-- Purchasing Information
| Paperback | Hardback |
Publication Date: | | 20 March 2009 |
ISBN:
ISBN 13: |
| 1-906358-63-X
978-1-906358-63-1 |
Page Extent: | | 160 |
Book Size: | | 216x138mm |
Price: | | £9.99 |
P & P (UK): | | £1.50 |
P & P (Europe): | | £2.70 |
P & P (World): | | £4.20 |
UK: | | |
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(or check stock at a branch near you): | |  |
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USA: | | |
Price (USD): | | $19.95 |
Purchase from Amazon: | |  |
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Purchase from Barnes & Noble: | |  |
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Downloads: | | |
Publication Date: | 20 March 2009 |
Digital eBook ISBN 13: | 978-1-907792-18-2 |
Digital pdf ISBN 13: | 978-1-908382-88-7 |
eBook Price (UK): | £5.99 |
eBook Price (USA): | $9.63 |
| Based on Amazon's Kindle Store |
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-- Reviews by the Famous and well Known
An inspiring read.
Philippa Forrester, TV Presenter
~
What a 'Novel Idea', and it makes a surprisingly compelling read, showing celebs to be as normal and diverse as the ordinary man, reviewed as a book by me, so well done Jeff. And well done in highlighting a worthwhile charity.
Robert Auty, Author of 'Trance Warriors: The Siege of Scarn'
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For the last 5 years of her life, my own mother suffered dementia, so as a means of raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society I cannot recommend Jeff Thorburn’s book highly enough.
We know that with Desert Island Discs the subject gets to choose a book to take on the island, but the programme is predominantly to do with musical choice. Novel Ideas turns the tables, in as much as we get to learn more about the literary preference. Fascinating – how much one can find out about the character of a person from the choice of his or her favourite book!
Ray Lonnen, Actor
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A good many of the books chosen in Novel Ideas were well enough known to me. But after learning why other novels, hitherto unknown to me, had made such a profound impact I was taken to fresh woods and pastures new. My own future reading-list will most certainly include The Lost Steps (Alejo Carpentier), Morning (Julian Fane), and Ghormenghast (Mervyn Peake).
Colin Dexter, Writer
~
NOVEL IDEAS
JEFF THORBURN
Published By Apex Publishing
In recent years there have been so many books in aid of charities, usually in the form of short story anthologies by well-known writers. Novel Ideas takes a fundraising premise and adds a twist. Jeff Thorburn had the inspired idea of raising money for the Alzheimer's Society by asking famous names to select their favourite book. The 100 or so replies he received are as eclectic as they are intriguing. Tony Blair chooses to snuggle down with Ivanhoe, Charles Kennedy goes for The Day of The Jackal, Ian Rankin can't resist A Clockwork Orange, Jeffrey Archer could go on all day, Jeremy Paxman can't make up his mind. Fascinating stuff. Bookworms, don't miss it.
Shari Low, Author of 'What If?, Why Not?' and 'Double Trouble'
~
This is a more than novel idea to support a very good cause! I was very happy to participate and am sure that it will be a great success in raising money for an excellent and important cause.
David Haffner FRGS, Landscape Painter/Former Explorer and Mountainer
~
In 'Novel Ideas', Jeff Thorburn has persuaded a number of famous people to write about books they have read and enjoyed in the hope that it will encourage others to try something new for their next 'good read'.
'Novel Ideas' is a good read and will help to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.
June Whitfield CBE, Actress
~
This book gives the reader personal comments from a wide range of people about a wide range of books written over many years. No book reviews could hope to compete with it - not least because it tells us as much about the reviewers as it does about the books they recommend.
Tony Benn, Retired Politician
~
Novel Ideas is an invaluable treasure, hours of advice on what you might like to read next and why. Or what book to buy as a present for every kind of relative or friend. Free advice from a huge jury of literary witnesses to answer the question: what on earth can I get to read on holiday?
Geoffrey Howe of Aberavon CH QC, House of Lords
~
Are you favourite books shared with your hero or - far worse - with those people you really detest? Here in 'Novel Ideas' you can find out and draw up a reading list.
Norman Tebbit CH, House of Lords
~
This delicious melange of books recommended by well-known readers deserve a place on the most accessible of family bookshelves (in my house, it's the loo!). As well as offering suggestions for further readings the choices people have made were extremely revealing about the choosers!
