One of the most influential - and best loved - spiritual autobiographies'I beg anyone who reads this account to bear in mind, for the love of the Lord, how wicked my life has been'Born in the Castilian town of Ávila in 1515, Teresa entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation when she was twenty-one. Tormented by illness, doubts and self-recrimination, she gradually came to recognize the power of prayer and contemplation - her spiritual enlightenment was intensified by many mystical experiences, including the piercing of her heart by a spear of divine love. She went on to found seventeen Carmelite monasteries throughout Spain, yet always denied her own saintliness. This frank account is one of the great stories of a religious life and, after Don Quixote, Spain's most widely read prose classic.Translated with an Introduction by J. M. Cohen

For fans of Educated and The Glass Castle, a former music industry insider’s journey of healing—from childhood trauma through spiritual practices and self-discovery to a place of peace—with some incredible celebrity encounters along the way.Wendy Correa’s childhood is characterized by various traumas: the death of her father, emotionally distant siblings, a loving but frequently neglectful mother, and a violent, alcoholic stepfather. After escaping that turbulent life, Wendy’s path of self-discovery takes her through Buddhism, meditation, plant medicine, yoga, Native American spirituality, 12-Step programs, and psychotherapy. Native American sweat lodge and vision quest ceremonies further strengthen her sobriety and mental well-being. As her inner world begins to open up, so does her outer world. Wendy finds herself regularly encountering extraordinary circumstances: singing on stage with rock ’n’ roll royalty at the 1982 inaugural Peace Sunday concert, attending AA meetings with legendary musicians, working at A&M and Geffen Records, and spending time with her musical hero, Joni Mitchell. Wendy’s life takes a new turn when she moves to Aspen and becomes a radio DJ and assistant to gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson. There, she meets her future husband and begins to build the family she’s always longed for—but despite her newfound peace, she is repeatedly drawn back into her family of origin’s dysfunction. It’s only after her mother’s death that Wendy uncovers a painful family secret that finally answers her lifelong question: What really happened to my family?

Packed with hard-won wisdoms and gentle truths, this is Miranda’s honest exploration of the lessons she has learned on her journey from illness to recovery 'A bombshell, moving, inspirational . Hart passes on the tips that helped her emerge from psychological as much as physical doldrums. No comedian, female or male, has been so taken to the nation’s bosom since Victoria Wood' Independent ' Irrepressible and joyous. Taking us affectionately by the hand, Miranda takes us through her ten-year journey to deep self-knowledge' Daily Mail ‘A wonderful book, filled with treasure ’ Julia Samuel ' A raw and poignant account. Miranda is more of an everywoman than ever before ' The Times 'Miranda's account of slowly letting her guard down and being vulnerable is sweet and moving , and proof that happiness is possible even in the most trying times' Guardian ---- Hello to you, I am with news. I have a new book: I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You . I know – what an intriguing title! Basically, I have had an unexpectedly difficult decade – there have been surprising joys, but also deep revelations and challenging lows. I shall be honest about those, because what I discovered in the difficult times were my, what I call, treasures. Treasures – practical tools, values, ways, answers researched from some great scientists, neuroscientists, therapists, sociologists (all the ‘ists’) out there, that have genuinely led to a sense of freedom, joy, peace and physical recovery I never would have thought possible. Life now, amazingly, with what I will share, is – SUCH FUN! (always important to quote your own catch phrases. . .) If you fancy having a read, then I hope my story might help your story. After all, we are in this beautiful, mysterious, challenging life together. Rest assured there are funny stories along the way – we will have a laugh too, my dear reader chum. Oh, and I couldn’t possibly say if there is a love story in it . . . (There is – shush). Exciting. ---- Sunday Times bestseller, October 2024

“A truly brave, enriching memoir that will take you on a global adventure.” –Liam Neeson In her honest and heart-warming memoir, writer and adventurer Niamh McAnally shares the story of her liberating journey from being unemployed, homeless, and divorced in her fifties, to embarking on a global quest to find purpose through volunteering and ultimately finding a profound love that changed her life. From volunteering for marine conservation projects on remote islands in Belize, Vanuatu, and Tonga, to exploring exotic destinations like Bora Bora, Palau, Fiji, and St Barths, Niamh takes readers on a captivating journey where each destination unveils a layer of her self-discovery. An encouraging read for the dreamer in each of us, you’ll learn about unique cultures, dolphin research, turtle conservation, and coral reef protection. And be prepared for the most unexpected love story when she is selected as crew for a solo sailor in the Bahamas—a project that was only supposed to last a month but will now last a lifetime. While telling the story of one woman's quest for meaning, Following Sunshine also serves as a roadmap for the rest of us, inspiring us to awaken to the potential that lies within and choose a path truest to our being. Perfect for fans of adventure travel, romance, and anyone seeking meaning and fulfillment through giving back.

What happens to patients when it all goes wrong at sea?Say hello to Dr Ben MacFarlane. After spending a year as a repatriation doctor, he's now sailing off around the world as a ship's doctor - and with 3,000 passengers and crew to look after he's in for the most exciting trip of his life.So join Ben and his colleagues and find out why ship's doctors think bar stools should carry health warnings, why the casino can be safer than the sick bay in a storm and why no amount of sharks, pirates or tidal waves will ever be as dangerous as the midnight buffet. With all the drama and excitement of popular medical dramas like Holby City and Casualty, these incredible true stories are told with warmth and humour.Ben MacFarlane graduated in medicine from Imperial College, London in 1998 and started carrying out medical repatriations in the spring of 2001. He then spent a year working on the cruise ship circuit and now works full time in a West London teaching hospital.