In celebration of this year’s National Book Lovers’ Day, we take a look at the best books by authors on the MN2S booking roster.
An avid reader is always looking for the next great read. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best books by celebrities and musicians on the MN2S booking agency roster for you to get stuck into this National Book Lovers’ Day (9th August).
1. The Eighties: One Day, One Decade by Dylan Jones
Dylan Jones, the prominent journalist best-known for editing GQ UK, has explored many topics in his books, from the death of Elvis to his own experiences with an mp3 player. For the uninitiated, his evocative survey of Saturday 13 July 1985 — in other words the date of Live Aid — is the best place to start.
The book explores Live Aid in the context of the 1980s, and it also delves into the backstage detail of the spectacular event. Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Bono and David Bowie (the subject of another Jones book) are all present, and the book reveals the way the performers felt before and after they went onstage. (Hint: most of them were nervous.)
2. The Shadow of the Crescent Moon by Fatima Bhutto
Author Fatima Bhutto emerged as an emotive poet at the age of just 15. She then turned her pen to journalism and memoir, writing about the effects of the Kashmir earthquake in Pakistan and an account of her father’s murder in her next two books.
The Shadow of the Crescent Moon was her first work of fiction. It won praise from all corners of the press for its powerful portrayal of Pakistani women and the trauma of war.
3. Beautiful by Katie Piper
At 24 years of age, Katie Piper was about to become a full-time model — fulfilling a lifelong dream. Then she met a man who held her captive, raped her, and attacked her with acid. Beautiful is Piper’s autobiographical story of life leading up to the attack, and how she summoned up the strength and courage to send her attackers to jail.
The book is more relevant than ever in the #MeToo era, as more and more brave women are shining a light on the horrifying acts of horrendous men. It might not be a light summer read, but it is certainly inspirational and vitally important.
4. Mad Blood Stirring by Simon Mayo
Released in April 2018, Mad Blood Stirring is Mayo’s first work of historical fiction, and a departure from his highly successful Itch series of young adult books. This well-researched novel is set in Dartmoor prison during the American war of 1815, uncovering a story from history that is very rarely visited.
Jack Reacher author Lee Child described it as, “Wonderful – a story I never heard before, told with style, pace, character, texture, and tension … bliss.” Sir Kenneth Branagh said, “An astonishing account of an explosive piece of neglected history. A cracking novel.”
5. You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother’s Eyes by Jermaine Jackson
Processing Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 was difficult for millions. His brother Jermaine had the difficult job of breaking the news publicly to his adoring fans. After a period of grieving, Jermaine Jackson paid tribute to his brother with a series of acclaimed performances and this, his autobiographical look at the life of the world’s most famous entertainer.
Many books have been written about Michael Jackson, but You Are Not Alone is easily the most touching and heartfelt. Jermaine’s love for his brother can be felt on every page, and his closeness with Michael throughout his life allows him to paint a more accurate portrait of the late singer’s personality than any had before him.
Main image by Abhi Sharma via CC 2.0