Truly, I think it's splendid - every bookworm, and I've been one all my life will love it. I do hope it raises lots of money for the Alzheimer's Society.
Claire Rayner, Writer
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I think the book's come out really well! Good luck to all.
Chris Tarrant, Radio and TV Presenter
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The Alzheimer’s Society deserves and needs support – so please enjoy a wonderful book about lots of “good reads”.
Glenys Kinnock, Member of the European Parliament
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I find the book a very interesting read. Very enjoyable and relaxing. I hope it goes well.
Dickie Bird, Retired Cricket Umpire
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I think this is a splendid book and I particularly liked Jo Brand’s bit it in.
Jo Brand, Comedienne/Writer
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What a great project. This is the one subject that touches us all.
Jeremy Vine, TV/Radio Presenter
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An intriguing lucky dip into the minds of the famous.
Patrick Malahide, Actor
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This book is dedicated to Evelyn Doughty, who has been living with vascular dementia for several years.
Her son-in-law Jeff Thorburn, hopes the book will raise much needed funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.
This book is destined to achieve enduring appeal and I hope you will enjoy reading it.
Princess Alexandra - Written the Foreword
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It’s a touch ant idea. Reading for yourself, or looking for ideas for a gift… it’s indispensable.
Tim Pigott-Smith, Actor
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Like me, if you have always wanted to know what Jeffrey Archer snuggles down with at night then this book is for you!
Jonathan Pryce, Actor
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You can tell a lot about a person by the books they read. "Novel Ideas" is both a page-turner and an eye-opener.
Alan Titchmarsh, Broadcaster/Writer
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Thank God so many contributors went for humour! I hope that when inevitably I contract a 5mph complaint the proceeds from this book will enable me to be fitted with a rocket assisted zimmer.
Bill Tidy, Cartoonist
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Glimpses into the lives and the bookshelves of interesting people from all walks of life - what a cracking good way to tackle ones literacy taste buds whilst contributing to an important and very worthily cause.
Paul Copley, Actor/Writer
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The book provides a fascinating browse through often surprising combinations of famous person and favourite book and the sometimes even more surprising reasons they give for their choice.
Robert Goddard, Writer
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"Novel Ideas" inspired me to rekindle my love affair with books. A great insight into many of our most celebrated public figures and their favourite reads and I have to say, a few surprises as well!
Anthony Worrall Thompson MOGB, TV Chef
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A book to mull over, to dip into, to savour and to enjoy. It will provide arguments, bring smiles of agreement, take you back to childhood favourites, and shine a light on classics you've yet to read. In short - a marvellous compendium!
Ian Rankin, Writer
~
Reading about other people's favourite books always makes an interesting and entertaining read and "Novel Ideas" fits the bill perfectly.
Terry Wogan OBE, TV and Radio Presenter/Writer
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I found this book fascinating, not only for the excellent suggestions it gives for a reading list, but also for its insights into the personalities of those who have been invited to give us their choice of books. Like so many of them, I too have been a carer for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s and so welcome this opportunity of contributing to the funds of the so greatly-needed Alzheimer's Society.
Pauline Webb, Preacher and Broadcaster
~
I was amazed at the number of times “The Wind in the Willows” featured as a favourite book, but was equally surprised that very few other books had repeated preference.
It is a fascinating insight into people’s reading habits but suggests that not a great many people continue reading into adulthood. The number of children’s books in the choices is a real surprise as is the fact that not many choices are present either. A wonderful effort.
Peter Purves, Presenter/Writer/Producer/Director/Actor
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What to read next? Here's a great guide to help me choose!
Andrew Sachs, Actor/Writer/Narrator
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'Novel Ideas' is not only a wonderful browse, but I came across so many other interesting books, that I have never read myself, read by a great variety of people.
David Suchet OBE, Actor
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It's one book that inspires you to read more books.
Anthea Turner, TV Personality
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When asked about my favourite book, I chose 'Borstal Boy'. I have changed my mind, my favourite book is now this one.
Jeremy Hardy, Writer/Broadcaster/Comedian
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A significant number of household names consider it a worthily cause and are willing to find time to contribute. Alzheimer’s will continue because of our aging population. Money is urgently needed both for cure of suffers and for much needed research.
Dr Pat Bidmead, Poet/Social Psychologist
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I think this book is most interesting. I was fascinated to find out what other peoples favourites were. It gave me some ideas of books I might like to read in the future.
