City by the Bay Stories #3)
by Cari Lynn WebbHe needs a great idea. She can provide it–but at what cost?
AvoCuddle: Comfort words for when you're feeling downbeet
by AvocuddleLet your fellow human beans know that everything will be okale with this little book of upbeat and adorkable fruit puns.#cosyoureworthitAbout the seriesThis cute and colourful series of fruit-pun-filled gift books are the perfect pick-me-ups for you, your friend or your partner in crime. Do you need to avocuddle, or are you grapeful for someone who's a bit of a melon? Then share the clove with these little books: AvoCuddle, WhataMelon, You are my Raisin for Living, Don't Give a Fig, I am Grapeful, You are 24 Carrot Gold.*veg, nuts and seeds are fair game
Awa' an' Bile Yer Heid!: Scottish Curses and Insults
by David Ross'A pleasingly vulgar book' - Sunday Herald'Just buy the book and gie yer greetin face a treat' - Scots MagazineDavid Ross has produced an extraordinary, eclectic and hilarious collection of thematically arranged Scottish insults, abuse and invective which has been wonderfully illustrated throughout by Rupert Besley. The best insults, according to the author, occupy an indefinite space between wit and abuse, containing elements of both to varying degree; they must always sting the victim, or else they are a failure. This book is full of rich and expressive examples of insult and invective for all occasions from all over Scotland. These have been passed down through the centuries or have emerged in modern times, proving that clever insults are infinitely more amusing and memorable than good jokes.And so, happy reading. If you don't like it, awa' an' bile yer heid!
The Awakening Of Miss Henley (The Cinderella Spinsters #1)
by Julia JustissAfter five Seasons… She was still on the shelf!
Awards for Good Boys: Tales Of Dating, Double Standards, And Doom
by Shelby Lorman______________________________We all know a good boy. He's a 'Feminist’... in his Tinder bio. He ghosts you, but then feels bad. (For a moment.) He’s not mansplaining, just aggressively clarifying. And he's open to being wrong. Theoretically. Ready to call time on rewarding those who clear the low bar of not being outwardly awful? Awards for Good Boys explores why so-called and self-proclaimed good boys are actually not that great, and makes literal our tendency to applaud men for doing the absolute least. It will make you cry-laugh, feel validated, and help you unravel your own assumptions about what makes us good. ______________________________'Shelby and her art are extremely my shit. You need this book.' Samantha Irby, author of We Are Never Meeting in Real Life ‘A short book of one woman’s opinions. It’s funny, but I prefer when men are funny or else my ego feels bruised.’ Ben from Twitter
Away an' Ask Your Mother
by Allan MorrisonAllan Morrison's penchant for collecting couthy Scots sayings over the years has resulted in a rich seam of books over the past five years. This latest is no different as Allan has given dad's their chance to have their say in this surefire bestseller. 'Away An' Ask Yer Mother!' is a compilation of those phrases and sayings which henpecked and harassed (and well-loved) dad's have uttered to their children over the years. Do you remember these classics? 'YE NEED TAE DAE WHIT YE HAVE TAE DAE, AFORE YE CAN DAE WHIT YE WANT TAE DAE!' 'IT'S OK WI' ME IF IT'S OK WI YER MOTHER.' 'NOW, BE GOOD! AND IF YOU CAN'T BE GOOD BE CAREFUL. AND IF YOU CAN'T BE CAREFUL, DON'T CA'IT EFTER ME!' 'EVERYONE IN THIS HOUSE IS ENTITLED TO MY OPINION!' 'JUST WAIT TILL I GET YOU HOME.' It is recommended that you repeat the father's sayings in this book out loud, preferably with a lump in your throat, a slightly red face, a wagging finger and a loving heart!
Away with the Penguins: The joyful no. 1 Richard & Judy pick now with exclusive bonus chapter
by Hazel Prior**Don't miss Granny McCreedy's brand-new adventure in Gone with the Penguins - available to pre-order now!**A Richard & Judy Book Club and BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick.A truly feel-good book club read - a #1 bestseller in ebook and audio!'This year's Eleanor Oliphant . . . Funny, bittersweet and wholly original.' Daily ExpressVeronica McCreedy is about to have the journey of a lifetime . . .Veronica McCreedy lives in a mansion by the sea. She loves a nice cup of Darjeeling tea whilst watching a good wildlife documentary. And she's never seen without her ruby-red lipstick.Although these days Veronica is rarely seen by anyone because, at 85, her days are spent mostly at home, alone.She can be found either collecting litter from the beach ('people who litter the countryside should be shot'), trying to locate her glasses ('someone must have moved them') or shouting instructions to her assistant, Eileen ('Eileen, door!').Veronica doesn't have family or friends nearby. Not that she knows about, anyway . . . And she has no idea where she's going to leave her considerable wealth when she dies.But today . . . today Veronica is going to make a decision that will change all of this.'I love this gorgeous book. Unflinching, stubborn, funny and moving, Veronica is an unlikely heroine who will sneak in and capture your heart.' Trisha AshleyReaders are falling in love with Away with the Penguins:'Without a doubt the most delightful, joyous and uplifting book I've read so far this year . . . be prepared to fall in love.' *****'A gloriously quirky and life affirming story of hope.' *****'Oh how I loved this absolute gem of a book. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming.' *****
Awesome Achievers in Science: Super and Strange Facts about 12 Almost Famous History Makers (Awesome Achievers #2)
by Alan KatzPart of a super fun middle grade series, Awesome Achievers in Science puts the spotlight on lesser-known heroes and their contributions in major scientific fields.Everyone has heard the names Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, but what about Michael Collins--the third brave Apollo 11 astronaut who didn't get to walk on the moon? Many of the most relevant figures in scientific history have remained in the shadows, but not any longer! From Alan Katz's new Awesome Achievers series, Awesome Achievers in Science gives kids a look behind the scenes at 12 lesser-known scientists whose contributions are personally relevant to their lives today. Each figure is given a traditional biography but is also subject to Katz's unique brand of silliness, with humorous elements such as imagined poems, song lyrics, and diary entries by or about the not-so-famous figure accompanying each bio. Spot illustrations throughout add to the lighthearted and appreciative humor each figure receives. Reluctant readers and budding scientists alike will delight in this imaginative and engaging continuation of a new series of laugh-out-loud biographies.