Jayne Torvill OBE, Former World Champion Figure Skater
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Novel Ideas offers glimpses into the minds of actors, politicians and philosphers, many of whom have themselves been touched by dementia in some way or another. As the leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia, their families and carers, the Alzheimer's Society welcomes Jeff Thorburn's inspired contribution to our work.
Neil Hunt, The Alzheimer's Society (Chief Executive)
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This book has made me realize just how many wonderful books there are out there that I never ever heard of.
Bill Maynard, Actor
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This is the perfect gift for someone who reads copious amounts, the perfect gift for those who feel they should read copious amounts and the perfect gift for those who just dabble in a little light reading. What a clever idea, and what a great cause to raise money for. Thank you Mr. Thorburn for your originality and your hard work.
Louise Jameson, Actress
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If ever a book made you determined to re-read old forgotten friends, or discover new ones this must be it. A fascinating insight into the nation’s bedtime reading!
Nigel Havers, Actor
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Not only does this book contribute to the wonderful work of the Alzheimer’s Society, it’s also very interesting to see what books appeal to people you admire or respect. I hope to start reading some of them soon!
John McArdle, Actor
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I wanted to take a large bag and buy them all - there are some wonderful recommendations!
Pam Ayres, Writer/Poet
~
When I was invited to make a comment on this collection of well known personalities' favourite book titles, I asked myself the same question before I opened the book! My own choice would be Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows" so I was delighted to find that my choice coincided with no less than ten other literary minds! Many other titles, of course, were also nominated so this book, apart from doing its bit for the Altzeimer's Society, is an excellent source for finding recommended books to read.
Sheila Collins, Author of 'Truffles' Diary' & 'Truffles' Diary: One Year On'
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What a variety of wit, wisdom and shear delight is to be found in 'Novel Ideas' compiled by Jeff Thorburn.
George Baker, Actor/Writer/Director
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A wonderful read about wonderful reads. It reminded me of many books I meant to read and now will.
Eileen Atkins, Actress/Writer
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This book is a great credit to Jeff Thorburn, not only for his idea of putting it all together, but also encouraging so many well known people to reveal their favourite books, and for such a good cause.
Bill Pertwee, Actor/Comedian
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I expect this book is lvvly, but unfortunately I can't read - (S. Baldrick).
Tony Robinson, Presenter/Journalist/Writer
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Very revealing...
Prunella Scales, Actress/Director
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This wonderful collection of serious, whimsical and warm favourites is a delight. This is a great book for a great cause.
Ann Widdecombe, Politician
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What a great book in aid of a most worthwhile charity! I love books like this because you can dip in and out at your leisure and enjoy a fascinating insight into the thoughts of people that we feel we know from so many walks of life.
Rosemary Conley CBE, Health and Fitness Writer
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This book is a must for all 'book worms' - it is interesting to see what famous celebrities’ favourite books are. It is great to see that author Jeff Thorburn and Apex Publishing Ltd are raising money for the Alzheimer's Society.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Explorer
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The book is a great idea - who could have guessed that Tony Benn's favourite is the Guinness Book of Records? And it's raising money for a very good cause, so buy it!
Jeremy Bowen, Foreign News Correspondent/Presenter
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Judge a person by the books they love. This book is a wonderful insight into so many interesting people's lives.
Nicholas Owen, Newscaster
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The preferences declared tell us as much, or more about real people who have declared than even about their choices compelling and illuminative reading.
Sir John Harvey-Jones, Corporate Adviser
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It’s fascinating to find out who loves which book. There is one clear favourite that appears ten times. Guess which it is!
Desmond Morris, Writer
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-- Newspaper and Website Reviews
CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
The Sun
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
A BOOK out this week, Celebrities’ Favourite Books, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, published by Apex with a foreword by Princess Alexandra, has Gordon Brown choosing the New Oxford Book Of Eighteenth Century Verse and David Cameron selecting Robert Graves’ autobiography about the First World War, Good-bye To All That.
Was Harrods’ owner Mohamed Al Fayed being mischievous with his choice, given the royal foreword and political contributers?
Mo writes: “My favourite book is Bring Home The Revolution, by Jonathan Freedland. I am very taken by this book because it echoes my own view of what is wrong with the way Britain is governed... now is the time for British republicanism.”
The Sun
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THE BOOK I'LL NEVER FORGET
Daily Express
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MY FAVOURITE BOOK
Daily Express
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IAN RANKS HIS FAVOURITE BOOK
CRIME writer Ian Rankin has revealed how cult classic A Clockwork Orange set him on the road to becoming an author. The creator of Edinburgh cop Inspector Rebus says Anthony Burgess' book, about a violent gang of youths, helped him to develop his writing as a teenager. He said: "I mimicked its style, producing stories about my own town and life." Rankin chose the novel for Celebrities' Favourite Books, out this month in aid of the Alzheimer's Society. GAYLE RITCHIE looks at other famous names' top book choices.
GORDON BROWN:
I CHOSE The Snail And The Whale by Julia Donaldson, Unbowed by Wangari Maathai (a Kenyan political activist), Docherty by William McIlvanney and the New Oxford Dictionary Of Eighteenth Century Verse by Roger Lonsdale. I read all kinds of books including fiction and biographies. I now have the pleasure of reading withmy two sons, which is why I chose the first book.
TONY BLAIR:
MY favourite books as a child were Kidnapped and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. My favourite adult book is Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe.
DAVID CAMERON:
MY favourite book as a child was Our Island Story by H. E. Marshall, a history of Britain from the Romans to the death of Queen Victoria. It captured my imagination. My favourite book as an adult is Goodbye To All That, Robert Graves' powerful autobiography about life in First World War trenches.
SIR ALEX FERGUSON:
MY favourite book when I was at school was Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. As a young boy growing up by the docks in Glasgow and seeing the large ships, I used to think about the book, which is a wonderful story.
GARY LINEKER:
WHEN I was young my favourite books were The Famous Five by Enid Blyton. I loved the crisp writing style, the adventures and that the Five always seemed to be eating. Reading the books now with my two boys transports me back to my own childhood.
STEPHEN HENDRY:
MY favourite book is Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. I found the book very interesting in how he started his career and ended up being a celebrity chef.
CAROL SMILLIE:
MY favourite adult book is I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson. My favourite kids' book is Clarice Bean, That's Me by Lauren Child.
RICHARD WILSON:
MICHAEL FABER'S The Crimson Petal And The White has been a great pleasure to me in recent months. Set in 1870s London, the author's grasp of historical detail is extraordinary.
RICHARD WILSON:
MICHAEL FABER'S The Crimson Petal And The White has been a great pleasure to me in recent months. Set in 1870s London, the author's grasp of historical detail is extraordinary.
Sunday Mail
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|
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Surrey Life Magazine
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Full House Magazine
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Staffordshire Life Magazine
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Islington Gazette
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Pocklington Post
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
www.sfx.co.uk
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
The Brit (Madeira Newspaper)
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Tenby Observer
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Guernsey Press and Star
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Burton Mail
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Chichester Observer
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ITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
www.politico.ie
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Nuneaton Telegraph
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Newark Advertiser
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Bangor and Anglesey Mail
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CELEBS FAVOURITE BOOKS
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS has emerged as the favourite read of a whole array of celebrities who were asked to name the one book they loved above all others.
Kenneth Grahame’s 100-year-old classic about the adventures of Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger topped the personal all-time best list of actor Kenneth Branagh, TV host Noel Edmonds, politician Ann Widdecombe, actors Richard Briers and Bill Pertwee, wildlife expert Bill Oddie and actress Mollie Sugden.
The question was posed by Nuneaton ambulanceman Jeff Thorburn, who decided to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society by asking hundreds of people in the public eye to name their favourite book.
“My mother-in-law suffered from vascular dementia and it’s a terrible disease to be involved with,” he told The Weekly News. “I wanted to find a way of raising some money for the Alzheimer’s Society and hit on the idea of putting together a book in which famous people revealed their favourite read and the reasons why.
“I spent a lot of time at the local library going through Who’s Who, writing down the addresses of every person in the book I’d ever heard of. Then I sent out letters to about 600 of them.
“I received about 150 replies and around 100 of them are in the book. Among those to write back to me were Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Tony Blair, Sir Michael Caine, Sir Alex Ferguson and Dame Judi Dench, so I ended up with some very famous autographs!
“It took me about six months in all to put the book together and I’m grateful to every one of them. Some simply wrote a paragraph, but others, such as author Ian Rankin, wrote two and half pages of explanation about why he loved A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess.
“Some of the selections were quite unusual and personal. Gordon Brown, for example, selected The Snail and the Whale, a children’s book by Julia Donaldson, which he says he enjoys reading to his two young sons.