Awesome Achievers in Technology: Super and Strange Facts about 12 Almost Famous History Makers (Awesome Achievers)
by Alan KatzPart of a super fun middle grade series, Awesome Achievers in Technology puts the spotlight on lesser-known heroes and their contributions in tech.Everyone has heard the name Steve Jobs, but what about Nolan Bushnell--Jobs's boss before the invention of Apple, and the founder of the first major video game, Pong? Many of the most relevant figures in tech history have remained in the shadows, but not any longer! From Alan Katz's new Awesome Achievers series, Awesome Achievers in Technology gives kids a look behind the scenes at 12 lesser-known inventors whose contributions to tech are personally relevant to their lives today. Each figure is given a traditional biography but is also subject to Katz's unique brand of silliness, with humorous elements such as imagined poems, song lyrics, and diary entries by and about the not-so-famous figure accompanying each bio. Spot illustrations throughout add to the lighthearted and appreciative humor each figure receives. Reluctant readers and budding tech enthusiasts alike will delight in this imaginative and engaging introduction to a new series of laugh out loud biographies.
The Awesome Egyptians (Horrible Histories)
by Terry Deary Martin Brown Peter HepplewhiteStep back to an awesomely ancient time with the Awesome Egyptians. Discover which king had the worst blackheads, why some kings had to wear false beards and why the peasants were revolting. History with the nasty bits left in! 2013 is HORRIBLE HISTORIES twentieth anniversary.
Awful Auntie
by David WalliamsFrom number one bestselling author David Walliams comes another heartfelt but hilarious hoot of an adventure.
Awful Auntie (PDF)
by David WalliamsFrom number one bestselling author David Walliams comes another heartfelt but hilarious hoot of an adventureStella Saxby is the sole heir to Saxby Hall. But awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl will stop at nothing to get it from her. Luckily Stella has a secret and slightly spooky weapon up her sleeve "
The Awful Orphan Elf: Book 4 (Monster Hospital #4)
by Gillian JohnsonAlfonse, a one-eyed orphan elf, has arrived at Monster Hospital by helicopter. He's a football star, but a troll sat on his head and now he's seeing double! Can four naughty children help him get better - and rescue him from his greedy leprechaun manager?This book follows the first three Monster Hospital adventures, THE BIG, FAT, SMELLY OGRE, THE DISASTROUS LITTLE DRAGON and THE YUCKY YODELLING YETI, and is written and illustrated by the acclaimed author-illustrator of the THORA books.
An Awfully Big Adventure: Shortlisted for the Booker Prize, 1990 (Bainbridge, Beryl Ser.)
by Beryl Bainbridge'This is one of Bainbridge's best books. The close observation and hilarity are underlain by a sense of tragedy as deep as any in fiction' The TimesSHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE IN 1990It is 1950 and the Liverpool repertory theatre company is rehearsing its Christmas production of Peter Pan, a story of childhood innocence and loss. Stella has been taken on as assistant stage manager and quickly becomes obsessed with Meredith, the dissolute director. But it is only when the celebrated O'Hara arrives to take the lead, that a different drama unfolds. In it, he and Stella are bound together in a past that neither dares to interpret.
Awkward.: What to Do When Life Makes You Cringe—A Survival Guide
by Sam ScholfieldNo One Is Safe from Awkward!Ending a first date that falls flat. Drunk-texting your boss. Walking in when your roommate is getting it on. Running into the person you just dumped . . . in the grocery store, an hour after it went down.Awkward bombs can drop anytime, anywhere, and with anyone—people you don’t know, people you see occasionally, and people you see every day. They can sneak up on you and explode in the most unexpected of places, so they’re basically impossible to avoid.The vast majority of us don’t have the wherewithal to gracefully handle the truly and totally awkward as it unfolds. We only realize what we should have said after the fact—when the damage has already been done and we’re a hot mess of embarrassment, red ears, and nervous sweat stains. But author Sam Scholfield has survived more than two decades of embarrassing encounters—and now, in an act of extreme generosity, has set down a wealth of witty comebacks, surefire distraction techniques, and suave evasion strategies so that future generations may take heed and dodge the Awkward Monster before it strikes!So how do you avoid the epic cluster of drama that can result when awkward situations are handled badly? You read this book.
Awkward Family Pet Photos
by Doug Chernack Mike BenderThere are few things more rewarding than having a pet. They love us unconditionally, shower us with attention, and actually help us live longer. So, what can possibly be awkward about our animal BFFs? Well . . . nothing. In fact, we're the awkward ones. We adore our pets but let's face it - sometimes L-O-V-E makes us go a little overboard. Like giving them middle names, throwing them elaborate birthday parties, and making them a Christmas jumper to match with the rest of the family. Truth is, what they cherish most is our companionship. And maybe that's the reason we care about them so much - because for such simple pleasures, they allow us to be as awkward as we want.