“The Wind in the Willows was the big favourite, though. I was quite surprised when so many of those I wrote to chose it.”
Celebrities’ Favourite Books is published by Apex, price £9.99.
TEN CELEBS' TOP READS:
COLIN DEXTER – Bleak House by Charles Dickens
SIR ALEX FERGUSON – Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
PETER MANDELSON – The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
DENISE WELCH – Little Women by Louisa May Alcock
DAME JUDI DENCH – The Magus by John Fowles
GARY LINEKER – The Famous Five books by Enid Blyton
CHARLES KENNEDY – The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
SIR MICHAEL CAINE – The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
BEN ELTON – Animal Farm by George Orwell
JANE ASHER – The Black Prince by Iris Murdoch
The Weekly News
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CELEBRITIES' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Birmingham Mail
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COMPETITION
Ilford Recorder
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NOVEL IDEAS
Pick Me Up Magazine
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NOVEL IDEAS
JEFF THORBURN
Published By Apex Publishing
In recent years there have been so many books in aid of charities, usually in the form of short story anthologies by well-known writers. Novel Ideas takes a fundraising premise and adds a twist. Jeff Thorburn had the inspired idea of raising money for the Alzheimer's Society by asking famous names to select their favourite book. The 100 or so replies he received are as eclectic as they are intriguing. Tony Blair chooses to snuggle down with Ivanhoe, Charles Kennedy goes for The Day of The Jackal, Ian Rankin can't resist A Clockwork Orange, Jeffrey Archer could go on all day, Jeremy Paxman can't make up his mind. Fascinating stuff. Bookworms, don't miss it.
www.sharilow.com
~
Bookshelf
Jeff Thorburn
Novel Ideas
Published by: Apex Publishing Ltd
Ziggurat: The Magazine of the UEA Alumni Association
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NOVEL IDEAS
Full House Magazine
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NOVEL IDEAS
JEFF THORBURN
Published By Apex Publishing
In recent years there have been so many books in aid of charities, usually in the form of short story anthologies by well-known writers. Novel Ideas takes a fundraising premise and adds a twist. Jeff Thorburn had the inspired idea of raising money for the Alzheimer's Society by asking famous names to select their favourite book. The 100 or so replies he received are as eclectic as they are intriguing. Tony Blair chooses to snuggle down with Ivanhoe, Charles Kennedy goes for The Day of The Jackal, Ian Rankin can't resist A Clockwork Orange, Jeffrey Archer could go on all day, Jeremy Paxman can't make up his mind. Fascinating stuff. Bookworms, don't miss it.
The Daily Record
~
Novel ideas: Celebrities' favourite books
A new book aimed at raising much-needed funds for the Alzheimer’s Society has now gone on sale – in time for Christmas.
‘Novel Ideas’ is the brainchild of Jeff Thorburn, who spent many years caring for his mother-in-law, Evelyn, who had vascular dementia. Jeff wanted to produce a book for Evelyn to highlight dementia, and raise money for the Society.
The book is packed full of inspiring contributions from well-known people about their favourite reads. It offers glimpses into the minds of actors, politicians, writers and philosophers, many of whom have themselves been touched by dementia in some way or another.
To buy Novel Ideas, which has a foreword by Princess Alexandra, write to Apex Publishing Ltd, PO Box 7086, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 5WN. At just £4.99, it is a perfect stocking filler.
The Alzheimer’s Society Newsletter
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Novel...ty
Circuit Magazine
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Novel Ideas is deliciously voyeuristic. It gives a fascinating insight into the minds of the Great and the Good (and even one or two who don’t fall neatly into that category) by divulging the nature of their favourite reading materials.
To be honest, I couldn’t put Novel Ideas down, and it contains some surprises. The late David Kossoff actually nominates one of his own books, whilst Glenn Hoddle simply states enigmatically that his favourite books are “White Eagle (Books 1, 2 & 3)” and no explanation of their content is offered.
And who’d have thought that one of Kenneth Clarke’s favourite tomes would be Life at the Centre by the late Roy Jenkins?
I could go on, but I won’t. You need to get this book for yourself and enjoy it.
I have a shelf of reference books in my office that I use on a regular basis. From now on, whenever I have to write about any of the characters therein I’m going to brush up on their favourite books and thereby gain an almost Machiavellian insight into what makes them tick.
Seriously though, Novel Ideas is terrific reading. That so many famous people have bared their literary souls to the world speaks well of them – and their collective desire to help out the deserving Alzheimer’s Society.
Mike Hallowell, The Shields Gazette
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CHARITY FUNDRAISER: Ambulanceman Jeff wrote to 500 celebrities for new book
STARS REVEAL THEIR FAVOURITE READS
Nuneaton Evening Telegraph
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Jeff Thorburn.
Nuneaton Evening Telegraph
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NOVEL IDEAS
Christian Market Place Magazine
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NOVEL WAY TO PAY TRIBUTE
Heartland Evening News
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'Novel Ideas' makes you want to rekindle your passion for reading all the books you ever meant to, and gives you an insight into the bookshelves of the famous.
www.expressbookshop.com
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Stars reveal their favourite reads
by Steve Evans, Coventry Evening Telegraph
CHARITY champion Jeff Thorburn spent more than £100 on postage stamps before hauling a sack of letters of to the post box, destined for the doormats of celebrities.
The Nuneaton ambulanceman wrote to more than 500 of Britain's most famous people after scouring an edition of Who's Who.
His painstaking labours were not in vain. More than 150 replied - and he has used their responses to compile a book to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.
The book will be dedicated to Jeff's motherinlaw, Evelyn Doughty, who is in a Nuneaton care home suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and is also in memory of her husband, Bert, who remained a devoted carer to his wife until his death three years ago, aged 78.
Among those who have contributed to Mr Thorburn's book are Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Prime Ministers John Major and the late Jim Callaghan, Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed, actor and film director Kenneth Branagh, sports personalities Dickie Bird, Roger Black and Sir Alex Ferguson, and actors Sir Michael Caine and Dame Judi Dench.
He asked each of them to say what was their all-time favourite read and has compiled their replies into a book under the title, Novel Ideas.
Mr Thorburn, aged 50, of Glebe Road, Nuneaton, is donating all royalties to the Alzheimer's Society. He said: "Alzheimer's is a devastating illness and I just want to do my bit to help with research into the condition. I have dedicated my book to my mother-in-law and to her late husband, who was such a devoted and dedicated carer.
"When I decided to write to famous people asking them to explain their favourite book and why, I filled a sack full of letters and hauled it down to the post office.
"I'm grateful to those who replied.
"Many who contributed confided that dementia had also affected their family in some way and they hoped the book would succeed in raising funds for such a worthy cause."
Novel Ideas, published by Apex Publishing, priced £4.99, is Mr Thorburn's third book.
Previous publications have raised funds for the Mind and Rethink mental health charities.
Coventry Evening Telegraph
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NOVEL IDEAS
www.alzheimers.org.uk
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-- Readers Comments
A great collection of famous people's favourite books - it's great to know what their favourite books are and why - I would fully recommend this book to anyone interested in famous people and reader's of books.
A reader from England
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An interesting insight into what celebrities read. Makes you want to read what they have, I cannot wait for more.
Alan Roussell
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I would never have guessed at many of their favourites, it is a book to pick up for 5 minutes, but often stay longer with.
Marian Bellows
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I found it very interesting to see what famous people actually read and what they consider their favourites.
Mrs S Horton
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-- Book Signings and Events
Jeff Thorburn signed copies of his book 'Celebrities' Favourite Books' at Borders, Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham.
Borders, Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham
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Jeff Thorburn signed copies of his book 'Celebrities' Favourite Books' at Waterstone's, Nuneaton.
Waterstone's, Nuneaton
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Jeff Thorburn signed copies of his book 'Celebrities' Favourite Books' at Borders, Coventry.
Borders, Coventry
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Jeff Thorburn signed copies of his book 'Celebrities' Favourite Books' at Waterstones, Highcross, Leicester.
Waterstones, Highcross, Leicester
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Jeff Thorburn signed copies of his book 'Celebrities' Favourite Books' at Waterstone's, Sutton Coldfield.
Waterstone's, Sutton Coldfield
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Jeff Thorburn signed copies of his book 'Celebrities' Favourite Books' at Borders, Solihull.
Borders, Solihull
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-- Libraries that stock this book
The British Library, Boston Spa
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The National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
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The University Library, Cambridge
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The Bodleian Library, Oxford
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The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
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The Library of Trinity College, Dublin
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The British Library, Boston Spa
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